Ministry of Environment Climate Change , Disaster Management and Meteorology: TERMS OF REFERENCE for drafting of 7th National report 

TERMS OF REFERENCE for drafting of 7th National report

1. Title: Consultancy service for drafting of 7th National Report

2. Background

It is a priority in the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) annual work plan for 2026 to finalize the Seventh National Report for Solomon Islands to the CBD (Output 15: Support development partners to coordinate and implement CBD programmes and reporting requirements). This includes engaging a consultant to draft the NBSAP report and the Seventh National Report for Solomon Islands. It is a prerequisite under Article 26 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Solomon Islands, as a party, is obligedto submit the Seventh National Report to the CBD by March 2026.

The Seventh National Report will assess Solomon Islands’progress in implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan(NBSAP) under the CBD, and the alignment of our national targets with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), through ECD, is entrusted with the mandate to undertake the review and producethe report. This TOR defines the scope of work, expected outcomes, and theduration of the consultancy, and sets out the terms and conditions to assistECD in preparing the Seventh National Report ahead of its due date on March 31 2026.

3. Objectives of the Terms of Reference

To prepare the 7th National Report in accordance with CBD guidelines and reporting templates outlined here (https://www.cbd.int/reports/nr7)

To assess national progress against biodiversity targets (national & KMGBF), indicators, and commitments.

To identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities forstrengthening biodiversity

To ensure stakeholder participation and validation of findings.

4. Scope ofWork

The consultant will be guided by the following tasks, among others:

Review CBD reporting guidelines and templates for the 7th National Report with information provided on the CBD national reporting portal.

Collect and analyse data from government agencies, NGOs, communities, and research

Assess progress on Solomon Islands BiodiversityNational Targets and their alignment with the Kunming GBF. There 23

Draft the 7th National

Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation

Finalize the report for submission to the CBD

5. Key Deliverables

Inception Report: The consultant to produce a work planand methodology within 2 weeks of the signing of the contract.

Draft 7th National Report: The consultant must presentthe findings of the report to the stakeholders for review.

Final 7th National Report: The consultant must submit the final report to the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division before the due date.

6. Duration of Engagement

The expected period for the task is 90 days, from March 2,2026, to March 31, 2026.

The final report must be submitted to the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division by May 31, 2026.

Any extension requests must be submitted at least one month prior to the deadline to avoid breaching the contract.

7. Time frame for Completion of the Work

The work effectively commences on the date the Memorandum of Agreement is signed by the consultant with the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division.

It is anticipated that core activities will be completed according to this schedule.

Inception workshop 2 weeks after signing (date of commencement).

The first draft of the report should be completed and submitted after 60 days (TBC).

Presentation of the report for comments (TBC)

Final draft submitted by May (90 days duration of the contract).

8. Qualification

Suitable candidate is expected to possess the followingqualities:

Advanced degree or master’s in environmental science,b iodiversity, or related

Proven experience in biodiversity assessments, reporting, or policy

Familiarity with CBD processes, NBSAPs, and Kunmingglobal biodiversity

Strong analytical, writing, and facilitation

Should have at least 5-10 years of practical work experience in biodiversity consultancy work in the past.

9. Duty Station

The office is based in Honiara at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology headquarter sat Vavae Ridge. The assignment involves consultation with the Environment and Conservation Division Staff from time to time to gather needed information.

10. Fees and Schedule of Payments

The successful candidate for the work is entitled to be awarded a contracted amount of SBD 180,000.00, which corresponds to the consultant being contracted for a total of 90 days’ work. The fee isnon-negotiable.

Payments will be disbursed as follows:

40 percent on signing the consultancy agreement,

30 percent on submission of 1st draft and reporting,

30 percent on completion of the report and handover tothe Environment and Conservation Division.

11. Reporting & Supervision

The consultant will report to the Director of theEnvironment and Conservation Division/CBD National Focal Point at MECDM.

12. Budget & Logistics

The consultant will be contracted under the MECDM/UNEP-Umbrella Programme to support the Seventh National report.

The budget will cover consultancyfees, travel, workshops, and report

13. Contact Officer

Joseph Hurutarau,
Director Environment and Conservation Division
JHurutarau@mecm.gov.sb
Telephone: Office (677)26036

Judah Viravira
Senior Conservation Officer (Research) – Conservation, ECD
Email: JViravira@mecdm.gov.sb
Telephone: Office (677)26036 or Mobile (677) 7765206.

For more info: Check link – TERMS OF REFERENCE for drafting of 7th National report