INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY FIRM FOR REVISISNG AND UPDATING ESWATINI NDC 3.0

The main objective of the assignment is to revise and update Eswatini’s NDC through reviewing and updating the policy ambitions beyond 2025 as well as the enhancement of the applied methodology used for the previous NDC through a Whole Government and Whole of Society approach. This will start with a review of the existing policy documents and data sources, particularly those that have been published since the launch of the NDC 2.0. Secondly, the scope of enhancement options will be assessed for both mitigation and adaptation including cross cutting sectors. This will include the integration of the revised GHG inventory outcomes, NDC 2.0 stock take under the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), and the latest climate and scenario modelling studies conducted to inform consideration of additional or more detailed policy interventions. Third, by comparing the GHG projections and climate scenarios, an extended cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to provide optimal policy recommendations on development pathways for low emissions (2035 NDC target), net zero emissions (in line with 2050 LT-LEDS target) and resilience building.  The whole process will be supported by stakeholder consultation and close collaboration with government experts across sectors to ensure the GoE’s ownership of the process and the results as well as commitment to implementation of the NDC. In addition, the consultant will use the NDC 3.0 Navigator tool to inform consultations with stakeholders on specific pathways that Eswatini will enhance.  The consultancy will also work in coordination with local experts focusing on mitigation, adaptation and cross-cutting sectors. 

• Support a high-level engagement with government on the review of the NDC for political ownership and stakeholders’ awareness of the process using existing coordination mechanisms
• Develop a detailed, comprehensive work plan (inclusive to inception report) with clear milestones and timelines, aligned with the UNFCCC guidelines and Eswatini’s national reporting requirements to guide the NDC 3.0 preparation process through a consultative process. 
• Align workplan with other reporting processes such as NCs, NAP, LT-LEDS and BTRs. Ensure that these processes inform each other and avoid duplications.

• Compile a stocktaking report for the NDC 2.0 and its implementation plan liaising with national experts on adaptation, mitigation and crosscutting sectors to track progress on implementation highlighting challenges, gaps and opportunities to enhance the next NDC 3.0.
• Lead the review and update of Eswatini’s NDC 3.0, incorporating the latest scientific knowledge, policy developments, best practices, information from ongoing related processes and data from the national consultants.
• Supervise and provide technical support to national sector consultants/experts conducting sector reviews for mitigation, adaptation and cross-cutting areas in NDCs ensuring quality and consistency in the sectoral assessment.
• Lead the development of a high-level cost-benefit analysis for various mitigation and adaptation actions, considering the 2050 LT-LEDS target and net-zero emissions pathway. 
• Review and facilitate the integration of the revised GHG inventory outcomes, NDC 2.0 stock take under the BTR, and climate and scenario modelling to inform additional or more detailed policy interventions in both mitigation and adaptation sectors.
• Support and guide various stakeholder consultation processes, ensuring active participation of government experts, local experts, and civil society organizations to promote ownership and commitment to the NDC update process by the Eswatini government and national stakeholders.
• Identify and address potential capacity gaps among stakeholders, proposing capacity building initiatives as needed.
• Compile a comprehensive report with inputs from outputs of national consultants/experts on the policy recommendations made for the NDC 3.0 update. 
• Using the outputs on the NDC 2.0 stock take to identify achievement of set targets as well as identification of areas that require more investments and further action while enhancing alignment with ongoing LT-LEDS and NAP processes through a stakeholder consultative process.
• Identify improvements that have been made in the national inventory processes and other sectoral plans/ strategies regarding data, data collection, methods and tools utilized. 
• Review climate scenario modelling studies conducted including identified risks and vulnerabilities informing adaptation needs.
• Evaluate current and future policies addressing present mitigation and adaptation needs and ongoing efforts, with consideration of various national targets including the emission reduction targets of Eswatini by 2035, 2050 and beyond, and alignment with national adaptation and development priorities. 
• Evaluate emerging low-carbon and resilience building technologies and recommend feasible options for each sector to accelerate emission reductions and adaptation efforts.
• Identify opportunities for technology transfer and capacity building to enhance the adoption of innovative mitigation and adaptation solutions.
• Finally, develop the draft national NDC document, ensuring alignment with UNFCCC guidelines and incorporating lessons learned from the previous NDC with concrete recommendations for mitigation, adaptation and cross-cutting measures for each sector.

• Conduct national stakeholder consultations to revise draft enhanced NDC document 
• Conduct/supervise sector validation workshops for recommended sectoral priorities 
• Finalize NDC 3.0 document 
• Ensure professional editing and design of the NDC document.
• Facilitate the approval of the updated NDC by the Eswatini government.
• Organize the printing and dissemination of the final NDC document to relevant stakeholders.