UNDP KOSOVO/ INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT - ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT/STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT THAT INTEGRATES CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY

Background

In Kosovo, the responsible authority for environment and climate policy is the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP), while the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency (KEPA) monitors the state of the environment. MESP has initiated consultations with the secretariats of multiple Conventions and has started to prepare documentation for the ratification of the Conventions. Moreover, Kosovo is in the process of aligning its policy framework with that of the EU and has already adopted a number of framework laws to implement the EU climate acquis, such as in the area of energy efficiency and wider utilization of renewable energy.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the greatest environmental challenges faced today. The reality of climate change and the need to take action has permeated the European political agendas in recent years, resulting in important legislative actions (for example the EU climate-energy legislation of 2009) and policy commitments. In response to this, it is recommended that the EIA/SEA assessments effectively consider climate change and biodiversity.

This assignment will contribute mainly to project result: Development of the capacities to integrate climate risks and opportunities in the development policies, strategies and plans. International consultant for EIA/ SEA will be hired to support the MESP in the establishment of an efficient structure aiming to analyse the EIA that integrates climate change and biodiversity presented by applicants in accordance with the newly adopted primary and secondary legislation and to issue the corresponding permits.


Responsibilities

   - Develop institutional framework capable of applying the EIA and SEA procedures flexibly and in a result-oriented manner with related
     procedures and administrative processes. EIA and SEA must effectively consider climate change and biodiversity;
   - Support the MESP officials in the checking the EIAs of the most important infrastructural projects under approval and in the issuing of the
     corresponding permits, and if the projects consider climate change and biodiversity issues;
   - An assessment of needs for training in relation to the procedural requirements of EIA and SEA;
   - An assessment of the needs for equipment in relation to these requirements;
   - Design a coherent set of procedures for the administration of EIA and SEA in Kosovo according to legislation by designing and proposing
     both interim procedures and final procedures;
   - Practical guidance and recommendations to foster greater integration of climate change and biodiversity into EIA and SEA procedures.
     The guidance documents should provide background information on the issues, policy drivers and the complex linkages between climate
     change and biodiversity. They should illustrate the importance of these issues in the assessments and provide evidence regarding the
     benefits.


Requirements

   - Masters degree or equivalent in engineering, social, environment science or a closely related field.
   - At least 10 years of professional experience, preferably in environmental regulation and/or other related subjects; experience on
     environmental assessment;
   - Professional experience in Kosovo;
   - Knowledge of EIA and SEA Directives;
   - Knowledge in environmental institution-building;
   - Knowledge of issues related to climate change
   - Experience in the policy development process associated with climate change issues;
   - Knowledge in EU enlargement processes in Central and Eastern Europe;
   - General experience in providing training sessions;
   - Familiarity with computers and word processing.
   - Fluency in the English language.


Deadline: 24 April 2014

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