Closing date: 15 Oct 2015
Consultancy Opportunity: Reference # 011/15
Supervised by:
Hanna Helsingen, Green Economy Team Leader
Gaurav Gupta, Sustainable Business Manager
Work location: Yangon/Home Based with travel to Yangon
Duration: 31 Oct 2015 – 29 February 2016
WWF Myanmar is looking for a Consultant to conduct a Safeguard Gap Analysis, identifying and mapping the sector specific status, development and gaps of environmental safeguards in Myanmar.
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
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 economic stability and prosperity.
As a first step, a thorough analysis of existing safeguards, draft safeguards under development, and “Best in Class” safeguards across countries, is essential. The status and gap analysis will provide a solid ground to engage with policy makers, and to some extent with private sector, to advance a green economy approach in Myanmar.
3. Objective and scope of consultancy
The objective of the consultancy is to conduct the Safeguard Gap Analysis, identifying and mapping the sector specific status, development and gaps of environmental safeguards in Myanmar
- Identify and translate the existing laws, policies and guidelines
Identify the existing sector specific laws, policies and guidelines relevant to environmental safeguards in the following sectors: manufacturing (Beverage and Garment), infrastructure (road/railway and hydro power) and Agriculture. It goes beyond identifying cross-sectorial environmental safeguards and focuses on how and what government policies promote or regulate the sustainability of ecosystem services. Translate the identified laws and policies into a simple language that could be understood by the common public
- Identify and translate the draft laws, policies and guidelines currently being developed
Identify the sector specific laws, policies and guidelines in development relevant to environmental safeguards in the following sectors: manufacturing (Beverage and Garment), infrastructure (road/railway and hydro power) and Agriculture. As the country is going through the reform process, many new policies, including those that address the environmental safeguards and ecosystem sustainability, have been drafted. Translate the identified laws and policies into a simple language that could be understood by the common public. Also provide the timelines and stakeholders for the policies in development Guidelines might not exist for certain sectors.
- Identify the Best in Class sectorial environmental safeguards from the region and beyond
For each sector, identify the best in class environmental safeguards. The best in class safeguards should be taken from a country (preferably in Greater Mekong) that has a reasonably high dependence on that sector in the economy. For each sector, extract the relevant third party voluntary initiatives and their environmental guidelines such as BSR standards, EITI standards, as applicable. For each of these three parts, the environmental safeguard laws and policies for each stage of the company’s operations i.e. pre-operational, during operation and post-operational, need to be identified.
- Prepare the knowledge product and conduct the training
Prepare the training package, including a report (30-50 pages), a 4-6 page leaflet and a PowerPoint on the result of 3.A, 3.B and 3.C. Conduct a full day workshop on the findings of the study (logistics and participants organized by WWF Myanmar).
4.Output and deliverables
Deliverable one: Identify and translate the existing laws, policies and guidelines
Activity: Existing sector specific laws, policies and guidelines relevant to environmental safeguards in manufacturing (Beverage and Garment), infrastructure (road/railway and hydro power) and Agriculture.
Expected outputs: A two pages summary; 3 sectors briefs on existing sector specific guidelines to protect the environment from negative impact
Date:15 Dec 2015
Deliverable two: Identify and translate the laws, policies and guidelines in development
Activity: sector specific laws, policies and guidelines in development relevant to environmental safeguards
Expected outputs: A two pages summary; 3 sectors briefs on draft sector specific guidelines to protect the environment from negative impact
Date: 15 Jan 2016
Deliverable three: Identify the Best in Class sectorial environmental safeguards
Activity: The best in class safeguards should be taken from a country (preferably in Greater Mekong) that has a reasonably high dependence on that sector in the economy.
Expected outputs: A two pages summary;Best in class country policies for 3 sector (as mentioned above); Voluntary initiative guidelines for each sector
Date: 30 Jan 2016
Deliverable four: Prepare the knowledge product and conduct the training
Expected outputs: A final report, leaflet and PowerPoint;A full day workshop
Date: 28 Feb 2016
5. Required Profile
Essentials:
- Previous experience in undertaking similar study in the Greater Mekong region.
- 5+ years of relevant work experience
- Demonstrated understanding of best in class policy and law formulations to promote environmental safeguards
- Fluency in English and experience in writing similar reports and preparing knowledge products
- Demonstrated experience in reading and analyzing sectorial level environmental safeguard policies. Experience in EIA related policy formulation or analysis
- 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
- Proficiency in MS office
Desirable:
- Advanced degree in public policy or other relevant discipline
- Knowledge of Myanmar language
- Experience working in Myanmar
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