Background

Project Description

National Urban Poverty Reduction Programme (NUPRP) is to provide support towards contributing to balanced, sustainable growth and reduction of urban poverty in Bangladesh. NUPRP will work nationwide and cover poor people living in slums and informal settlements in cities and towns in Bangladesh. Selected NUPRP cities/towns will either be City Corporations and Class A Pourashavas. NUPRP will initially focus on 12 cities/ towns in Phase 1.

NUPRP intends to contribute to more effective inclusive urbanization in Bangladesh. Recognising the complexity of inclusive and climate smart urban development, the expected outcomes of the programme relate to different levels of intervention: national, municipal and the community.

1.  At the national level outcome, the programme aims to ensure that the Government of Bangladesh and actors working in the urban space are more coordinated and strategic in their approach to inclusive and climate smart urban development.

2. At the municipal level outcome, the programme aims to help municipal authorities more effectively manage inclusive and climate smart urban development. In order to achieve this, the programme will work towards a number of intermediate outcomes:

•   Increased resources available at the municipal level for inclusive, climate smart urban development;
•   More effective deployment of these resources;
•   Greater accountability of municipal authorities to the urban poor

3.  At the community level outcome, the programme will aim to ensure that urban poor communities are more resilient and empowered to articulate and demand their needs. In order to achieve this, the programme will work towards a number of intermediate outcomes:

• Urban poor are mobilized and better able to hold municipal authorities to account;
• Improved security of housing and infrastructure in urban settlements;
• Improved well-being, security and safety of the urban poor.

This programme will contribute to ensuring a sustainable improvement in the livelihoods and living conditions of poor people living in urban slums/informal settlements in the following five Outputs.

1. Strengthened municipal and national government capacity to deliver pro-poor, climate     sensitive, urban   development;
2. Strengthened community organization in informal settlements;
3. Improved livelihoods and well-being;
4. Piloting options to improve land tenure and developing low cost housing initiatives; and
5. Climate smart rehabilitation of small scale infrastructure supported.
    

The ultimate intended beneficiaries of this intervention are the poor and vulnerable urban people, now and in future years. Based on evidence outlined in the previous UPPR reviews and similar types of urban interventions in Bangladesh, the NUPRP reasonably expects a wide range of benefits to result from the interventions at community, municipal and national levels. Given the ever expanding size of the urban centres and the populations that will be linked to employment opportunities, interventions targeting urban poor people should affect overall economic growth, income inequality, employment and the poverty situation.

NUPRP will commence with an Inception Phase. It will set the foundations of the launching of the National Urban Poverty Reduction Programme, particularly Phase 1 (months 9-32). The objectives of the Inception phase are represented in four key components: Output Development and Strategy, Government Relations and NUPRP Management Set-Up, Programmatic Activities and Operations Activities. NUPRP will run for 6 years from 2016-2022.

During the inception phase, five studies led by national/international consultants will collect and compile background information on the five outputs. These studies will lay the groundwork for the intervention strategies to be questioned and reinforced for the logframe to be refined and for the baseline studies to be led in this refined framework.

Each output contains multiple and varying themes, therefore, strategies for the outputs will require consultants with varying specializations. The five consultants will assess the requirements, challenges and targets of each output. Henceforth, working together, a comprehensive strategy will be created that incorporates the varying themes within each output.

The five consultants will specialize in the following fields: 1.urban policy/legislation/urban governance and planning; 2.urban sociology, behaviours change and gender; 3. urban livelihoods and financial inclusion; 4. low-cost housing and property economist; as well as 5. climate change infrastructure and urban services.

These five studies will provide deep understanding of and signal the potential challenges and opportunities emerging on three basic levels:

• The social and cultural norms at play, as well as the economic context;
• The current policy context and the legal context;
• The external stakeholders and main actors and their detailed role (government, cities, communities, CSOs etc.).

Most importantly, the studies will provide a detailed assessment of both the planning and decision-making mechanisms and the state of play of the capacity in place at the national level (government) and above all at the urban -city/town and communities level.

Output 3: Improved  livelihoods and social well-being

The programme will incorporate a number of livelihood and social wellbeing activities that focus on particular challenges for the urban poor and women and girls in particular - (i) developing skills for productive employment and income generation; (ii) financial Inclusionof the Urban Poor through access to formal banking system (iii) piloting mechanisms to address violence against women and girls and combating early marriage; and (iv) continuing the focus on improved nutrition started under UPPR;

This particular ToR will specifically focus on (i) developing skills for productive employment and income generation. This Output is envisioned to provide direct support to poor and vulnerable people, especially women and girls, living in slums.

