Background

Launched in 2008, the Business Call to Action(BCtA) is a global membership platform that encourages private sector companies to develop innovative business models that combine profitability with development impact, in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

BCtA members are market leaders and innovators, committed to developing commercially viable business ventures that engage people living at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) as consumers, producers, suppliers, and distributors of goods and services. In more than 42 countries, business leaders are spearheading efforts to provide the poor with the tools and resources they need to succeed by promoting economic opportunity.

BCtA provides a leadership platform for companies to demonstrate their commitment to development and to access global expertise on innovation at the BoP. Members benefit from:
  • Recognition as part of a high-visibility leadership platform, including association with the UN brand and possible international speaking engagements
  • Access to a global knowledge network on inclusive business models and communities of practice
  • Partnerships with development agencies, international organizations, and other companies
  • Validation and dissemination of results, including within the UN Network, from specific BoP business models.
BCtA is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which hosts the BCtA Secretariat, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), and the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF).

The Measuring Inclusive Business Results Consultant will work under the supervision of the Knowledge Management, Capacity and Results Reporting Programme Specialist and in consultation with the Acting Programme Manager of the Business Call to Action Initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Measuring Inclusive Business Results Consultant will deliver the following services to the BCtA Secretariat under the supervision of the Knowledge, Capacity and Results Reporting Programme Specialist and in consultation with the Acting Programme Manager of the Business Call to Action Initiative:

Research on Measuring Inclusive Business Results
  • Gather key qualitative and quantitative metrics, perform primary research, research companies reaching the poor/bottom of the pyramid and utilize publicly available data on inclusive business data and indicators
  • Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research on a broad range of topics related to impact measurement, impact assessment methodologies and inclusive business; support the writing and disseminating of research in a variety of online and offline formats
  • Conduct interviews with key BCtA companies to collect information on practiced methods of data collection and lessons learnt
  • Conduct interviews with BCtA stakeholders to review best practices in operation with regards to results reporting
  • Revise and assess current BCtA results reporting framework, taking into account company interviews, trends in the field and available data
Support in creating a results reporting framework for BCtA Member Companies
  • Assist in collecting data from BCtA companies under current mandate and terms of BCtA
  • Assist in identifying a best-practice research and impact assessment institution and create a framework for a partnership between BCtA and this institution
  • Assist in performing analysis on the viability of a differentiated sector-based results framework where appropriate, for BCtA companies
  • Provide support in implementing a research partnership with an institution, which will commissioned to do 10 detailed impact assessment studies of BCtA companies
  • Provide support to the Specialist for a detailed and comprehensive results report with BCtA company results
  • Promote further knowledge exchange with development partners, including ANDE, AfDB, ADB, IDB, World Business Council for Sustainable development, SIDA, DFID, Ford Foundation, KfW, and development institutions, among others
  • Other research and support work as may be required for the results reporting framework
Deliverables
  • Provide primary and secondary research leading up to a revised impact assessment framework for BCtA
  • Provide analysis in support of a partnership strategy with an institution in the area of impact assessment• Author 5-6 short notes on inclusive business and impact that will act as background input into revised results reporting framework
  • Provide support in implementing a research partnership between a institution and BCtA for the purpose of commissioning 10 detailed business impact studies• Promote knowledge exchange with key partners
  • Provide support regarding a results report with information collected, for dissemination to BCtA stakeholders and the field.
The consultant shall report to the Knowledge Management, Capacity and Results Programme Specialist in consultation with the Acting Programme Manager of the Initiative.

The consultant shall provide monthly updates on progress made in terms of the above deliverables.Payments for work completed shall be made on a monthly basis based on deliverables submitted and deemed satisfactory by the Secretariat.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:
  • Research and Analysis
  • Ability to produce high quality analytical outputs and in a timely manner. • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently, flexibly and under pressure utilizing initiative.
  • Sound judgment, strategic thinking and the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Flexibility in responding to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong analytical, research and writing skills and demonstrated ability to think strategically.
  • Strong advocacy and outreach skills and ability to communicate clearly and quickly.
  • Strong inter-personal, negotiation and liaison skills.

Corporate competencies
  • Commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
  • Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age differences.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • An advanced degree in Business, Public Policy or related fields.
Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience.
  • Private sector experience essential. Experience with private sector initiatives in developing countries considered an asset.
  • Research experience or data collection experience essential.
  • Experience with impact assessment preferred.
  • Experience with inclusive business preferred.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required (written and verbal).
The consultant shall be ready to undertake international travel on behalf of the Secretariat if required.

Application Requirements:

All interested applicants should submit the following requirements. Incomplete submission can be a ground for disqualification. Only 1 file can be uploaded please include all docs requested in one/1 file:
  • Complete CV/P11 (UN Personal History Form) including past experiences in similar projects and at least 3 references.
  • At least two writing samples, preferably in the area of business and development.
  • A brief, 500 word statement explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the assignment.
  • Financial proposal specifying the daily fee which should include all related expenses including related benefits and insurance. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal as a separate line.
Evaluation:

A cumulative analysis will be used. This method combines technical and financial proposals giving a weight of 70% to the acceptable technical proposals and 30% to the financial offer. Financial proposals will only be considered for candidates who meet the minimum 70% of the technical part.
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
  • responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
  • having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
* Technical Criteria weight: 70%
* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 10.5 points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Criteria Weight Max. Point
Technical 70% 20
Relevant experience with inclusive business 1/4 of technical score 5
Demonstrated knowledge of understanding how to measure results for inclusive business 1/4 of technical score 5
Ability to manage complex projects 1/4 of technical score 5
Experience in research and data collection 1/4 of technical score 5
Financial 30% -

Please go the following link for the General Conditions of Individual Contracts:
http://www.undp.org/procurement/operate.shtml#_Conditions_of_Contract

FC: 30000