UNDP Jobs - 51534- Individual Consultant(Municipal Finance Specialist

Individual Consultant(Municipal Finance Specialist),For Indian Nationals Only

Location :

State Reform and Performance Management Cell (State RPMC), Directorate of Urban Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

07-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year (with possibility of extension on availability of funds and extension of the project)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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 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 in the following areas to support the Department to implement the project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

The Specialist may support the State UD department to:

Ensure adherence, provide support to local bodies with regard to the financial planning guidelines of schemes, and ensure that the proper templates are provided to local bodies for planning;
Provide technical support and coordinate the work of cities on Integrated City Investment plans and Financial Operating Plans;
Support Capacity building Specialist to design and implement training and capacity building programme on resource mobilisation to State and ULB staff and elected representatives;
Support Capacity building specialist to prepare specialized training materials/modules, process manuals, procedures, toolkits, guidelines and other related activities for undertaking capacity building programmes on financial management;
Provide technical guidance to State to prepare policy guidance and notes on municipal finance;
Support ULBs to indentify finance options available for financing urban infrastructure and leveraging JNNURM funds;
Review estimates of detailed economic project costs and identify all project economic benefits in the cities;
Conduct an affordability analysis and gather information to prepare a sample financial model for the project for ULBs;
Support in the implementation of accounting and user charges reforms;
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 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:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
Comprehensiveness knowledge of financial planning for Local ULB’s;
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:

Post-graduate degree in finance or equivalent from recognized university.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years experience or Graduate degree in finance or equivalent from recognized university with minimum 7 years experience;
Skills to evaluate urban infrastructure investments, and helping city governments to use a range of options for financing projects;
Experience to advice and train staff in municipal finance, project finance and resource mobilization, public private partnerships etc.

Language:

Fluency of Hindi & English language is required.

Duration of the Work:

The contract will awarded for one year initially. 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