474_International Consultant on Programme Development

Location : Home-based

Application Deadline : 19-May-21 (Midnight New York, USA)

Time left : 13d 1h 53m

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required :
English Russian

Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 31-May-2021

Expected Duration of Assignment : Up to 8 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

BACKGROUND / PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The UN RPP is a multi-donor funded framework programme formulated and led by the UNDP in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and in cooperation with several partnering UN agencies (UN Women, FAO, UNFPA).

The UN RPP was designed to respond to and mitigate the causes and effects of the conflict. The Programme’s interventions are grouped under the following key Programme components, which reflect the region’s priority needs:

Component 1: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure Component 2: Local Governance and Decentralization Reform

Component 3: Community Security and Social Cohesion.

The Programme, which operates on the basis of a pooled funding arrangement, follows a multi- sectoral programme-based approach and is implemented using an area-based methodology. It is a unifying interventions framework for 12 projects funded by 12 international partners.

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis is significantly challenging people, households, communities, local governments, service providers, businesses, etc. in unprecedented ways and needs to be responded rapidly. While containing the pandemic and protecting people is the top priority, disrupted service provisions, supply chains, containment measures that are limiting economic and social interactions and falling demand put people’s jobs and income-generation opportunities at risk. That is why UN RPP is working closely with multilateral and bilateral partners to address the causes and effects of the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously, in line with UNDP’s Integrated Response for COVID-19.

As a part of the development of new projects in the framework of UN RPP including but not limited to response for COVID-19, UN RPP is seeking an expert on programming and RBM to support the analysis of current data and consolidation of new interventions focusing on Programme’s key components.

2. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The main objective of the assignment is to prepare an analysis of the current urgent needs of vulnerable groups most affected by the conflict and COVID-19 pandemic in the eastern regions of Ukraine, ensuring that proposed interventions are accurately integrated and consolidated as part of the RPP programmatic outlook. The resulting analysis, concepts and proposed interventions will serve as UN RPP programming and resource mobilization tools.

Duties and Responsibilities

3. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direct supervision of Technical Specialist (Recovery and Peacebuilding) the Consultant on Programme Development will draft programme concepts/ proposals/project documents to support UN RPP programme development, in line with UNDP/Donor guidance and templates.

Key responsibilities of the Consultant will include:
Review and analyze the documents provided by UNDP/UN RPP including project documents, reports, publications, results frameworks, budgets, relevant legislation etc.;

Collect and review the detailed information on the current and planned strategies and activities of the identified international actors, that will serve as a reliable reference information for UN RPP to plan its future interventions, collaboration and dialogue with identified international actors;

Based on the available data and information, prepare an assessment of needs, challenges and priorities within UN RPP thematic areas, as well as gaps in provided support which may be potentially addressed by UN RPP;

Develop concept notes/documents defining potential interventions in the framework of UN RPP thematic areas to support programme development in the East, in line with UNDP guidance and templates.

4. DELIVERABLES AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

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Deliverables

Deadline

1

An analysis of the results and recommendations of relevant recent research, surveys and other related knowledge products conducted. The analytical concept will identify the most urgent needs of the vulnerable groups of the population in the conflict-affected regions of Ukraine and will propose solutions, addressing those challenges.

Up to 2 months after the start of the assignment

2

Developed a programmatic document on ways to operationalize new interventions, contributing to capable, inclusive and accountable local governance institutions, addressing conflict risks’ mitigation and peacebuilding needs.

Up to 3 months after the completion of the 1st deliverable

3

Submitted revised and improved the current theory of change and results frameworks, related to the areas of proposed interventions.

Up to 3

months after completion of the 2nd deliverable

5. Proposed Payment Schedule

UN RPP will pay the negotiated amount in 3 tranches as per delivery of the outputs outlined above.

The payments will be paid upon the full completion and acceptance of contractual obligations whereupon the Programme Coordinator signs the certification of acceptance.

30% of total contract amount upon completion of Deliverable 1

50% of total contract amount upon completion of Deliverable 2

20% of total contract amount upon completion of Deliverable 3

6. Monitoring / Reporting Requirements

The Consultant will work under the overall guidance of Technical Specialist (Recovery and Peacebuilding). The Consultant will directly report to the Technical Specialist (Recovery and Peacebuilding) on a monthly basis through in-person meetings/by phone or Skype or sending electronic materials.

