Background

The approved GOI-UNDP Country Programme Action Plan (2014-2017) envisages that as a contribution to the programme, appointment of dedicated human resources can be made for the implementation of nationally implemented projects. It also envisages provision of demand based development support services to support administrative efficiency and to develop capacity of the government agencies.

 The Urban Development Department, State Government of Himachal Pradesh, responsible to implement the Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme under the JNNURM a centrally sponsored scheme of Government of India has identified the need to fast track the hiring the qualified professionals/ experts at various levels in different domain areas. This is to enhance capacities of urban local bodies and the respective Mission Directorates and/or Implementation Units to initiate the activities under the scheme. Accordingly, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has requested UNDP India to provide demand-based human resource to facilitate implementation of activities outlined under the scheme. In this context, UNDP is looking for professionals to support the Department to implement the project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

The Specialist may support the State UD department to:

  • Develop guidelines and support in the procurement of services  as per GFR/concerned state government procurement procedures for Capacity Building (CB) as well as other related activities;
  • Develop RFP and procure services of agencies/institutions for the implementation of CB and related activities;
  • Assist the Urban Local Bodies(ULBs) in developing unified procurement practices for CB as well as other related activities;
  • Any other related activities as decided by the State Steering Committee and the Secretary, UD department.

Institutional Arrangement:

  • Contracted consultant will submit the monthly progress report duly certified by reporting officer;
  • Contract will be administered by UNDP on behalf of the Urban Development Department, State Government of Himachal Pradesh. UD Department will be responsible to implement the Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme under the JNNURM Scheme;
  • All the  logistic support  related to official travel will be borne by the UD Department ,Government of Himachal Pradesh as per their prevailing rules;
  • Consultant will be entitled for leaves of 2 days per month (non-encashable).

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

  • Comprehensiveness knowledge of operating procedures for procurement, contract management;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
  • Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
  • Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
  • Positive, constructive attitude to work.

Core Competencies:

  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters / Bachelor degree in Engineering with experience in procurement, project preparation and management.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 yrs. experience for Masters and at least 7 years’ experience for Bachelors  in managing procurement on large and complex infrastructure projects, preferably urban infrastructure in a large infrastructure corporation;
  • Skills to assist ULBs in ensuring that standard documentation and detailed operating procedures for procurement, contract management etc. are in place;
  • Specifically: detailing specifications, compiling terms of reference, packaging bidding material, defining evaluation criteria, preparing standard forms of contract, designing payment certificates;
  • Ability and experience to advice  State Level Nodal Agencies (SLNA)/ULBs on any contract under dispute with action plan and timetable for resolution.

Language:

  • Fluency of Hindi & English language is required.

Duration of the Work:

  •  The contract will awarded for one year initally. Working days will be as per the State Government Policy.

Duty Station:

  • State Reform and Performance Management Cell (State RPMC), Directorate of Urban Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla;
  • The Consultant is required to report regularly to the office as per the State Government policy;
  • Relocation expenses, if any would be borne by the successful Consultant.

Schedule of Payments:

  • Consolidated Annual Consultancy Fee (Remuneration) of Rs. 6,12,000/- payable in equal monthly instalments, upon submission of monthly progress report certified by the reporting officer;
  • In the event of travel, payment of official travel costs including tickets and  lodging will be covered by the Department of Urban Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh and paid as per the prevailing rules of the state Government.

Documentation Required:

  • Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

Shortlisted candidates shall be called for an interview, shortlisting would be done based on the following criteria :

  • Educational Qualification - 30%;
  • Relevant Experience - 50%;
  • Suitability for the assignment - 20%.

Interviews will be conducted in Delhi and will be based around the competencies (skills) required as per the ToR . The contract shall be awarded on the merit basis. interviews would be conducted either telephonically / over skype. If face to face interviews are conducted, travel costs will be borne by the shortlisted Consultants.

For any clarification regarding this assignment please write to ic.india@undp.org