UNDP Jobs - 59566- Consultant - Vetted Roster for Technical Experts o

Consultant - Vetted Roster for Technical Experts on Democratic Governance, Support to UNDP BRH Projects and Country Offices

Location :

Home Based and and Various (within Asia Pacific Region)

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Dec-2015

Application Deadline :

30-Aug-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

December 2015

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

05 days to 150 days for each 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

UNDP is the UN's global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP’s vision is to support countries in achieving the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. To strengthen inclusive and effective governance, the UNDP Strategic Plan focuses on ensuring participation and voice in pursuit of equitable access to development opportunities, and working with poor and other excluded groups as agents of their own development. The plan includes the following outcomes to achieve effective governance: (i) citizen expectations for voice, development, the rule of law and accountability are met by stronger systems of democratic governance; and (ii) countries have strengthened institutions to progressively deliver universal access to basic services.

To support implementation of work in these areas, the Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH) will support expertise with a roster of implementation support, specialist support and senior advisory support external experts. Only the applicants who pass all screening procedures will be included in the Technical Experts Roster and recommended for consultancy assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities

To be considered for inclusion in the roster, applications would need to have expertise in one or more of the following areas of expertise:

Core Government Functions;
Inclusive political processes includes;
Conflict prevention and peacebuilding includes;
Rule of law, justice and accountability;
Development Effectiveness.

Core Government Functions includes

UNDP supports partners in the building of responsive and accountable institutions at all levels of government. This work is central to ensuring that development is both effective and sustainable for citizens. By supporting member states to deliver quality services, improve accountability and expand the opportunities for inclusive economic and social progress, UNDP builds resilience to crisis and reinforces the dynamic relationship between State and the people, at all levels of society.

The required areas of expertise under core government function are listed as follows:

Local Governance & Local Development;
Public Administration/HR Management;
Civil Engagement;
Institutional and context analysis.

Inclusive political processes includes

UNDP’s integrated approach to supporting inclusive political processes aims to harness UNDP’s experience and comparative advantage in supporting and strengthening the capacities of political processes and institutions in order to improve citizen participation, voice and accountability and rebuild a stronger and more inclusive social contract. UNDP works collaboratively to support policy development and programmatic approaches to enhance the capacities of key political institutions and groups.

The required areas of expertise under Inclusive political processes are listed as follows:

Parliamentary development;
Civic engagement;
Electoral systems and processes;
Gender Equality;
Constitutional reforms;
Youth Empowerment;
Management of natural resources;
Institutional and Context Analysis.

Conflict prevention and peacebuilding includes

UNDP’s work on conflict prevention and peacebuilding promotes social cohesion and empowering nations and communities to become inclusive and resilient to external and internal shocks. This is done by supporting and strengthening of key governance institutions needed to peacefully navigate countries away from potential conflict and ensure durable societal transformations occur. UNDP also works towards deepening gains made at the political and diplomatic level by providing strategic analysis, policy and programme support to the broader UN system and government partners.

The required areas of expertise under conflict prevention and peacebuilding are listed as follows:

Conflict prevention and management;
Conflict analysis and assessment;
Political Transition;
Mediation and conflict resolution.

Rule of law, justice and accountability includes

Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights are cornerstones of UNDP’s work to achieve sustainable human development and eradicate extreme poverty. Through rule of law and human rights assistance, UNDP contributes to building peace and democratic governance across the full range of development contexts. UNDP also facilitates broader UN rule of law efforts in crisis and conflict-affected settings through the work of the Global Focal Point for Police, Justice and Corrections.

Key required areas of UNDP’s rule of law , justice, and accountability include:

Human rights;
Rule of Law, Access to Justice (A2J), Security and LEP;
Transparency and anti-corruption.

Development Effectiveness

UNDP offers a wide range of support to countries to implement their development effectiveness agendas. At the regional level in Asia-Pacific this includes acting as Secretariat to the regional platform the Asia-Pacific Development Effectiveness Facility (AP-DEF). It involves collaboration with a range of regional partners and UNDP country offices to support governments in delivering reforms that strengthen their management of ODA and other forms of development finance as well as ensuring that UNDP programming supports principles of development effectiveness.

These contributions to strengthening the governance of aid also support the achievement of UNDP’s results at the country, regional and global levels. Required key areas of UNDP’s development effectiveness work include:

Public finance management;
Development Finance and Aid Assessment (DFAA);
Development finance and cooperation policy;
South-South Cooperation.

Tasks assigned in each individual assignment may include one or more of the following:

Policy and Strategy Development

Prepare Policy briefs, sector scan, Status papers on developmental challenges/issues based on secondary review of existing literature for evidence based advocacy and policy dialogue;
Develop guidelines and national and sub-national strategy in the areas of institutional strengthening;
Review of policy literature in respect to the subject;
Formulation of strategic national and sub-national development policy;
Identification of barriers and solutions for proposed interventions;
Risk Identification and Mitigation.

