UNDP Jobs - 58522- Consultants for the Development of Research Papers

Consultants for the Development of Research Papers on Multidimensional Poverty in the Caribbean.

Location :

Home Based

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English Spanish

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 months

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

UNDP invites all Interested experts to submit proposals for a consultancy under reference 3044 RSC 2015, for the Development of Research Papers on Multidimensional Poverty in the Caribbean.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of, and reporting directly to the RBLAC Senior Strategic Advisor/HDR Director & Lead Author, the Consultant on Multidimensional Poverty in the Caribbean will be responsible for writing a policy research paper on one or more of the following areas:

Quantitative Metrics

We invite consultants to submit innovations on the conceptualization, estimation or empirical testing of multidimensional poverty, inequality or vulnerability metrics and social protection systems and policies.

Qualitative Metrics

We invite submissions on multidimensional subjective well-being and on social capital and informal social safety nets, through survey instruments, focus groups, micro-narratives or interviews.

Fiscal simulations and scenarios analysis: we invite submissions that help the report micro-simulate and provide macro fiscal scenarios for multidimensional progress:

(i) At the micro level, this could include how taxation and expenditure policies nudge countries to more/less equitable household outcomes; or
(ii) At the macro level, it could include fiscal space scenarios given changes in debt burden, concessionality rules and FfD-related (Finance for Development) policy changes and on inclusive economic growth to help determine how to move individuals on the fringes of the economy and society into the mainstream of economic activities

Labour issues, the informal sector, Gender, Youth and Employment: we invite submissions to focus on labour issues, the informal sector, gender, youth and employment, including policymaking using multi-dimensional poverty indices or indicators. These could include national or subnational policy case studies.

Natural Disasters-Climate Change

We invite submissions focused on environment, climate change adaptation/mitigation, extractive industries, and natural disaster risk reduction issues. The focus is on inter-sectoral, multi-disciplinary or complex policy interventions.

Vulnerable groups

We invite submissions focused on vulnerable groups, including the social and economic implications of the impacts of discrimination.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Highly developed coordination skills;
Strong analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
Computer literate;
Identifies priority activities and assignments;
Teamwork - excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills and ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Able to manage complex problems proactively and effectively;
Ability to operate effectively in a changing, complex and under-stress environment;
Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Proven organizational and communication skills;
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Strong analytical skills;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Development, Economics, Politics, Public Administration, Public Policy, or other development-related fields. PhD will be an asset.

Experience:

At least five years of relevant work experience in development, economics, politics, public administration, public policy or other development related field;
Expert knowledge of economic and social context in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Language:

Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents (in PDF format) duly signed to demonstrate their qualifications:

Proposal in English

Letter of interest, signed explaining why you are the most suitable consultant for the work. Also, (Mandatory) every candidate should send a proposal of the abstract of the policy research paper to be developed. Between one and three paragraphs describing the paper that would be further elaborated if the candidate were selected. Candidates are invited to submit proposals for one or more specific areas (See Section D for a list of the Areas).

Financial proposal

(Mandatory) The standard Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability supported by a breakdown of costs, which you must complete, sign and submit to UNDP (Use form in Annex 2).

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount in US Dollars, 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 number of anticipated working days).

Interested consultants must review the notice and instructions on http://www.procurement-notices.undp.org under reference 23408 and send a proposal by email to: adquisiciones.rclac@undp.org. Please do not send proposals to this site. Proposals received at any other address other than adquisiciones.rclac@undp.org will be rejected.

Deadline of Submision: July 31, 2015 – 10:00 a.m. (Time of the Republic of Panama / EST -5 Hours from UTC).