Lead Researcher to Produce a Report on Climate Change Mitigation and Decarbonisation Efforts of the 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Countries

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

for a Lead Researcher to produce a report on climate change mitigation and decarbonisation
efforts of the 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries

Post Title: Lead Researcher
Project Title: Climate Change Policy Analysis
Organisation(s): Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam Office in partnership with the Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum)
Duty Station: Home based
Remuneration: based on experience, max. 42 working days between April – July 2022
Type of Contract: Consultancy Contract

1. Background

At the 12th ASEM Summit (ASEM12) dedicated to Europe & Asia: Global Partners for Global Challenges, ASEM Leaders acknowledged "... the serious challenge posed by climate change, its tremendous impact felt worldwide and the need for urgent and effective action by all countries in line with the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change."

Regarding the practical implementation of the Paris Agreement, it requests each country to outline and communicate their climate actions, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The submission of NDCs is based on a 5- year cycle, and 2020 was the first milestone in the cycle, with countries submitting an enhanced version of their 2015 NDCs. NDCs embody national efforts to reduce national emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and build resilience to reach the Paris Agreement's goals. Additionally, the Paris Agreement invites countries to formulate and submit by 2020 long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies (LT-LEDs).

The ENVforum publication titled "Handbook for ASEAN Government Officials on Climate Change and SDGs" was published in 2016 to promote a better understanding of the Paris Agreement and follow-up process for ASEAN member states. It served as a resource on climate change for government officials involved in climate policies.

The Lead Researcher to be identified through this ToR shall produce a report that goes beyond thisinitial publication. The purpose of this research project is to extend the scope of the previous analysis, to provide updated data and to respond to the climate crisis by providing an overview of the existing policy frameworks and recommendations for a way forward.

2. Summary

The recently published IPCC report on climate change highlighted the urgent need for transformational changes in order to drastically reduce emissions and reduce the dramatic impacts of climate change. Therefore, policymakers need to put further efforts in developing and implementing policies that can effectively curb emissions long-term temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius and improve resilience securing adequate commitments and action by the most significant global greenhouse gas emitters – all before the next COP in Egypt (COP27) in November the end of 2022.

This Climate Change Policy Analysis research will analyse the climate change mitigation and decarbonisation efforts of the 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries. The resulting report will provide an overview of the existing efforts to ensure GHG emissions are kept at bay and focus on identifying the needs and challenges of ASEM countries to transition to zero-carbon pathways.

3. Scope of Research

The scope of the research includes:

1. Overview of GHG emissions in the 51 ASEM countries
   
   • Analysis of GHG emissions by region and by country
   • Preparation of detailed emissions profiles by country
   • Identification and analysis of key emitting sectors
   • Overview on climate mitigation efforts in the 51 ASEM countries
   • Desk research and analysis on NDCs of the 51 ASEM countries (initial and latest)
   • Review and Analysis of the Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDs) of the 51 ASEM countries
2. Review and analysis of relevant national commitments, legislation, and policies
3. Climate finance overview in the 51 ASEM countries
   
   • Main donors
   • Funding Architecture
4. Challenges and needs to support ASEM countries to transition to zero-carbon pathways.

4. Methodology and number of working days

5. Milestones

6. Deliverables

1. Detailed country sheets of emissions profiles and climate policies
2. Report with the following key components:
   
   • ASEM member states’ GHG emissions profile
   • Overview and analysis of initial and updated NDCs, relevant climate change policies in ASEM countries
   • Analysis of mitigation efforts and adaptation needs of ASEM member states
   • Readiness of key sectors and the capacity to implement net-zero goals
   • Climate finance overview in ASEM countries
   • Policy Recommendations / Suggested Strategies for net-zero transition pathways
3. Type of outputs:
   
   • Report
   • Concise summary/key messages for policymakers
   • Short briefings/articles with illustrations and data
   • Conference presentation of research outcomes with the slide deck

7. Contract duration and modalities

The Lead Researcher will be contracted by Hanns Seidel Foundation. The Lead Researcher will be allowed to sub-contract tasks to ensure the timely submission of deliverables. The contract will be effective from the date of signature and will terminate no later than 30 July 2022.

8. Preferred qualifications and experiences

• At least a Master’s degree in climate change policy, environmental policy/ governance, sciences and management of climate change or a relevant field. Holding a PhD and possessing relevant research / policy analysis experience is a very strong asset.
• Outstanding knowledge of sustainable development policy, climate policy, climate finance, GHG management policy. Specific expertise in the context of ASEM countries is an asset.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills with an active research and publication record in the analysis of sustainable development/ climate change mitigation policies.
• Excellent writing skills in English

9. Application format

Documents to be submitted are:

• Letter of interest (max. 2 pages);
• Project proposal (max. 4 pages);
• Proposed daily rate;
• Comprehensive CV including publication record and references;
• Language: English;
• Format: one single PDF file

10. How to apply

Interested individuals are requested to send the application documents to Mr Michael Siegner ([email protected]) and clearly indicate the subject of the application: “Lead Researcher, Climate Change Policy Analysis”. Please also direct potential questions to this email address.

Deadline for submission is 5 April 2022 at 5pm Hanoi time.