Background
The impact of the Syrian crisis on the development trajectory of countries in the region can easily span a decade. The magnitude of the conflict has not only led to a high loss of human life and massive population displacement both within and outside of Syria, but it has also destroyed the social, economic and political fabric and has seriously compromised the future of the country and the region. The regional situation is further aggravated by a growing displacement of more than 2.9 million Iraqi refugees and IDPs and increased military action in Iraq and Syria.
The scale of the refugee influx and its impact on host countries calls for dedicated action, as coping mechanisms are stretched and resilience is eroding. There is increasing recognition amongst concerned governments and the international community that the crisis has begun to compromise development gains and that overall stability of many countries is at risk, as social tensions continue to increase, as evidenced by declining human development and growth trends, and increasing levels of vulnerabilities. The development loss is amplified in the sub-region, which is reliant on intra-regional trade and a vibrant private sector.
A long-term vision is required, to guide the short and medium term interventions that generate immediate, concrete changes in lives of people affected by the crisis while simultaneously arresting development loss. Countries affected by the Syrian crisis are in the middle-income bracket, which suggests that there are domestic resources available and systems in place that international support can build upon. Responding to these challenges requires a strategic shift that coherently brings together humanitarian and development interventions for a sustainable, nationally-led and resilience-based response.
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The launch of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) for 2015-2016 is a major milestone for the UN system. It represents a collective effort from the international community, NGOs and UN agencies. UNHCR and UNDP have taken a leading role in co-chairing this initiative in an unprecedented UN integrated response for the five countries affected by the Syrian crisis. Indeed, in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq and Turkey, humanitarian and non-humanitarian support is provided through different mechanisms and aid architecture systems. Ongoing monitoring of financial flows to the region has not successfully taken into account all variables, such as such as contributions from and to national budgets, ongoing IMF support programmes and – still more important- contributions made from ongoing and planned development budget support.
In the context of the preparation and implementation of the 3RP, a more complete picture is essential for affected government and the international community to take strategic decisions and better plan a response to the crisis. Furthermore, a better understanding of financial flows and aid architecture systems will support the definition of the right "financing deficit" and would allow a new stimulus in filling it with new programmes and fresh resources.
In this context, the UNDP Sub-regional Response Facility completed a study, “Comparative analysis of aid architecture systems in Crisis Context – Financial flows in countries affected by the Syria Crisis”.
Duties and Responsibilities
The deliverable is to review and edit the comprehensive report that includes quantitative, qualitative and comparative analysis, which supports the International Community and Governments in the region to take strategic decision in order to ensure a more sustainable, resilience-based and cost-effective response to the crisis, as well as inform the implementation and prioritization of the 3RP.
The expected outcome is a fully edited, peer-reviewed aid architecture study, and being “ready-to-publish” at the completion of the contract. This will require interaction with the team leader of the project, who will provide key vision and challenges through a consultation with the editor.
Competencies
Corporate competencies
Display culture, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivities and adaptability.
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.
Functional Competencies
Strong analytical skills
Excellent ability to synthesize information and analysis from a number of sources
Ability to conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders proactively and appropriate to the country context
Uses information and internet technology applications effectively as a tool and resource
Ability to work independently, against tight deadlines
Excellent ability to write clearly, insightfully and persuasively in an accessible, journalistic style
Excellent communication skills including presentations, networking and interpersonal skills
Proven ability to persuade and influence others to cooperate
Behavioral Competencies:
- Productive and efficient worker, highly motivated;
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks;
Strong initiative and is comfortable to pro-actively reach out to new and existing external partners;
Performance-oriented and focused on results;
Persistence and willingness to follow through;
Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility;
Ability to take instructions and to learn on the job;
Communication and advocacy skills;
Curiosity and desire to work a complex, international environment
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master's Degree in International and Development Studies, Economics, Finance or related area.
Professional Experience:
At least 7 years of relevant professional work experience, with at least 5 year working in a technical capacity in development finance or aid coordination areas.
Previous experience in producing, editing or facilitating development policy-related knowledge products;
Excellent knowledge of economic and development cooperation issues, development finance challenges and related fields of developing countries globally and in particular in crisis response
Experience in the Middle East is a strong advantage
Public financial management expertise and experience is strongly recommended;
Experience in editing reviews and/or evaluations of financial flows, reports and analysis in related areas and produced high quality review or evaluation reports.
Language Skills:
Proficiency in English with advanced command of speaking and writing.
Travel plan;
The duty station for this assignment in Amman-Jordan from starting date until November, 2016. There may be travel during the assignment to relevant countries for several days. This will be determined later with project manager.
DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS.
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Candidates that fail to submit the required information will not be considered.
Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
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;
Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the table given in section D. template provided.
All necessary information including: Complete Procurement Notice, The Selection Criteria, and Annexes are found on the following link under Procurement http://procurement-notices.undp.org/
Interested candidate shall apply the CV/P11 to Job advertisement website, hence consultant should submit to email: Proc.contract.rscjo@undp.org : not later than 10th August, 2016 at 11:00 AM (Amman Time +3GMT) the following documents:
CV/P11
Confirm availability and financial proposal
Brief description of why you consider yourself as the most suitable for the assignment.
FINANCIAL PROPOSAL
Interested candidates should provide lump sum fees for requested services with detailed breakdown (consultancy fees, travel cost to duty station, living allowances, tickets, etc.)
EVALUATION
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.
Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the following minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting:
Master's Degree in International and Development Studies, Economics, Finance or related area.
- (as per mentioned above) Mandatory submission of CV or UNDP Personal History form (P11);
Brief description of why he/she considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment
Competences and qualifications based on the UNDP P11 form submitted by each candidate.
Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria.
Evaluation of Candidates (max 100 points):
Master's Degree in International and Development Studies, Economics, Finance or related area. 15%
At least 7 years of relevant professional work experience, with at least 5 year working in a technical capacity in development finance or aid coordination areas. 20%
Previous experience in producing, editing or facilitating development policy-related knowledge products; 15%
Excellent knowledge of economic and development cooperation issues, development finance challenges and related fields of developing countries globally and in particular in crisis response. 15%
Experience in the Middle East. 15%
3 years of public financial management expertise and experience and in editing reviews and/or evaluations of financial flows, reports and analysis in related areas and produced high quality review or evaluation reports. 20%.
Step II: Final evaluation
The final evaluation will combine the scores of desk review and financial proposal with the following weights assigned to each:
- Shortlisting: 70%;
- Financial proposal: 30%
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