Background

UNDP is the global development network of the United Nations, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges and assisting them to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
UNDP conceives of development as a process of enlarging people’s choices to realize their potential and enjoy the freedom to lead lives they value. Migration, both within and beyond borders, can expand people’s choices and have a positive impact on human development, through such avenues as increased household income and improved access to education and health services. There is further evidence that migration can empower traditionally disadvantaged groups, in particular women. At the same time, where migration happens under conditions of insecurity and is poorly governed, it can lead to negative human development outcomes. And, those who would potentially have the most to gain from migration – the poor and unskilled – also face the greatest obstacles when it comes to accessing opportunities for regular and safe migration. 
National and local policies play a critical role in enabling better human development outcomes for both those who choose to move in order to improve their circumstances, and those forced to relocate due to conflict, environmental degradation, or other reasons. Increasingly, countries are adopting policies designed to maintain ties with migrants and communities abroad and to harness the benefits of migration for local and national development. Indeed, many migrants, and those who have permanently settled abroad, remain connected to their country of origin and contribute to economic activity through transfers of money and ideas; demand for home country goods; diaspora tourism; and investments in productive activities.
Through the global TOKTEN (Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals) programme, administered by UNV, as well as country-specific programmes, UNDP has helped a number of countries tap into diaspora expertise and build partnerships with diaspora communities and networks with a view to supporting capacity development, post-conflict reconstruction and other development priorities. Through the EC-UN Joint Migration and Development Initiative, UNDP and partners supported small scale, transnational diaspora and civil society projects in 16 countries. UNDP’s global pilot project on ‘Mainstreaming Migration into National Development Strategies’, implemented jointly with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other members of the Global Migration Group (GMG), helps governments to better integrate migration and diaspora policies with their development priorities and planning.
As part of these diverse engagements in the migration and development field UNDP, in collaboration with partners, is seeking to commission a report on diaspora investments. The aim of the report is to track and quantify the contribution of diaspora investments to key economic and social outcomes in selected countries. The report will serve as an input to the various international forums, as well as feeding into the discussions on migration and the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda.

OBJECTIVE
 
The overall objective of this consultancy is to produce a report on the economic and social impacts of diaspora investment in selected countries. To achieve this objective, the Consultant will provide research, data collection and analysis, and writing support to the Migration and Development Expert and Economic Governance Advisor during the finalization of the case studies.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will conduct research on the trends and extent of diaspora investments in their home countries and help identify target countries for which country data will be collected. The Consultant will review the country data collected with an aim to: produce an analytical narrative that synthesizes the country findings; produce on that basis a draft report on the size of diaspora investments and the impact of these investments as measured through key economic and social indicators in the target countries. Whenever required, the Consultant will carry out additional background research to finalize the report. This work will be closely coordinated with various UNDP units at the global, regional and country level. The Consultant will also be required to liaise with external agencies and institutions that work on migration and diaspora issues. After incorporating internal feedback, the Consultant will coordinate a peer review of the case studies and incorporate comments from the reviewers. Finally, s/he will coordinate the report editing and desktop publishing.
 
The product of the consultancy will be the final version of the report ready to be uploaded on the UNDP website and disseminated in other fora.
 
Specific Deliverables
  • Identification of target countries, data collection methodology, and contracting of researchers;
  • Review, analysis and narrative synthesis of country data;
  • Draft report;
  • Incorporation of comments from supervisors and peer reviewers;
  • Edited study ready to be published on UNDP website and further disseminated.
Travel
Where the consultant is expected to travel to perform tasks identified in these TOR, travel-related expenses will be reimbursed by UNDP, based on the current practice and UNDP rates.
 
Payment
The payment shall be made in five installments, after the satisfactory completion of the above-outlined deliverables.
 
Reporting
The consultant will report to the Economic Governance Advisor and the Migration and Development Expert, liaising with UNDP country and regional offices on a regular basis.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:
  • Proven record of research and analytical skills in the area of migration and development, diaspora studies, private sector development;
  • Research and quantitative skills (data analysis and use of statistical software);
  • Superb attention to detail;
  • Strong communications and inter-personal skills;
  • Ability to work in a diverse team, but also independently and under deadlines.

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment

 

 EVALUATION METHOD

 Cumulative Analysis - The financial will account for 30% and technical will account for 70% of the total evaluation score.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • University degree in development, economics, social sciences, political science or other closely related field – 15%

Experience:

  • 5 years of work experience conducting policy relevant research in international development; - 15%
  • Understanding of and interest in diaspora investment and/or private sector development in developing regions – 10%
  • Outstanding research, data analysis, and writing skills – 15%
  • Familiarity with the UN system and development agenda. – 5%

Language Requirements:

  • Excellent command of English and French (oral and written) – 10%

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.