UNDP Jobs - 39025- Consultancy to provide technical assistance to the

Consultancy to provide technical assistance to the project of “Mitigating the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on Jordanian vulnerable host communities” in interviewing a sample of local community leaders, experts, and the general public as well, in

Location :

Amman with frequent visits to Mafraq and Irbid- Jordan, JORDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

18-Aug-2013

Application Deadline :

03-Aug-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

No longer than 50 working days over a period of two months and a half..

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

No longer than 50 working days over a period of two months and a half.

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

The deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Syria has forced hundreds of thousands of Syrians to flee and seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Jordan. This large influx of population is placing a considerable burden on local Jordanian host communities that are already poor and suffer from improper basic social and economic services; such as water, electricity, solid waste management, housing, and employment among others. Crowding effects in the local market, in particular with regard to housing and labour, are widely reported in the Northern governorates. The present crisis comes at difficult time for Jordan. Despite many efforts to engage in economic stabilization and liberalization, the country faces real economic and social challenges. Moreover, some resentment and a growing feeling of unfairness and exclusion are emerging. Consequently, it is important that a direct support will be provided to vulnerable Jordanians in host communities of the Northern governorates of Irbid and Mafraq, to help the Government of Jordan mitigate the impact of the Syrian crisis on their lives. In addition, it is essential that the assistance provided in the context of the current situation will be complementing the governmental development efforts, as is highlighted in the Government of Jordan National Agenda 2006 – 2015, Governorates development plans and related policies and strategies.

In view of the above, a local committee headed by the Governor, comprised of representatives of the Government, NGOs, and the Private Sector, had been formed to supervise the implementation of the project, provide necessary help and support the facilitation of its mission, as well as help to prioritize needs of two governorates.

The UNDP team established Municipal, Social Services and Infrastructure Needs Assessment Questionnaire, in order to specify the needs of the municipalities and host communities in both governorates, Mafraq and Irbid. The questionnaire addressed the main development sectors that were affected negatively due to the influx of Syrian refugees. These include the employment, sanitation, solid waste management, health, education, water, housing, electricity, business and trade, and agricultural sector. The questionnaire was reviewed by local committees of Mafraq and Irbid, who discussed and amended the questionnaire in terms of its content and structure. Furthermore, the questionnaire was approved and sent to the executive councils, headed by the administrative ruler and heads of municipalities within the area of the administrative ruler as well as heads of other social services, in order to respond to their questions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives and tasks of the Assignment:

The main objective of the assignment is to provide technical assistance to the project of “Mitigating the Impact of Syrian Crisis on the Jordanian Host Communities” in organizing and facilitating focus groups discussions with a sample of local community leaders, experts and the grass roots to assess, prioritize and report on the municipal, social services, and infrastructure needs at Mafraq and Irbid governorates.

The National Consultant is expected to complete the below tasks and provide the following outputs:

Provide comments on municipal services and infrastructure needs assessment questionnaire;
Conduct focus group meetings with municipalities and community leaders to assess the municipal services and infrastructure needs (1 day/municipality) for 36 municipalities in Mafraq and Irbid governorates;
Analyze & report responses to the “Municipal and Infrastructure Needs Assessment Questionnaire” from the focus group discussions, as well as conclude its main findings;
Prepare a brief two-page report on each municipality;
Prepare a brief overall assessment report/mohafazat, including databases and maps.

Methodology:

In addition to the focus groups discussions, this assignment will include desk work and review of relevant documents and field visits. Work will be undertaken in close cooperation with Local Development Unit representatives in the two governorates.

Deliverables and Timeliness:

The consultancy duration is two months, starting on the date of signing the contract. This includes 36 focus group meetings; 18 in Mafraq and 18 in Irbid. The following table presents the timeline to complete the deliverables by the National Consultant.

Deliverable

Questionnaire Analysis Report (Reponses and Findings);
36 Focus Group Meeting in Mafraq & Irbid;
Two-page analytical report on each municipality;
Overall Assessment Report/Mohafazat;
Present the above-mentioned report for local committees in both Mafraq & Irbid.

Timeline

10 weeks.

Competencies

Proven ability to collaborate with the government and partners;
Proven ability to analyze questionnaires narratively and statistically;
Proven technical report writing skills;
Proven ability to work as a focus groups facilitator;
Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation and facilitation skills;
Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Social Science, Development studies, or any other related field.

Experience:

The Consultant(s) should possess knowledge and competence in technical and strategic analysis related to food security sector. Availability of both technical and strategic experience is required.
Five years of working experience in the field of Business Administration, Project Management, Focus Group Management, or Training.
Excellent computer and word processing skills.

Language requirements

Proficiency in both English and Arabic languages.