***CLOSED*** Call for Expression of Interest – Youth, Gender, and Social Assessment of 5 priority areas for the development of Multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan for Belize

***CLOSED*** Call for Expression of Interest – Youth, Gender, and Social Assessment of 5 priority areas for the development of Multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan for Belize

Country: Belize 

Donor: Green Climate Fund 

Project Title: Enabling Activities for the Formulation and Implementation of a Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan for Belize Project. 
 
Project Number: BLZ-RS-011 
 
Type of Consultancy: Individual Consultant (LOCAL) – (the Firm’s cost will include Professional fees, travel related expenses, consultation costs)  
 
Title of Consultancy:  Youth, Gender, and Social Assessment of 5 priority areas for the development of Multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan for Belize. 
 
Main Duty Station: Remote with travel to country 
 
Expected Start and End Date: May 2024 to February 2025 
 
Duration: 9 months 
 
Outcomes: Comprehensive Youth, Gender, and Social Assessment 

1. Background:

The Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) support for the formulation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and other adaptation planning processes was made available to all developing countries as part of the Readiness Programme.  This support enables developing countries to plan and attract larger scale finance for more resilient futures by strengthening their adaptation planning processes.  These planning processes are key building blocks of countries’ ongoing efforts to bolster adaptive capacities, attract investment in adaptation from a diversity of sources, and to help galvanize public and private sector-led actions to make societies more climate-resilient. 

Considering the anticipated impacts of climate change, Belize has recognized the need to strategically address future climatic threats. Threats to major sectors due to climate change are linked to changes in precipitation, sea surface and air temperature rise, ocean acidification, changes in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events and natural hazards, and limited access to climate financing.  These threats and impacts will be addressed through the formulation of climate sound plans and frameworks based on available scientific evidence, with consideration for the most vulnerable groups. The approach will seek to increase Belize’s resilience to climate change through improved adaptation planning, alignment to national policies and legislation, and capacity development and knowledge transfer, while also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. It is imperative that all adaptive measures consider the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors to address the associated challenges and impacts of climate change.  

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has received accreditation by the GCF as a national Direct Access Entity. This role requires PACT to take on several responsibilities associated with the delivery of impactful projects within the priorities of the Fund, of PACT, and of Belize’s National Climate Change Policy & Plan and related frameworks. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) as National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF, and the National Climate Change Office as UNFCCC Focal Point, PACT has received approval for financing from the GCF under its Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme for the project entitled “Enabling Activities for the Formulation and Implementation of a Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan for Belize”.  

This project will guide the future development of some of the country’s major sectors under changing climatic conditions, inclusive of the following priority sectors: i) Land Use, Human Settlement & Infrastructure, ii) Tourism, iii) Human Health, iv) Agriculture, and v) Forestry. Enhancing cross linkages with other sectors and other National Adaptation Plans using a multisectoral approach will ensure fortification of resilience to changes in the climate on a more wholistic level and help to avoid duplication, concurrently supporting vulnerable populations. The formulation and implementation of the NAP will enable Belize to formulate concrete interlinked solutions, adaptation actions in the priority sectors and will support the strengthening of existing mechanisms and adaptation responses at a multisectoral level. 

The project is comprised of three substantive outcomes that will achieve the objective: 
 
Outcome 1: Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened. 
• Output 1: Capacity development plans outlined, and training provided.
• Output 2: Adaptation solutions identified to address barriers and vulnerabilities to climate change with adaptation actions and measures developed and prioritized.
 
Outcome 2: Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact. 
• Output 1: Climate hazard impact, vulnerability and risk studies elaborated.
• Output 2: Comprehensive Youth and Gender, and Social Assessment elaborated, inclusive of a roadmap for Children and Youth participation in Climate Change Action within the MNAP roadmap (including gender considerations, indigenous and other vulnerable groups).
• Output 3: Adaptation impact monitoring, evaluation and learning systems established. (5 priority sectors namely: i) Land Use, Human Settlement & Infrastructure, ii) Tourism, iii) Human Health, iv) Agriculture, and v) Forestry).
• Output 4: Communication, outreach and knowledge transfer to relevant public, private and civil society decision-makers and other stakeholders undertaken.
 
Outcome 3: Adaptation Finance Increased 
• Output 1:  Climate Finance Strategies for the priority sectors developed.
• Output 2: Three GCF concept notes or the prioritized areas developed and submitted.

2. Overall Objective

The overall objective of this consultancy is to conduct a youth, gender and social assessment that will feed into the development of a gender and socially transformative Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan (MNAP) to reduce impacts of climate change and to facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation into existing policies, programmes, activities, and planning processes. 

3. Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to: 

– Execute a Comprehensive Youth, Gender and Social Assessment (inclusive of indigenous and other vulnerable groups) within 5 priority sectors of Belize for the development of a Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan.

4. Personnel

PACT is an equal opportunity employer and reaffirms its commitment to achieving gender equality in all aspects of its work. 
 
The selected Consultant will develop a detailed work plan and implementation schedule on the 5 priority sectors.  The consultant is expected to have experience in youth, gender, and social assessments. Other personnels can be hired if required or as needed but will not be considered as a key expert.  
 
The consultant should demonstrate skills and experience in leading a such a consultancy and in the preparation and writing of technical reports.  

4.1 Key Expert

Key Expert: Gender and Social specialist 
Qualifications and Skills 
      • A minimum of master’s degree in Gender studies, social development, social studies, or related field. Experience in climate change adaptation planning will be an asset.
General Professional experience 

• At least five years of working experience on gender and social inclusion issues, mainstreaming the engagement of vulnerable and marginalized groups in national or subnational policies, plans, strategies, or programs.

• Demonstrated experience in executing gender and social assessments for climate change adaptation.

• Proven record in designing and conducting capacity-building training on gender mainstreaming, including the development of training materials/modules on gender issues.

• Programmatic experience in social development, social protection systems and other relevant fields.

• Due to the unique nature of Belize’s social structure, multi-cultural, the consultant will be required to have extensive experience in conducting similar assignments in Belize.

• Strong analytical and writing skills and track record in producing relevant reports and other communications and knowledge materials.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and experience in organizing and facilitating consultations and workshops.

• Experience working in the Caribbean region.

Note: 
• The Expert must have knowledge of climate change adaptation issues in all 5 priority areas, i) Land Use, Human Settlement & Infrastructure, ii) Tourism, iii) Human Health,
iv) Agriculture, and v) Forestry.
• THE KEY EXPERT will be evaluated/scored during the tender evaluation.

4.2 Other Personnel

CVs for other persons other than the key expert will not be evaluated/scored during the tender evaluation but should be included in tenders. 

The selected consultant shall select and hire other persons as required to complete the tasks and according to the profiles identified in the Terms of Reference. They must indicate clearly which profile they have so it is clear.  The expert must be independent and free from conflicts of interest in the responsibilities accorded to them. 

5. Application

Interested firms are asked to submit a signed letter of interest and a detailed technical proposal for the deliverables. The technical proposal should include methodology, work schedule, quality control and quality assurance. The technical proposal shall also describe the composition of the team and relevant years of experience. Most recent curriculum vitae of all members of the consulting team must also be provided. A financial proposal shall also be submitted. 

The proposal should be addressed to: 

Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust

Re: Expression of Interest – Youth, Gender, And Social Assessment Of 5 Priority Areas For The Development Of Multi-Sectoral National Adaptation Plan For Belize 

Soft Copies should be sent via email to: procurementofficer@pactbelize.org on or before 4:30pm on May 17, 2024.  

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PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).
PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in submission of their application.