Request for Proposal For Consultancy Service

Terms of Reference

For Consultancy Service

1. Background

UNDP has been at the forefront of climate finance reforms in the Asia Pacific region. Over the last decade, it has supported a range of countries in the region to mainstream climate change in the planning and budgeting. DFID-supported Climate Proofing Growth and Development (CPGD) programme (2013-2019) and the Government of Sweden supported Strengthening the Governance of Climate Change Finance (GCCF) programmes (2012-16; 2017-22) have enabled UNDP to provide technical support for policy and technical policy reforms and interventions across the budget cycle; as well as supporting the promotion of sharing of knowledge and peer-to-peer technical assistance across the region.

The Capacity Building Training Program on Carbon Market Project Development and Documentation in Nepal is aimed at addressing the pressing need for expertise in carbon market initiatives within the country. Nepal, like many developing nations, faces significant challenges related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. With its vulnerable geographical location and diverse ecosystems, Nepal is acutely susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, including melting glaciers, erratic weather patterns, and increased natural disasters. Recognizing the urgency of action, the government and various stakeholders have committed to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development through carbon market mechanisms. However, there exists a critical gap in the requisite skills and knowledge base among professionals and organizations engaged in climate change mitigation efforts. Hence, this training program seeks to bridge this gap by equipping participants with the essential tools, methodologies, and insights necessary for effective carbon market project development and documentation.

The training program will encompass a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the specific context of Nepal, considering its unique environmental, socio-economic, and institutional dynamics. Key focus areas will include understanding the fundamentals of carbon markets, navigating regulatory frameworks, identifying and assessing project opportunities, conducting robust carbon accounting and verification processes, and effectively communicating project impacts. Through a combination of theoretical learning modules, practical case studies, interactive workshops, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, participants will gain a holistic understanding of the entire project development lifecycle. Moreover, the program will leverage the expertise of seasoned practitioners, academics, and industry professionals both locally and internationally, ensuring that participants receive diverse perspectives and practical insights. Ultimately, the Capacity Building Training Program aims to empower participants to spearhead impactful carbon market initiatives that not only mitigate climate change but also contribute to Nepal's sustainable development goals.

Developing countries face many challenges in effectively integrating climate change into governance systems and processes, including the lack of horizontal integration between their functional ministries (i.e., the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning) and line ministries, including social development and gender equality ministries, at the national level. This often results in misalignment between development and climate change policies and sectoral strategies, limited application of medium-term approaches in climate responsive and equity-based budgeting, differences in climate risk assessment, planning and screening across sectors, and a lack of standardized approaches to design climate public investments. The next phase of Strengthening the Governance of Climate Finance (GCCF) to Promote Inclusive Climate Resilience in Asia Pacific programme aims to strengthen the capacity of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) including Small Island Developing States’ (SIDS) to effectively mobilize, manage and utilize climate finance for improved gender responsive climate action at the national, sectoral, and sub-national levels, ultimately improving climate resilience and inclusive governance. This will be jointly delivered by UNDP (national & sectoral level) and UNCDF (sub-national level). The countries that the programme will cover includes 5 LDCs - Bangladesh, Cambodia and Nepal in Asia, and Solomon Islands and Tuvalu in the Pacific.

A consulting firm will be procured towards developing expertise in carbon market initiatives within the country. The team of experts will work under close supervision of the Ministry of Finance and UNDP Nepal.

Click on the link below to download detailed TOR:

56353764_ToR_CCPDD

Deadline: 30th April 2024

For additional information and documents and for further application procedures, click on the link below:

Procurement | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)