Result of Service

a) An inception report outlining the work plan for delivery of the outputs of the consultancy as specified under (2) above and as well as a detailed itinerary for the technical mission. b) A mission report detailing outputs from the engagement with key stakeholders. c) A report of the key stakeholders’ workshop including comments, concerns, inputs and recommendations on the revised NOSCP for Comoros. d) A revised draft NOSCP for Comoros that incorporates the outcome of the technical mission.

Work Location

Home-Based

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean. The Contracting Parties to the Convention are Comoros, France (Reunion), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and United Republic of Tanzania. The Convention offers a legal framework, a forum for intergovernmental discussions and coordinates the efforts of its contracting parties in the protection, management, and development of their coastal and marine environment. The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is at risk from accidental oil pollution from vessels, oil exploration / production and the bulk transportation and handling of crude oil and related products. Incidents leading to oil pollution can result in serious ecological and socio-economic damage and disruption. Recognizing the benefit of mitigating oil pollution risks, the international community has supported the development of oil spill preparedness measures within the region, including encouraging the ratification and implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC Convention) and the Nairobi Convention’s Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Marine Pollution in Cases of Emergency in the Eastern African Region (Emergency Protocol). By ratifying these intergovernmental agreements, countries in the WIO region have committed to the development of plans and procedures in readiness for possible oil spills. The Nairobi Convention Secretariat is executing the GEF funded project titled the “Western Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystems Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonisation and Institutional Reforms (SAPPHIRE) which has a component supporting improved regional management of potential pollution threats associated with oil spills. The Project is implemented in coordination with the participating countries and partners both at national and regional level. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Regional Service Centre for Africa is the implementing agency of the SAPPHIRE project and providing oversight in the execution of the project. The Union of Comoros has a draft National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) and a draft local contingency plan for each island (Anjouan, Grande Comore and Mohélie). These have been drafted in 2010 with funding from the World Bank. A trailer with equipment was also provided to each island. The Union of Comoros is signatory to the OPRC Convention, the Nairobi Convention Emergency Protocol and is a member of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). By ratifying these intergovernmental agreements, the Union of Comoros has committed to the development of plans and procedures for oil spill preparedness, response and cooperation. Since 2010, the plans have not been updated nor completed. The institutional framework related to maritime pollution has evolved. Among other things, the Agence Nationale des Affaires Maritime (ANAM) was created. Since 2021, the Nairobi Convention Secretariat (NCS), IOC and IMO provided support to the Union of Comoros to assess and strengthen their national oil spill programme. In June 2024, a road map was drafted to guide the revision of Comoros National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) as well as the three Island Oil Spill Contingency Plans (IOSCPs) for Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli. This activity contributes to achieving objectives of the SAPPHIRE project especially Component 3 deliverable 3.1.5 which promotes interventions that address the potential impacts of the growing oil and gas sector in the region. Under overall supervision of the Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and direct supervision of the SAPPHIRE Project Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the Government of Comoros, the consultant will: a) Conduct a technical mission (up to 14 days including travel) to Anjouan, Grande Comore and Mohélie to engage with key stakeholders to ensure a common understanding of the proposed approach to review of the NOSCP. The mission will allow stakeholders to share their expectations and confirm what resources and capability they can contribute to national oil spill preparedness and response. In addition, the mission will seek to: i) define the legislative framework; ii) Characterize oil spill risks, select representative scenarios and identify priority areas for protection; iii) Conduct an inventory of equipment stockpiles in Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohélie; iv) Initiate discussions on the command structure. b) Review the existing NOSCP for Comoros. The revisions should remain consistent with IMO guidelines, as required under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response) Regulations. c) Facilitate a physical/virtual key stakeholders workshop where the progress on developing the revised NOSCP be presented. d) Revise and submit the final draft of the revised NOSCP for Comoros incorporating the outcome of the technical mission.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in marine biology/ sciences (Marine biology and coastal management/Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection/ Maritime Affairs is required – Maritime Safety &Environmental Administration/ Oceanography and Marine Environmental Management), Environmental Sciences or other closely related fields. Professional Experience: Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in the environmental or marine sciences sector, in international setting including in the Western Indian Ocean region is required. Experience with oil spill contingency at sea (plans, methods and technologies) and related national laws, policies, strategies is desired. Excellent analytical, advocacy, presentation, writing and communications skills are required; Experience in conducting training and capacity building especially working in SIDS is an added advantage.

Languages

English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations. For this consultancy, fluency in English and French is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.