Historique

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UNV volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity, as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.
 
The Partnerships Section (PS) is a part of the UNV Partnerships and Communications Division (PCD). It develops UNV’s institutional capacity to enhance strategic partnerships, strengthens UNV’s resource mobilization functions, as well as global partnerships for advocacy and volunteer mobilization, in support of UNV’s mission and mandate. In line with UNV’s corporate plan and strategic principles, the PS focuses, in coordination with other sections, on building alliances and leveraging partnerships to promote the concept of volunteerism for development. The PS builds and strengthens relationships with a number of key constituencies and partners: UN entities, donor governments / communities, non-traditional partners (foundations), civil society organizations and the private sector. Additionally, the Partnerships Section brings value through the building of institutional knowledge documented in partnerships agreements, MOUs and partners’ relationship history and contact data. It ensures continued and consistent support in adherence to the principles of accountability and transparency with resources. Through building targeted and effective partner relations, the Partnerships Section expands the diversity of UNV’s base of core and non-core financial resources. In fulfilling its role, the Partnerships Section works in a cross-sectional manner.
 
The UNV Programme Strategy supports the development of close partnerships among civil society, governments, UN partners, private sector and other stakeholders to identify and implement innovative and bold volunteerism initiatives and approaches for Millennium Development Goals (MDG) achievement. UNV is also developing approaches and initiatives for transformational change and large-scale impact through community-centred sustainable development approaches, community voluntary action, civic engagement and partnerships, especially with national and local institutions and civil society.
 
Over the years UNV has developed many partnerships with a wide variety of partners and in a variety of areas such as resource mobilization, joint programming, recruitment and placement of UN Volunteers and other volunteers, research, communications and advocacy activities.
 
The year 2011 marked the successful Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) and launched the first ever State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR). In preparation for such initiatives and during their implementation, UNV expanded partnerships with a large number of external actors (through the SWVR consultations, the IYV+10 Regional Workshops, the organization of the 64th UNDPI/NGO Conference, the Global Volunteer Conference, and many national level activities) from civil society organizations, governments, donors, private sector, foundations, and UN entities. Furthermore, through the implementation of the Rio+20 project and its Volunteer Action Counts campaign UNV further deepened and expanded such partnerships.
 
UNV needs to further develop its existing, newly developed and potential partnerships building on Changing Together (with respect to internal business processes) and the momentum created by IYV+10 and the Rio+20 project. Further impetus to global partnerships building was given by the UN Secretary-General’s Five-year Action Plan launched on 25 January 2012 in which the SG calls for the establishment of a Global Youth Volunteer Corps under UNV. The new UNV Youth Programme that is being developed will require and stimulate new partnerships building, beyond existing partners that are already supporting UNV youth initiatives such as the intern and university volunteer programmes that were reviewed in 2011. Furthermore, the more programmatic approach for engaging UNV’s Fully Funded (FF) UN Volunteer resources also requires reengaging the already contributing donors as well as exploring new partners.
 
In the context of the global Post 2015 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) discussions that will eventually result in building a new global development framework, and at the same time in view of the continuing global financial crises that is affecting financial resources for development, UNV wishes to revisit its current partnerships management practices in order to strengthen, diversify, innovate and expand its partner base. This is a critical time which offers an opportunity to review achievements, challenges and potential new partnerships to formulate a future focused UNV Partnerships Strategy and implementation/action plan to achieve UNV’s partnerships goals.
 
The purpose of the UNV Partnerships Strategy is to articulate a corporate roadmap on the future partnerships approaches in a consistent and strategic way so as to ensure that partnerships and collaborative relationships contribute to peace and development through volunteerism. The process to develop the UNV Partnerships Strategy will also analyse the organization’s current engagements and lessons learned, aiming to foster a common institutional understanding of what types and modalities of partnerships and collaborative relationships are relevant to UNV, how they contribute to enhancing positive outcomes for volunteerism for development and peace, and how UNV should respond to the emerging opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing development landscape. UNV is administered by UNDP, therefore, the development of the UNV Partnerships Strategy will be guided by the UNDP Partnerships Strategy and tools (including the POPP).  

