Background

The QCPR 2013-2016 requests of the UN System to accelerate harmonization efforts of business operations, in particular reducing the duplication of functions, and administrative and transaction costs through the consolidation of support services at the country level.

The UNDG Business Operations Strategy (BoS) aims to enhance the cost effectiveness and quality of operations back office processes such as procurement, ICT, HR, Logistics and Admin and Finance in support of the UNDAF. It is a voluntary framework usually developed at the same time as the UNDAF, focusing on Joint Business Operations (Incl. Common Services). It enables UN Country Teams to take a strategic, results oriented approach to planning, management and implementation of Harmonized Business Operations at the country level.  The BoS model allows for flexibility to scope the BoS to country needs and capacity, allowing for a localized approach that matches specific country capacity, needs and requirements. The BoS also includes a component aimed to reinforce the links between UN programmes and operational support needs.

The BoS guidance note was submitted to the UNDG for approval in July 2012.

In order to reinforce the capacity for strategic planning the UNDG has developed a training programme (ToT) and a roster that can be drawn upon for support to the UN Country Teams. During 5 days of hands on training, skills and competencies are transferred to staff that will enable them to lead BOS development in their respective countries: staff gets theory training in the morning and in the afternoon they apply the theory by means of a case study called BOS Town. As the training progresses, the BOS Town case study progresses with it, culminating at the end of the training in a fully developed BOS. This component in the training has proven invaluable as it ensures trainees apply the actual skills and encounter and clarify any difficulties they encounter while doing so.

However, since the introduction of BOS Town as part of the training methodology, the BOS has changed and the case study needs to be redesigned to reflect the actual methodology and the supporting exercise data to ensure it retains its value in the context of the training.

QCPR 2013-2016, para 152, 155

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to:

  • Redesign the BOS Town case study to reflect the latest development in the BOS policy and guidance, including but not limited to the new Cost benefit Analysis;
  • Ensure consistency in the BOS Town case study, in terms of data that participants receive in support of the assignments;
  • Ensure the BOS Town Case Study is structured to optimally reflect the BOS methodology and meets the needs and structure of the BOS ToT.

Process

To ensure that all the above aspects are covered and carefully considered, the Consultant will report to and collaborate closely with the UNDG training team responsible for the content of the BOS training.

The consultant will report to the UNDG Business Operations Specialist in UNDOCO.

Further consultation throughout the engagement are required with a pre-defined set of BOS specialists that are actively engaged in UNDG BOS ToT.

The case study is structured with exercises for each section of the BOS methodology:

  • Baseline Analysis
  • Needs Analysis
  • Cost Benefit Analysis
  • Results Framework
  • M&E framework

For each section a dataset is provided to the participants that provides them with the basic data that they can use to apply the theory and develop the required outputs for that part of the BOS.

For each section, the Consultant is required to provide instructions on that part of the case study using Power Point.

At regular intervals during the engagement the UNDOCO team will engage and the consultant to obtain status reports and discuss and clarify issues, should any arise. 

Timeframe

The assignment is envisioned to be complete within 3 weeks (15 working days) from its start.

Deliverables of the Engagement

This project requires the Consultant to deliver the final BOS Town case study in WORD format, as well as a PPT with the instructions guiding the trainees through each part of the case study.

In summary, this case-study is basically 5 exercises coming together in one case study (baseline, needs, CBA, Results matrix and M&E- ref the ToR):

  • Development of the data sets for each of the 5 exercises that form the case study;
  • Writing out the case study, including the data sets and instructions per exercise, including the correct answers used by the trainers to debrief the trainees;
  • Development of the PPT to be presented as an introduction to the actual training.

Payment for services rendered will be made upon final submission of the agreed deliverable.

Competencies

  • Strong technical knowledge and understanding of UN Business Processes and determinants of process quality;
  • Strong analytical skills;
  • Proven understanding of the UN System, including knowledge of the mandates of UN agencies and UNDG is a pre;
  • Good understanding of UN common system and policies, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for DaO;
  • Strong, proven functional skills in analytical writing, and training and knowledge transfer;
  • Excellent demonstrated ability to be flexible and work under tight deadlines in an independent working environment;
  • High level of communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi- cultural environment;
  • Excellent technical writing skills;
  • Computer literacy.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Post graduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Experience:

  • Proven knowledge of and experience with the Business Operations Strategy (BOS), Monitoring and Evaluation concepts and Results Based Management theory in relations to business operations in the UN is a must.

Language:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English

Application Documents/Submission

Interested Offerors must include the following documents in their application:

Please upload the Offer Letter and CV in a single Adobe PDF file during electronic application process.

Evaluation

Individual consultants will be evaluated on the cumulative analysis method – combination of the weighted technical and financial score - to obtain the total score. The candidate scoring the highest combined weighted score will be recommended for the award of contract. The designated weights for the technical and financial criteria are 70% and 30% respectively. The maximum score is 100 points.

Step 1: Technical evaluation of the Offerors CVs and Proposals. The minimum score required to pass the technical assessment is 70%. Aspects of the technical evaluation will include but is not limited to the following:

  • Responsiveness to the terms of reference;
  • Work experience with the UN;
  • Knowledge of Business Operations Strategy, RBM and M&E mechanisms in the UN;
  • Experience in analytical writing and producing training material;
  • Ability/availability to complete the assignment within the prescribed timeline.

Step 2:  Financial evaluation of those Offerors that pass the technical assessment. Offerors must submit the financial offer, as a lump sum amount covering the entire assignment, including the itemized costs. The lowest financial offer will receive the assigned maximum financial points (100). All other financial offers will receive points in inverse proportion.

The contract will be awarded to the candidate with the highest weighted total score subject to the financial cost being within the hiring unit’s budget allocation.

UNDG 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.