Approach to the review of the synergies arrangements of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Transcription

1 of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Background The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions are distinct and legally autonomous multilateral environmental agreements that share the common objective of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes for the promotion of sustainable development. To achieve this common goal, the conferences of the Parties (COPs) to these three conventions have over the years adopted a series of decisions aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination among the conventions. Thus, a framework for the so-called synergies process has been set. The COP decisions on enhanced cooperation and coordination among the three conventions form the backbone of the synergies process, since they indicate areas where synergies can be achieved by different stakeholders. These include coordination at the national level; the development of joint activities on technical assistance; cooperation on scientific and technical issues; coordinated use of the regional centres; establishment of a clearing-house mechanism; the development of joint approaches to public awareness, outreach and publications and on the issue of reporting; and the establishment of joint managerial functions for the secretariats. At the ordinary meetings of the conferences of the parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions held in 2015, parties once again adopted decisions (each COP s decision mirroring the others ) on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. Through these identical decisions, the conferences of the parties inter alia adopted terms of reference (TOR) for the review of the synergies arrangements and requested the to submit a report on the review of the synergies arrangements by an independent assessor and to make proposals in response to the conclusions and recommendations of the review on follow-up action for consideration by the conferences of the parties at their meetings in This independent assessment of the synergies arrangements is to be undertaken in accordance with the methodology set out in the TOR and with the funding allocated by the COPs i.e. by an independent assessor with involvement of partners such as the proposed steering committee. In addition, the COPs requested the Executive Director of UNEP to undertake, in consultation with the Director General of FAO, a review of the matrix-based management approach and organization of the and to advise the COPs in 2017 of any follow-up action necessary. The COPs also requested the BRS Executive Secretary to review the proposals set out in the note by the on the organization and operation of the part of the Rotterdam Convention hosted by the FAO 1 to enhance synergies arrangements and to submit a report thereon to the COPs in Modality of the review The is mindful that three specific reviews have been tasked to be carried out. However, it is felt that these reviews would benefit from being undertaken within an overarching framework, as separate but linked activities. Following consultations with relevant UNEP, FAO and other partners and in line with administrative rules, the will, in close collaboration with the UNEP Executive Director s office, proceed by retaining a consultancy to undertake the following three specific sets of activities as part of the review process: 1. a review of the matrix-based management approach and organization (para. 2 of decisions BC-12/20, and RC-7/10 and SC-7/28 on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions); 2. a review of the proposals set out in the note by the on the organization and operation of the part of the Rotterdam Convention hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to enhance synergies arrangements (para.3 of decisions BC-12/20, and RC-7/10 and SC- 7/28); 1 UNEP/FAO/CHW/RC/POPS/EXCOPS.2/INF/9 1

2 3. a review of the synergies arrangements (para. 5 and annex of decisions BC-12/20, and RC-7/10 and SC- 7/28) including: - Review of the implementation and impact at all levels of joint activities; - Review of the impact of joint managerial functions; - Overall impact of synergies arrangements. Budget allocations Activity 31 (S17): Support for the review of the synergies decisions Objective: To undertake an independent assessment of the implementation and impact of the joint activities, managerial functions and review of matrix-based management approach and organization. Activities: Further review of the synergies arrangements will entail different activities, including: 1. Consultations between UNEP and FAO and other stakeholders; 2. A review by an independent assessor hired by the to carry out this work and prepare the report. Summary of budget availability (for 2016): - Consultant (USD 100,000); - Travel of consultant (USD 7,200); - Editing and translation of report (USD 13,500). Timeline of activities Blue = completed Green = ongoing Activity Details Timeframe Responsible entity Engagement of and - Parties September/October 2015 awareness raising - Subsidiary bodies amongst relevant - UNEP OfO partners to conduct - FAO synergies review - UNEP/FAO Engagement of staff in synergies review brainstorming Further elaborate TORs for assessor(s) Seek approval from OfO to undertake tender process through UNOPS Initiate formal approval process for UNOPs tender via UNEP to UNOPS Copenhagen Develop tender documentation in consultation with UNOPS Geneva colleagues Develop Terms of Reference for Committee for comment Invite COP Presidents, Exec Secs/Deputy Geneva & Rome, UNEP OfO, UNEP/FAO evaluation offices - staff October Modalities for retention September 2015 October 2015 November 2015 November See Annex November 2015 Draft letters November 2015

