UNDP Jobs - 62215- Consultant to Formulate UNDP Bahrain Country Progr

Consultant to Formulate UNDP Bahrain Country Programme Document (CPD)

Location :

Manama, BAHRAIN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

20-Dec-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

40 Days (suggested 25 days in two missions to Manama, Bahrain)

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 UN Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain comprises of eight organizations. Six agencies are based permanently in Bahrain, namely, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO); and two agencies participate in the Country Team from Riyadh, namely, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The UN Country Team (UNCT) has been discussing with the Government of Bahrain the development of a UN Strategic Framework to coordinate their efforts in the country. The Kingdom of Bahrain is a Net Contributor Country (NCC) and as such a non-UNDAF country.
The current UNDP Bahrain Country Programme Document (CPD 2012-2016) was based on the Bahrain Vision 2030 and will end in December 2016. The new cabinet presented the Government Plan of Action (2015-2018) to the Parliament in January and it was endorsed on 31 January 2015. The new CPD 2017-2020 should be based on this Plan, and should be developed following the new CPD template endorsed by the UNDP Executive Board Decision 2014/7 of 31 Jan 2014 (Annex 1). It identifies a number of key development challenges and opportunities to explore with the Government in support of national development activities and the SDGs in the Kingdom. The UNDP role in Bahrain must evolve ensuring its continuing relevance and added value in the dynamic, complex and rapidly changing environment of a high-income, high-human-development country. It also must be underpinned by the programming principle of the United Nations.

The CPD is to be prepared via a series of consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister (together with UNDP these form the Quartet), as well as Implementing Partners and other key development partners. It will be designed to fully align with (i) the Government of Bahrain Plan of Action adopted by Parliament on 31st January 2015, (ii) the Government Priority Programmes, which are 32 in number, (iii) the corporate UNDP Strategic Plan (SP) 2014-2017, and (iv) under the overarching umbrella of the globally agreed sustainable development agenda and goals (SDGs). The theory of change (TOC) as well as UNDP programme quality standards will be adopted in the formulation and design of all sections of the new CPD. In addition to data and information from the above mentioned documents, the CPD should also be developed based on analysis and synthesis of data collected from documents such as national sectoral strategies; national MDG reports; UNDP outcome and project evaluations of selected interventions of CPD 2012-2016; post-2015 outcome documents; documents and statistics provided by the Bahrain Central Informatics Office (CIO); and other key documents.

Structure of the CPD:

Programme Rationale (based on past performance, lessons learned, available evidence and theory of change):

Contextual analysis: what are the 3-5 critical development issues to be addressed in the new CPD;
Lessons learned from previous CPD: what were the 2-3 major outcome and output-level results/changes to which UNDP made a significant contribution in the current CPD;
Taking the lead from (i) and (ii), explain the opportunities open to UNDP to effect development change at scale to achieve the vision and outcome of the Government Plan of Action and the UNDP SP.

Programme Priorities and Partnership:

What are the 2-4 priority development areas that UNDP will focus on;
Set out briefly and clearly the key components of UNDP’s proposed programme;
How do these priorities align with, or mutually complement, regional and global efforts by UNDP to support national priorities;
What are the main partnerships, SSTC, UN Agencies, Private Sector, CSO, (explain who we want to work with, on what and to what end).

Programme and Risk Management:

Indicate that national execution will be the default;
How will local, national and international partners participate to ensure mutual accountability;
A short analysis of the most significant political, financial, operational, programmatic risks and how programme and project design and management will ensure these risks are avoided and /or mitigated and managed;
Steps to ensure programme/project quality, effectiveness and efficiency is improved.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Identify the sources of information and relevant indicators to monitor;
What globally available and/or nationally owned sources of data, analysis and evidence will be used to track UNDP contributions to national results? (measured through national statistical systems and national M&E systems);
Identify possible areas, if needed, to strengthen data (availability, quality, periodicity of update, reliability, national capacity development for monitoring, assurance and evaluation);
What traditional and innovative methods will be used to make monitoring and assurance more inclusive, and to obtain data at useful intervals?
Incorporate the cost of data collection, monitoring and assurance;
What will be the role of SSTC in advancing UNDP’s thought and leadership?
Annex A: Result Resources Framework (RRF);
Annex B: Fully-costed Evaluation Plan;
Attachment 1: Resource Mobilization Requirements, Opportunities & Targets;
Attachment 2: Logical Framework including Theory of Change;
Attachment 3: A compilation/summary of current program results prepared through a desk review of current program and project progress reports and evaluations.

