International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Vacancy: PEMSEA - International Consultant for Climate Change Assessment (Timor Arafura Seas)

Reference: VA-2020-05 Title: International Consultant for Climate Change Assessment Category: Senior Specialist Project Name: ATSEA 2 Reports to: Regional Project Manager Duty Station: Home Based Expected Places of Travel (if applicable): Travel to regional office in Bali and ATS countries Duration of Assignment: 60 working days within July 2020 – January 2021

I.   BACKGROUND 
The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) is part of the North Australian Shelf large marine ecosystem 
(LME), which is a tropical sea lying between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and extending from the Timor 
Sea to the Torres Strait and including the Arafura Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria. The region is adjacent to the 
Coral Triangle1, which hosts the world’s highest marine biodiversity and contains some of the most pristine 
and highly threatened coastal and marine ecosystems. At the regional scale, the ecosystems of the ATS 
play an important economic and ecological role in the littoral nations bordering the Arafura and Timor Sea: 
Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.  

The marine environment in the ATS region is in serious decline, primarily as a result of 
overharvesting and other direct and indirect impacts of anthropogenic stresses and global climatic 
changes. Fisheries in the ATS region represent an extremely complex productive, socioeconomic sector, 
with multiple actors, target species sought, and technology used. The main characteristics of depletion of 
shared ATS transboundary stocks by fishery were assessed as part of the ATS transboundary diagnostic 
analysis (TDA) in 2012. In addition to climate change, unsustainable harvesting, illegal unreported 
unregulated (IUU) fishing, and bycatch are having significant impacts on the populations of key marine 
species in the ATS region, particularly globally threatened coastal marine megafauna including migratory, 
rare, and threatened species of turtles, dugongs, seabirds/shorebirds, sea snakes, cetaceans, sharks and 
rays. Lastly, potential sources of marine pollution in the ATS region include marine debris, marine based 
pollution from oil and gas activities, as well as waste from fishing and shipping vessels.  

ATSEA 2 is the 2nd phase of the GEF-financed, UNDP-supported ATSEA program, building upon the 
foundational results realized in the first phase of the ATSEA program, covering Indonesia, Timor Leste, 
Papua New Guinea, and Australia.  This 5-year project will support implementation of the following 
governance  and environmental objectives of the ATS regional Strategic Action Program: (i) Strengthening 
of ATS regional governance; (ii) Recovering and sustaining fisheries; (iii) Restoring degraded habitats for 
sustainable provision of ecosystem services; (iv) Reducing land-based and marine sources of pollution; (v) 
Protecting key marine species; and  (vi) Adaptation to the impacts of climate change. 

One of the ATSEA 2 project objective is to improve understanding of climate change impacts on 
marine and coastal ecosystems, especially the impacts on those fisheries that are paramount to sustaining 
socio-economic development in the ATS region. As climate change impacts are expected to increase, 
affecting more and more people and disrupting infrastructure and ecosystems, it is imperative to educate 
national and local government planners and other decision makers, as well as the general public, about the 
need to implement resilient strategies and to allocate sufficient resources for climate change adaptation 
and mitigation measures. 
                                                    
 
 
The Coral Triangle is a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean, and including the waters of Indonesia,  Malaysia, the Philippines,  Papua New Guinea, Timor‐Leste and Solomon Islands.      


 
II.  SCOPE OF WORK, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DELIVERABLES 
 
Scope of work 
The Consultant for ATSEA Climate Change Specialist will be responsible to analyse available 
information, in particular climate models analysing the impacts of CC on Large Marine Ecosystems, run 
applicable models to predict the impacts of CC in the Arafura Timor Seas (ATS) fisheries and ecosystem 
services, summarize key issues facing national (the littoral countries of the ATS),  local users and policy 
makers, and then prepare a work plan for providing decision-making tools for managing ATS marine and 
coastal ecosystems in the context of climate change disruptions. The Consultant is expected to evaluate 
potential climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and other ecosystem services using 
available computer modelling techniques (Global Climate Models) or appropriate modelling software. 
 
Duties and responsibilities 
1.    Undertake a global review of climate models and studies focusing on LMEs, followed by a regional 
review of current climate change studies and strategies within the ATS region by involving 
relevant regional and national climate change professionals. 
2.    Run the appropriate climate model(s) using predicted climate variables that impact on LMEs over 
a time frame, spanning 50 years. 
3.    Complete a collaborative assessment of relevant climate change socio-economic/ cumulative 
impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems and resources in the ATS region, and provide 
recommendations to address the potential impacts. 
4.    Prepare a draft decision-making guidance toolkit, e.g., showing particular vulnerable areas and 
issues that could potentially impact the livelihoods of coastal communities and the ecosystem 
goods and services they depend on. 
5.    Prepare presentation materials that will be presented by the consultant and/or other ATSEA2 
team member in various forums.    
 
