Background

As a contribution to the discussion on the post-2015 UN development agenda, targeting high-level policy makers, the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) will publish an issues paper envisioning how equitable and sustainable human development could be the guiding principle for a global agenda. Guided by the overall objective of human development and its aim of placing people at the center of development and enlarging their freedoms and choices, the paper will analyze how to build equity and sustainability into a post-2015 UN framework for human development. It will further set the stage for the Human Development Report (HDR) 2013.

The HDRs 2010 and 2011 identified sustainability, empowerment and equity as critical to human development, and - along with many other sources - also pointed to widening inequalities between and within some countries. The 2011 report in particular linked inequality and sustainability. Research shows that wide levels of inequalities have negative impacts in various ways, ranging from economic growth to social cohesion, but also that different societies tolerate different degrees of inequality in income and other welfare aspects. In general, the quantifiable concept of inequality is frequently used as a proxy for the normative concepts of equity and social justice, as for example has been done by some HDRs to measure lack of equity.

The two concepts are often used interchangeably, which can be a source of confusion. However, the concept of equity is normative, linked to social justice and fairness, whereas inequality is concerned with an unequal distribution of outcomes. Inequality is not necessarily caused by inequity. But persisting inequity will lead to inequality. Differences in the application of the concepts may be captured in the focus on gender equality (equal outcomes), rather than equity. While not everyone is opposed to some inequalities per se, there is greater consensus that inequity is unjust.

Within this context, and to inform the issues paper, it is useful to step back, reflect and analyze the existing system of international and global goals and the different and shared values within each society as well as global principles. The commissioned paper should explore the question of what the concept of equity means in a human development framework. It will discuss the conceptual background of equity and equality as well as develop recommendations for what equitable human development means in practice and how this vision can be integrated into a post-2015 UN development framework.

The background paper on equity will draw on the Human Development Report 2011 ‘Equity and Sustainability’, which states that inequitable human development can never be sustainable and that the development discourse should focus on inter- as well as intra-generational equity.

Duties and Responsibilities

Against the described background, the consultant will be expected to focus research on the following:
 
The discourse on a post-2015 development framework already widely embraces equity as a critical factor. Yet, while there is a growing awareness that this is important, there is much less common understanding on what the term means, how it might be conceptualized, how equity is promoted, or whether there are critical and variable triggers that promote equity.
Human development represents an approach to social justice. Therefore, human development must be concerned with questions of equity, rather than simply focusing on inequality. Taking a Human Development approach, the paper will look at the links between equality of opportunity, equal access to resources and how an individual can actually translate these into freedom of choice as well as the freedom to achieve what one aspires and values (ensuring availability and accessibility but also acceptability).
 
The background paper will contribute by tackling the following:
  • Reviewing the concepts of equity and equality:
The paper will lay out the arguments as to why reducing inequality and promoting equity are important from a social justice/fairness standpoint, as well as to how in economic, social and political environments they can interact with the advancement of human development. It will analyze linkages between inequity/inequality (among individuals and groups) and other dimensions of progress – namely growth, education, health, physical safety - and the implications for social cohesion and human development.
 
It will discuss conceptual issues related to equity and equality and examine which types of inequalities might be considered equitable and which might not. Finally, it will analyze what these conceptual relations mean in practice and how policies can promote equity.
  
Levels of inequity are often measured through the proxy of inequality. There are at least three broad lenses through which to view inequity and inequality and each should be considered: 
  •  Inequality within a country at a point in time:

The paper will be informed by analyses of income inequalities (as outcomes of inequitable processes) but will look further into different factors that are sources of inequity within countries, such as types of growth and development models, unequal opportunities, unfair treatment, discrimination or other barriers. It will point to additional types of inequalities, e.g. varying access to resources, basic services and goods, or employment opportunities, which can impact on social mobility. The paper will consider these as they relate to the concepts of social justice, inclusion, human rights, empowerment. 

  •  Inequality between countries – the paper will analyze the key drivers of inequalities between countries.

 

  •  Inequity between generations:
In the context of a future UN development framework, and broad notions of sustainability, intergenerational inequities play a significant role. As addressed in the HDR 2011, in any discussion on equity today, which addresses the expansion of substantive freedoms, the consideration of freedoms for future generations needs to be central.
  • Operationalizing equitable human development: 

Finally, the background paper will tackle the challenge of operationalizing the concepts of equity and equality in a human development framework and consider how they might form a part of the post 2015 development framework. After analyzing the conceptual background and providing a vision for equitable human development, the paper is expected to discuss the policy implications of promoting equitable human development. It will present the values, standards and conditions that policies or goals will need to adhere to in order to promote and achieve it.

Furthermore, it will analyze what is currently measured, what we should measure and why, as well as the scope for including specific goals on reducing inequity and inequality in a post 2015 development framework. The paper will analyze different measures of equity and equality, discussing the pros and cons of various approaches as well as the possible support they might receive. In particular, it will outline which measures of inequalities are good and useful proxies for inequity, if goals were to be set towards reducing inequity.
 
Responsibilities and deliverables
Responsibilities
Deliverables
Research and analysis on equitable human development as outlined in the text above.
 
Review of the literature on equity and equality, related to inter and intra-generational equity/equality.
A paper of at least 35 pages in length delivered to HDRO in electronic format.
 
The paper will be sufficient in quality in terms of content and written English.
 
A first draft of the paper is expected to be handed in by beginning of June (1st).
Be guided by the proposed research detailed in the text above and provide additional research on relevant topics for the paper. Keep abreast of new developments in this area.
Participate in meetings with HDRO: discuss literature reviews, findings and updates.
 
Duty station and expected places of travel:
The work being contracted under these Terms of Reference is expected to be developed and finalized at the current home-work base of the author(s).
 
Payment:
Payment shall be made in installments upon satisfactory completion of deliverables as detailed in table above.

Competencies

  • Familiarity with the human development approach
  • Expertise in the concepts of equity and equality
  • Excellent qualitative and quantitative analysis and research skills
  • Strong writing skills and strong quantitative ability
  • Fluency in English (written and verbal). Knowledge of French and Spanish is an advantage

Required Skills and Experience

  • Master’s degree in Economics, Development Economics, Social Sciences or Public Policy. PhD desirable.
  • Minimum 10 years of full-time, progressively responsible experience in policy research and analysis.
  • Demonstrated excellence in research, preparing papers, briefs and other documents for a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply human development relevant analysis through publications, master’s or PhD level course work and independent research.
Application Documents/Submission*
Interested candidates must include the following documents in their application:
Curriculum Vitae
Two references including name, email and telephone contacts

*Please note that you can only upload one document (your CV) during the online application process. Applicants are therefore advised to include the two references and contacts in the CV prior to submission.

Evaluation
A two-step procedure will be utilized in evaluating the candidate’s suitability for the assignment based on the assigned criteria weights. The total score is the weighted sum of both the technical and financial scores. The candidate with highest total score will be recommended for the award of contract. The maximum total score is 100 points.
 
Step 1:  Technical assessment (Weight 70%): Appraisal of the candidate’s CV. The minimum score required to pass the technical assessment is 70%. Aspects of the technical evaluation will include but are not limited to the following:
Experience and expertise relevant to the assignment - experience in policy research and analysis
Step 2:   Financial evaluation (Weight 30%): The lowest financial offer will receive the assigned maximum financial points.  Only those candidates that pass the technical assessment will be contacted to submit their financial offers. 
 
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.