Consultancy - Developing and testing the methodology for assessing and mapping the sensitivity of migratory birds to wind energy development

Under the auspices of the UNDP/GEF Migratory Soaring Birds project, BirdLife International seeks a consultant /firm with extensive experience in the field of biodiversity conservation, GIS and the design of web-based mapping tools to undertake a regional short term consultancy on developing and testing the methodology for assessing and mapping the sensitivity of migratory birds to wind energy development.

Assignment

The consultancy is needed to review and analyse the current best practice for sensitivity mapping for wind energy development and will also identify an initial list of key experts, both from the conservation and wind energy sectors, who can provide guidance to this work. It will identify and compile existing information and data relevant to this work and will develop the methodology (including example outputs) in discussion with BirdLife programme staff. This methodology needs to pay particular note to the potential sensitivities of birds during their migration. Finally the consultancy will provide a report to guide the future programme of work.

This consultancy forms the initial part of a programme of work to be undertaken as part of the Migratory Soaring Birds Project to produce a methodology, datasets and tools that can be used to provide developers in the energy sector with improved information as to the potential sensitivity of sites for birds, in particular, those on migration. This broader programme of work will be guided by this initial consultancy and will be undertaken through a series of further consultancies over the lifetime of the project.

Qualifications

Consultant / firm (staff) applying for the services described herein should have the following minimum qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management, renewable energy development, or other directly related fields.
• Proven experience of GIS and the design of web-based mapping tools
• Proven relevant experience in field of wildlife conservation and energy issues.
• High level coordination skills.
• Good organizational and planning skills and ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Excellent writing skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

The selected consultant /firm will be contracted by BirdLife international, in close coordination with UNDP-Jordan, and will be supervised and coordinated by The Head of Information Management (HIM) at BirdLife International (Cambridge) in close consultation with the BirdLife Regional Flyway Officers in the Middle East and Africa. The consultant will be offered a lump-sum, fixed-price contract inclusive to all expenses based on submission of technical proposal for the consultancy. 

Application

  To apply, the prospective applicants should submit:

• CV, outlining their relevant professional experience
• Cover Letter, stating their interest in and qualifications for the consultancy
• Technical proposal on consultancy workplan and methodology

Kindly send your application via email before Monday 24^th  October 2011, 09.00 GMT,  to: Ian.May@birdlife.org and Ibrahim.Alhasani@birdlife.org. The consultancy will need to be implemented during November and December 2011.

Further information about the project and the assignment ToRs can be received by contacting Middle East Division: Tel: +962 6 5548173, e-mail:amman.office@birdlife.org, or by clicking here