UNDP Jobs - 55675- National Consultancy for Associate Evaluator to Un

National Consultancy for Associate Evaluator to Undertake the Mid Term Review of UNDP Mauritius Country Programme 2013-2016

Location :

Port Louis, MAURITIUS

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

22 working days over 2 months

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

22 working days over 2 months

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.

Background

Project Title

Country Programme Document (CPD) 2013-2016- Mauritius

The UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2013-2016 was approved by the Executive Board in September 2012. It defines three outcomes, which represent the anticipated development change to be achieved after a four-year period, at the end of 2016. Mauritius did not adopt the CPAP and opted for preparation of Project Documents with Annual Work Plans derived from the CPD outcomes. The Project Documents are the main programming monitoring instruments, detailing outcomes, outputs, with measurable annual targets, baselines and indicators. The CPD has three programme components and three outcomes. The three programme components are: i) Democratic Governance; ii) Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion and iii) Environment and Sustainable Development.

Since the inception of the Country Programme, UNDP has conducted annual assessments of results through the ROAR (Results Oriented Annual Reports) against established CPD targets. December 2014 marked 2 years of implementation of the CPD - and the mid-point of the Country Programme now provides an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of UNDP contribution to development effectiveness.

Purpose of the Review

Consistent with UNDP policy guidance all outcomes to which UNDP is contributing through aligned activities and planned outputs must be monitored. The mid-term review is an opportunity to monitor the strategic course, relevance and effectiveness of the implementation of the country programme. The exercise allows UNDP to engage key stakeholders to discuss achievements, lessons learned and adjustments required in response to an evolving development landscape and changing national priorities. The review will also be used as a tool to inform the preparation of the new UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2017-2020 for Mauritius.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective and Scope

Objective

The objective of the mid-term review is to comprehensively assess the progress in achieving the results of the country programme, its relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of strategies in the light of the development priorities of Mauritius.

Specifically the review will assess:

The relevance and strategic positioning of UNDP support to Mauritius on Democratic Governance; Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion; and Environment and Sustainable Development;
The frameworks and strategies that UNDP has devised for its support on Democratic Governance; Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion; and Environment and Sustainable Development, including partnership strategies, and whether they are well conceived for achieving the planned objectives;
The progress made towards achieving the 3 outcomes, through specific projects and advisory services, and including contributing factors and constraints;
The progress to date under these outcomes and what can be derived in terms of lessons learned for future UNDP support to Democratic Governance;
Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion and Environment and Sustainable Development and Propose areas of re-positioning and re-focusing of the CPD within the current Mauritius development context, and in light of UNDP’s new strategic plan.

Scope

The review will be conducted between from 10th of -June to 5 August 2015 with a view to enhance current programme while providing strategic direction and inputs to the next UNDP programme. The preparation of the UNDP Country Programme Document 2017-2020 is expected to start mid-2015.

The review will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the UNDP programme portfolio and activities during the period under review specially examining UNDP’s contribution to national development results across the country. It will assess key results, specifically outcomes anticipated and unanticipated, positive and negative, intentional and unintentional and will cover UNDP assistance funded from both core and non-core resources. The MTR has two main components: the analysis of development results and the strategic positioning of UNDP. For each component, the MTR will present its findings and assessment according to the set criteria provided below.

Refer to detailed TOR as posted on http://www.mu.undp.org/content/mauritius_and_seychelles/en/home/operations/procurement/ .

Methodology and Approach

It is expected that MTR will use an appropriate range of data collection and analysis methods to come up with findings, conclusions and recommendations for the questions mentioned above. The review exercise will be wide-ranging, consultative and participatory, entailing but not limited to a combination of comprehensive desk reviews, interview, focus groups and field visits as appropriate. While interviews are a key instrument, all analysis must be based on observed facts to ensure that the review is sound and objective. On the basis of the foregoing, the consultants will elaborate on the method and approach in a manner commensurate with the assignment at hand and reflect this in the inception report; which will subsequently be approved in consultation with key stakeholders.

Validation Mechanism:

The team will use a variety of methods to ensure the validity of the data collected. In addition to systematic triangulation of data sources and data collection methods and tolls, the validation of data will be sought through regular exchanges with the UNDP CO programme staff as well as with Implementing Partners. A validation seminar is planned to be conducted with national partners before the actual completion of the MTR.