Building skills for productive employment and income generation: For skills development, successful partnerships with the private sector piloted under UPPR will be further explored as a model. The aim will be to bring the approach into line with the work of the National Industrial Skills Councils, and ensuring that the urban poor are made a priority in the provision of skills training opportunities. Building from the successes from UPPR on skills development, it is envisioned that there could be a stronger focus and engagement with the private sector and less so on skills training in informal sector. Following the experiences of UPPR, education grants/stipends and income generation activities for women and girls could be scaled up.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

Under the direct guidance of the International Project Manager for NUPRP, the Consultancy will focus on Output 3 of NUPRP (Improved livelihoods) and will entail the following scope of work.

The consultant will be responsible to carry out the following, but not limited to these duties;

1. Identify and review relevant documents, policies, data sources, laws, regulations, management arrangements and implementation realities of the Government of Bangladesh;
2. Visit selected towns and conduct Reality Check that will inform a situation analysis;
3. Mapping of similar thematic projects within Bangladesh and Region;
4. Design specific strategy and methodology for NUPRP Output 3 and related framework following the key principles of innovation, transferability and sustainability, strategy, methodology and framework that that addresses the 3 levels and answers to the set of questions;
5. Identify the potential partners related to the thematic operating particularly in an urban setting;
6. Conduct Coaching sessions for project staff and Produce materials for training.

Expected Results and Deliverables

The main expected results of this consultancy are the design, the implementation strategy and methodology and tools of the new urban poverty reduction programme – specifically on output 3 for the present consultancy - informed by the urban knowledge gathered through the study. Such design, implementation strategy and methodology are key deliverables. They should make sense in the context of the overall NUPRP city/town-level approach and the consultant should keep in mind that output 3 is one of 5 pillars of the project.

The main deliverables will be:

• An inception report (final) incorporating comments/feedbacks from NUPRP/UNDP management with approach; sampling strategy; qualitative tools, analysis and framework; and timeline. (hard and soft copy).

Final Report that includes the following:

1. Policy and Literature Review;
2. Mapping of Similar Projects within Bangladesh and Region;
3. Situational Analysis based on Reality Check Field Mission that identifies linkages with industry associations, skill development mission, sector skill councils/associations, line departments, resource institutes, and other relevant agencies for livelihoods;4. The findings of the whole analysis of the consultancy, which presents the strategy, methodology, tools, indicators, data, key potential partners; precise and evidence-and-data-based recommendations concerning NUPRP’s urban strategy. Output 3 key questions below should be answered systematically.

• Coaching Session/Orientation for Project Staff and training manual

Methodology

The consultant will have to answer Output 3 key questions, but are encouraged to proposed other key questions and areas of examination. The consultant should keep in mind the overall NUPRP city/town-level approach.

• How do we encourage the poor to participate in the formal urban economy?
• What are best approaches for involving the private sector in urban development and why?
• Explore partnerships with the private sector to provide decent work placements for men and women
• How do we evaluate and what are the costs of violence against women and girls and early/forced marriage in regards to women’s productivity and their social and economic growth?
• Understand the migration patterns to better understand movements form rural to urban, and urban to urban.
• What are the best practices and tools from UPPR, other programmes within Bangladesh and within the region to encourage more women to enter the labour force?
• How do we encourage the private sector to create decent work opportunities for women that ensure their proper labour rights and working conditions?
• Explore potential partnerships for work placements
• What are the expanding or emerging (green jobs for example) formal sectors in Bangladesh that have or will have increased demand for labour?
• What are the drivers and patterns of economic internal migration in Bangladesh?
• How can livelihoods and skills be made more resilient to climate change?
• How successful were the UPPR education grants/stipends for girls and how to enhance this practice?

The Consultancy will undertake the following tasks to achieve the objective of this assignment:

• Desk review: this review will focus on building skills for productive employment and income generation, with a strong emphasis with private sector engagement. It should review relevant documents, policies, data sources, laws, regulations, management arrangements and implementation realities of the Government of Bangladesh. It should also map out existing similar projects and programmes in Bangladesh and in the Asia region.
• Reality check in 2 to 3 towns: 2 to 3 cities and towns will be selected based on their representativeness (NUPRP targeted cities). Field visits will be organized. The Consultancy will select the towns based on data/information collated in order to undertake a critical review and analysis.

Expected Results and Deliverables

• An inception report (final) incorporating comments/feedbacks from NUPRP/UNDP management with approach; sampling strategy; qualitative tools, analysis and framework; and timeline. (hard and soft copy).
  • Estimated Duration to Complete: 3 days; Target Due Dates: 13 June 2016.

