UNDP Jobs - 60845- Senior Policy Advisor- Human Development

Senior Policy Advisor- Human Development - (Open to Indian Nationals Only)

Location :

New Delhi, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Nov-2015

Application Deadline :

19-Oct-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Forty Working days spread over two months.

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of 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

The work of UNDP in India is based on the five-year Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP). Prepared under the United Nations Development Action Framework (UNDAF) and in line with India's 12th Five Year Plan, the cooperation over 2013-2017 focuses on strengthening inclusion of disadvantaged groups such as women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and minorities; and in supporting strategies and initiatives to address economic and political barriers faced by marginalized groups.

The main focus of UNDP’s work in India is to eradicate poverty. Towards this goal, UNDP works on:

Inclusion;
Democratic Governance;
Energy and Environment;
Social Mobilisation.

The geographic focus of UNDP’s work is in the following states – Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and UP.

On human development, India is acknowledged globally as having the largest body of work at the sub national levels in the form of State Human Development Reports (SHDRs) and District Human Development Reports (DHDRs). This has been the result of the 14 year long partnership between former Planning Commission and present NITI Aayog, Government of India and UNDP. The partnership between Planning Commission/NITI Aayog and UNDP has evolved over the years – from preparation of State HDRs and later District HDRs to collaboratively supporting action at the State level for better human development. A unique feature of this partnership is the ownership of the reports by the State governments. Many States now prepare their own Human Development Reports at the state and district levels. In addition, to State HDRs and District HDRs, UNDP has been able to systematically support the work on related areas with an objective to strengthen the practice of human development, such as:

Strengthening of statistical systems;
Research on financing for human development;
Gender analysis of budgets and policies;
Capacity development and advocacy on human development.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP is looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to provide advice and support to UNDP initiatives related to human development. Specifically, the Senior Policy Advisor will guide the following key initiatives on human development:

Guidance for an international conference on Sustainable Development Goals including design of the conference and identification of key national and international speakers;
Prepare the initial draft of the Tribal Human Development Report ready for review by external peer experts;
Finalisation of the Quick Assessment Report for the IC4HD Project; and
Review and finalisation of commissioned research papers on inequality.

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Country Director, the incumbent will work closely with the Head, Poverty Unit and the Human Development Specialist.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Globally recognized expert on human development;
Experience with researching and writing on human development issues;
Considerable knowledge regarding human development and preferably of advising government in a senior position;
Publications on human development; and
Familiarity with assessment processes and UN procedures preferred.

Corporate Competencies:

Positive, constructive attitude to work;
Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UNDP in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct;
Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work;
Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualification:

Ph.D in relevant field – development studies, economics, political economy and public policy.

Professional Experience:

At least 15 years of experiences of working in relevant areas at a senior level.

Language requirements

Excellent written, oral, presentation and communication skills in English.

Payment Schedule:

Upon conclusion of the design of the conference, identification of key national and international speakers: 25 %;
Upon submission of the initial draft of the Tribal Human Development Report ready for review by external peer experts: 25 %;
Upon finalisation of the Quick Assessment Report for the IC4HD Project: 25 %;
Review and finalisation of commissioned research papers on inequality: 25%.

Documents to be submitted:

Financial Proposal specifying per day consultancy fee. Prior approved economy class travel expenses will be reimbursed as per actuals in line with UNDP rules;
Updated CV with contact details of three references.

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive;
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight - 70%;

Financial Criteria weight - 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Evaluation Criteria

Experience of working in relevant areas at senior level, especially in government -35%
Experience with researching and writing on human development issues- 35%

Notes:

Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone etc. would not be reimbursed;
Individuals working with institutions may also apply, contract would be issued in the name of institution for the specific services of individual;
Please note proposals without financial proposal will not be considered;
CV and Financial proposal can be clubbed in one file for uploading;
The consultants must bring his/her own computing equipment.
Assignment has to be applied online, offline proposals would not be considered.