Stakeholder Participation:

The MTR will adopt an inclusive and participatory approach, involving a broad range of partners and stakeholders. A stakeholders mapping will be performed in order to identify both UNDP’s direct and indirect partners. These stakeholders may include representatives from the government, civil-society organizations, the private sector, UN organizations, other multilateral and bilateral organizations, and most importantly, the beneficiaries of the programme.

Management and Conduct of the MTR

UNDP CO in Mauritius will help the team for liaison, coordination and any other kind of support to conduct and complete the review. In order to ensure a smooth review process and involvement of relevant stakeholders, the UNDP CO in Mauritius will provide the necessary support including:

Compilation of documents and background materials for the review team;
Stakeholder mapping of the main partners;
List of Atlas projects;
Preliminary Itinerary of field visit/meetings and appointments;
Preliminary list of stakeholders to be consulted during the MTR;
Linking and liaising within UNDP CO as well as with Implementing Partners and other stakeholders.

The MTR Team will be facilitated by Operation and Programme units for other logistical support along the process.
The MTR Reference Team will be set up by UNDP in order to ensure objectivity as well as technical soundness of the process. Specific tasks of the Reference Group will be to review and provide guidance to the MTR process, including the evaluation questions, Inception Report, facilitate access to information, comments on subsequent draft reports, among others. Refer to Detailed TOR on http://www.mu.undp.org/content/mauritius_and_seychelles/en/home/operations/procurement/ .

MTR Process

The review will unfold in three phases, each of them including several steps as outlined:

Design phase:

Document and desk review (review of all relevant documents (project documents and reports regarding the CPD 2013 -2016);
Stakeholder mapping (a mapping of stakeholders relevant to the CPD. The mapping exercise will include government, donors and civil society stakeholders and will indicate the relationships between different sets of stakeholders);
Analysis of the Results and Resources Framework (Result Resource Matrix and M & E Plan);
Finalization of the list of evaluation questions;
Development of data collection and analysis strategy as well as concrete work plan for the field phase.

At the end of this phase, the review team will produce an Inception report, displaying the results of the above mentioned steps and tasks and the Timeline to complete the MTR.

Field phase:

The MRT team will produce an inception report The inception report should include a matrix present the review questions, data sources, data collection, analysis tools and methods to be used. The inception report should detail the specific timing for evaluation activities and deliverables, and propose specific site visits and stakeholders to be interviewed. Protocols for different stakeholders should be developed. The inception report will be discussed and agreed with the UNDP country office before the consultants proceed with site visits;
After the design phase, the review team will undertake an in-country mission of 12 working days to collect and analyze the data required in order to answer the final evaluation questions, consolidated during the design phase. At the end of the Field phase, the Review team will provide the UNDP CO with debriefing presentation on the preliminary results of the review, with a view to validating preliminary findings and testing tentative conclusions and/or recommendations.

Synthesis phase:

During this phase, the review team will continue the analytical work initiated during the field phase and prepare a first draft of the MTR report, taking into account comments made by the UNDP CO and at the debriefing meeting. The first draft of the report will be submitted to the Reference Group for comments in writing. Based on the comments from the Reference Group the second draft of the report will be prepared. The second draft will be presented in country at validation seminar, which should be attended by the key programme stakeholders, including Implementing Partners, donors and UNDP staff. The final report will be drafted shortly after the validation seminar, taking into account comments made by the participants. The consultants will produce an ‘audit trail’ indicating whether and how each comment received was addressed in revisions to the final report. Refer to detailed TOR for deliverables and suggested table of content on http://www.mu.undp.org/content/mauritius_and_seychelles/en/home/operations/procurement/;

MTR Team Composition - Associate Evaluator:

The team will be composed from 2 consultants- the Team Leader (international) and the Associate Evaluator (national). The work of the MTR team will be guided by the Norms and Standards established by the United Nations Evaluation Group. Team members will be requested to sign the Code of Conduct prior to engaging in the review exercise;
S/he will be a local consultant who will provide support the Team Leader and provide expertise in specific subject area of the evaluation either poverty and MDGs or governance and human rights; and gender/ gender based violence issues. S/he will take part in the data collection and analysis work during the design and field work phase. S/he will be responsible for drafting key parts of the Inception report and of final MTR report, covering relevant part of the report.

