Background

The conflict in Syria has caused the largest displacement of people in recent times, and has severely strained the economic and social systems and related institutions in neighbouring countries. The absence of a prospect for positive solution to the Syrian crisis and the significant influx of refugees brought substantial stress to the hosting societies and communities.

The multifaceted nature of the conflict has challenged standard conflict resolution mechanisms as well as traditional responses to protracted crisis. How the countries in the region cope with the lengthening conflict in Syria and the unprecedented demographic shock and what can be done to improve international burden sharing are therefore questions of regional and international concern.

Host communities and host countries are faced with many challenges and questions about how best to cope with the situations they face. Whether living in formal or informal shelters and housing, or hosted by the community, many refugees are suffering from loss of income, loss of productive means and disrupted livelihoods. Host communities and other affected communities may be facing pressure on services, the local economy and rule of law. Given the signs that refugee populations are unlikely to be able to return safely to their homes or new settlement areas in Syria in the near future, national and international partners have started exploring alternative scenarios to effectively address the long-term impact of the unprecedented demographic shock.

There is a general recognition that prevailing policies on refugee’s status in host communities were developed under the assumption of an early solution to the conflict in Syria, which implied a rapid voluntary repatriation to their home country. The reality has shown the opposite. One area where improvements are possible is in regulatory frameworks and practices regarding residency, access to employment and services, and access to national and local social safety-nets. The legal status of refugees, local regulations and other formal and informal practices can all act as bottlenecks to refugees’ access to assistance, especially those residing in host-communities (which is the large majority). More importantly, some approaches and practice can limit the opportunities of refugees to access livelihood opportunities and to benefit from basic public services. In general, addressing such bottlenecks can reduce the longer-term financial costs and burdens of crisis response. However, circumstances vary from country to country and what would produce the best improvements in one location may be quite different from another

The main outcome of the project is to contribute to an effective response for the unprecedented demographic shock generated by the Syria crisis on neighbouring countries in the development of evidence-based policy options and frameworks to address the refugee impact on their fiscal space, social fabric and economies. Based on lessons from similar displacement crisis, refugees can greatly contribute to economic growth and development if required resources, policy instruments and necessary economic conditions are created.

Policy options and frameworks will be developed through a comprehensive and inclusive process for examining different approaches used in the region to cope with the impact of refugees, and the issues of resilience and longer-term development. The project will include analysis of: regulatory frameworks and existing and/or planned, formal and informal practices regarding the accommodation of refugees; economic impact assessments and reported spending on responses; impacts in local and regional economies; and consequences for social cohesion, peace and stability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the Supervision of the Policy & Coordination Specialist (PCS) and the Regional Lead Expert, situated in country, the Country Expert’s main responsibility will be to lead on the first phrase of the project, focusing specifically on country-specific mapping and analysis of data and managing the country-level consultation process.

Deliverables and results:

• Conduct desk review and analysis based on the existing mapping exercise, relevant existing data and research, and collect information about good policy practices for building resilience in response to protracted refugee crises;
• Conduct and lead on country-specific analysis of policies, legal frameworks, and practices in co-ordination and consultation with the Lead Regional Expert and the Thematic Experts for Financial Analysis, and Economic Opportunities Analysis;
• Assist in the organisation of consultations with international and country experts on legal frameworks;
• Identify and consult relevant country-level think-tanks, academia, and other experts to engage in first phase of project;
• In coordination from the UNDP Country Office, support the organisation and facilitation of national policy dialogues (second phrase of project) including identifying stakeholders, and inviting participants and guest speakers.
• Lead consultation process with national governments concerning policy dialogues whilst providing infrastructure necessary to ensure participation and investment in coordination with UNDP Country Offices;
• Support and develop further stakeholder engagement for final Policy Dialogues
• Provide necessary inputs for finalization of Policy Options

Competencies

Corporate competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the United Nations
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism

Functional Competencies

• In-depth knowledge on development and humanitarian issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Capable of working in a high pressure work environment with frequent urgent deadlines;
• Ability to multi-task;
• Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner;
• High level logical and methodical organisational skills;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of joint development programmes and projects, mobilise resources.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client
• Interacts effectively with all levels of the organisation
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Demonstrates exceptional ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines
• Demonstrates openness to change
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Development Studies, Public Administration, International Affairs, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field.

 Professional Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in International Development and/or humanitarian response;
• At least 3 years’ experience in leading and coordinating researches on country is a must;
• 2 years’ experience conducting regional comparative country analysis of legal frameworks, conflict analysis, and financial analysis;
• 2 years’ experience in supporting Development/Resilience programming in emergency situation is an advantage;
• 2 years’ experience in the Middle-East is a strong advantage.
• Highly familiar with the UN Humanitarian and Development nexus and interventions, work experience with UN is strong advantage;

 Language Skills:

• Fluency in English, and Arabic language is an advantage

TRAVEL PLAN

Part of this assignment will require the expert to travel to Amman for 2 days for the inception report workshop, and to Beirut for 5 days for country consulations. Any change to the preliminary travel plan/schedule here under, in such cases, UNDP will cover travel costs in accordance with corporate regulations and rules.

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an econ-omy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own re-sources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal ex-penses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

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 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;
• Sample piece of work that demonstrates ability to conduct and draft research focusing on policy options, and quality of work;
• 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 website:  Proc.contract.rscjo@undp.org : not later than 23th August, 2017 the following documents:

• CV/P11
• Confirm availability and financial proposal
• Brief description of why you consider yourself as the most suitable for the assignment
• Sample piece of work

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Interested candidates should provide lump sum fees for requested services with detailed breakdown (consultancy fees, round ticket from home-base to Amman, living allowances for the first month only, 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 or equivalent in Development Studies, Public Administration, International Affairs, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field (as per mentioned above) Mandatory submission of CV or UNDP Personal History form (P11);
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in International Development and/or humanitarian response

Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria.

Evaluation of Candidates (max 100 points):

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in International Development and/or humanitarian response; 10%
• Highly familiar with the UN Humanitarian and Development nexus and interventions,work experience with UN ; 10%
• At least 3 years’ experience in leading and coordinating researches on country is a must; 20%
• 2 years’ experience conducting regional comparative country analysis of legal frameworks, conflict analysis, and financial analysis; 20%
• 2 years’ experience in supporting Development/Resilience programming in emergency situation is an advantage; 10%
• 2 years’ experience in the Middle-East is a strong advantage. 10
• Sample piece of work that demonstrates ability to conduct and draft research focusing on policy options, and quality of work; 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%