National Office for Environmental Project Implementation Request for Expressions of Interest - Hydrology and Groundwater Expert

Date: March 25, 2025

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

GEF/WB project preparation phase (PPG) – Technical assistance on designing “Moldova: Restoring ecosystems for marine pollution prevention” (ReMaP) (P505546)

Assignment Title: Hydrology and Groundwater Expert

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): MD-NOIEP-484784-CS-INDV

The World Bank (WB) is assisting Government of Moldova (GoM) in the preparation of “Moldova: Restoring Ecosystems for Marine Pollution Prevention” (ReMaP) project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and planned to be implemented by the National Office for Environmental Project Implementation (NOEPI) operating under the Ministry of Environment (MoE) of Moldova. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), part of the WB group acting as Implementing Agency of the GEF, has allocated a project preparation grant (PPG) to the NOEPI in order to complete its pre-implementation phase. The PPG package has been approved by the WB in August, 2024, and signed by the MoE in November, 2024. The remaining steps in the pre-implementation phase, as part of the PPG process, are now taken by the MoE jointly with the NOEPI in order to proceed with the implementation of the PPG-related activities until ReMaP’ effectiveness anticipated by July 2025.

The NOEPI, on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and the WB, is looking for the Hydrology and Groundwater Expert whose role, as part of the team, is integral to the preparation for the implementation of main Project: “Moldova: Restoring ecosystems for marine pollution prevention” (ReMaP). The overall responsibilities of the Hydrology and Groundwater Expert include direct involvement in designing and planning the specific site interventions through a holistic assessment that will help identify high-priority regions that align with the ReMaP project goals.

The area of work is the whole Dniester River Basin within the controlled territories of the Republic of Moldova, where main focus will be areas/sites subject to ecological recovery that contribute to nutrient pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation, all through planned NBS interventions. Field travels are important to fulfil this assignment, so the Hydrology and Groundwater Expert will be required to spend some days visiting various sites in order to gather all site-specific information, communicate with local stakeholders, and secure support for restoration efforts. Collaboration with other specialists in the team (especially Wetland and Forest specialists) is crucial, as the hydrology component directly influences the selection of restoration sites and the design of effective restoration measures.

National Office for Environmental Project Implementation (NOEPI) on behalf of Ministry of Environment now invites individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The tasks will be fully undertaken by two individuals (hereafter referred to as consultants) with the following qualifications:

• University qualification (MSc) in Environment Engineering/Environmental Science or Wetland/Water resources/Natural Resources Management or any other related field.

• Previous experience in wetland restoration, habitat restoration, or ecosystem management, with a strong focus on aquatic or riparian ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for wetland restoration and nutrient pollution mitigation.
• Experience of practical work in the Republic of Moldova is essential and mandatory.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting ecological assessments and restoration planning, including baseline data collection, species identification, and ecosystem service evaluation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to practical restoration projects.
• Proficiency in GIS tools and remote sensing techniques for ecological mapping and site analysis.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly in working with local communities, authorities, and other relevant stakeholders in the context of environmental management projects.
• Experienced in conducting field analysis and readiness to travel to remote areas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to present project deliverables in English, Romanian and Russian is mandatory.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers”, November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Individual Consultants will be selected in accordance with the „Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants” method set out in the above-mentioned “Procurement Regulations”.

Expressions of interest must include updated CV reflecting consultant's qualification and experience, recommendation letters etc. and must to be submitted by email to the address below by April 03, 2025, cob.

National Office for Environmental Project Implementation

Attn: Nicolae Arnaut, Director

5 Gheorghe Tudor str, floor 4, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova,    

E-mail: nicolae.arnaut@onipm.gov.md; cancelaria@onipm.gov.md