The Consultant should adhere to the system of monitoring, evaluation and quality control implemented by the UNDP and provide the necessary information, reports and statistics according to the preset schedule or as soon as possible (within a reasonable time).

UN RPP has a right to request brief reports on the progress of the assignment during any stage of implementation.

Competencies

7. Experience and qualifications requirements

Min. Academic Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Economics, International Development, International relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Social Science or other related fields.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

At least 3 years of proven experience in developing and/or managing international development projects, including formulation of programme/project related documentation for multilateral organizations, International Donors, etc., including the design of projects concepts, implementation strategies, elaborating project ideas, planning, coordination and advisory support for delivery of specific results.

Experience with the EU and international commitments/standards in the fields of economic development, environment, sustainable development etc is required.

Required skills

Proven experience of developing at least 2 development support projects/ researches / assessments implemented in CIS countries.

Deep knowledge of the development context in Ukraine will be an asset.

Desired additional skills

At least 2 years of proven previous experience with UNDP, other UN Agency, international organizations, or donors will be an asset.

Required Language(s) (at working level)

Fluent English and Russian languages.

Ability to read and understand Ukrainian will be an asset.

8. Documents to be included when submitting the proposals

Applicants shall submit the following documents:
Professional CV, including information about past experience in similar projects / assignments;

Financial proposal (according to defined deliverables);

References to the documents justifying experience in preparation of knowledge materials/analytical documents/policy recommendations on taxation and reporting for MSMEs (references to at least 2 documents in the open sources);

Reference letters from previous employers and/or customers (at least 2 letters).

9. Financial proposal

Lump sum contract

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount.

The Consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the Consultant wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

Required Skills and Experience

10. Evaluation criteria

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Economics, International Development, International relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Social Science or other related fields – 5 points max (4 pts. – at least Specialist’s/Master’s degree in Law, Economics, International Development, International relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Social Science or other related field; 5 pts. – PhD in one of the relevant areas)

At least 3 years of proven experience in developing and/or managing international development projects, including formulation of programme/project related documentation for multilateral organizations, International Donors, etc., including the design of projects concepts, implementation strategies, elaborating project ideas, planning, coordination and advisory support for delivery of specific results – 10 points max (9 pts. – 2 year of relevant experience; 10 pts. – more than 2 years of relevant experience)

Experience with the EU and international commitments/standards preferably in the fields of economic development, environment, sustainable development etc.- 5 points max (0 pts. – no experience; 5 pts. – proved experience with the EU and international commitments/standards in the fields of economic development, environment, sustainable development etc.)

Proven experience of developing at least 2 development support projects/ researches / assessments implemented in CIS countries. Deep knowledge of development context in Ukraine.- 20 points max

(18 pts. – 2 development support projects/researches/ assessments developed and implemented in CIS countries ; 20 pts. – more than 2 development support projects/researches/ assessments developed and implemented in CIS countries )

Deep knowledge of development context in Ukraine – 5 points max (0 pts. – no knowledge of the required context; 5 pts. – proven knowledge of the development context in Ukraine)

2 years of proven previous experience with UNDP, other UN Agency, international organizations or donors -10 points max ( 9 pts. – 2 years of relevant experience; 10 pts. – more than 2 years of relevant experience with UNDP, international organizations or donors, other UN Agencies)

Proficient English and Russian languages, both written and spoken.– 10 points max (9 pts. – working written and spoken English and Russian; 10 pts. – proficient written and spoken English and Russian).

Ability to read and understand Ukrainian – 5 points max (0 pts. – no knowledge of Ukrainian; 5 pts – capable to read and understand Ukrainian).

Evaluation method:
Evaluation method:
Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• Technical Criteria weight: 70%
• Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.

UNDP documents templates are available at the following link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/297e72t7i3v2969/AADDRyUo2uoNrYjuD8NLmdl0a?dl=0

NB: Please note that online system does not recognise Russian or Ukrainian language, information you provide in on-line application should be in English. You may combine your CV, financial proposal and other necessary information in one PDF file and upload the document.