Implementing Performance Standard 6 and Biodiversity Risk Management


  • SOLICITATION NUMBER: 0002008225
  • INSTITUTION:  IFC
  • ISSUE DATE AND TIME: Apr 12,2024 13:52
  • CLOSING DATE AND TIME: May 09,2024 23:59

Biodiversity management is increasingly becoming an area of concern in IFC’s portfolio of projects. IFC applies its E&S Sustainability Framework; which includes the eight Performance Standards; on all investment and advisory projects. IFC’s Performance Standard 6 (PS6) was launched in 2012 as part of the Sustainable Framework.  Since that time; IFC has sought sector-specific approaches to apply PS6 in various regions across our portfolio.  The needs span the infrastructure and energy sectors; transport and tourism; and agribusiness and manufacturing.  Biodiversity management is required in all regions; but we especially have needs in Sub-Saharan Africa; the Middle East and Central Asia; South and East Asia and Latin America.  As IFC deepens its experience in the application of PS6; there are increased needs for external support to ensure its consistent implementation.  The skillsets required to implement PS6 are highly niched as specialists must not only possess a strong technical background in the biological and/or ecological sciences but also understand the requirements of the standard; the nuances of its implementation and its accompanying Guidance Note 6.  One must also possess excellent communication and negotiation skills and have the judgement and foresight to be strategic in the application of PS6.  Consultants must demonstrate that they have the ability to develop fit-for-purpose and practical solutions to PS6 challenges.Not all of the needs with respect to PS6 implementation however regard project appraisal and supervision.  For example; support is often needed to develop and present training material on PS6 implementation both internally in IFC and externally with clients and consultants.  Assistance with specialized topics is becoming more pressing; such as PS6 supply chain requirements for the agribusiness sector.  And; specialized skills to trouble-shoot complex projects; including assisting/training new staff on PS6 applications.In addition; implementing PS6 often requires that IFC puts clients in touch with local contacts and resources in particular regions; such as species specialists and conservation organizations; academic institutes; to enable them to carry out assessments efficiently and effectively.  Having networks in the various regions in which IFC operates is extremely helpful.The WBG recently released its Nature Finance Tracking Methodology; which is an outcome of a cross-World Bank Group collaboration spanning a range of IBRD/IDA sectors and practices; and IFC and MIGA. The methodology aims to identify investments supporting nature and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and will be operationalized in IFC starting FY25.Given the number and breadth of projects that require PS6 due diligence; the implementation of the Nature Finance Tracking Methodology and the niched skill set required for both; the ESG Sustainability Advice & Solutions Department (CEG) of IFC is seeking an external consultancy firm(s) to provide support in the implementation of these aspects and related training /capacity building in the most pressing sectors and regions.It is anticipated that up to three biodiversity firms will be selected for this work under series of framework contracts for a three-year period. Each framework contract will be dedicated to a particular region or managed globally if sector-wide coverage is needed (e.g.; agribusiness).  Some regions may be combined; depending on the regional experience of the firm; and this will be evaluated during the proposal stage.  For each firm; IFC is interested in working with a limited number (1-3 max) of competent individuals.

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