Background

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. UN Women provides support to Member States’ efforts and priorities in meeting their gender equality goals and for building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

The UN Women Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO) is based in Suva, Fiji and works alongside the 19 other UN agencies in the region and in 14 countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Under its Strategic Note 2018-2022, UN Women Fiji MCO focuses on delivering on four interlinked programme areas underpinned by support for intergovernmental and normative processes:

• Women’s Political Empowerment and Leadership
• Women’s Economic Empowerment
• Ending Violence against Women
• Gender and Protection in Humanitarian Action (GPiHA) and Disaster Reduction.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls / EVAWG In the Pacific

The Pacific has some of the world’s highest reported rates of violence against women, with studies showing that up to 68% of women are affected. To respond to the rates of violence in the Pacific, UN Women has developed a comprehensive EVAWG programme which takes a transformative approach to prevent violence against women and girls at multiple levels (regional, national and community), and to ensure survivors have access to quality response services.

UN Women’s EVAWG programme is implemented through the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls (hereafter referred to as ‘Pacific Partnership’) and the Spotlight Initiative. The Pacific Partnership is a four-and-a-half-year programme (2018-2022) which brings together governments, civil society organizations, communities, and other partners to change the social norms that allow violence against women and girls to continue; to ensure survivors have access to quality response services; and to support national and regional institutions to meet their commitments to gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls.

There is a high level of attention and political will to address violence against women and girls and the Kingdom of Tonga has long recognized the importance of promoting gender equality to achieve sustainable development outcomes. The Government of Tonga is contributing towards progressing gender equality through the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Tonga (WEGET) National Policy and Strategic Plan of Action 2019 – 2025 which provides a significant platform to improve the lives of all women and men, boys and girls through a raft of strategic objectives and associated interventions which represents the Government’s key activities across all sectors of government and society. Further, the passing of the Family Protection Act (FPA) in 2013 has become a critical vehicle for protection, security and justice for most victims/survivors of domestic violence.

A surge of momentum in the EVAWG policy, service delivery and prevention space has occurred in Tonga with the launching of the National Service Delivery Protocol, its rollout to local levels and galvanizing of partners to provide holistic services to survivors. At the strategic level, the Women’s Affairs and Gender Equality Division is working in partnership with UN Women to implement key convenings and multi-day workshops and events on EVAWG topics. UN Women is providing technical and financial support through direct procurements for these emerging priorities.

Under the overall supervision of the EVAWG Program Coordinator in Tonga, the Consultant is expected to contribute to the development and implementation of effective EVAWG prevention and response strategies in Tonga by providing logistical and operational support ensuring the full compliance of programs and processes with UN/UN women rules, regulations, policies and strategies as well as provide logistical support to programme implementation.

This position reports to the EVAWG Programme Coordinator based in Tonga and will work closely with the Ministry of International Affairs Women’s Affairs and Gender Equality Division (WAGED) and key civil society Implementing Partners (IPs) including the Talitha Project, Tonga Women and Children Crises Centre (WCCC), as well as other frontline service providers, civil society organisations and UN agencies in Tonga.

Objectives of the assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide support to the implementation of the EVAWG portfolio implemented by the UN Women Tonga Office, with a specific focus on the expanded workplan for WAGED to be directly procured by UN Women.

Scope of Work/Duties and Responsibilities

For this purpose, the selected consultant will work under the overall coordination and direct supervision of the UN Women Programme Coordinator for EVAWG in Tonga to coordinate and support the timely and effective implementation of EVAWG prevention and response portfolio priorities, with particular attention to the increased momentum and request for support from WAGED. 

Support Implementing Partner Management, Reporting and Coordination:

• Update the partner database, including grantees narrative and financial reports.
• Support the EVAWG Programme Coordinator in communicating with and providing technical support to implementing partners on timely reporting and identification of issues for troubleshooting;
• Support drafting of summary monthly reports for UN Women corporate efforts on implementation of partners initiatives to synthetize results and update on progress.
• Support the coordination and collection of information for the audit of programmes/ projects and support implementation of audit recommendations.
• Support logistical and procurement preparations for monthly and bi-annual partner meetings, reflection workshops and learning sessions.

