Closing date: 15 Oct 2015
Consultancy Opportunity: Reference #010/15
Supervised by: Gaurav Gupta, Sustainable Business Manager
Work location: Yangon/Home Based with travel to Yangon
Duration: 30 Oct 2015 – 29 February 2016
WWF Myanmar is looking for a Consultant to conduct an analysis of the political economy of Myanmar, including a survey of economic sectors and commodity groups targeted in the economic development planning for Myanmar with significant dependencies and impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
1. Background Information
The Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) is one of the most biologically diverse and productive regions but its biodiversity is under enormous pressure from rapid economic development. WWF-Greater Mekong works to halt the loss of the region’s extraordinary biodiversity, and to ensure that human use of the region’s natural resources is sustainable and equitable. Unsustainable economic activity is a major driver of environmental degradation and a green economy approach embraces the management and governance of natural capital - to maintain ecosystem functioning, provision of ecosystem services and equitable access to and sharing of resources.
WWF-Myanmar was established in 2013 as part of the Greater Mekong Programme. WWF-Myanmar’s Conservation Plan is founded on implementing a ‘Green Economy’ approach in policy decisions, natural resource management and in sectors such as infrastructure and energy.
2.Background of consultancy assignment/ project
Over the last few years, Myanmar has attracted considerable international as well as domestic investments. Countries’ rich natural resources, green field market for many products and services, and potential for productivity improvement are some of the main reasons why Myanmar is looked upon again as the country with high returns on investments.
A large part of the investments, both domestic and international, are made or planned in the sectors that significantly impact as well as depend on ecosystem services. If the integrity of these ecosystems and the sustainability of their services are not maintained, the investing companies, government and the local communities will face significant socio-economic losses. As the government is rolling out series of reforms to get on the development ladder, the inclusion of green economy principles in the reforms and policy making is crucial to protect Myanmar’s natural capital and, thus, its long term socio-economic stability and prosperity.
Based on countries strengths and current economic development plan, some specific sectors are expected to contribute significantly more to the economic development of the country and, thus, receive greater focus from the stakeholder. While at the same time, these sectors are also expected to have greater dependency and impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity. As WWF Myanmar engages with all three players i.e. private sector, public sector and civil society, in Myanmar to follow a green economy approach, it is crucial to identify and understand those sectors and their expected dependencies and impact on ecosystem and biodiversity. This will allow the efforts to be channeled in the direction that yields the most conservation benefits without undermining, and in fact promoting, the development needs of the country.
3.Objective of the consultancy
The objective of the consultancy is to identify the sectors that are expected to contribute significantly to the economic development of Myanmar and their impact and dependencies on ecosystem and biodiversity.
4.Scope of work/Major responsibility
The scope of the analysis is divided into three parts.
- Identification of major sectors
Identify the economic sectors and commodity groups targeted in the economic development planning critical for Myanmar’s economic development from the point of view of private sector and government. Ideally 1-2 critical sectors are identified through this analysis. Even though manufacturing (garment and beverage) and agriculture sector may not be on the top of the list, these two sectors should, anyway, be considered for further analysis. Therefore, identify a total of 3-4 sectors, including manufacturing (garment and beverage) and agriculture, along with their expected economic contribution based on the stakeholder plan.
- Analyzing the impact and dependency on ecosystem and biodiversity
After identifying the sectors, analyse their impact and dependency on ecosystem and biodiversity. For instance, what is the impact and dependency of garment on water? What is the impact on local community and biodiversity? Some of these impacts could be measured quantitatively, such as the cumulative quantity of water required in wet processing, while some can’t be measured quantitatively. Measure the impact and dependency qualitatively and, wherever possible, quantitatively. Impact and dependency need to be measured along the entire value and supply chain.
- Develop knowledge product and capacity building of the stakeholders
Prepare the knowledge product, including a report (30-50 pages), a 4-6 page leaflet and a PowerPoint on the result of 3.A and 3.B. Conduct a half day workshop on the findings of the study (logistics and participants organized by WWF Myanmar).
5. Output and deliverable
Deliverable one: Identification of major sectors
Activity: In addition to manufacturing (garment and beverage) and agriculture, identify 1-2 economic sectors targeted in the economic development planning.
Expected outputs: A two pages summary; 3-4 sectors, their expected economic contribution, driver of demand and sectorial growth, supply and value chain steps, type of industry (dominant by some or fairly competitive), geographical distribution, buyers and suppliers, and influential stakeholders
Date: 20 Nov 2015 (Negotiable)
Deliverable two: Analysing the impact and dependency on ecosystem and biodiversity
Activity: Analyse quantitative and/or qualitative sectorial impact and dependency on ecosystem and biodiversity
Expected outputs: A draft report; Quantitative and/or qualitative impact and dependency of these sectors on ecosystem and biodiversity. Use and footprint along the steps in value and supply chain - both cumulative and by dominant players. The results and trends of use and footprints of ecosystem services
Date: 10 Feb 2016 (Negotiable)
Deliverable three:Developing knowledge product and capacity building of the stakeholders
Activity: Prepare and deliver the training package, including a report, leaflet and a PowerPoint
Expected outputs: A final report, leaflet and PowerPoint based on WWF standards and guidelines; A half day workshop on the results of the study
Date: 28 Feb 2016 (Negotiable)
6. Required Profile
Essentials:
- Previous experience in undertaking similar study in Greater Mekong region
- 5+ years of relevant work experience
- Demonstrated understanding of quantitatively and qualitatively measuring impact and dependency of economic actors on ecosystem services
- Fluency in English and experience in writing similar reports and preparing knowledge products
- Demonstrated understanding of the concepts of ecosystem valuation, natural capital and payment for ecosystem services
- Demonstrated experience with private sector
- Demonstrated experience in engaging with high level government officials and private sector C-suite executives
- Established network to support engagement with stakeholders required for the study
Desirables:
- Advanced degree in environmental economics or other relevant discipline
- Experience working in Myanmar a distinct advantage
How to apply:
Interested candidates should send their Curriculum Vitae, along with a letter of interest clearly highlighting their competency for the position and a rough estimate on budget. Please send these documents stating the consultancy title and reference number in English by email to: vacancy.mm@wwfgreatermekong.org (application documents should be addressed as Document_Yourfullname) or deliver to WWF-Myanmar, 15C Than Taman Street, Dagon Township, Yangon.
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted