In December 2008, Kazakhstan signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, expressing its intention to do whatever is needed to eventually accede to the treaty. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Kazakhstan, as a key government agency responsible for disability policies, and the UN Development Programme are implementing a joint project ‘Strengthening of the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities in the Context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Development of the Special Social Services System’. The project intends to facilitate disability mainstreaming by empowering policy-makers and civil society with knowledge of disability situation in the country and preparedness of Kazakhstan for ratification and implementation of the Convention and its Optional Protocol. The project assists the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kazakhstan in performing works and research aiming to set the stage for the ratification and subsequent implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol by Kazakhstan. The ratification and subsequent implementation of the Convention give rise to additional challenges that will call for state budget costs and expenditures. Implementation of the Convention can be expensive in the short term, but there are a number of simple and low-cost solutions that can have an immediate effect. 

In this relation UNDP in cooperation with the Institute of Regional Development (local organization) conducted the research and preliminary assessed economic costs and possible expenditures related with: i) accessibility of buildings and services; ii) inclusive education; iii) work and employment. It is new for Republic of Kazakhstan to carry out such a comprehensive study. UNDP Kazakhstan continues this work and in this relation there is task to assess costs of measures which were not addressed in the research conducted by Institute of Regional Development in 2011, which include awareness rising costs, cost of participation in political and public life, costs of access to justice and so on.

Along with this outmoded definition and screening criteria for persons with disability which based on former soviet methodology result on limited data on their actual number and absence of qualitative information about their well being. The scale and depth of this type of information, in spite of their evident importance, requires special and deep research. UNDP Kazakhstan has received a request from the Agency for Statistics to provide international experience and expertise on further development of disability statistics in line the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Information needs range from the number of disabled persons as a percentage of population to information relating to such complicated issues as quality of life of disabled.

The Czech Republic ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009 and it entered into force on 12th February 2010. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs became the national focal point for the issues relating to the implementation of the Convention. In 2010 the Government of the Czech Republic approved the National Plan for Promoting Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities 2010-2014. The format, content as well as structure of National Plan is based on the general principles of the Convention. In 2008 the Czech Statistical Office has published first comprehensive report on the situation of persons with disabilities with statistical data task to propose systematical statistical information related to persons with disabilities and their needs. The Czech – UNDP Trust Fund would like to support exchange of these recent Czech experiences with ratification, implementation of the Convention and related statistical monitoring with Kazakhs counterparts. 

Due to absence of practical experience and a systematic approach in cost modeling and estimation as well as disability statistics development with focus on quality of life of persons with disability in Kazakhstan a consultant is required, who can give advice, based on the Czech experience, with implementation of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in accordance with international practices and standards within following issues:

• Assessment of measures which were not addressed in the last year research (the list of measures indicated in scope of work);
• Disability statistics development focused on the quality of life of PWD.

The overall objectives are to assess economic costs and expenditures of ratification and subsequent implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and provide recommendations on disability statistics development. The expert with Czech experience in economic modelling and disability statistics will help to conduct the study that will lay the grounds for the ratification and implementation of the Convention. The results of study will be thoroughly discussed with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Agency for Statistics in Astana. Given the high interest and motivation of country partners to improve protection of the rights of persons with disabilities to make it effective instrument, UNDP believes in strong ownership in project results and further implementation in social protection system. The work of expert is expected to be catalytic in promoting further wider-scale actions between the UNDP, Kazakhstan and other partners on strengthening social protection system of persons with disabilities.

Scope of Work:

• Share experiences with conduction of similar researches within ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by Czech Republic and if possible – experience of other countries.
• Conduct consultation meetings in Astana with the main stakeholders (Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Agency for Statistics, UNDP in Kazakhstan).
• Prepare a presentation about the experience of the Czech Republic in preparation for the ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the  Persons with Disabilities on the round table/meeting for key project stakeholders.        
• Analyze the research conducted by Institute of Regional Development (local organization) and develop a model for calculation of costs of measures  which were not addressed in this research which includes :
  - Awareness-raising costs;
  - Costs of access to justice
  - Costs to ensure living independently and being included in the community
  - Costs of participation in political and public life
  - Costs associated with participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport
  - National implementation and monitoring costs.
• Provide information on international experience on collecting statistical data about persons with disabilities and their lives.
• Provide international expertise of conducting on the pilot survey of quality of PWD life, what kind of data collection instrument should be used and develop recommendations to improve the questionnaire and instruction for interviewer. This has to be done at the round table meeting with the Agency of Statistics.
• Prepare a final report which shall include:
  - Consolidated Czech/ if it possible international experience in similar works and calculations;
  - Description of the model of costs calculations on implementing measures in the spheres indicated in paragraph 4;
  - Recommendations focused on disability statistics development focused on quality of PWD lives in accordance with paragraph 5.

