Consultancy Services for Environmental Policy

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Environmental Policy of Ministry of Environment of Southwest State of Somalia

1. INTRODUCTION:

Environmental sustainability is increasingly becoming a critical component of organizational operations worldwide. Recognizing the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices, our ministry is committed to developing an environmental policy that aligns with our mission and values. This policy will serve as a comprehensive framework guiding our efforts to minimize environmental impacts, comply with relevant regulations, and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Our ministry operates in various sectors, including manufacturing, services, and resource management, all of which have significant environmental footprints. The development of an environmental policy is aimed at integrating environmental considerations into our decision-making processes, ensuring that our operations are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. The policy will address key areas such as resource conservation, pollution prevention, waste management, climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity protection.

The need for an environmental policy arises from the increasing regulatory pressures, stakeholder expectations, and the inherent responsibility of the ministry to contribute to environmental stewardship. This policy will not only help in regulatory compliance but also enhance our reputation, drive operational efficiencies, and foster innovation in sustainable practices.

The consultant engaged for this assignment will bring expertise in environmental policy development, ensuring that the policy is evidence-based, comprehensive, and actionable. The consultant will work closely with our internal team, stakeholders, and external experts to draft a policy that reflects best practices and is tailored to the specific needs and contexts of our ministry.

The following sections outline the objectives, approach and methodology, key tasks, deliverables, qualifications of the consultant, timeframe, reporting mechanisms, and the roles and responsibilities of the client in detail.

 

2. OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a robust and actionable environmental policy that aligns with national and international environmental standards. The policy should address key environmental issues, including pollution control, resource management, and climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies ensuring the ministry’s operations are environmentally sustainable.

 

3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY:

The assignment will be conducted through a participatory approach involving key staff of MOECC in the Southwest State of Somalia. The assignment will require a physical visit to Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia.

The consultant is expected to adopt a participatory approach, engaging with the stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, Academia, and community representatives. The methodology should include:

• Literature review of existing environmental policies and regulations.
• Stakeholder consultations and workshops.
• Development of draft policy documents.
• Validation and finalization of the policy through feedback and revisions.

 

4. THE SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of existing environmental policies and regulations.
• Identifying key environmental issues and challenges relevant to the ministry’s operations.
• Engaging with stakeholders through consultations, interviews, and workshops to gather input and feedback.
• Drafting the environmental policy, including goals, principles, and actionable strategies.
• Presenting the draft policy to key stakeholders and incorporating their feedback.
• Finalizing the policy document and developing an implementation plan.
• Presenting a summary report detailing the process, findings, and recommendations.

 

5. KEY TASKS OF ASSIGNMENT:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of existing environmental policies and regulations.
• Identifying key environmental issues and challenges relevant to the ministry’s operations.
• Engaging with stakeholders through consultations, interviews, and workshops to gather input and feedback.
• Drafting the environmental policy, including goals, principles, and actionable strategies.
• Presenting the draft policy to key stakeholders and incorporating their feedback.
• Finalizing the policy document and developing an implementation plan.

 

6. DELIVERABLES:

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
2. Consultation workshop on Environmental Policy.
3. Summary of stakeholder consultations and feedback.
4. Draft environmental policy document.
5. Validation workshop for the proposed changes.
6. Summary of validation workshop stakeholder consultations and feedback.
7. Final environmental policy document.

 

7. KEY QUALIFICATION OF THE CONSULTANT:

• A Master’s degree preferably in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, or other related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with governments of developing countries including fragile and conflict-affected states.
• Experience working in Somalia is an advantage.
• Understands environmental risk analysis and management; Understands occupational health and safety management; Understands environmental, occupational health, and safety laws, regulations, and requirements of Somalia; Identifies safeguard compliance issues and proposes strategies for assuring compliance; Provides sound advice on the design and implementation of mitigation strategies in areas of risk; Understands how environmental safeguards fits into the project cycle.
• At least 6 years’ experience in Environment, Climate Change, Natural Resource management, or related field.
• Proven ability to deliver results in complex and challenging environments.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally, and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills ability to build consensus and good judgment in dealing with politically sensitive issues.

 

8. TIME FRAME:

The consultancy is expected to be completed within one and a half months from the start date. A detailed work plan with specific milestones and deadlines will be agreed upon at the inception stage.

 

9. PAYMENT TERMS:

The Consultancy services will be milestone-based as per the schedule below:

• 33% of the total amount payable upon submission of the inception report.
• 33% of the total amount payable upon submission of the draft reports.
• 33% of the total amount payable upon submission of post-validation final reports.

 

10. REPORTING:

The consultant will report to the Project Coordinator and Director General will provide regular updates on progress. Key reporting milestones include:

• Inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline. (Within 2 weeks of start date).
• Draft policy document (Within 4 weeks of start date).
• Final policy document and implementation plan in English Version (at the end of the 6 weeks).

All assignment reports shall be submitted in electronic format to MoECC and the Consultant.

 

11. CLIENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The client will:

• Provide relevant background information and documents to the consultant.
• Facilitate access to stakeholders and organize consultation meetings.
• Review and provide timely feedback on draft documents and reports.
• Ensure timely payment of consultancy fees as per the agreed contract.

How to Apply

Interested consultants are encouraged to send their applications to this email address minister@moecc.sw.so not later than 5th June 2024.