Project Design, Formulation & other project related functions:

Prepare conceptual framework/concept note on new area of work/developmental challenge;
Provide Technical assistance in identification of developmental challenges, target areas, beneficiaries and partners and formulation of implementation strategy for UNDP support;
Provide technical support in development on new interventions/projects with Implementation (operational plan, monitoring and resource requirement) Institutional and management arrangements;
Identify issues, formulate and implement interventions that focus on various activities;
Conduct studies on project/program highlights, activities and processes involved;
Prepare and review Project documents;
Identify areas/beneficiaries and partners; timing, sequencing of activities; mobilization of finance;
Prepare project proposals to ensure innovation in concepts, strategies and incorporation of best practices.

Research and Documentation:

Undertake secondary research in the new areas of developmental concern based on review of existing literature;
Develop research design, research questions and scope of work for undertaking primary research in new areas;
Document good practices, case studies, innovations and pilot models for wider dissemination and sharing;
Undertake process documentation of models for upscaling.

Capacity Development/Training:

Based on capacity assessment, develop Capacity Development Plan to achieve the milestones identified and address the identified capacity gaps;
Develop target specific training tools/tool-kits and manuals based on training needs assessment;
Design training curriculum, conduct and/or coordinate trainings programmes for various stakeholders;
Carry out Capacity assessments of public institutions and government institutions for development of strategic interventions for institutional strengthening;
Design and delivery of training tool-kits, products etc.;
Conduct and/or Coordinate trainings and workshops.

Knowledge Management:

Prepare knowledge and communications products related to the projects/programs (Audio, Video and Hard copies);
Review of Knowledge products (subject, design and content);
Prepare and publish featured articles and case studies in publications of the UNDP, other pertinent organizations, academic journals;
Disseminate knowledge and communications products;
Develop literature on best practices and case studies;
Contribute to Communities of Practice (CoP) of UN Solutoins Exchange (UNSE).

Monitoring & Evaluation:

Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of national and sub-national policies and programmes;
Carry out required independent monitoring and evaluation of UNDP projects;
Facilitate community and process monitoring;
Undertake Baseline and Client satisfaction surveys.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Good track record in project management, with UNDP experience being an asset;
Understanding of Government functioning and systems;
Updated familiarity on various international projects across one or more areas of expertise;
Familiarity with UNDP ERP would be advantageous;
Working knowledge of objectives-oriented project planning, or results-based management;
Leadership skills;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet;
Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

Client Orientation:

Contributing to positive outcomes for the client;
Anticipates client needs;
Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
Developing tools and mechanisms

Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms.

Core Competencies:

Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;
Building support and political acumen;
Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
Building and promoting effective teams;
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards;
Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree (or PHD) in governance related field (or equivalent work experience), including: Law, Economics, Public administration, development studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, Social Science, Political Science, international relations.

Experience:

Band 1 - Implementation Support:

Masters Degree in relevant field with minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, or Bachelors Degree in relevant field with minimum 5 years of relevant work experience.

Band 2 - Specialist Support:

Masters Degree in relevant field with minimum 7 years of relevant work experience, out of which minimum 3 years of international experience as a requirement.

Band 3 - Senior Advisory:

Masters Degree in relevant field with minimum 12 years of relevant work experience, out of which minimum 5 years of international experience as a requirement;
Knowledge and experience in international development, governance, and Governance and Peace Building programming and policy development;
Knowledge of Governance and Peacebuilding programming;
Experience in management of post-conflict interventions;
Knowledge of high-level governance, capacity and public communication support.

Specific areas of expertise:

Core Government Functions;
Inclusive political processes;
Conflict prevention and peacebuilding;
Rule of law, justice and security;
Development Effectiveness.

Language:

Fluency in spoken and written English is a must.

Computer skills:

IT literacy and ability to operate with on-line web-based applications.

Duty Station:

Various.

Travel:

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including economy tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be reimbursed as per actuals in line with UNDP rules.

Evaluation of Applicants

Applicants will be screened against qualifications and the competencies specified above.

The inclusion into the Vetted Roster of Experts will be offered to those individual consultants whose offers have been evaluated and determined as:

a) Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
b) Meeting requirements across the functional bands in each area of expertise.

Applicants may be requested to participate in a brief interview.

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via the UNDP website. Interested candidates are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described above.

Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

Applications should include:

A cover letter,
Updated CV and;
Proposed daily fee.

A brief proposal in response to the below mandatory questions:

Q1. Please specify your proposed daily fee in USD (United States Dollar)?
Q2 Please specify the area of expertise you are applying for, as mentioned in this advertisement?
Q3 How many years of experience do you have in your area of expertise?

A brief cover letter, clearly identifying the “Areas of Expertise” as mentioned in the section above.

Successful candidates will be included in UNDP RBAP Experts Roster for a period of 5 years. Inclusion in the expert roster does not guarantee a contract with UNDP.

Contracting:

When a request for services arises, the roster manager shall Contact the individuals in the specific area of expertise with ToR, location and dates of the assignment seeking confirmation of availability, as well as other costs such as living allowance, travel cost, etc.
The individual selected for the deployment will be contracted as per the UNDP IC modality. The Contract and conditions are available at

http://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/operations/procurement.html

Payment:

Payment(s) shall be made following certification by UNDP that the services related to each deliverable, as specified in the contract, have been satisfactorily performed and the deliverables have been achieved by or before the due dates specified, if any.

Other information:

This call for experts is not linked to other UNDP rosters or to a specific UNDP recruitment opportunity;
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are only able to inform the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process;
For any clarifications please write to rcb.procurement.th@undp.org