The human development approach was introduced by the first global Human Development Report (HDR) in 1990, The HDR is a dynamic advocacy tool created through a process of active engagement within countries and across regions. Taking on cutting-edge issues, and articulating people’s priorities, the HDR is seen as an important source of innovation.[1] The HDR is produced by the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is ensured of editorial independence by the United Nation’s General Assembly.[2]

The UNDP Country Office in Saudi Arabia conducted a comparative assessment between Saudi Arabia and high-income countries featured in the HDR. The main thrust of the study entails a comparison of the achievements of KSA, measured by the global human development (HD) composite indices, against the groups of countries of the similar level of economic and human development, as well as with countries of the similar geography or the cultural background. Thus, the study includes comparisons with the group of high-income countries (as defined by the World Bank), OECD, G-20, and GCC. Some additional comparisons were done, such as with the UNDP region of Arab States, OPEC countries, and the Organization of Islamic States. Hence, the main objective was to understand the differences and similarities in HD outcomes of KSA and these different groups of countries, the key drivers of differences, and how to improve the international standing in HD of KSA. 

The 2021/2022 Human Development Report unites and extends these discussions under the theme of uncertainty— how it is changing, what it means for human development and how we can thrive in the face of it.[3]

UNDP Saudi Arabia is looking to update the database of the Human Development Indices for Saudi Arabia for 2022 based on a study conducted in 2021. In addition, UNDP Saudi Arabia is looking to investigate also the use of “Human Development" indicators as a way to apply LNOB and GEWE principles for national partners working on Regional economic Development and highlighting how Digital transformation, governance and innovative participatory approaches would enable Regions and National Partners to deliver socio-economic impacts that have direct contribution to enhancing Saudi Arabia status on human development.

Although SDG acts as a global framework to guide countries towards 2030, the study will entail a section on how human development as a lens and tool can assist Saudi Arabia in designing the policies needed using an evidence-based approach to achieve the SDG. It will also explore the linkages between HDI and SDG in particular about specific targets or /and reporting and measuring indicators for relevant SDG.

In particular, the study will follow the below phases:

1. Update of the Indicators and indices for Human Development for 2022
2. Summarizing the update in one general presentation and five thematic presentations

1. Scope of Work:

The assignment intends to update the above-mentioned comparative study to reflect some of the insights and figures featured in 2021/2022 Global HDR. The UNDP Country Office (CO) intends to have a national event with twofold objectives:

1. Launching the 2021/2022 Global HDR as part of the CO outreach efforts in increasing awareness of the government and national entities about the HDR. This will be aided by an overview of the HDR in general; how HDR was developed and why; the human development indices and their role in policy making.
2. Discussing the findings of the HDI Comparative Study to shed lights on development challenges and possible policy recommendations

2. Expected Outputs and Deliverables:

• To update the 2020 HDI Comparative Study to reflect insights and figures featured in 2021/2022 Global HDR as relate to Saudi Arabia and the original study scope. This will entail updating the narrative along with relevant charts and excel files (60%)

• To produce a summary of the updated Comparative Study in a presentation format. Multiple versions of the presentation are envisioned. One version is to be generic while other versions may tackle some of the specific topics highlighted in the original study such as (40%):[1]

• Inequality
• Gender and Inclusion
• Human Development and Economic Growth
• Sustainable Human Development (with focus on environment)

3. The duration of the assignment

The anticipated duration of the assignment is 30 working days over a period of 2 months.

4. The duty station and expected places of travel, if any

The assignment is expected to be entirely home-based. No travel will be anticipated under this assignment.

• This assignment will be home-based
• If unforeseen travel outside the consultant home-based city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).

• Note: A written approval from UNDP and relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant's travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary.

5. Institutional Arrangement

The expert will be reporting to UNDP Saudi Arabia Deputy Resident Representative. A detailed work plan for the expert’s duties and responsibilities will be formulated during the assignment. The expert will be collaborating and liaising with the assigned task force to meet the deadlines set by UNDP Saudi Arabia Resident Representative.

[1] 2022 Arab Human Development – executive Summary

Corporate :

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN/UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional :

• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English. Arabic is an asset
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to analyze diverse information rapidly from varied sources
• Acts as a team player, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure

Project and Resource Management:

• Ability to produce high quality outputs in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, produce high quality outputs.