Duration of contract:

Duration of contract is set at 22 working days for both the Team Leader and the Associate Evaluator spread over 2 months. Workdays will be distributed between the date of contract signature and final approval. UNDP will pay the consultancy fees per working day.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UNs values and ethical standards;
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Significant knowledge of complex evaluations in the field of development aid for UN agencies (Preferably UNDP) and/or other international organizations;
Strong analytical and research skills with sufficient understanding of survey design, quantitative/qualitative methods and data analysis;
Familiarity with UN (preferably UNDP) evaluation guidelines and processes is a plus;
Excellent written and spoken English. Writing skills that include an attention to detail as well as a grasp of conceptual frameworks;
Outstanding interpersonal skills, teamwork, and competency to operate in a multi-cultural and diverse environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A degree in social sciences, political science, economics and related fields.

Experience:

At least 3 progressive years working in a similar field;
At least 8 years of experience in development issues of the country especially on Democratic Governance, Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion, Environment and Sustainable Development;
Extensive experience of complex evaluations in the field of development aid for UN agencies (Preferably UNDP) and/or other international organizations;

Language:

Fluency in English is required. French or Creole would be an Advantage.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

Financial Proposal

A financial proposal has to be submitted by offerors which specifies:

Daily Fee.

The Daily fee should be all inclusive1. The term “All inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications, consummables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the proposal. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the consultant wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. (For information only, the UN Daily Subsistence Allowance at the duty station is 216 USD as of April 2015);
An IC Time Sheet must be submitted by the Contractor, duly approved by the Individual Contractor’s supervisor, which shall serve as the basis for the payment of fees (as per template).

Payment Schedule:

20% payable upon submission of proposed methodology/work plan and Inception Report (20 June 2015);
40% upon submission of First Draft MTR Report (20 July 2015);
40% upon satisfactory completion of assignment and endorsement of MTR by UNDP CO no later than 5 August 2015 .

Proposed Workplan and Indicative Timeline:

It is planned that the MTR starts 10th of June 2015, and shall expire on the satisfactory completion of the services of the services described above by 5 August 2015;
The following schedule of activities is only illustrative, and a final timeline will need to be refined and presented by the Team Leader to the Reference Group:

Timeline: 10 June 2015 – 20 June 2015
Activity: Contract Signature and Desk Review

Timeline: 20 June 2015
Activity: Submission of Inception report

Timeline: 20 June 2015 – 10 July 2015
Activity: In country mission (12 working days including presentation of findings)

Timeline: 10 July 2015- 20 July 2015
Activity: Submission of Draft report

Timeline: 20 July 2015 – 30 July 2015
Activity: Comments from stakeholders

Timeline: 5 August 2015
Activity: Final Submission of Report

See Detailed TOR for activity/deliverable/workday allocation and time period for task completion on http://www.mu.undp.org/content/mauritius_and_seychelles/en/home/operations/procurement/;

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

All Applicants will be requested to submit a price offer indicating their proposed daily fee rate for the assignment, based against the above stipulated evaluation schedule. Following UNDP procurement rules, both technical competence (70%) and the consultant daily fee rate (30%) will be taken into account in the selection process.

Qualified women and members of social minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Educational Qualifications:

Higher Degree in Economics, Social or Political Sciences or related fields: 15 marks.

Content Knowledge:

Must have experience in MDGs, Environment and Developmental aspects of the country. SIDS experience a plus: 30 marks.

Evaluation Experience:

Must have prior evaluation experience with UN or similar agencies: 25 marks.

Background:

Experience background is preferred with development issues of the country especially on Democratic Governance, Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion, Environment and Sustainable Development: 20 marks

Report writing Skills:

Report writing skills: 5 marks.

Proficiency in English:

Fluency in English is required. French or Creole would be an Advantage : 5 marks.

Total: 100 marks.

Recommended Presentation of Offer:

Applicants are requested to apply online http://jobs.undp.org. Individual consultants are invited to submit applications & below requirements:

Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP.
Personal CV and P11 (both), 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. Candidates not submitting P11 will not be considered;
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;
Financial Proposal supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided.

Important Note:

Interested offeror is strongly advised to view the detailed Terms of Reference on the UNDP Mauritius website, general terms and conditions of IC and templates to be included when submitting offer from the CO website at http://www.mu.undp.org/content/mauritius_and_seychelles/en/home/operations/procurement/ .
Interested offerors above the age of 62: UNDP regulations require, at their own cost, to undergo a full medical examination including x-rays. Medical evaluation documentation does not need to be submitted with the other requested documents listed above, but will be requested should the candidate be chosen;
Interested offeror is required to submit application via UNDP jobsite system, because the application screening and evaluation will be done through UNDP jobsite system;
Please note that UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document ie at the time of the request to upload CV, so please make sure that you merge all your documents - CV, Covering Letter, P11, Technical and Financial submission - into a single file. Your on-line applications submission will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.