Legal and Environmental Consultancy Services

" تتقدم دائرة الموارد البشرية بخالص الشكر لكم على اهتمامكم بالتقديم لهذه الوظيفة في جامعة بوليتكنك فلسطين. ونود الإفادة بأنه في حال عدم التواصل معكم خلال شهر من تاريخ انتهاء الإعلان، فإن ذلك يُعدّ اعتذاراً رسميا عن عدم إدراج طلبكم ضمن المرشحين المستوفين لمعايير الفرز المعتمدة. مع خالص التمنيات لكم بالنجاح في مساعيكم المهنية."  

Terms of Reference (TOR)
Legal and Environmental Consultancy Services
SIMMER Project – Interreg NEXT MED
1. Background
Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU) has received funding under the SIMMER Project funded by the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, which aims to strengthen wildfire risk governance, prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms across the Mediterranean region through innovative tools, knowledge exchange, stakeholder collaboration, and pilot actions.
The SIMMER project focuses on developing practical and sustainable approaches for wildfire risk management, with particular attention to environmental planning, land-use governance, institutional coordination, and community resilience. The project also seeks to capitalize on regional and international experiences and strengthen evidence-based decision-making processes related to wildfire prevention and response.
Within the framework of Work Package 3 (WP3), Palestine Polytechnic University seeks to contract a qualified Consultancy Firm or Individual Consultant to conduct a comprehensive legal and environmental consultancy assignment related to wildfire risk management, environmental governance, land-use planning, and institutional coordination mechanisms in Palestine.
The consultancy aims to support the design and implementation of SIMMER pilot actions in Palestine by providing an integrated understanding of the relevant legal, environmental, and institutional frameworks and translating findings into practical and operational recommendations.
2. Objective of the Assignment
The main objective of this consultancy is to provide a comprehensive legal and environmental analysis focused on the Palestinian context to support the implementation of the SIMMER project and its pilot actions.
Specific objectives include:
 Mapping and analyzing the legal, institutional, and environmental frameworks related to wildfire risk management and environmental governance in Palestine:
 Legal frameworks: the body of laws, regulations, and judicial systems that govern rights, responsibilities, compliance, and enforcement.
 Institutional frameworks: the organizations, governance structures, coordination mechanisms, and authorities responsible for implementing and overseeing policies and practices.
 Environmental frameworks: the ecological systems, sustainability standards, environmental policies, and international agreements that guide human interaction with nature and support environmental protection and resilience.
 Identifying gaps, overlaps, and coordination challenges within existing systems and practices
 Reviewing environmental planning and prevention tools applicable to wildfire risk management at landscape and local levels
 Conducting desk research on existing studies, reports, policies, and research related to wildfire risks, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction in Palestine
 Conducting desk research and capitalizing on findings from relevant EU-funded, national, regional, and Mediterranean projects and initiatives
 Integrating stakeholder knowledge and practical experience into actionable recommendations for pilot implementation
 Supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making processes within the SIMMER project framework
3. Scope of Work
The selected Consultancy Firm or Individual Consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:
3.1 Legal and Institutional Review
 Conduct a comprehensive review of applicable environmental, land-use, forestry-related, and disaster risk management laws, regulations, policies, and governance frameworks relevant to Palestine
 Analyze institutional mandates, coordination mechanisms, and responsibilities among relevant stakeholders including municipalities, civil defense, environmental authorities, and other related entities
 Identify legal and operational gaps affecting wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response
3.2 Environmental and Risk Analysis
 Review existing environmental planning and wildfire prevention tools and approaches relevant to the Palestinian context
 Analyze risk management practices, landscape-level prevention approaches, access systems, water resources, and related environmental management measures where applicable
 Produce technical analysis supported by visual tools such as diagrams, charts, maps, and flowcharts
3.3 Desk Research and Capitalization
