Tender Advertisement #923983

REQUEST FOR TENDER
OCEAN ANALYST CONSULTANT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE
PACIFIC OCEAN COMMISSIONER

BACKGROUND

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is the current Pacific Ocean Commissioner. The Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) works with countries and territories in the region and with other regions, with international organisations, the private sector and civil society to:

• strengthen ocean governance;
• improve understanding of challenges and opportunities in the region;
• build support for the region’s efforts to sustainably develop, manage and conserve the ocean;
• strengthen coordination and collaboration between ocean stakeholders, this includes fostering inter and intra-regional cooperation; and
• evaluate progress made against the Framework for a Pacific Oceanscape (FPO) and other ocean related policies and decisions.

The OPOC is undergoing a period of rapid administrative change at a time when recognition of its role in coordination and regional leadership on cross-sectoral, cross-jurisdictional ocean issues has gained significant traction. To date this has played out most effectively for members through support on BBNJ. Looking forward this same kind of support for the UN Conference on implementation of SDG14 to be held in New York in June 2017 is envisaged. The role of the OPOC as a coordinator of regional technical advice to support regional engagement in this UN Conference will be crucial to its success. Also the next phase of reporting achievements against the FPO will be key to help the region identify key needs for investment moving forward.

Through funding support provided by the Australian Government the consultancy contract will deliver several outputs for the OPOC to assist the region prepare for the UN Conference and guide investment on key needs to enhance integrated ocean management as envisaged under the FPO. Activities will include day to day operational management of the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner in collaboration with the Natural Resources Adviser, provision of support to POA in the positioning of issues before the SDG14 meeting in New York, support to carry out the review of the Results Framework for the FPO and the second evaluation of the FPO for Leaders, continued data collection and refinement of the Regional Pacific Ocean Project Portal, development of technical pieces to underpin regional engagement in the UN Conference, and support for upcoming engagements of the POC and OPOC.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the project is to manage the work of the OPOC with a view to securing its long-term sustainability in a manner responsive to the needs of the OPOC, regional partners and sector related interests.

SUMMAY OF SCOPE OF WORK

A summary of the scope of work is listed on a broader scope as per specifications under the Terms of Reference (ToR) document and can be downloaded at www.tenders.net/forumsec. The consultant will work in the OPOC as a part of a team within the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, reporting to the Deputy Secretary General (SPCP&CS). The consultant will work closely with the Natural Resources Adviser on procurements and strategic engagement.

Primary duties in this role will include:
• Resource Mobilisation for the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
• Support for countries on biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction
• Support regional engagement in the UN Conference on Implementation of SDG14

Secondary duties in this role will include:
• Administration of the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
• Support regional ocean policy development and advocacy
• Support implementation of the Framework for a Pacific Oceanscape

KEY CAPABILITIES

Knowledge and Experience
• Proven ocean governance and management, legal and/or policy experience at a senior level;
• Sound experience in capacity building and mentoring skills and the ability to provide organizational and administrative advice and support to Ministers and senior officials;
• Proven experience in working in a multi-sector environment and/or within or closely with central agencies of finance and planning.

Skills

• High level of initiative and self-management with the ability to think laterally and identify innovative solutions.
• Practical understanding of oceans and natural resource issues and sound, current knowledge of the development and governance challenges facing Pacific Island countries in terms of policy development and implementation. Pacific Islands and regional experience would be desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a group of professionals and to manage their diverse skills and abilities.
• Familiarity with donor and development partner procedures.
• High level organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Committed to team work.
• Experience at producing high quality work under narrow deadlines.

The appointment is for a term of approximately seven (7) Months which may vary depending on date of commencement and satisfactory performance.

HOW TO APPLY

Submissions should be clearly marked as:
REQUEST FOR TENDER - “OCEAN ANALYST CONSULTANT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN COMMISSIONER.”

Method of Submissions:
Submissions must be forwarded in PDF format following the instructions at: www.tenders.net/forumsec.
*All interested bidders will need to register at www.tenders.net/forumsec.

Deadline for Submissions:
Submissions need to reach the Forum Secretariat by 5pm (Fiji time) Tuesday 03 January 2017. Late or incomplete tenders will not be considered.

All queries or requests for information must be submitted via the Question and Answer Forum on www.tenders.net/forumsec before 5pm on Wednesday 21 December 2016.

All queries will be responded to via the Question and Answer Forum on www.tenders.net/forumsec before 5pm on Thursday 22 December 2016.

Note: The Secretariat will not be responsible for non-receipt/non-delivery of the Bid documents due to any reason whatsoever.

Any complaints regarding the Secretariat’s tender must be directed to the following email: Tender.Complaints@forumsec.org. This email address will forward your complaint to a person that is independent and removed from the tender process. Complaints must be well founded and should not be used as a mechanism for notifying displeasure with the outcome of a tender award.

In the event that further information is required by the Secretariat in relation to the Request for tender, the Secretariat reserves the right to seek the required information without the need for calling for re-submission of proposals.