UNDP Jobs - 73034- Consultant (Project Management and Technical Assis

Consultant (Project Management and Technical Assistance)

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

10-Jul-2017

Application Deadline :

04-Jul-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Six Months (with possibility of extension)

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

BACKGROUND

The Parliament of Sri Lanka is the apex representative body that exercises the legislative power of the People as recognized by the Constitution. Despite its impressive historical tradition, early achievements and a clear constitutional mandate, Parliament started facing challenges with regard to its authority, capacity and performance since the introduction of the executive presidency in 1978. Parliament has a pivotal role in the democratic governance of the country, with wide ranging duties and responsibilities in legislative, oversight and representative functions. The capacity of Parliament to fulfill its constitutional mandate needs to be strengthened in order to achieve the vision and objectives of a vibrant democracy.

Acknowledgment of the centrality of Parliament has gone hand in hand with a major period of transition. Certain noteworthy changes include the introduction in December 2015 of Sectoral Oversight Committees and a Committee on Public Finance to the Parliamentary structure, and appointment of a Constitutional Assembly. The rapid changes that have been initiated in the governance structure provide a critical opportunity to support Parliament to transform itself into a well-developed institution.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka supports inclusive and effective democratic governance by advocating, advising, fostering impartial spaces for dialogue, facilitating consensus, and supporting the strengthening of institutions. UNDP provided technical assistance to the Parliament of Sri Lanka from 2003-2008. In September 2015, the Parliament’s leadership made a request to UNDP to consider initiating, in partnership with the Parliament, a fully-fledged programme aimed at strengthening the institution and developing its internal capacities, together with coordinating parliamentary support activities by other development partners and implementing agencies.

The UNDP Project “Consolidating Sri Lankan democracy and sustaining peace through parliamentary strengthening” (also referred to as the Parliamentary Development Support Project) is based upon a situational and needs assessment and identification of strategic priorities through preliminary consultations with key parliamentary leaders and officials as well as other stakeholders. The Project’s expected outcome is, “Parliament is strengthened to perform its core legislative, oversight and representational functions with increased effectiveness, transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation.” Seven key outputs have been identified towards this end, focusing on the following areas: (1) Strategic planning for Parliament; (2) Strengthening the Committee system and MP’s capacities; (3) Parliamentary procedure and practice; (4) Strengthening research and policy analysis services; (5) Public outreach, and citizens’ engagement in the legislative process; (6) Strengthening legislative and administrative processes; and (7) Increasing women’s legislative representation and participation in decision-making.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

UNDP is looking to recruit a Consultant who is expected to manage the Project, and provide technical assistance to Parliament in line with his/her areas of knowledge and expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful management of Project outputs and contribution to the achievement of project outcomes. He/she will have the responsibility to run the project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of and within the parameters outlined by the Project Board. He/she will provide leadership and a supervisory role to the project team.

On all content related issues, the Consultant is expected to seek the guidance of and work in close consultation with the Secretary General of Parliament.

The Consultant will ultimately report to, and be supervised by UNDP Sri Lanka’s Policy Specialist (Governance and Peace Building).

The project assurance role has been delegated by the Project Board to UNDP’s Governance Cluster. The Project Manager will be expected to liaise and work in close consultation with UNDP’s Governance Cluster for project assurance purposes.

Policy specialists and technical advisors in UNDP and other UN agencies in-country, as well as regional and global advisers, can be called upon to assist the Project with policy/technical advisory services, as and when required.

In the event of changes in context, strategies, results framework, project priorities, financial resources, UNDP management structures, etc., the project management, supervisory and/or quality assurance arrangements may be revised to ensure the achievement of Project results.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the consultancy is 6 months, starting July 2017, with the possibility of extension.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective consultant should have the following;

COMPETENCIES

Technical Competencies

Theoretical and/or practical knowledge (preferably both) of Parliamentary procedure and practice would be a distinct advantage;
Ability to engage effectively with Parliamentary leadership and provide policy advisory support services and substantive inputs;
Ability to engage effectively with other implementing agencies supporting Parliament, UNDP, other UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, etc;
A good understanding of the governance structure and systems in the country, including the political economy context.
Strong analytical skills.

Partnerships

Builds strong relationships with all partners, focuses on impact and results for the client, and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy as well as a positive and constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Proven networking, team building, organizational and communications skills;
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and records.

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfils all obligations of gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Knowledge of human and financial resources management, procurement, and general administration;
Demonstrates good judgment.

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in Parliament and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant practice areas, and applies newly acquired skills.

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

A Master's Degree in political science, social sciences, law, development studies or other relevant field.

Experience

A minimum of 5 year’s relevant work experience managing and/or coordinating programs/projects and/or engaging in public policy development;
Experience in Parliament, parliamentary development support and/or constitutional/law making/reform processes will be an advantage;
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, effectively manage a team and motivate its members and other project counterparts to effectively work towards the project’s expected outputs and outcome;
Good communication skills, and competence to handle the project’s internal and external relations at all levels;
Familiarity and prior experience in working in accordance with policies and guidelines of UNDP or a similar development agency is an asset.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in English, including excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as a working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is essential.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combimation of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: procurement.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR

Amount in words (Rs)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Policy Specialist - Governance.

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

The deliverables below may change and/or the number of deliverables may be increased or decreased with advance notice. Any such changes will be discussed and agreed with the Consultant and thereafter formally communicated.

A brief report of assistance provided during 1st phase;
A brief report of assistance provided during 2nd phase;
A brief report of assistance provided during 3rd phase;
A brief report of assistance provided during 4th phase;
A brief report of assistance provided during 5th phase;
A brief report of assistance provided during 6th phase.