Expected Outcomes:

UNDP, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and Agency for Statistics will receive an international experience and expertise on assessment of measures which were not addressed in the last research (the list of measures indicated above) including:

• Guidance and Report on expenditures model which will be used within preparation and further implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Kazakhstan, will be provided. 
• Czech and international experiences on elaboration of a survey on disability statistics focused on quality of life of PWD will be shared.

Duration and Timeframe:

The duration of the contract will be one month. The expert is expected to work from home with one mission to Kazakhstan. The mission including consultation with stakeholders in Astana and field visit will last 10 working days. The UNDP CO Kazakhstan will provide local assistance in translation and transport.

Reporting:

During the fulfillment of his works, the consultant will ensure regular communication with the UNDP Project Unit prior to the delivery of expected results. The contractor shall ensure quality and timely delivery of the expected results and will regularly inform the Project Manager of the progress as well as any obstacles that might occur.

The following reports/documents will be required for submission in English language as per timeframe indicated above:

• Presentation about Czech and international experience in developing a model for calculation of costs of measures in preparation for the ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities. This has to be delivered at the meeting with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
• Presentation about Czech and international experience of conducting surveys of quality of PWD life, what kind of data collection instrument should be used and develop recommendations to improve the questionnaire and instruction for interviewers of the Kazakhstan’s Agency of Statistics. This has to be presented at the round table meeting with the Agency of Statistics.
• Report, recommending a model for calculation of costs of measures, which were not addressed in the research conducted by Institute of Regional Development (local organization). This has to be discussed with the local organization and presented to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
• Final report in English language.
  

• Strong analytical and drafting skills.
• Maintains high standards despite pressing deadlines.
• Concentrates on routine work details.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Teamwork.
• Remains open-minded and changes opinions on the basis of new information.
  

Education:

• Masters degree in economic science preferably with specialization in the social sphere.
  

Experience:

• Research experience for at least 5 years and work experience in finance, social economy and statistics.
• Significant experience in conducting similar economic modeling research as well as experience in disability statistics development in accordance with the Convention.
• Professional experience with implementation of the Convention in the Czech Republic.
• Excellent knowledge of the issues related with the persons with disabilities in whole range of spheres such as education, healthcare, employment, awareness rising and so on.
  
• Demonstrated experience with cooperation with all stakeholders: NGOs as well as private sector subjects, line ministries, municipal associations, local governments, international organizations etc.
• Knowledge and work experience in Central Asia countries and in Kazakhstan is welcome.
  

Language Requirements:

• Knowledge of English and Czech.
• Russian language is an advantage.
  

Implementation Arrangements:

Terms of payments to the contracted Evaluator by UNDP BRC:

• First installment in the amount of 30 per cent payable upon submission of presentation about international experience in developing a model for calculation of costs of measures in preparation for the ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities.
• Final installment in the amount of 70 per cent payable upon satisfactory completion and approval by UNDP of all deliverables including the final version of the Guidance on elaboration of statistical data and Expenditure model for calculation of costs of measures in preparation for the ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities.

Evaluation of Applicants:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.
The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a) responsive, and
b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Technical Criteria: 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

• Master degree in economic science preferably with the specialization in the social sphere; – max points: 5
• Research experience for at least 5 years and work experience in finance, social economy and statistics;  – max points: 10
• Significant experience in conducting similar economic modeling research as well as experience in disability statistics development in accordance with the Convention; – max points: 20
• Professional experience with implementation of the Convention in the Czech Republic – max points: 20
• Knowledge of the issues related with the persons with disabilities in whole range of spheres such as education, healthcare, employment, awareness rising and so on;  – max points: 5
• Languages skills, and other technical skills – max points: 10
  

Financial Criteria: 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points

Application procedures:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position.
• Brief methodology on how you will develop an expenditure model and elaboration of Guidance on gathering on statistical data
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV.
• Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, international and local travel, per diems, fee and any other possible costs).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

*Please note that the financial proposal is lump-sum and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. professional fee, visa costs, health insurance, vaccinations, all international and local travel, daily hotel and living costs, translation of materials and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...).

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org
General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/jobs

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.