UNDP Jobs - 57865- International/National Consultant for Mainstreamin

International/National Consultant for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Cantonal Development Plans (3 positions)

Location :

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

23-Jul-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

30 working days per consultant (15 Aug - 15 Nov 2015)

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 consultancy is planned within the 2nd phase of the Municipal Training System (MTS II) Project, which is aimed at contributing to professional and competent BiH local governments, able to effectively manage development processes and deliver quality services to their citizens. The MTS project is an integral pillar of the UNDP Local Governance Programme, which aims to contribute to improvement of governance, focusing on advancing local government know-how so as to better position local authorities to tackle and overcome development challenges, whilst improving citizens services. The MTS II is a UNDP-managed project, funded primarily by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented in partnership with the BiH Ministry of Justice, the FBiH Ministry of Justice, the RS Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government, the entity Civil Service Agencies and both Associations of Municipalities and Cities.

The consultancy will be conducted in close coordination with the Integrated Local Development Project (ILDP). The ILDP aims to support the further consolidation of the strategic planning system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by enhancing its vertical integration within the higher government strategic and financial planning frameworks and supporting a critical mass of governments to apply a harmonized approach to strategic planning and effectively manage development processes in partnership with their communities. Planned activities are designed around two inter-connected components, as follows: i) support to vertical integration of the local strategic planning system into the strategic planning frameworks of higher government levels; ii) support to integrated and participatory strategic planning and management and strengthening of development partnerships. The ILDP is a joint initiative of the Swiss Government and UNDP, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the FBiH Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government of Republika Srpska and both Associations of Municipalities and Cities.

Strategic planning within cantons subject to support under this consultancy
The cantonal level in the FBiH is an intermediate government level with considerable competencies for overall socio-economic development. In 2013, the ILDP initiated the participatory creation of a standardized development planning approach (methodology) to be applied by cantons. As a result of this process, in late 2013, a unified planning methodology was agreed upon by a policy working group comprising representatives of all cantons, local governments and FBiH entity institutions. The unified planning methodology defines the guiding principles of the planning process, the general structure of cantonal strategies, the planning process and planning bodies, including minimum consultation requirements and engagement of constituent local governments and socio-economic partners within the canton. The standardized methodology has been successfully piloted in Western-Herzegovina and Una-Sana cantons, and is currently used by additional 7 cantons in the process of preparation/revision of the cantonal development strategies for 2016-2020 period, based on the aforementioned cantonal planning methodology and with support by the ILDP. Currently, strategic platform documents (containing socio-economic analysis, SWOT analysis, focuses, visioning, and strategic goals) are being finalized and cantons are initiating programming processes. It is expected that the draft overall strategic documents will be finalized by September 2015.
Considering these on-going planning efforts at cantonal level in FBiH, this consultancy is aimed to offer limited technical assistance to cantonal authorities to enable them to mainstream DRR and CCA matters in their strategies and operational planning frameworks.

The main objective of the consultancy will be to provide technical support for mainstreaming DRR and CCA into integrated development strategies of Sarajevo, Zenica-Doboj, Central Bosnia, Posavina, Tuzla, Bosnia—Podrinje Cantons and Canton 10. This will entail analytical and expert inputs in the relevant process steps, including situation analysis, definition of relevant integrated measures/programmes to tackle DRR and CCA for socio-economic development.
For this consultancy assignment three (3) consultants will be selected. The consultancy will be conducted in a way that one consultant will be engaged for the process in one cluster (containing two or three cantons). Cantons are grouped in the following 3 clusters:
Cluster 1: Tuzla and Posavina cantons;
Cluster 2: Sarajevo and Zenica-Doboj cantons;
Cluster 3: Central Bosnia, Canton 10 Livno and Bosnia-Podrinje Gorazde cantons.

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis. The award of the contract will 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 (70%) and financial (30%) criteria specific to the solicitation.

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

Completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (downloadable from http://www.ba.undp.org/content/bosnia_and_herzegovina/en/home/operations/jobs.html) detailing past experience in similar projects and actual contact details (e-mail addresses) of three referees that are reachable and willing to provide at short notice their view on applicant;
Financial proposal indicating lump sum fee for the assignment. The lump fee should contain travel and accommodation costs based on the number of days required in country.

