UNDP Jobs - 58252- National Co-facilitator for Training on Peaceful a

National Co-facilitator for Training on Peaceful and Tranquil Elections

Location :

Yangon, with Travel to Various Locations, MYANMAR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

31-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

70 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

31 July to 30 October 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

In November 2015, Myanmar will hold the first multi-party general elections since 1990, which will be a landmark in the country’s ongoing democratic transition, and closely observed by people in Myanmar and around the world. Elections will take place for national parliament and also the 14 region/state-level parliaments in over 45,000 polling stations around the country. This year will be the first time in 25 years that a majority of the voting population will be casting a vote in an election which is closely contested between parties, and there are high expectations amongst voters that elections will be free and fair. Elections take place in the context of an ongoing peace process, with violent conflict and insecurity still existing in some areas, including in Kachin, Shan and parts of the South East of the country.

Given the limited previous experience, and previous history, it is crucial that all stakeholders in the elections understand their respective roles and responsibilities, are able to communicate effectively with each other even though they may come from different institutions and have different perspectives. They also need to forward plan to encourage an overall environment where voters feel comfortable and safe to cast their vote, and where as many people as possible can cast a vote in areas of the country where there is, or has recently been, fighting or insecurity.

Preparations for the elections are being led by the Union Election Commission (UEC), however there are many stakeholders which will be involved in ensuring peaceful and tranquil elections overall. In terms of security for the elections, many different institutions will share responsibility, including the armed forces, Ministry of Home Affairs (including the Myanmar Police Force and General Administration Department), other government bodies and the Union Electoral Commission.

UNDP has set up a project to support these elections. This consultancy takes place under Output 1 of that project, which covers ‘improved ability of election stakeholders to liaise and communicate effectively to contribute to peaceful and tranquil elections.’ Under this output, UNDP will work under the guidance of the Union Election Commission to support relevant stakeholders in the 14 states and regions of Myanmar to build capacity of structures for liaison/coordination on issues to do with the peace and tranquility of elections, and support them to produce state and region security plans, and more effectively communicate about their work.

The co-facilitator would work closely with an international advisor on peaceful and tranquil elections, to help them understand Myanmar better and liaise with various stakeholders, and would be supervised by a Chief Technical Advisor, and have the support of one administrative support staff member.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The objectives of the assignment are to support international advisors to understand the situation in Myanmar, build relationships with national stakeholders to better enable project implementation, and co-facilitate activities on the ground such as workshops and individual or small group meetings.

Support preparations for training activities for peaceful and tranquil elections:

Work with the project team on the design of training materials and workshop agendas;
Quality assure the materials once translated into Myanmar;
Based on the training materials developed, design surveys to monitor two of the project indicators assessing level of knowledge and understanding of stakeholders;
Record progress against the project indicators by liaising with the relevant national stakeholders, collecting workshop feedback, and conducting the surveys where relevant.

Lead organisational arrangements for three 3-day training workshops in three locations across Myanmar, in consultation with the Chief Technical Advisor:

Oversee preparations for holding the workshops (venues, dates, and workshop arrangements), with support from a project associate who will help with logistics;
Liaise with relevant stakeholders on behalf of international advisors in preparation for the workshops, to ensure they understand purpose of workshop and are interested to attend (or send representatives at the right level);
Co-facilitate specific sessions under the guidance of the international consultant;
Other organisational elements as required.

Lead organization arrangements of three 2-day follow-up workshops to validate elections security frameworks:

Oversee preparations for holding the workshops (venues, dates, and workshop arrangements), with support from a project associate who will help with logistics;
Liaise with relevant stakeholders on behalf of international advisors in preparation for the workshops, to ensure they understand purpose of workshop and are interested to attend (or send representatives at the right level);
Design a post-workshop survey;
Co-facilitate specific sessions under the guidance of the international consultant;
Other organisational elements as required.

