MC SAP Consultant: Scope of Work

The FSM MC SAP Consultant will work under the supervision and guidance of the Assistant Secretary of FSM R&D (currently the MC Focal Point for FSM) in collaboration with the GEF 7 IW Project Manager and the Project Grant Manager for FSM: the Micronesia Conservation Trust. The FSM MC SAP Consultant will also liaise directly with the FSM National Project Coordinator regarding engagements with working group members.

Goals:

1. To complete a National MC 2030 Policy Gap Analysis Report that advances domestic goals

   and identifies priority pathways in alignment with MC 2030 Targets for marine protected area

   planning and coastal fisheries management approaches in the FSM.

2. To pursue National Plans, Strategies, and Policy Recommendations—in collaboration with

   project team members—that integrate marine resource management efforts and align state or

   national interests with MC 2030 Targets.

3. To construct a National Micronesia Challenge 2030 Strategic Action Plan that advances

   domestic goals and identifies priority pathways in alignment with MC 2030 Process as well as Conservation & Community Benefit targets with an emphasis on marine protected area planning and coastal fisheries management approaches.

The consultant(s) are expected to deliver the following key objectives in alignment with the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan1 and Gender Action Plan.2

• The consultant(s) are expected to review existing national and subnational level legal and policy instruments pertaining to MC 2020 milestones in the FSM to build an understanding of the current status and opportunities to achieve the national MC 2030 goals.

• The consultant(s) are expected to engage with a range of stakeholders, particularly the MC Focal Point and working group members at the state and national levels.

• Based on the review and engagements above, the consultant(s) are expected to complete and provide 1) a Policy Gap Analysis Report, 2) a Plan, Strategy, Tool, or Policy Recommendation, and 3) a Strategic Action Plan—including associated relevant resources—to the nation’s project partner agency: FSM Department of Resources & Development.

Preferred Consultant Qualifications

• -  Demonstrated experience of strong coordination, communications and organizational skills as well as strong written and oral communication skills in English. Familiarity with languages and cultures of the communities amongst the FSM is desirable.

• -  Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and positions (e.g. government agencies, non-governmental organizations and community groups) with sensitivity and appreciation for the diverse interests and values of others.

• -  Demonstrated familiarity or previous direct engagement with local, state, national, international policy research and/or multilateral agreements.

• -  Previous knowledge, experience, or familiarity with communities in the Micronesia region and the Micronesia Challenge initiative.

• -  Ability to complete tasks in a timely fashion, defining goals and deliverables, assembling and motivating teams, managing team assignments, scheduling, budgeting, tracking progress and milestones, and delivering products.

Projected Timeline and Budget

• -  Approximately nine-month consultancy with a target duration of April 01, 2025 — January 31, 2026. Extension beyond the target close date will be dependent on project timeline and budget.

• -  The current project budget allows for a Strategic Action Planning Consultancy in the range of $70,000 (not including travel expenses).

Deadline and Submission of Proposals

Interested applicants must submit their proposals to Winfred Mudong (wmudong@ourmicronesia.org) with the subject heading “FSM MC2030 Strategic Action Plan Consultancy.” Closing date for applications is March 15, 2025.

The proposal must include the following:

•  A brief proposal outlining the activities, approach and schedule that would be necessary to

  undertake the consultancy.

• A detailed budget for the consultancy.

• A detailed CV with information on the experience and competence of the person(s) who will

  undertake the assignment as well as evidence of working on similar projects.

• Contact details of two references/previous clients that can comment on the applicant’s ability to

  perform the work.