Devoirs et responsabilités

The overarching aim of the Partnerships Strategy is to ensure growth, predictability of resources, and sustainability of UNV’s operational delivery. Specific objectives of the development of the Partnership Strategy are:
  • Analyze the current state of UNV partnerships management at global, regional and national levels with UN entities, IFIs, donor governments/communities, non-traditional partners (foundations, academic institutions and universities, regional and local authorities), civil society organizations and the private sector, with a focus on resource mobilization, volunteer mobilization, potential for joint programming, and partnerships for global policy-focused advocacy for volunteering;
  • Map existing and potential UNV partnerships, collect lessons learned from HQ and field experiences on successful and challenging partnerships, including an in-depth look at how maximum synergy can be achieved between UNV’s Programme Strategy and the programme priorities of partners;
  • Define priorities for different types of partnerships with UN entities, IFIs, national governments, international/multilateral institutions, non-traditional partners (foundations, academic institutions and universities, regional and local authorities), civil society organizations (including volunteer organizations) and the private sector, based on current levels of support, potential for growth, and identify unrealized global outreach;
  • Define how to enhance internal coordination and linkages among relevant units/sections/divisions in UNV based on clearly defined roles and responsibilities with respect to global, regional and national level partnerships including resource mobilization;
  • Identify new, innovative ways to generate core and non-core resources income;
  • Use the process of developing the UNV Partnerships Strategy to have broad internal consultation and ownership building, led by the Partnerships Section together with a Partnerships Strategy Task Force (PSTF) consisting of representation from relevant units/sections/divisions.
Deliverables
 
The consultant is required to deliver the following:

UNV Partnerships Strategy for 2014-17
In close collaboration with the Task Force, the consultant will deliver the final draft of the UNV Partnerships Strategy 2014-17 which will be well harmonized with the UNV Strategic Framework for 2014-17 and its Integrated Resources and Results Matrix. To achieve the targets set out in the UNV Strategic Framework for 2014-17, the Strategy will articulate the strategic direction for UNV’s partnerships, priority areas and focus, key partners, institutional set-up across the organization at HQ and field levels, as well as results to be achieved through partnerships. The Partnerships Strategy will be maximum 20 pages. It needs to be approved by the UNV Senior Management Team (SMT) by mid-January 2014. 

Strategy Implementation Plan for 2014-17

Upon the SMT approval of the Partnerships Strategy, the consultant will work closely with the Task Force to elaborate all the required activities, institutional set-up and required resources in the form of an Implementation Plan for 2014-17.     
Major Tasks

Under the guidance of the PCD Chief, the consultant will carry out his/her task in a participatory process in consultation with the PSTF in UNV HQ /Field Units, UNV Liaison Offices (NY and Tokyo), as well as a few critical partners and other external stakeholders to ensure:
  • A participatory process is followed to ensure ownership and by-in within UNV for the implementation of the Partnerships Strategy; and
  • Alignment with UNV Strategic Framework, Communications Strategy and UNDP approaches to partnership development and integrated resource mobilization. 

The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

  • Identify and reflect key challenges and opportunities for UNV to strengthen strategic partnerships in the Partnerships Strategy;
  • Identify and reflect key partners and respective partnerships purposes and how we deepen our engagements with those long-standing and newly emerging partners in the Partnerships Strategy;
  • Articulate how UNV can best realign its institutional set up to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of partnership building and management at a corporate level, involving relevant units/sections/divisions as well as Field Units.
  • Review partnerships strategies of UNDP and other UN entities to inform the UNV Partnerships Strategy;
  • Reflect the views and feedback of selected critical external partners to inform the Partnerships Strategy; 
  • Prepare a detailed implementation plan to deliver on the Partnerships Strategy, including details of required institutional capacity and resources as well as monitoring and review processes. 
Timeline
  • 2nd week of December 2013: Zero Draft Partnerships Strategy to be cleared by SMT;
  • 2nd week of December 2013: Design partnership survey/ send out to partners;
  • 3rd week of December 2013: Consolidate feedback/inputs from relevant units/sections/divisions/ONY/field units and selected critical partners (UN entities, EB members, VIOs, private sector);
  • 1st week of January 2014: Revised Draft Partnerships Strategy to be cleared by SMT;
  • 1st week of January, 2014: Consolidate feedback/inputs from relevant units/sections/divisions/ONY/field units and selected critical partners (UN entities, EB members, VIOs, private sector).
  • 2nd week of January, 2014: Analyze information from the partnership survey/ follow-up and write a report to submit to SMT on the findings;
  • 3rd week of January, 2014: Final Draft Partnerships Strategy to be cleared by SMT;
  • 4th week of January 2014: Draft Implementation Plan to be cleared by SMT;
  • 1st-2nd weeks of February 2014: Consolidate feedback/inputs from relevant units/sections/divisions/ONY/field units;
  • 4th week of February 2014: Final Implementation Plan to be approved by SMT.