Steps of the process:

As of November 2015, the CPD formulation process entered the first step: Preparations stage, with the main objective to familiarize the Quartet and UNDP staff with the CPD formulation process and methodology, and to agree timeline and roles (including of consultants). The second step: to assign responsibilities for data collection and commence data gathering and synthesis. The third step: diagnostic, aims to align to the Bahrain Government Plan of Action, formulate a Theory of Change for selected thematic issues, and integrate the new UNDP programme portfolio (and this includes problem analsysis and outcome mapping). The third step; is drafting the CPD, and finalise its alignment with the national strategies and plans, UNDP Strategic Plan 2014-2017, and the National Vision 2030, and the UN Strategic Framework currently under discussion with the Government of Bahrain.

The deadlines reflected in the CPD Roadmap, or otherwise agreed to by the Quartet and UNDP Bahrain management, should be adhered to. These include:

To present the final document for internal UNDP review by end February 2016;
To present CPD to the Pre-Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) on March 7th 2016;
To present to UNDP HQ PAC in April 2016; and
To present final CPD document to UNDP Executive Board Secretariat by end April 2016.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

The key tasks for which the Consultant will be responsible are as follows:

Analyze key national, regional and global data, including UNDP project documents and reports;
Facilitate and participate in workshops and consultations to discuss and analyze the key thematic issues and practices for the new CPD, including sessions to conduct problem analysis, formulate Theory of Change, etc;
Prepare a first draft of the CPD and related annexes/attachments in line with the stipulated corporate guidance and template, ensuring alignment with the Bahrain Government Plan of Action and UNDP corporate Strategic Plan; the draft will also draw on the outcomes of the problem analysis and the background documents gathered during the data collection and synthesis stage of the CPD preparation; and
Finalize the CPD draft after consultation and validation with key stakeholders after receiving final comments from Quartet and UNDP Bahrain programme and management.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The expected outputs from the consultation are:

Draft CPD with the following contents:
Programme Rationale;
Programme Priorities and Partnership;
Programme and Risk Management;
Results and Resources Framework (RRF); and
Fully-costed Evaluation Plan.
CPD Theory of Change including RRF (2 pages text and 4 pages RRF); and
Final draft of the CPD based on inputs from the Government of Bahrain, represented in the MOFA and Quartet, and UNDP Bahrain (6,000 words including 4 pages of RRF).

Timeline:

Facilitate and participate in preparatory analytical process (problem analysis, TOC, etc.) of the new CPD (beginning of December 2015);
Drafting outline of CPD based on consultations (mid-December 2015);
Drafting CPD (mid to end of December);
Submission of first draft of CPD (beginning of January 2016);
Facilitate and participate in cluster meeting/workshop in mid-January 2016;
Revision of CPD, second draft, based on inputs from discussions with Implementing Partners and cluster meeting/workshop;
UNDP Regional Bureau pre-PAC (Programme Appraisal Committee) meeting to be held beginning of March 2016;
UNDP Regional Bureau PAC meeting to be held beginning of April 2016;
Submission of Final CPD in the third week February 2016.

Milestones:

Submission and acceptance of the draft outline of CPD : Due date second week of December 2015;
Submission of the first draft of CPD : Due date – first week of January 2016;
Review and incorporate comments of Quartet and UNDP on the first draft of CPD : Due date second week of January 2016;
Facilitate and participate in cluster meeting/workshop in mid-January 2016;
Submission of the second draft of CPD after partner consultations and cluster meeting/workshop : Due date first week of February 2016;
Review and incorporate comments of Quartet and UNDP on the second draft of CPD and prepare CPD for submission to UNDP Regional Bureau for pre-PAC : Due date third week of February 2016;
Review and incorporate comments from pre-PAC as well as comments of Quartet and UNDP on the third draft of CPD and prepare CPD for submission to UNDP Regional Bureau for PAC : Due date first week of April 2016; and
Final documents submitted to the UNDP Senior Management : Due date third week of April 2016.