Expected outputs and deliverables 
The specific outputs/deliverables expected from the Climate Change Specialist are the following: 
Deliverables                                                            

Estimated no. of working days 
Completion deadline 
1st  Payment  will  be  made  upon  the  submission  and  approval  of 
following outputs: 
•     Report that shows a global review of climate models and 
studies focusing on LMEs, and followed by regional analysis 
of current climate change studies and strategies within the 
ATS region through a workshop engaging relevant national 
climate change professionals and experts. 
20 wds               30 July 2020 
2nd  Payment  will  be  made  upon  the  submission  and  approval  of 
following outputs: 
•     Report on the appropriate climate model(s) using 
predicted climate variables that impact on LMEs over a 
time frame, spanning 50 years 
•     Report on a collaborative assessment of relevant climate 
change impacts on fisheries and coastal/marine ecosystems 
and resources in the ATS region, including the 
recommendations to address the potential CC impacts 
20 wds                30 October 
2020 
3rd  Payment  will  be  made  upon  the  submission  and  approval  of 
following outputs: 
•     A draft decision-making guidance toolkit, e.g., showing 
particular vulnerable areas and issues that could potentially 
impact the livelihoods of coastal communities and the 
ecosystem goods and services they are reliant on 
•     Presentation materials that will be presented by the 
consultant and/or other ATSEA2 team member in various 
forums 
•     Final report 
20 wds                 30 January 
2021 
 
  
III. WORKING ARRANGEMENTS 
 
Institutional arrangement 
The Consultant will be reporting to Regional Project Manager in seeking approval and acceptance of the 
above-mentioned outputs. 
 
Duration of the work 
Expected duration of work is from June 2020 – January 2021 for 60 working days. The IC is expected to 
support the deliverables on a part-time basis. 
 
Duty station 
The Consultant will be home based with regular coordination with Regional Project Manager, and National 
Coordination Units (NCUs) in Jakarta, Dili, and Port Moresby. 
 
Travel plan 
The Consultant is requested to travel to Bali, Jakarta, Dili, and Port Moresby to do the tasks, especially for 
consultation with regional and national ATS stakeholders. Travel and other coordination costs could either be 
part of the consultant’s contract package or separately borne by the RPMU 
 
IV. REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Academic qualifications 
•     Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in climate change science, 
coastal/marine science and management, environmental science, or other related fields. 
 
Minimum experience requirement 
•     At least 10 years in relevant experience in organizing and collaborative engagement to develop 
climate change plans including review of current rules, stakeholder consultations, collaborative 
planning, identification of impacts and recommendations/measures to address such impacts;  
•     Knowledge and experience in the following areas: blue economy; climate resilience, low carbon, and 
environmentally sustainable climate friendly processes and actions; 
•     Knowledge on development planning processes; integration of environment and climate priorities 
and the role these play in underwriting long term development effectiveness and achievement of the 
SDGs; 
•     Knowledge on political economy and governance of climate change/environment; 
•     Knowledge and understanding of relationship between poverty, environment, climate change, 
economics and social issues; 
•     Ability to translate scientific climate information into policy and practical guidance; 
•     Understanding international climate negotiation processes – UNFCCC, Kyoto, Copenhagen, iNDCs in 
ATS region etc;  
•     Cultural sensitivity to work in multicultural, multi-ethnic environment; 
•     Experience in producing high quality reports; 
•     High motivation and ability to work and deliver under tight deadlines; 
•     Able to work independently with little or no supervision. 
 
Language requirements 
•     Fluency in English with excellent written communication skills, and strong experience writing reports 
is required; 
•     Ability to speak Bahasa, Portuguese, Tetum, and/or Tok Pisin would be an asset. 
 
Competencies and special skills requirement 
•     Strong leadership, coordination and good communication skills; 
•     Strong analytical, reporting and writing skills; 
•     Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback; 
•     Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work; 
•     Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines; 
•     Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research; 


•     Good presentation and facilitation skills. 
•     Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards; 
•     Positive, constructive attitude to work; 
•     Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; 
•    Strong field work experience on climate change adaptation and mitigation and strong communication 
skills in community and other relevant stakeholders is preferred; 
 
V.  EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA 
 
Cumulative analysis  
When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual 
consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: 
a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and 
b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria 
specific to the solicitation.  
* Technical Criteria weight; 70 
* Financial Criteria weight; 30 
 
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 point would be considered for the Financial Evaluation 
Criteria                                                                    Weight       Maximum Point 
Technical                                                                                                                                  70                      100 
Criteria A: Qualification Requirements as per TOR: 
 
1.    Criteria 1: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or 
equivalent) in climate change science, coastal/marine science and 
management, environmental science or other related fields; 
2.    Criteria 2: At least 10 years of relevant experiences on climate 
change relevant works; 
3.    Criteria 3: Knowledge on political economy and governance of 
climate change/environment; 
4.    Criteria 4: Ability to translate scientific climate information into 
policy and practical guidance; 
5.    Criteria 5: Experience in producing high quality reports. 
                          70 
 
20 
 
 
 
20 
 
15 
 
10 
 

Criteria B: Brief Description of Approach to Assignment: 
1.    Understand the task and applies a methodology appropriate for the 
task as well as strategy in a coherent manner  
2.    Important aspects of the task addressed clearly and in sufficient 
detail  
3.    Logical, realistic planning for efficient project implementation  
30                       30 
10 
10 
10 
 
 
 
VI. SUBMISSION OF TENDER 
 
Applicants are requested to submit: 
1.    Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability; 
2.    Detailed Curriculum Vitae, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the 
contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate 
3.    Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the 
assignment, 
4.    A description of the methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment. 


5.    Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a 
breakdown of costs.  
Applicants are requested to submit the tender and requirements via email to recruitment@pemsea.org with 
copy to the Regional Project Manager at hasusanto@pemsea.org.   Kindly indicate the vacancy reference 
number and title of requirement when applying (in the subject line) by email.   
Additional Considerations 
Bid  applications  received  after  the  closing  date  will  not  be  considered.  Only  those  candidates  that  are 
shortlisted will be notified.  Applicants from the ATSEA region are highly preferred. 

For more information on ATSEA and ATSEA2, please visit http://diktas.iwlearn.org/ATSEA; www.id.undp.org;   
and www.pemsea.org