Background

The State of Kuwait and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a rich history of partnership and cooperation that dates back to 1968. The latest manifestation of this partnership is the Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) which covers the period from 2010 to 2014. The CPAP addresses four important development priorities namely: Governance and Development Planning, Gender and Social development, Economic and Private Sector Development, and the Environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide an updated Offset Programs Worldwide;
  • Perform SWOT analysis, identify competitors, introduce best practice;
  • Assist KNOC to identify/finalize overseas study tours;
  • Meetings with relevant partners and target beneficiaries;
  • Reporting to project board;
  • Desk review of relevant documents: programme reports, evaluation reports, survey/study reports.

The UNDP Country Office and the National Offset Company will provide the consultant with the necessary briefings.

Objectives:
Kuwait National Offset Company (KNOC) seeks to improve its operations and outreach with both foreign obligators and domestic small- to- medium size enterprise (SMEs). This proposed project, to be achieved through the proposed technical activities detailed in the project document, overseas study tour, and outreach/communication programmes. This is directly in line with the existing UNDP Kuwait Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) Outcome 3.1:  Improved business environment for more effective Public-Private sector Partnerships (PPP), Outcome 3.2: SME energized through stimulating mechanisms and Outcome 3.3: Economic Growth Model enhanced by including sustainable environment dimensions which are part of the “National Priority Area 3: Economic and Private-Sector Development,” and KNOC Organizational Goals (Transfer advanced technologies to Kuwait, integration into local economy; Create high-skill professional jobs for Kuwait nationals; Support professional training of Kuwait Nationals).

Expected Outputs:
At the end of the exercise, the consultant will have produced the following:

  1. Improved KNOC Strategic Planning;
  2. Improved KNOC Partnership and Programme Areas;
  3. Update KNOC Offset Programmes Worldwide;
  4. Enhance KNOC Legal Advisory;
  5. Enhance KNOC Human Resource and Operations;
  6. Innovative KNOC Communication Strategy and Outreach Programme;
  7. Improve KNOC Technical Assistance Programme Mid-term and Terminal Review.

Duration of Assignment:
The total duration of the consultancy is 4 months total divided into two sets of 2 months to be in line with the project’s timeline and requirements.

Competencies

  • Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
  • Awareness of the need for development and operational effectiveness;
  • In depth knowledge and strong track record of using internationally oriented  programs and instruments;
  • Good understanding of the rules governing programme management and implementation modalities as set by the beneficiary. This attribute is a plus;
  • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
  • Strong communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Advanced degrees (Ph.D. preferred) in economics, strategic planning, private sector or relevant field of study;
  • Good experience in similar assignments within UN/UNDP systems is an advantage;
  • Good hands-on experience in international development, economic analysis, and capacity building;
  • Capable of conducting training workshops to enhance the project activities and build capacity of the team;
  • Very good understanding of issues related to economic development in Kuwait;
  • Very good research and drafting skills;
  • Ability to work in interdisciplinary and mixed teams is crucial;
  • Experience of working in a multi-cultural team is advantage;
  • Excellent writing skills, strong analytical aptitude, communication, presentation skills;
  • Good interpersonal skills, and understanding of local culture and customs.