UNDP Jobs

Following 10 years of internal armed conflict, in November 2006 the seven political parties and the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists reached the “Comprehensive Peace Agreement”.  An Interim Constitution replaced the 1990 Constitution and was formally approved by the Parliament in January 2007. An Interim Government was formed in March 2007 and Constituent Assembly elections were held in April 2008 that as a first step proclaimed the country as a Federal Republic and will draft a new constitution and establish the framework for the first post-conflict general elections and, possibly, for local government elections.

The Interim Constitution contains provisions (Part 14) for the establishment of the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) and the Constituency Assembly Court, as well as provisions for the formation of the Constituent Assembly. The Election Commission - as the body legally entrusted by the Interim Constitution of Nepal with the mandate of preparing, administering and supervising the CA election - is generally perceived as an independent body and most electoral stakeholders recognise its integrity and competence.

In addition to having the crucial responsibility to organise and deliver a credible CA election, the ECN is also mandated by the Interim Constitution to organise the various elections at different levels that will follow once the current transitional phase in the Nepal’s peace and democratisation process has been completed. The latest deadline for promulgation of the new constitution is May 2012 and with possible elections to follow as early as the fall of 2012. 

In preparation for these elections, ECN has undertaken an extensive reform agenda since 2008 to strengthen the electoral environment in Nepal. These reform measures include, among others, legislative reforms, establishment of an information and education center and the introduction of biometric voter registration. To further strengthen election management in Nepal, the ECN is currently exploring the use of electronic voting machines nationally which it hopes would enhance transparency and efficiency of the voting process.   

Project Description

The Electoral Support Project (ESP) is a technical assistance initiative, commencing upon the completion of the CA elections in 2008 and covering support to the upcoming set of elections after the promulgation of the new constitution.   Without the immediate political and operational pressure for the ECN to deliver a specific electoral event and following the ‘electoral cycle approach’, the support provided by the Project in the inter-elections period (2008-2011) has had a strong emphasis on building a sustainable and enduring institutional and professional capacity within the ECN that could be easily and effectively re-employed in future elections.  Through the provision of on-site technical advisory service and specialised electoral support, the primary objective of the Electoral Support Project is to significantly strengthen the professional capacities and institutional organisation of the ECN, particularly in view of its next major challenge, which is the preparation of the first legislative and, possibly, local elections to be conducted once the new Constitution of Nepal will be finalized and ratified in 2012.

As part of this support, the project is assisting ECN to study the use of new technologies in voting and vote counting, and determine the best practices in use of electronic voting machines in Nepal. 

Purpose of the Study

ECN has recognized that technology is one of the tools that can be used to assist in efficient and accurate implementation of elections. Technology provides reliable and fast communication mechanisms, registration of voters, tabulation and publishing of results; technology can, for example, help reduce logistical arrangements needed for the complex operation that is elections, it can speed up the process of voting and vote counting and allow for last minute changes to ballots.

Similarly, the ECN expects the introduction of electronic voting machines to improve the way elections are conducted, speeding up the process and introducing transparency.  Using Indian made EVMs, ECN piloted the use of these technologies in 2008 in one constituency election in Kathmandu and thereafter in by-elections six constituencies across the country in the hill and Tarai.  The experience of ECN in the use of these machines has been positive thus far and it has garnered growing support from society. Support in the use of EVMs has been expressed by political parties, civil society, media and the administration as well.

Building on this experience and the growing interest from the public, ECN is seeking to expand the use of EVMs nationally. It is within this context that ESP is supporting ECN to undertake a study to identify global and regional best practices in the use of EVMs. The study is expected to serve ECN, political parties, civil society, GON and the international community. 

Through the study the project seeks to equip ECN with the necessary information to make an informed decision on the introduction of electronic voting machines. The International Expert is expected to study and document best practices in use of electronic voting machines in the regional and globally, with the following specific objectives:

• Identify risks  and challenges with use of EVMs and mitigating strategies;
• Assess the comparative costs of different machines;
• Identify funding options available to ECN;
• Identify legal measures that need to be in place prior to the introduction of EVMs; 
• Assess issues of capacity and sustainability;
• Analysis of stakeholder acceptance of the new technology; and
• Adherence to international standards and principles of credible, transparent and professional elections.

Methodology:

As part of the study, the team is expected to conduct desk review and consultations with key electoral stakeholders. The team is expected to apply the following approaches:

• Desk review of relevant documents including ECN’s pilot of EVMs in 2010;
• Briefing and debriefing sessions with ECN, ESP and the ESP Project Board;
• Interviews with the election commission, political parties, civil society organizations, media, relevant ministries and the international community;
• Field visits as deemed appropriate;
• Discussions with vendors on available technologies and estimate costs.