    Compétences

    • Demonstrates integrity by respecting the UN's values and ethical standards;
    • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
    • Strong research, analytical and problem-solving and negotiation skills;
    • Sound judgment;
    • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
    • Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment;
    • Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages;
    • High professionalism;
    • Excellent analytical strategic thinking;
    • Excellence English language report writing skills;
    • Good people and communication skills;
    • Demonstrated knowledge of Result Based Management (RBM).

    Qualifications et expériences requises

    Education:
    • Master’s Degree or Ph.D in Management, International Development, Organizational Strategies or any related field.
    Experience:
    • Competence and experience in using participatory techniques to develop organizational strategies and implementation plans that ensure cross organizational ownership and buy-in for effective implementation;
    • Solid experience and track record in the strategy development of global partnerships for international organizations.
    • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the development sector, preferably in participatory strategy formulation;
    • Experience and familiarity with UN system, especially UNV, and non-profit sector;
    • Proven experience in establishing and strengthening inter-agency and cross sectorial partnerships;
    • Competence in information gathering techniques and computerized data processing.

    Language requirements:

    • Fluency in English knowledge of other UN languages could be useful.
    Evaluation of Candidates:

    The contract shall be awarded to the company/consultant who is the most technically qualified and provides the best value for money. The consultancy will be offered to the candidate with the highest combined score (technical and financial).
    Interviews will be also used to determine the technical competencies of the candidates. Only those who pass 70% of the technical evaluation score will be considered. 

    Only companies/consultants with relevant experience in supplying similar services will be considered qualified.
     
    Evaluation Criteria and Weight (70% Technical 30% Financial):
    • Writing ability 35%;
    • Professional qualification 30%;
    • Analytical ability 35 %.
    The candidate obtaining the overall highest score after adding the technical score and the financial score will be awarded the contract.
     
    For any queries, please send an e-mail to procurement@unv.org, Att.: Iris Klesing with ‘47371 - Consultancy to develop the UNV Partnerships Strategy’ in the subject line. We cannot accept applications by e-mail, fax or mail.
     
    How to apply:

    Applications should be submitted on line and include an up-to-date CV or Personal History Form (P11). Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. 
    If you submit an application, UNV expects that you have read and agree with the TOR and the UNV Terms and Conditions, available online:
    http://www.unv.org/fileadmin/docdb/pdf/2011/procurement/UNV-IC_Terms%20%20Conditions.pdf

    Additional information needed:
    • A cover letter with a brief presentation of yourself, including contact detail - explain why you are the most suitable for the work (1000 words or under);
    • Please supply at least three references from previous clients that we can contact to seek references, name, address, e-mail, telephone;
    • Please provide at least two writing samples;
    • A brief presentation of your consultancy and a detailed list of services and specific areas of expertise that your institution (or you as an individual) may provide
    • Proof of any previous relevant work carried out.  
    The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract).  Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.

    The Financial proposal has to be sent in a separate email to procurement@unv.org, with the subject title ‘47371 - Consultancy to develop the UNV Partnerships Strategy’, Att. Iris Klesing, no later than 15 November 2013.

    Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the e-mail indicated below. UNV will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants/companies.
     
    Travel:

    In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses would be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.
     
    Requests for further information must be sent in writing to the e-mail indicated above. Please note all applications must be submitted via the UNDP Job shop, we cannot accept application solely sent by e-mail.