Act as co-facilitator and interpreter on technical assistance missions to up to 6 states and regions in Myanmar, in finalising region/state elections security frameworks:

Liaise with key stakeholders in the intervening period between the SAFE trainings and the follow-up workshops, on behalf of international advisors;
Set up meetings with individual stakeholders, and interpret for meetings;
Lead organization of multi-stakeholder meetings or small workshops, if necessary.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

All deliverables are to be submitted in the English language.

Deliverables/ Outputs, Estimated Duration to Complete and Target Due Dates

Finalisation of materials and plans for the SAFE training workshops, 20 working days (31 August 2015);

Co-facilitate delivery of initial SAFE workshops and follow-up review workshops, 30 working days (30 September 2015);

Completion of follow-up technical assistance mission in support of finalization of region/state plans, and completion of final report, 20 working days (30 October 2015).

Institutional Arrangements:

Supervision: the consultant will be supervised by a Chief Technical Advisor for elections, who will approve all deliverables and will work on a day to day basis with the lead international consultant;
Reporting: the consultant will provide written updates of progress every two weeks to the Chief Technical Advisor;
Facilities provided by UNDP: UNDP will provide office space, printing, internet connection during working hours, transportation arrangements for missions and official travel, and transportation costs, accommodation arrangements in locations outside of Yangon (although consultant will provide for accommodation costs). UNDP will have one administrative assistant, who will support the completion of this work- they are also supervised by the Chief Technical Advisor. UNDP will provide a laptop;
Facilities provided by consultant: Mobile phone and related costs, personal accommodation arrangements in Yangon, all costs for personal accommodation, transportation costs in Yangon, and all personal (non-work related) transportation costs
Primary national stakeholder: Union Election Commission;
Stakeholders to provide technical support to: Union Election Commission, Region and State Election Commissions, Region and State-level officials from the liaison coordination structures (these could include Myanmar Police Force, General Administration Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Fire Brigade, political parties) and CSOs in the UNDP-supported CSO networks

Duration of the Work

This work is urgent and extremely time-sensitive, as region and state level coordination structures and plans must be in place at least one month before the elections, which are planned for November 2015. If consultants are not able to complete this timeframe, then the assignment would not achieve its objectives.

Expected Date of Completion:

This work is to be completed by 30 October 2015- this deadline is essential, as elections are planned for the following month and delays will render assistance less relevant.

Expected Timeframe of Work:

31 July to 30 October 2015. These target dates are based on estimates of a realistic timeframe for the completion of all workshops and technical assistance;
Estimated Effective Person Days: Estimated person days is 70.

Duty Station:

The consultant will be based in Yangon whilst developing materials and in intervening periods between missions, and will be required to present themselves at the office at least two days a week when in Yangon;
Travel is definitely expected to Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay (Mandalay region);
Other possible locations of travel are region/state capitals, such as Myitkyina (Kachin State), Taungyi (Shan State), Mawlamyaing (Mon State), Hakha (Chin State) and Pa-an (Kayin State);
Travel outside of Yangon is subject to approval from UN Department for Safety and Security.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

Proposals must be based on an all-inclusive lump sum amount, as contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components. Proposals must be inclusive of all costs with the exception of transportation costs for official travel to work locations outside of Yangon- as mission and training locations have not yet been determined.

Proposed schedule of payments is as follows:

Finalised workshop materials and agendas, 30 August 2015 (40%);
All workshops completed, 30 September 2015 (30%);
Final report received, 30 October 2015 (30%).

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Good knowledge of the natural resource management particularly lake and watershed management, the concept of sustainability and sustainable development in the region and developing countries;
Ability to quickly grasp and synthesize inputs from a range of disciplines related to sustainable financial mechanism for environmental conservation;
Ability to advocate and provide technical advice on the relevant sector/theme;
Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with all UN/UNDP staff;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Strong analytical capacity;
Excellent communications and advocacy skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree (bechelor or equivalent), preferable with a focus on sucial sciences, political sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 year relevant exprience in either elections or capacity building involving government, in conflict environments;
Previous experience developing and delivering trainings, especially targeting national stakeholders;
Familiarity with key issues and concepts in elections and civic education;
Familiarity with key issues in Myanmar preferred.

Language:

Full working knowledge of English languages, including excellent writing skills.