3 Evaluation Offices representatives to join Committee Issue tender for consultancy to undertake review activities Commencement of review activities Presentation of detailed workplan and information gathering methodologies for reviews Consultations with partners Update to Bureau of BC, RC, SC COPs Initial draft reports including conclusions and recommendations Consultation on draft reports with Bureau of BC, RC, SC COPs Revision of draft reports in light of comments received from Bureaux and Committee Consultation on revised draft reports with other partners Development of proposals in response to reports conclusions and recommendations Delivery of final reports by assessors - Tender published for 21 days - 5 days evaluation procedure - Committee consulted - 5 days contract signing procedure Kick-off meeting to be scheduled with Teleconference with Committee - Parties - Subsidiary bodies - UNEP OfO - FAO - UNEP/FAO evaluation offices - Basel and Stockholm Convention regional centres, as appropriate - staff (Geneva and Rome) Teleconferences of the COP Bureaux November 2015 / UNOPs / Committee January/February 2016 Dependent on date of signature of contract February/March 2016 Ongoing RC: 23 February 2016 SC: 24 February 2016 BC: 25 February UNOPS / / Committee / / Committee / Bureau of BC, RC, SC COPs 1 June 2016 RC: June 2016 SC: June 2016 BC: July 2016 July 2016 July/August 2016 September 2016 Committee / Bureau of BC, RC, SC COPs Committee / 1 October 2016 Consultation on October 2016 /

4 proposals as developed Submission of synergies review reports and proposals for 2017 COPs Committee 9 November

5 Annex Terms of Reference for the Committee on the review of the synergies arrangements 1. Background The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions are distinct and legally autonomous multilateral environmental agreements that share the common objective of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes for the promotion of sustainable development. To achieve this common goal, the conferences of the Parties (COPs) to these three conventions have over the years adopted a series of decisions aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination among the conventions. Thus, a framework for the so-called synergies process has been set. The COP decisions on enhanced cooperation and coordination among the three conventions form the backbone of the synergies process, since they indicate areas where synergies can be achieved by different stakeholders. These include coordination at the national level; the development of joint activities on technical assistance; cooperation on scientific and technical issues; coordinated use of the regional centres; establishment of a clearing-house mechanism; the development of joint approaches to public awareness, outreach and publications and on the issue of reporting; and the establishment of joint managerial functions for the secretariats. At the ordinary meetings of the conferences of the parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions held in 2015, parties once again adopted decisions (each COP s decision mirroring the others ) on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. Through these identical decisions, the conferences of the parties inter alia adopted terms of reference (TOR) for the review of the synergies arrangements and requested the to submit a report on the review of the synergies arrangements by an independent assessor and to make proposals in response to the conclusions and recommendations of the review on follow-up action for consideration by the conferences of the parties at their meetings in This independent assessment of the synergies arrangements is to be undertaken in accordance with the methodology set out in the TOR and with the funding allocated by the COPs i.e. by an independent assessor with involvement of partners such as the proposed steering committee. In addition, the COPs requested the Executive Director of UNEP to undertake, in consultation with the Director General of FAO, a review of the matrix-based management approach and organization of the and to advise the COPs in 2017 of any follow-up action necessary (no funding allocated). The COPs also requested the BRS Executive Secretary to review the proposals set out in the note by the on the organization and operation of the part of the Rotterdam Convention hosted by the FAO 2 to enhance synergies arrangements and to submit a report thereon to the COPs in 2017 (no funding allocated). 2. Role of the Committee on the review of the synergies arrangements The main functions of the Committee shall be to support the synergies review to be undertaken by a consultancy 3, including: - Supervise the delivery of major milestones of the review process and the consultations on the synergies review process with relevant partners; - Provide overall guidance, including on methodology as well as substantive matters, to the consultancy in undertaking its work; - Monitor the progress of the consultancy and its adherence with the terms of reference; - Evaluate the synergies review drafts and provide timely comments to the consultancy. 2 UNEP/FAO/CHW/RC/POPS/EXCOPS.2/INF/9 3 to be retained through a competitive tender process 5

6 The Committee shall also be requested to provide guidance to the in completing its role in the synergies review process, including: - Development of proposals in response to report conclusions and recommendations; - Submitting three parts of the review to the Conferences of the Parties in accordance with decisions BC- 12/20, and RC-7/10 and SC-7/28 on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. 3. Working modalities of the Committee The of the Committee on the review of the synergies arrangements shall be hosted by the of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. The Committee shall meet electronically at one month intervals throughout the synergies review process (January November 2016) or as otherwise decided by the Committee. A chairperson shall be elected by the members of the Committee during its first electronic meeting. 4. Membership of the Committee Name Organisation Role Mr. Mohammed Khashashneh Basel Convention COP President Mr. Franz Perrez Rotterdam Convention COP President Mr. Sam Adu-Kumi Stockholm Convention COP President Mr. Rolph Payet Executive Secretary, of Basel, Rotterdam (UNEP-part) and Stockholm Conventions Mr. Bill Murray Executive Secretary, of Rotterdam Convention (FAO-part) Ms. Kerstin Stendahl Deputy Executive Secretary, of Basel, Rotterdam (UNEP-part) and Stockholm Conventions Ms. Theresa Panuccio UNEP Office of Operations Mr. Michael Spilsbury Chief, UNEP Evaluation Office TBA Chief, FAO Evaluation Office Ms. Susan Wingfield BRS Programme Officer Committee Secretary 6