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 62 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.

Duties and Responsibilities

In order to contribute to the successful design of integrated development strategies at cantonal level, the Consultant will provide the targeted cantonal governments planning teams/coordinators with inputs to, and quality control of mainstreaming the aspect of DRR and CCA into the relevant cantonal strategies, as well as establishing functional vertical linkage between the cantonal and local level policies and action plans on the subject matter.
Moreover, the Consultant will provide specific recommendations to relevant cantonal counterparts so as to ensure that the aspects of DRR and CCA is logically embedded within the situation review and provides grounds for follow-up specific measures to address identified challenges or reinforce existing potentials. The Consultant is expected to follow the standard outlook and structure within each cantonal strategy, as enshrined in the Methodology for Cantonal Development Planning (to be provided by the project team).
As a result of this assignment, the aspects of DRR and CCA from the viewpoint of development will be embedded within 7 cantonal development strategies, including specific programmes/measures to address this aspect by coordinating initiatives on cantonal and local levels, wherever possible. The Consultant will be ultimately responsible for the final quality (written) inputs embedded within the cantonal strategies and shared with the project team, as well as with the cantonal government planning teams.
The consultant will coordinate its activities with the cantonal government planning teams and already active ILDP consultants that provide technical support in the strategic planning process.
More specifically, the consultancy will comprise the following main tasks:
Task 1: Conduct desk review of relevant materials and development of work-plan outlining the methodological approach and timeline of the process
Under this task, the Consultant will:

Review and get acquainted with all relevant materials (to be provided by the project team), including the Methodology for Cantonal Development Planning, DRR and CCA mainstreaming guide to be provided by UNDP, existing relevant strategies as well as draft comprehensive strategic platforms and the broader development objectives for the targeted cantons;
Collect, review and get acquainted with existing relevant materials developed by targeted cantons and their relevant institutions, including but not limiting to relevant legal framework, legally obligatory cantonal plans and programmes (Assessment of threats of natural and other disasters, protection and Rescue Plan against natural and other disasters, Program of Development of Protection and Rescue System against natural and other disasters, Assessment of the fire risk as an integral part of the Assessment of threats of natural and other disasters, Fire Protection Plan of the Cantons, where exist), etc.;
Have meetings with and obtain inputs and necessary information from the project team and lead institutional partners in targeted cantons (strategic planning coordinators and cantonal civil protection representatives).
Based on the aforementioned inputs, objectively review the quality and operational mechanisms of relevant DRR documents in each target canton and provide specific and succinct recommendation for their improvement, if required.
Identify major risk in each cantons in terms of DRR and CCA to be reflected in the cantonal strategies.

It is envisaged that this task will be finalised by end-August 2015. The level of effort will not exceed 10 expert/days.

Task 2: Provide analytical and expert inputs and recommendations towards embedding DRR and CCA aspects into draft cantonal strategic platforms of targeted cantons
Under this Task, the Consultant will assist with tailored embedding of prioritized DRR and CCA issues within draft strategic platforms of targeted cantons.
Based on thorough review of cantonal strategic platforms and available data, the Consultant will provide concrete inputs on improving the draft analysis with regard to the aspects of DRR and CCA, by reinforcing, as needed, DRR and CCA matters into the socio-economic situation analysis, including a snapshot of the current legal framework, institutional set up within the targeted cantons, the situation with regard to potential risks and hazards, as well as a summary of key challenges and priorities in this area.
The Consultant will particularly underscore and elaborate the aspects and priorities related to vertically harmonising the mainstreaming of concepts of DRR and CCA from cantonal to local level.
The task may require additional meetings with the relevant cantonal stakeholders.
It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by mid-September, 2015 and the level of effort will not exceed 8 expert/days.

