Background

Most of the assignment must be carried out in Kosovo (UNSCR 1244), a ratio of 70% in Kosovo and 30% home based is acceptable.

Description of the assignment:

Implementation of a comprehensive assessment how to prevent violent extremism. Kosovo has since late 2014 undertaken efforts to device a strategic approach to tackle extremism in all its forms and this assessment will shape the understanding about the preventive measures needed and feed into the planned strategy to be implemented in Kosovo in regard to the prevention of violent extremism.

Project name:

Comprehensive assessment to counter violent radicalization in Kosovo.

Period of assignment/services (if applicable):

10 weeks, at least 70% of the assignment must be based in Kosovo.

Radicalization has rapidly emerged and evolved as both a localized and a global phenomenon.  It overcomes territorial borders with ease while the demographics that propagate radical beliefs and radical actions are highly diverse.  The effects of radicalization, notably violent extremism, have been witnessed across all regions, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, and more recently with increased radicalization in Europe and North America as well as other regions, in the form of foreign fighters.  This spread of radicalization has persistently materialized as a threat to peace and stability globally, undermining the development of countries and regions.

Within this broader context of radicalization and extremism globally and the complexity of the growing threat of radicalization in Kosovo, and on direct request by central institutions, UNDP provided strategic guidance which serves to provide a conceptual and practical basis upon which to further develop a comprehensive assessment of radicalization and extremism in Kosovo, to assess and understand the driving factors and consequences of radicalization, and finally to develop a strategy and subsequent action plan to multilaterally address radicalization through a preventive approach.  In line with global frameworks and initial indications for the framing of the strategy, broad priority areas of focus for the establishment of a development-based approach to address radicalization and extremism include (i) prevention, (ii) de-radicalization, and (iii) reintegration.  These areas, levels of emphasis, and specific modalities will be further defined and validated on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of radicalization in Kosovo, and during the drafting of a strategy framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note that:

• UNDP will provide two local staff as research assistant to assist the assessment. The two assistants will be able to speak both Albanian and Serbian language.
• The IC sought in this procurement notice will also function as the team leader.

The basis of developing a strategic framework for addressing the present and emerging challenges associated with radicalization should be rooted in a detailed assessment that provides indications as to areas of focus and the required, corresponding measures.  The assessment shall guide strategic prioritization and further inform the implementation of the strategic plan.  Accordingly, the assessment shall include the following components:

• Identification of drivers (key challenges) and entry points (include key stakeholders) to prioritize areas of engagement and mitigating approaches
• Extensive as well as inclusive and participatory consultation with stakeholders across sectors, demographic groups, and at the local, national and regional levels
• Geographically-specific assessment that identifies hot-spots of radicalization and association with drivers of radicalization, capture diversity of challenges, prioritize, develop targeted solutions

The assessment consultations, the presentation of the exercise, and areas of investigations should be framed by a preventive approach that seeks to address underlying causes and manifestations, and should be considered an extension of the development of the strategy to address radicalization.  Engagement and coordination with central institution, communities and other stakeholders in the analysis from the outset, where possible, ensures and more inclusive assessment processes and buy-in to adopt analysis recommendations and their informing the development of the strategy.

The structure and processes of a comprehensive analysis will be designed, developed and presented by assessment team undertaking the analysis under supervision of the assessment Team Leader.  The components and timing of the analysis can vary, dependent on analysis objectives, depth and comprehensiveness of analysis, and geospatial granularity, among others.  Additional considerations include time and resource constraints.

Accordingly, the analysis process should be developed and agreed upon by parties involved, with advisory support from the analysis team.  The suggested assessment timeline of 10 weeks, presented below, is indicative.

The task consists of:

• Define analysis parameters;
• Define process cycle;
• Define methodology;
• Provide one day training on definitions and concepts necessary for CVE strategy;
• Provide preliminary analysis;
• Draft final report; and
• Provide Recommendations.

Deliverables/ Outputs

• Report definition of analysis parameters, and agreement on process. Results presented in a written document.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

• One (1) week.

Target Due Dates:

• End of week 1.

Review and Approvals Required

• UNDP Project Manager.

Deliverables/ Outputs

• Report Development of methodology. Results presented in a written document.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

One (1) week.

Target Due Dates:

• End of week 2

Review and Approvals Required

• UNDP Project Manager.

Deliverables/ Outputs

• First draft overview analysis stakeholders. Results presented in a written document.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

• Four (4) weeks.

Target Due Dates:

• End of week 6.

Review and Approvals Required

• UNDP Project Manager.

Deliverables/ Outputs

• Preliminary analysis findings and recommendations. Results presented in a written document.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

• Two (2) weeks.

Target Due Dates:

• End of week 8.

Review and Approvals Required

• UNDP Project Manager.

Deliverables/ Outputs

• Final analysis report and presentation to working group. Results presented in a written document.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

• One (1) week.

Target Due Dates:

• End of week 9.

Review and Approvals Required

• UNDP Project Manager.

Deliverables/ Outputs

• Delivery of a report consisting of broad recommendations for the drafting of the strategy and action-plan (Recommendation Report);
• Presentation of the report to working group

Estimated Duration to Complete:

• One (1) week.

Target Due Dates:

• End of week 10.

Review and Approvals Required

• UNDP Project Manager.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Proposal - Description of Approach to Assignment:

• Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work;
• Provide a brief methodology on how they will approach and conduct the work (if applicable).

Financial proposal

Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least three (3) references

Financial Proposal

• Lump sum contracts

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

Travel:

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station travel.  In general, UNDP will not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.
In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses shall be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

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:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• 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 70 point would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Criteria – Weight- Maximum points

Technical – 70%

• Academic background: 10 points;
• Years of experience: 20 points;
• Similar projects: 20 points;
• Methodology proposed: 30 points;
• Interview results: 20 points.

Financial 

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button;
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation; You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume;
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment). Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the address or e-mail indicated above. UNDP Kosovo will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Individuals currently engaged by an institution or firm may bid, provided their employer agrees to enter into a reimbursable loan agreement with UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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;
• Actively promotes gender equality in all project activities;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism..

Functional competencies:

• Ability to write reports, prepare and deliver presentations;
• Ability to analyze data, apply conceptual models and understand policy frameworks;
• Analytical and strategic thinking. Results orientated;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
• Excellent and team-building skills.
• Conflict resolution skills;.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, as well as constructive, attitude;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Responds positively to critical feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

• Minimum a Master’s degree in international studies, or security studies or relevant field.

Years of experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience in an international setting conducting complex assessments.
• Proven experience in planning and implementing assessments as well as research skills.
• Previous experience in a similar assignment is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge about Political Islam, Salafi – jihadist ideology and violent extremism desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Proficient in English.