UNDP Jobs - 59685- International Consultant to Conduct of Research on

International Consultant to Conduct of Research on the Role of Liberia in the Formation of International Organizations (Liberian Nationals Only)

Location :

Monrovia, LIBERIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

18-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

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

Liberia is Africa’s first independent republic. The country actively participated in the formation of several international organizations. Prominent among them are the League of Nations that was established on 10 January 1920, but replaced by the United Nations (UN) on 24 October 1945, the Organization for African Unity (OAU) founded on 25 May 1963, and later transformed into the African Union (AU) on 26 May 2001, the Mano River Union (MRU) established on 3 October 1973, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that was founded on 28 May 1975. Liberia’s participation in these organizations is in furtherance of the core principles of international cooperation and economic integration, and most importantly the advancement of the country’s national interest.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is Liberia’s major international voice, with a core responsibility for the pursuit of the Government’s aims and objectives in relations with international partners. The Ministry is responsible for advising the President and Government of Liberia on the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Additionally, the Ministry promotes the country’s interests in regional and global forums and advances its commitment to world peace, security and economic well- being. Through its headquarters and various subsidiaries (embassies, missions and consulates), the Ministry is engaged in the management, administration and conduct of Liberia’s foreign affairs with the international community.

Duties and Responsibilities

The overall objective of this assignment is to research and document Liberia’s historic role and legacy in the formation of the UN, AU, ECOWAS, MRU and NAM. Specifically, the researcher/consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

To research and document Liberia’s contribution as Africa’s first independent republic to the formation of UN, AU, ECOWAS, MRU and NAM;
To establish a synchronized and accurate account of Liberia’s involvement in the formation of these organizations that will be easily accessible to diplomats, researchers and the general public interested in Liberia’s diplomatic activities;
To validate the findings through expert groups, communities of diplomatic practitioners and other stakeholders, and thereafter finalize and present the final report to the Ministry for wider dissemination

Deliverables

Review of available documents, initial interaction with key stakeholders, stock taking/institutional mapping and outline of strategy to undertake the task leading to:

Submission of an inception report including a profile of the ins;
Constitution of research team, submission of methodology and work plan.

Conduct of the research, analysis and presentation of findings leading to:

Submission of a draft report;
Presentation to stakeholders of key findings for discussions and validation.

Undertake SWOT analysis and Comparative Analysis of Liberia’s role and capacity now and before, incorporate of comments post validation, triangulate the information and conduct complimentary reviews leading to:

Submission of a final report;
Presentation of consolidated findings and road map/strategy for internalization/dissemination of the report including policies and strategies towards and recommendations enhancing ownership of the report and promoting Liberia’s diplomatic assertiveness, visibility and strategic positioning.Submission of strategic recommendation/policy options based on a comparative analysis of the current and past diplomatic land scape with respect to Liberia’s role, with identified capacities and gaps for corrective action, thus ultimately contributing to efficiency of the country’s diplomatic thrust, conduct and behavior.

Competencies

Good research and publication skills, being able to manage and deliver on a task with or without supervision;
Strong presentation and IT skills;
documented social skills and networking capabilities is an advantage;
Ability to identify, analyze trends, opportunities and threats to organizational effectiveness;
Excellent facilitation and presentation skills;
Ability to plan and organize work programme and deliver with minimum supervision;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP and the Sierra Leone Civil Service;
Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritisms;
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feed back;
Encourages risk taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive constructive attitude;
Builds strong relationships with clients, mates and stake holders;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Economics, International Relations/Diplomacy, Law or International development and Management, Social Science;
Master degree in History blended with a diploma in diplomacy and demonstrated research and publication is acceptable.

Experience:

At least 10 years work experience with senior level government officials at the national or international level providing management and technical advisory services;
Advanced professional career in International Relations;
Knowledge and experience in the various jurisdictions and how to deal with disputes;
Knowledge and understanding of capacity development;
Experience in management and organizational development;
Experience of working in fragile states and/or post-conflict countries;
Proven track record in research, analysis and publication in Diplomacy, Strategic Planning, Organizational Development or Human Resource Management and Reporting;
Proven track record in the formulation, implementation , monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects.

Language:

Excellent ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English.

Criteria for Short listing:

Relevance of education/degree - 20 points;
Years of relevant experience - 70 points.
Adequacy of skills & competencies - 10 points;
Only shortlisted candidates will be forwarded the UNDP Procurement Notice.

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Cumulative analysis

Award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria;
Technical Criteria - [70 points];
Financial Criteria - [30 points];
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% of the total rating will be considered for the financial evaluation.