Provide event operations and logistical support for the EVAWG portfolio, especially for direct procurement requests from WAGED

• Support logistical and procurement preparations for multi-day workshops, retreats and meetings for WAGED as per their request to UN Women for technical and operational support
• Liaise with the UN Women EVAWG Operations team in Suva to facilitate procurement and payments of vendors for venue, catering, stationary, travel etc.
• Support implementation of events including printing, IT set up and support, venue set up and other logistical arrangements

Duration of the assignment

The duration of this assignment will be up to 55 days within a 10-month period, starting from 18 October 2021.

Note: The mentioned number of working days has been estimated as being sufficient/feasible for the envisaged volume of work to be completed successfully and is proposed as a guideline for the duration of assignment. It cannot and shall not be used as criteria for completion of work/assignment. The provision of envisaged deliverables approved by the EVAWG Programme Officer shall be the only criteria for local consultant’s work being completed and eligible for payments.

Expected Deliverables

The selected National Consultant will be responsible for delivering monthly reports to contain the following specific outputs, comprising of the main milestones:

The assignment should be carried out within a period of 10 months, not exceeding 55 working days, with the incumbent being responsible for delivering the following outputs:

• Monthly reports on major tasks performed and the results, including support provided to civil society and government partners of UN Women as well as administrative and logistical tasks completed.

All the deliverables should be agreed with UN Women and be provided in English electronic copy (hard copy when required).

Inputs

The National Consultant will work under the overall coordination of and direct supervision of UN Women Programme Coordinator for EVAWG in Tonga to coordinate and support the development of UN Women’s programming in country.

Management Arrangements

The National Consultant will be provided by UN Women with the necessary information, materials and logistics as well as office space.

The selected candidate is expected to have his/her own laptop and phone, while UN Women will provide access to other equipment for the fulfillment of their tasks (such as printer, copier).

Performance Evaluation

The National Consultant’s performance will be evaluated against such criteria as: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Travel

The position is based in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

The National Consultant will be responsible for all administrative and travel expenses associated with undertaking this assignment to be based in Nuku’alofa.

No travel outside of Nuku’alofa is envisaged under the current assignment.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UN Women and the National Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed following UN Women travel rules and guidelines.

Financial Arrangements

Payment will be disbursed monthly, upon submission and approval of monthly reports with indication of progress and actual deliverables as well as timesheets with actual days worked certified by the UN Women Programme Coordinator for EVAWG in Tonga that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

Core Values

• Respect for Diversity;
• Integrity;
• Professionalism.

Core Competencies

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Functional Competencies

• Ability to think conceptually, strategically and analytically;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Results oriented, flexible and problem-solving skills.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Language

Education:

• Completion of secondary education required.
• Tertiary Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Social Science, or Public Administration is an asset.

Experience and skills:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programme / project administration including office assistant activities such as procurement, basic finance work and provision to logistical management and operational support.
• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in working with local / national human rights organizations including knowledge of UN Systems is an asset.
• Exposure to gender equality, ending violence against women and girls or related issues is an advantage.
• Good writing and communication skills with the ability to draft correspondence in a clear, accurate and concise manner (based on application and/or test/interview).
• Strong interpersonal, planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills with the Ability to work independently and harmoniously in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic team environment maintain tact and discretion in all dealings; (based on application and/or interview).
• Computer literacy – Proficiency in the use of MS Office Packages and the internet required, Atlas/PeopleSoft is an asset (based on application and/or test).

Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English language is an essential requirement.
• Working knowledge of Tongan language will be an added advantage. 

Evaluation Procedure

Initially, individual consultants’ applications will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:

• Completion of secondary education required.
• Tertiary Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Social Science, or Public Administration is an asset.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programme / project administration including office assistant activities such as procurement, basic finance work and provision to logistical management and operational support.

The short-listed individual consultants will be further evaluated based on a cumulative analysis scheme, with a total score being obtained upon the combination of weighted technical and financial attributes. Cost under this method of analysis is rendered as an award criterion, which will be 30% out of a total score of 500 points.