UNDP-ESP will assist in connecting the study team with the ECN officials, CSOs, political parties and other key electoral stakeholders including development partners.  In addition, ESP will assist in developing a detailed agenda, organize meetings and facilitate field visits as necessary. 

Key background material will be sent in advance and will be reviewed by the team prior to the commencement of the field work.  The study team will be briefed by ECN and ESP upon arrival on the objectives, purpose and output of the study. An oral debriefing in-country by the study team on the proposed workplan and methodology will be done and approved prior to the commencement of analysis. The team will undertake their study based on review of existing technologies, country studies, interviews undertaken, discussions and consultations with all relevant stakeholders and review of ECN capacity to introduce and sustain new technologies. As a minimum indication, the team should consult with the election commission, political parties, CSOs, media, youth groups, development partners, and other key government stakeholders including ministry of finance.

ECN and ESP will provide guidance in identifying, contacting and arranging for discussions, meetings with the stakeholders. 

The ECN and ESP will also facilitate the organizing of a workshop during which the team presents its findings and recommendations and holds a discussion with key stakeholders on best practices in introducing new technologies in election management. 

Timing and Duration

The study will take place over a period of 21working days. The tentative schedule follows:

 Planned Activities      Tentative Days

 Desk review and preparation of workplan (home based)   2 days
 Briefing by ECN and ESP 1 day
 Finalizing design, methods & inception report     3 days
 Stakeholder meetings and interviews     4 days
 Field visits to local election and administration offices  3 days
 Preparation of draft report, presentation of draft findings   3 days
 Preparation for and conduct stakeholder workshop to present findings 2 days
 Finalize and submit report (Home Based)      3 days
 Total         21 days

Deliverables:

The International Expert will serve as a team leader and under the direct supervision of Project Manager and in close coordination with ECN, he/she will be expected to deliver the following:

• Start of mission briefing on proposed methodology, design and work plan;
• A draft study report within 10 working days of start date;
• A final comprehensive report within 21 working days of start date of sufficient detail and quality, taking on board comments and with annexes as required;
• A presentation to ECN on findings and recommendations; and
• A workshop with key electoral stakeholders to share findings and recommendations
  

Quality Assurance:

• The Project Manager will be primarily responsible for monitoring consultant’s progress on a regular basis as he/she will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager;
• Review reports submitted by the consultant to ensure timely and quality outputs ( deliveries) before making payments;
• Evaluate the overall performance of the consultant towards the end of the contract or during contract extension, following UNDP’s standard evaluation form: “UNDP PERFORMACE EVALUATION FORM FOR INDIVIDUALS HIRED UNDER IC.’

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of election technologies, particularly Electronic Voting Machines;
• Sound knowledge of results based management;
• Demonstrated strong understanding of international electoral standards and principles required.

Education:

• Advanced university degree in relevant field. Bachelor's degree and additional years of experience, or a recognized relevant qualification and/or additional years of experience will be accepted in lieu of advanced degree.

Experience:

• At least 10 years experience in elections management at senior level;
• Extensive experience with use of EVMs;
• Prior experience conducting feasibility studies on introduction of new technologies in election management.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English;
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.

Application and required documentation:

a. Proposal:

Mandatory (max. 300 words): A cover letter with a brief presentation of your consultancy explaining why you are the most suitable for the work;

Mandatory (max. 1000 words): A brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work

b. Financial proposal:

Indicating a lumpsum consultancy fee (most economic and direct air ticket cost will be reimbursed as per actual)

c. UNDP Personal History form:
Downloadable from http://www.undp.org.np/vacancy including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.

Note:

a. Applicants of 62 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy
b. The candidate has to be an independent consultant (If the candidate is engaged with any organization, the organization employing the candidate will be issued with a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) to release the employee for the consultancy with UNDP).
c. Due to sheer number of applicants, the procurement unit will contact only competitively selected consultant.

Evaluation:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

 Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) Having received the 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 of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Criteria Weight Technical:

•       Criterion A: At least 10 years experience in elections management at senior level  (15%)
•       Criterion B: Extensive experience with use of EVMs  (20%)
•       Criterion C: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of election technologies, particularly Electronic Voting       Machines (15%)
•       Criterion D: Prior experience conducting feasibility studies on introduction of new technologies in election management (20%)

Financial:

Lowest financial proposal 30%

Contract will be awarded to the technically qualified consultant who obtains the highest combined score (financial and technical). The points for the Financial Proposal will be allocated as per the following formula:

(Lowest Bid Offered*)/(Bid of the Consultant) X 30

* “Lowest Bid Offered” refers to the lowest price offered by Offerors scoring at least 70% points in technical evaluation.