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity;
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

1. Academic Qualification:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economy, Statistics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or other related fields is required.

2.Experience:

• 5 years Expertise in conducting comparative economic studies
• Excellent understanding of human development approach and experience in HDR
• 7 years’ experience with quantitative analysis and knowledge of socioeconomic indicators.
•  Experience in Saudi development context including Vision 2030 and National Transformation Program
• Strong computer skills and strong expertise in statistical analyses (familiarity with data processing and data analysis software). and experience in handling of UNDP web-based management systems
• Solid knowledge on result-based management and project implementation
• Experience in working for an international organisation and/or UNDP is required

3. Language: 

• Language proficiency in both written and oral English.
• Arabic is an asset.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

All proposals must be expressed in a lump sum amount. This amount must be “all-inclusive”. Please note that the terms “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the proposal.

Payments shall be made to the individual contractor upon successful completion and certification by UNDP that services have been satisfactorily performed, based upon the actual number of working days and accomplish of each deliverable.

Payment shall be made as a deliverables-based lump upon the receipt of the deliverables and certification of satisfactory performance by UNDP.

The Expert will share Certificate of Payment (CoP) where he/he needs to indicate achieved outputs. Then the certificate of payment must be verified by the UNDP Team and certified by UNDP top management. The Expert is advised to keep detailed timesheet of the days worked and tasks performed throughout the consultancy assignment. A bi-weekly update of the timesheet will be requested, and such documentation will support the payment process as deemed needful.

Recommended Presentation of Offer

For purposes of generating Offers whose contents are uniformly presented and to facilitate their comparative analysis, it is best to recommend the preferred contents and presentation of the Offer to be submitted, as well as the format/sequencing of their presentation.  The following documents may be requested:

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
2. 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;
3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment. A methodology is recommended for intellectual services, but maybe omitted for support services [Note: this is optional for support services]; 
4. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the template provided. The terms “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the Proposal. 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 the Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial Proposal submitted to UNDP. 

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Step I: Screening and desk review:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

Technical Criteria (CV review and Desk Review/Interview optional) – maximum 70 points. Only candidates who obtained at least 70% of points from the CV desk review (who will score at least 49 points) will be considered for the next evaluation stage, i.e., financial evaluation.

Applications will be first screened, and only candidates meeting the following minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting:

• Strong computer skills and strong expertise in statistical analyses (familiarity with data processing and data analysis software). and experience in handling of UNDP web-based management systems

Financial evaluation - Total 30% (30 points)

The following formula will be used to evaluate the financial proposal:

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

Instructions for on-line submissions

Step 1:  Please prepare all required documents electronically.

Step 2: Combine all documents in ONE SINGLE FILE (preferably in PDF however, Word format can also be accepted) and upload to the UNDP Jobs links

Step 3: After that, you will receive an auto-reply from the UNDP jobs if your offer is received successfully.

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described. 

Given the volume of applications that UNDP receives, only shortlisted offerors will be notified.

UNDP reserves the right to reject any incomplete applications.

Please be informed that we don’t accept applications submitted via email.

Interested Offerors are required to submit an application via UNDP Jobsite system as the application screening and evaluation will be done through UNDP Jobsite system. Please note that UNDP Jobsite system allows only one uploading of application documents, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file. Your online application submission will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application if necessary. Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows you to upload a maximum of one document.

Any request for clarification/additional information on this procurement notice shall be communicated in writing to UNDP office or send to email mohammed.abbas@undp.org  with a copy to huda.alsaud@undp.org the Procurement Unit would endeavour to provide information expeditiously, only requests receiving at least 3 working days prior to the submission deadline will be entertained. Any delay in providing such information will not be considered as a reason for extending the submission deadline. The UNDP's response (including an explanation of the query but without identifying the source of inquiry) will be posted in the Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice page as provided above. Therefore, all prospective Offerors are advised to visit the page regularly to make obtain updates related to this Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice

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.

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described. 

The interested offeror must read the Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice, which can be viewed at https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=97304 for more detailed information about terms of references, instructions for the offeror, and to download the documents to be submitted in the offer online.

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.