Institutional Arrangement:

The IC will report directly to the Deputy Resident Representative;
Drafts and final CPD must be in the format outlined above under “Structure of the CPD”. The first draft must be presented at a validation workshop involving the Quartet, representing the four core Ministries and institutions of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, partners and UNDP;
The IC is required to consult with the Resident Representative, the Deputy Resident Representative, Senior Advisor and Programme Officers. The consultant is also required to attend working sessions with UNDP staff and document discussions related to developing theories of change, and to meet with relevant UNDP staff and stakeholders for consultations and presentation of findings;
The IC will be provided with temporary working space in the UNDP CO as and when necessary. The IC is responsible for his/her own computer, but can use UNDP CO printing facilities as well as internet access as needed, while on the UNDP premises.
The IC is expected to carry out the bulk of the work in Manama. No travel outside Manama is required.

Competencies

Strong understanding of Country Programme Document;
Ability to organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form;
Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals;
Ability to meet deadlines in a timely fashion;
Demonstrates strong writing skills in English. In particular, has the ability to present persuasive, coherent and well-founded arguments and make messages accessible to a broad audience; Arabic language is an asset;
Strong research and analysis abilities;
Strong ability to lead and facilitate complex discussions and arrive at conclusions;
Ability to translate strategic thinking and innovative ideas into practical operational recommendations;
Solid analytical and presentation skills;
Excellent interpersonal, communication skills;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master Degree or above) in economics, political science, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines, with proven track record in programme development and advanced social research and analysis.

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience and solid experience in programme development and implementation related to UNDP practice areas;
Prior experience drafting a Country Programme or UNDP Country Programme or UN Agency country programme document will be an asset;
Facilitation and drafting skills is a requirement;
Substantive knowledge of development issues in the Arab region, and knowledge of Bahrain will be an asset. Substantive knowledge of issues related to UNDP practice areas: Democratic Governance, Energy and Environment, Sustainable Economic Development and Social Strategies, SDG attainment, Crisis Prevention and Recovery, Gender mainstreaming and Capacity Development will be an asset.
Ability to write reports and prepare and deliver presentations.

Language:

Proficient in English language, spoken and written;
Knowledge and understanding of Arabic language is an advantage.

Price Proposal:

Consultant must submit a financial proposal for their fees and travel ticket.
The amount quoted shall be professional fees and travel ticket, however Country Office will provide 30% of the living expenses to the consultant for the duration in Bahrain to cover the food and miscellaneous expense according to the Bahrain standard DSA rate. The country office will cover the cost of rented apartment (up to maximum of BD:750 per month) and a rented car without driver (up to maximum of BD: 170).
The professional fees will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration.

Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs and as per below percentages:

Deliverable 1 - submission and acceptance of the draft outline of CPD and approval by the Deputy Resident Representative - 20% of total contract amount;
Deliverable 2 - submission and acceptance of the first draft of the CPD and approval by the Deputy Resident Representative - 25% of total contract amount;
Deliverable 3 - submission and acceptance of the second draft of the CPD and approval by the Deputy Resident Representative - 25% of total contract amount;
Deliverable 4 - Endorsement of the final documents by the Senior Management - 30% of total contract amount.

UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.
In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology: Cumulative Analysis.
The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (70%) and financial criteria (30%) specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 500 points):

Criteria 1 - Education - Max - 100 points;
Criteria 2 - Relevant professional experience and solid experience in programme development and implementation related to UNDP practice areas - Max -200 points;
Criteria 3 - Facilitation and drafting skills, and substantive knowledge of development issues in Bahrain, particularly issues related to UNDP practice areas will be an asset - Max -200 points;
Criteria 4 - Availability – is a pre-requisite.

In this methodology, the maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest priced proposal. Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 350 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
A suggested formula is as follows: p = y (µ/z)
Where:
p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated
y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal
µ = price of the lowest priced proposal
z = price of the proposal being evaluated
The proposal obtaining the overall highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal is the proposal that offers best value for money.

Documentation required:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document.

Letter or email of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate;
At least three (3) professional references;
Brief description of why the applicant considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a brief methodology on how the applicant will approach and complete the assignment;
Consultant must submit a financial proposal for their fees and travel ticket. If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

Annexes:

Annex 1 – CPD Revised Template and Guidance (To download http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=27163);
Annex 2 - Individual IC General Terms and Conditions;http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf;
Annex 3 – Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template (To download: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=27163) .
For any clarification regarding this assignment please write to: procurement.bh@undp.org.