Task 3: Provide analytical and expert inputs and recommendations towards embedding the DRR and CCA aspects into draft programmatic parts of cantonal strategies
Under this Task, the Consultant will have several responsibilities, ultimately to result in tailored embedding of DRR and CCA related interventions within draft programmatic parts of cantonal strategies:

Based on the key findings, the Consultant is then to review and provide inputs into the programmatic part of cantonal strategies comprising a set of measures by defining relevant DRR and CCA-related measures/programmes, so as to enable placing this aspects in development function (both in terms of problem-solving, as well as reinforcing potentials), and achieving concrete effects for canton or specific localities therein. In this step, the Consultant should consider the broader socio-economic context described within the draft analysis and provide tailored and integrated inputs. The measures/programmes should also follow the standard format used and capture some general parameters, such as specific programmes/actions within the measure, indicative financial value, key target groups, expected results and result indicators.
Submit the draft measures with inputs addressing DRR and CCA aspects to the project team, relevant planning consultants, and cantonal counterparts for their review and further consideration.

Under this task, the Consultant is expected to facilitate at least one day practical workshop in each targeted canton with relevant cantonal representatives to discuss together possible DRR and CCA-related measures and exchange ideas, relevant for the development strategy.
It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by end-September, 2015 and the level of effort will not exceed 10 expert/days.

Task 4: Provide a summary analytical note on piloting DRR and CCA mainstreaming within cantonal development planning
As a final task, the Consultant is expected to draft a brief analytical note, which captures common trends, challenges and positive practices related to the piloting of DRR and CCA mainstreaming within cantonal development strategies. Moreover, the Consultant is expected to summarise for consideration in future cantonal planning processes with view of mainstreaming DRR and CCA for development aspect. The written analytical note will be also presented to and discussed with the project team.
It is envisaged that this task will be delivered in October 2015 and the level of effort will not exceed 2 expert/days.
In delivery of above-described tasks, the Consultant is expected to work in close cooperation with the ILDP project team and cantonal development planning teams.

Deliverables and timelines
The Consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

Task 1: Conduct desk review of relevant materials and develop a work-plan outlining the methodological approach and timeline of the process:

The key relevant materials are reviewed by the Consultant and a briefing session organised with the project team and other relevant partners, allowing for further analytical and expert work. End of August, 2015 (10 expert days)

Task 2: Provide analytical and expert inputs and recommendations towards embedding DRR and CCA aspects into draft cantonal strategic platforms of targeted cantons in FBiH:

The aspects of DRR and CCA are embedded within the draft socio-economic analyses / strategic platforms of cantonal development strategies, as per the specific requirements of the ToR. mid-September, 2015 (8 expert days)

Task 3: Provide analytical and expert inputs and recommendations towards embedding DRR and CCA aspects into draft programmatic parts of cantonal strategies

The aspects of DRR and CCA are embedded within the draft programmatic parts of targeted cantonal development strategies, as per the specific requirements of the ToR.
Specific measures containing relevant priority programmes/projects are defined and elaborated in details using the standard format and capturing key parameters (i.e. indicative financial value, key target groups, expected results and result indicators). end-September 2015 (10 working days)

Task 4: Provide a summary analytical note on piloting DRR and CCA mainstreaming within cantonal development planning

A brief analytical note capturing the Consultant`s experience as well as the results of piloting DRR and CCA mainstreaming within the cantonal development planning (including a summary of emerging DRR and CCA-related programmes/measures, as well as recommendations for future cantonal planning processes) is drafted and approved by the project team. October, 2015 (2 expert days)

Competencies

Core values

Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Core competencies

Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Results-Orientation: Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals, generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations;
Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences;
Team work: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team;
Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners’ needs, and matching them to appropriate solutions.
Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualise and write concisely and clearly;

Required Skills and Experience

University degree in relevant field. Master degree will be considered as an asset.
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in BiH or in the Western Balkans region, including in the area of DRR and CCA policy and practice;
Previous professional experience in the area of local and regional development, preferably related to cantonal strategic planning;
Proven ability to undertake professional research using both quantitative and qualitative methods;
Familiarity with key public documents, strategies, trends and practices of relevance to DRR and CCA in Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered an asset;
Knowledge and previous experience at cantonal level with particular cluster (cantons) is considered an asset;
Participation at DDR and CCA trainings is considered an asset
Fluency in the official languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina is required.
Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.