Final Report that includes the following:

1. Policy and Literature Review;
2. Mapping of Similar Projects within Bangladesh and Region;
3. Situational Analysis based on Reality Check Field Mission that identifies linkages with industry associations, skill development mission, sector skill councils/associations, line departments, resource institutes, and other relevant agencies for livelihoods;
4. The findings of the whole analysis of the consultancy, which presents the strategy, methodology, tools, indicators, data, key potential partners; precise and evidence-and-data-based recommendations concerning NUPRP’s urban strategy. Output 3 key questions answered systematically.
   • Estimated Duration to Complete: 22 days; Target Due Dates: 31 July 2016

• Coaching Session/Orientation for project staff, including training materials.
  • Estimated Duration to Complete: 5 days; Target Due Dates: 30 September 2016

Institutional Arrangement

The consultancy will be overseen by the International Project Manager (IPM) of NUPRP. UNDP shall provide office space and necessary logistic supports to the employed personnel. The project will not provide a laptop.

Review and Approvals Required :

• Payment will be made upon  confirm acceptance by the International Project Manager;
• Need approval of work plan to be prepared and submitted with inception report;
• Need prior approval for any mission outside of UNDP with the provision of TA and DSA as per organization policy.

Duration of the Work

This assignment will take place over 4 months and require 30 days including field visits and travel. The intended start date is 7 June 2016

Tentative payment schedule

• 1st payment: 20% of total contract value will be paid after submission and acceptance of the inception report;
• 2nd  payment: 60% of total contract value will be paid after submission and acceptance of Final Report that includes the following: 1. Policy and Literature Review; 2. Mapping of Similar Projects within Bangladesh and Region; Situational Analysis based on Reality Check Field Mission that identifies linkages with industry associations, skill development mission, sector skill councils/associations, line departments, resource institutes, and other relevant agencies for livelihoods; 3. The findings of the whole analysis of the consultancy, which presents the strategy, methodology, tools, indicators, data, key potential partners; precise and evidence-and-data-based recommendations concerning NUPRP’s urban strategy.
• 3rd payment: 20% of total contract value will be paid after Coaching Session/Orientation for project  staff, including training manual.

Duty Station

The consultancy will be home based with visits to Dhaka, Bangladesh, and other towns.

During the field visit the project will facilitate the visit and arrange transport and Daily Subsidy Allowance (DSA) will be reimbursed as per UNDP policy.

Final Products

The assignment should result in a report, including the handbook (illustrated format with operational guideline) that should be formatted to A4 size paper, and be in a condition that can be published without any need for further work. All data sets and analysis must be shared and handed over to the project.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards (human rights, peace,
• understanding between peoples and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, and impartiality;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrates openness to change, flexibility, and ability to manage complexities;
• Proven strong written, analytical and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Masters’ Degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Economics, or equivalent, with specialization in productive employment, income generation and livelihoods in the urban context. PhD preferred.

Experience

• At least 15 years experience in the fields of income generation, skills and livelihood development for urban poor
• At least fifteen years of working experience in undertaking qualitative and quantitative research including participatory methodologies in the urban field;
• Demonstrated previous experience of building urban poverty programme knowledge and programme strategy;
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of international best practices on employment and income generation for the urban poor, with specific focus on private sector engagement.
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge making livelihoods and skills more resilient to climate change.
• Experience in undertaking research with UN/international organization in last 10 years
• Examples of at least five (5) key publications/Programme Strategy proposals through his/her leadership. Two (2) of the examples should be submitted (or links provided) to the technical proposal.

CVs must be tailored to demonstrate competence against these requirements. Failure to demonstrate experience against these eligibility criteria will result in proposals being discarded.

Language Requirement

• Excellent proven written and spoken English

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Individuals will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Combined Scoring method:

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) 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 in the technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation:

 Evaluation Criteria:

• Level and relevance of Education obtained: 20 points;
• Working experience in the field  productive employment, skills training and livelihoods for the urban poor: 25 points
• Working experience in undertaking qualitative and quantitative research including participatory methodologies in the urban field: 10 points
• Demonstrated previous experience of building urban poverty programme knowledge and programme strategy: 10 points;
• Experience in undertaking research with UN/international organization in last 10 years: 5 points

Financial Evaluation (Total 30 points)

All technical qualified proposals will be scored out 30 based on the formula provided below. The maximum points (30) will be assigned to the lowest financial proposal. All other proposals received points according to the following formula:

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.

Documentation to be included when submitting the proposal:

• Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in the below link:

http://www.bd.undp.org/content/dam/bangladesh/docs/Jobs/Interest%20and%20Submission%20of%20Financial%20Proposal-Template%20for%20Confirmation.docx

• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment and a methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment.
• Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided.  If an Offeror 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 Offeror must indicate this  at this point and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

N.B.

Applicants are reminded that the UNDP application process only allows you to upload single file so please ensure that you consolidate all of the above documentation into a single file for uploading at the time you submit your application