Evaluation of submitted offers will be done based on the following formula:

where:

Technical evaluation will be represented through desk review of applications. Interviews and/or written tests will be organized if needed only, depending on the short-listed candidates’ qualifications.

Technical Qualification Evaluation Criteria: The technical part is evaluated based on its responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Financial Evaluation Criteria: In this Second Stage, the financial proposal of candidates, who have attained minimum 70% score in the technical evaluation (at least 245 points), will be compared.

WINNING CANDIDATE

The winning candidate will be the candidate, who has accumulated the highest aggregated score (technical scoring + financial scoring).

Submission of Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit fully completed application on the UNDP Vacancy Site. 

Submission Package:

1. Cover letter explaining the suitability of the consultant: applicants are encouraged to address experience and qualifications listed in the ‘criteria for technical evaluation’.

1. Duly filled Personal History Form (P11) and/or Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Consultant including records of experience in similar assignments and specific outputs obtained; P11 can be downloaded at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment

1. Financial proposal – specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this Terms of Reference.  The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (daily rate and number of anticipate working days and any other possible costs).

1. Please read, use, and complete ANNEX I and ANNEX II below to provide your financial proposal.

Applications without a complete financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.  UN Women reserves the right to accept or reject any bid.

The consultancy recruitment process will be governed by the rules and regulations of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

Deadline of all submission: 30th October 2021

*** Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted and may need to have a written test and/or interview.

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality, and the Empowerment of Women.  The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

The United Nations is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work are particularly encouraged to apply.

Annex A

Price Proposal Guideline and Template

The prospective Individual (National) Consultant should take the following explanations into account during submission of his/her price proposal.

1. Lump Sum Amount

The price proposal should indicate a "lump sum amount" which is "all-inclusive"; All costs (professional fees, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Individual Contractor needs to be factored into the proposed price.

UN Women will not withhold any amount of the payments for tax and/or social security related payments. UN Women shall have no liability for taxes, duties, or other similar charges payable by the Individual Contractor in respect of any amounts paid to the Individual Contractor under this Contract, and the Contractor acknowledges that UN Women will not issue any statements of earnings to the Individual contractor in respect of any such payments.

Contract price is fixed to activities/deliverables indicated in the ToR, regardless of the changes in the cost components (such as days invested for completion of the deliverables).

2.Travel costs

UN Women will not cover personal transportation costs within Nuku’alofa and/or  within duty station (based in Nuku’alofa, Tonga). 

If consultant is required to travel outside of home-based location to another island, on official travels related to this assignment, UN Women will cover for travel related costs separately, with prior approval based on agreed upon routing and in conformity with UN Women applicable travel guidelines, rules, and regulations. 

3.Daily Subsistence Allowance

Not Applicable.

4.Currency of the price proposal

The applicants are requested to submit their price proposals in Tongan Pa’anga (TOP$).

In case of proposals in other currency, these shall be converted into TOP$ using the official UN exchange rate for currency conversion to TOP$ at the date of the applicants’ submission deadline.

Annex B

Price Proposal Submission Form

[Mandatory Document for the Consultant to complete and submit]

To:          United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Ref:         National Consultant – Event & Coordination Support for UN Women’s Tonga Programme

Dear Sir / Madam,

I, the undersigned, offer to provide professional consulting services to UN Women within the scope of the referred Assignment.  Having examined, understood, and agreed to the Terms of Reference and its annexes, the receipt of which are hereby duly acknowledged, I, the undersigned, offer to deliver professional services, in conformity with the Terms of Reference.

My maximum total price proposal for the assignment is given below:

[ Estimated Costs (in TOP$) ]

I confirm that my financial proposal will remain unchanged.  I also confirm that the price that I quote is gross, and is inclusive of all legal expenses, including but not limited to social security, income tax, pension, etc., which shall be required applicable laws.  

I agree that my proposal shall remain binding upon me for the fifty-five (55) working days.

I understand that you are not bound to accept any proposal you may receive.