ToR: Seminar on legal frameworks for environment and climate change for MPs and staff in Algeria
Background
Members of Parliament (MPs) play a pivotal role in aligning Algeria’s national laws with its international environmental and climate commitments. This includes oversight and support for government actions to fulfil obligations under key international agreements. Frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands provide a foundation for Algeria’s environmental and climate strategies. To effectively support these initiatives, MPs must be informed about Algeria’s commitments under these frameworks and the relevant national legislation, including Algeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Purpose
This two-day seminar aims to strengthen MPs’ understanding of both international and national environmental and climate-related legal frameworks. It is designed to provide MPs with the knowledge they need to oversee national policy alignment with international standards and to support the implementation of laws and strategies that address climate change and environmental issues.
Objectives
- Strengthen MPs’ capacity to understand and apply international environmental conventions and commitments through national legislation.
- Provide MPs with a comprehensive understanding of Algeria’s national environmental legislation, policies, and strategic frameworks.
- Examine Algeria’s NDC commitments, identifying normative gaps and implementation challenges that may affect their fulfilment.
Scope of work
The in-person seminar will be conducted over two days in Arabic and will cover the following components:
- International environmental laws and conventions
- Overview of the Paris Agreement and its implications for Algeria’s climate policies.
- Analysis of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and its implications for Algeria’s biodiversity strategies.
- Examination of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and its connection to sustainable land use.
- Presentation on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, with a focus on national conservation efforts.
- National Environmental Legislation and Strategies
- Overview of Algeria’s environmental laws and strategies, including policies supporting sustainable development and climate action.
- Detailed examination of Algeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, including an analysis of normative gaps in national legislation and deficits in implementation. This section will highlight specific areas where improvements in legislative oversight and policy support are needed to meet Algeria’s international commitments.
All discussions, materials, and presentations will be delivered in Arabic to ensure accessibility and effective communication for all participants.
Key deliverables
- Comprehensive training materials (presentations, guides, handouts) on international and national environmental frameworks, provided in Arabic.
- A detailed seminar report summarising outcomes, key insights, and recommendations for MPs in their role as environmental governance stakeholders, delivered in Arabic.
- Recommendations aimed at strengthening legislative oversight in support of Algeria’s environmental policies and international commitments, provided in Arabic.
Participants
- Members of Parliament (MPs).
- Parliamentary staff.
Duration and timeline
The seminar is scheduled for two days in May 2025, with additional time allocated for preparation and follow-up. The total assignment will span four days (two days of seminar delivery and two days for preparation and reporting).
Location
The seminar will take place in Algiers.
Methodology
The seminar will employ a mix of presentations, group discussions, case studies, and interactive Q&A sessions. Sessions will be facilitated by an expert in international environmental law and national legislation, with a focus on practical applications for MPs’ legislative roles. All sessions will be conducted in Arabic to ensure accessibility and effective communication.
Coordination and reporting
WFD, in collaboration with relevant parliamentary bodies, will coordinate the seminar. A comprehensive report summarising the seminar's outcomes and strategic recommendations will be submitted to the Programme Director upon completion, with all documentation provided in Arabic.
Required expertise
- In-depth knowledge of international environmental agreements, especially the Paris Agreement, CBD, UNCCD, and Ramsar Convention.
- Knowledge of Algeria’s environmental laws and regulations: A strong understanding of the legal framework governing environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, and related issues in Algeria. This includes familiarity with key national laws and how they align with international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement or the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Practical experience in applying, analysing, or contributing to these laws is essential.
- Understanding of national environmental policies and programmes: A comprehensive understanding of Algeria’s environmental and climate strategies, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement or national sustainable development plans. This includes knowledge of how these policies and programmes are designed, their objectives, and the mechanisms in place for their implementation.
- Proven experience in conducting capacity-building seminars tailored to MPs or governmental bodies, with fluency in Arabic.
Application process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs and cover letters detailing their qualifications and experience related to this ToR, a brief overview of their approach to meeting the above deliverables, and a financial proposal by 8 May 2025 to: karima.kassi@wfd.org.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant qualifications and experience.
- Understanding of the ToR .
- Proposed approach to the assignment.
- Value for money.