 Conduct desk research on previous and ongoing studies, technical reports, assessments, and scientific research related to wildfire risk management and environmental governance in Palestine
 Capitalize on lessons learned and findings from relevant EU-funded, national, regional, and Mediterranean projects and initiatives
 Review transferable practices and operational models that could support SIMMER pilot implementation
3.4 Stakeholder Consultation and Interviews
 Conduct stakeholder mapping and identify key institutions and actors relevant to wildfire risk management and environmental governance
 Carry out semi-structured one-to-one interviews (approximately one hour each) with key stakeholders, including:
 Civil Defense and firefighting authorities
 Municipalities and local governance actors
 Environmental and forestry-related institutions
 Governmental representatives
 Researchers, technical experts, and academia
 NGOs and relevant community actors where applicable
3.5 Analysis and Recommendations
 Integrate stakeholder feedback into the overall assessment and analysis
 Provide a critical evaluation of existing legal, environmental, and operational practices
 Develop practical and operational recommendations to support the implementation of SIMMER pilot actions in Palestine
 Identify feasible approaches and governance mechanisms adaptable to the Palestinian and Mediterranean contexts
4. Expected Deliverables
The selected consultant is expected to deliver the following:
1. Inception Report including detailed methodology and work plan
2. Stakeholder Mapping Matrix
3. Legal and Institutional Review Report
4. Environmental and Wildfire Risk Analysis Report
5. Desk Research and Capitalization Report on relevant projects and studies
6. Stakeholder Consultation Summary Report
7. Comparative Analysis of Relevant Practices and Frameworks
8. Policy and Operational Recommendations Brief
9. Presentation of Key Findings and Recommendations
10. Final Integrated Report including annexes, visual tools, interview summaries, and supporting materials
All deliverables shall be submitted in editable electronic formats.
5. Duration of the Assignment
The assignment is expected to be implemented over a period of 6–8 weeks from the date of contract signature.
Indicative timeline:
 Week 1: Inception phase and methodology finalization
 Weeks 2–4: Desk research, legal review, and stakeholder interviews
 Weeks 5–6: Drafting and submission of preliminary reports
 Weeks 7–8: Finalization and submission of final deliverables
Preliminary findings may be requested earlier to support the progress of WP3 activities and pilot action design
6. Location of Assignment
The assignment will be implemented in Palestine, with the possibility of conducting both in-person and online meetings with the project team, stakeholders, and project partners when required.
7. Consultant Qualifications
Applicants may apply either as a Consultancy Firm or as an Individual Consultant.
The applicant must demonstrate:
 Proven experience in environmental governance, wildfire risk management, environmental planning, or disaster risk reduction
 Experience in legal and institutional analysis related to environmental or land-use sectors
 Previous experience in implementing similar consultancy assignments or technical studies
 Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations, interviews, and qualitative analysis
 Strong technical reporting and analytical skills, including the use of visual and presentation tools
 Previous experience in EU-funded, Mediterranean, or international cooperation projects is considered an asset
 Excellent written and spoken English skills
8. Required Documents for Submission
Interested applicants must submit the following documents:
1. CV(s) of the Individual Consultant or key experts within the Consultancy Firm
2. Company profile
3. List of relevant previous assignments and similar projects
4. Technical Proposal including:
 Methodology
 Work plan and timeline
 Understanding of the assignment
 Proposed approach and tools
 Team composition and division of responsibilities
5. Financial Proposal including all costs related to the assignment
6. Any supporting documents relevant to the consultancy experience
7. Each applicant is required to sign the attached Declaration of Honor and submit it as part of the tender documents.
9. Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will work under the supervision of Palestine Polytechnic University within the SIMMER project framework.
The consultant will be expected to:
 Participate in regular coordination meetings
 Provide periodic progress updates
 Coordinate with project stakeholders and partners when necessary
 Present preliminary and final findings if requested by the project team
10. Language Requirements
All reports, deliverables, and official communication shall be prepared in English.
Arabic may be used during interviews, consultations, and local coordination activities when needed.
11. Acceptance of Deliverables
All deliverables and reports shall be subject to review and formal approval by the SIMMER project team at Palestine Polytechnic University.
The university reserves the right to request revisions and modifications before approving final outputs.
12. Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Criteria
Weight
Technical qualifications and expertise
40%
Relevant experience in similar assignments
10%
Quality of methodology and technical proposal
20%
Financial proposal
30%
13. Confidentiality and Ownership
All documents, reports, findings, and outputs produced under this assignment shall remain the property of Palestine Polytechnic University and the SIMMER Project.
The consultant shall maintain full confidentiality regarding all information and data obtained during the assignment and shall not use, disclose, or publish any information without prior written approval from the university.
14. Payment Terms
Payments will be made according to the following schedule:
 30% upon contract signature and approval of the inception report
 40% upon submission and approval of draft deliverables
 30% upon submission and approval of the final report and all required outputs
15. Submission Instructions
Interested applicants are requested to submit their Technical and Financial Proposals along with all required supporting documents via email to: nourj@ppu.edu
Subject line: “Legal and Environmental Consultancy – SIMMER Project” Deadline for submission: 6 June 2026, at midnight.
DECLARATION OF HONOUR
Contract title: Legal and Environmental Consultancy Services
Reference: RFQ/SIMMER_PPU_2026_02/Service Contracting authority: Palestine Polytechnic University
1. Supplier details
I, the undersigned, representing:
Individual or Company name:
Address: Registration number for company:
2. Declaration
I hereby declare on my honour that:
 The company is not in any bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar situation
 The company has fulfilled its tax.
 The company has no convictions related to fraud, corruption, or serious professional misconduct
 The company is not subject to EU sanctions or restrictive measures
 There is no conflict of interest in relation to this procurement procedure
إقرار
أُصرّح بموجب هذا وعلى مسؤوليتي الشخصية بأن :
 الشركة ليست في حالة إفلاس أو تصفية أو أي وضع قانوني مشابه .
 الشركة أوفت بجميع التزاماتها المتعلقة بالضرائب .
 لا توجد بحق الشركة أي إدانات تتعلق بالاحتيال أو الفساد أو سوء السلوك المهني الجسيم .
 الشركة ليست خاضعة لعقوبات أو تدابير تقييدية صادرة عن الاتحاد الأوروبي .
 لا يوجد أي تضارب مصالح فيما يتعلق بإجراء الشراء هذا .
3. Capacity to perform the contract
I confirm that the company:
 Has sufficient capacity and resources to deliver the requested supplies/services
 Has relevant experience or ability to perform the contract properly
 Can complete the contract within the required timeframe
القدرة على تنفيذ العقد
أؤكد أن الشركة :
 تمتلك القدرة والموارد الكافية لتوريد المستلزمات/تقديم الخدمات المطلوبة .
 لديها الخبرة أو الكفاءة اللازمة لتنفيذ العقد بالشكل المناسب .
 قادرة على إنجاز العقد ضمن الإطار الزمني المطلوب .
4. Accuracy of information
I confirm that all information provided in this quotation/tender is true and complete. I understand that any false declaration may lead to exclusion from this and future EU-funded contracts.
دقة المعلومات
أؤكد أن جميع المعلومات الواردة في عرض السعر/العطاء هذا صحيحة وكاملة. وأدرك أن أي تصريح أو معلومات غير
صحيحة قد تؤدي إلى الاستبعاد من هذا العقد والعقود المستقبلية الممولة من الاتحاد الأوروبي .
5. Commitment
I acknowledge that this declaration forms part of the procurement file and is required for eligibility.
التعهد
أقرّ بأن هذا الإقرار يشكّل جزءًا من ملف الشراء، وهو مطلوب لأغراض الأهلية والتأهل .
Signature Name of authorized person: _______________________ Signature: ______________________Company stamp : _______________________