UNDP Jobs - 77975- Local Consultant for the Revision of the Integrate

Local Consultant for the Revision of the Integrated Local Development Strategy – City of Tuzla

Location :

Tuzla, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

10-Apr-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

April 2018 - September 2018 (maximum 20 working days)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the review of the integrated development strategy of City of Tuzla, in accordance with the Methodology for Integrated Local Development Planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina (MiPRO).

Objective
The main objective of the consultancy is to review and update the local development strategy of Tuzla. Led by the City Development Team, the process will be facilitated, guided and quality assured by the Consultant through a series of workshops, continuous on-site assistance and readily available expert advice.

Background Information
The consultancy is planned within the Local Integrated Development (LID) Project (2016 – 2018). The project is primarily funded by the European Union and co-funded and implemented by UNDP BiH. As part of the UNDP BiH’s Rural and Regional Development Sector’s portfolio, the LID Project has an overall objective to raise the standards of living, and improve social cohesion in BiH through inclusive sustainable socio-economic development. LID interventions are streamlined along two main pillars: governance, and economic development and job creation. LID works with 21 selected local governments, grouped together in 4 geographic clusters in the areas primarily affected by floods and areas with a large percentage of returnees/internally displaced persons. The main beneficiaries of the project are 21 local governments, 30 MSMEs and 300 rural households, 50 civil society organizations and grass-root citizens’ groups in target communities, 5,000 members of socially excluded and vulnerable groups, and 3 relevant higher government level institutions. The main partners are the BiH Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees and the two entity governments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Relevant inputs and processes
The City of Tuzla adopted its integrated development strategy in 2012, covering 2012-2026 timeframe in accordance with the MiPRO methodology. The integrated development strategy defines strategic goals and main strategic focuses for a period of fourteen years, while its specific sectoral plans (social, economic and environmental) define sectoral objectives, outcomes, programs, projects and measures for the period of three years. Alongside mid-term sectoral plans, the strategy includes implementation plans.
The review process is preceded by a mid-term evaluation of the strategy document for the City of Tuzla. The Evaluation Report originating from this exercise represents a key input for the upcoming review process.

Key aspects of the review process
The MiPRO approach is based on inclusive planning, characterised by transparent and fair conditions for citizen participation and social inclusion. This remains one of the main principles of the strategy revision process, in itself a renewed cycle of strategic planning. The process will be led by the City Development Team with technical assistance provided by the Consultant. Besides the City Development Team, the process envisages participation of Sectoral Working Groups and the Partnership Group.
Key aspects of the process are as follows:

The review process will be carried out in accordance with the MiPRO methodlogy.
The process will be organized in three phases:

o Phase 1: Strategic Platform Revision – during this phase, the socio-economic analysis will be updated with any changes to the local context. These changes will then be reflected through revision of the strategic platform.
o Phase 2: Sectoral Planning – during this phase, new sectoral plans will be designed.
o Phase 3: Operational Planning – during this phase, a 3-year (1+2) indicative implementation plan will be designed alongside an organizational capacity plan.

The process will entail a series of workshops/meetings, specifically organized for the target groups, namely, the City Development Team, the Sectoral Working Groups and the Partnership Group. The workshops/meetings will be thoroughly prepared and facilitated by the Consultant;
The process will be coordinated and led by the City Development Team throughout all the phases, while the Sectoral Working Groups are responsible for providing expert inputs during the Sectoral Planning Phase;
Partnership Group will be consulted at least twice during the process, at the end of the Strategic Platform Revision Phase and at the end of the Operational Planning Phase. The Partnership Group meetings will be prepared and led by the City Development Team with critical advice and guidance provided by the Consultant;
The final product of the TOR is a fully fledged revised strategy for the City of Tuzla.

The Consultant will be responsible for reviewing, re-drafting and harmonizing expected process outputs with both the MiPRO and LID Project guidelines. Each process output is required to be validated by both City Development Team and LID Project.

As indicated above, the main strategy revision bodies shall be:

The City Development Team is the main body established for the purpose of local strategy revision. It consists of 15 members who are competent, senior representatives from each relevant sector within the city administration, associated public institutions, private and civil sectors, and the City Assembly. As such, this team will be responsible for coordinating the review process and provision of key strategic inputs throughout all stages, as well as for inclusion, consultations and overall coordination of all relevant stakeholders.
The Sectoral Working Groups (social, economic and environmental sector) each consisting of approximately 10 – 15 representatives of relevant local government departments and socio-economic stakeholders, as established by the City Development Team. The sectoral working groups are responsible for the provision of key inputs to the Sectoral Planning Phase.
The Partnership Group is a broad consultative partnership mechanism, ensuring engagement and contribution of interested stakeholders not only in strategic planning, but also in the follow-up strategy implementation process. It includes representatives of socio-economic partners, citizen groups, private sector, media, etc.

Description of Responsibilities
Scope of work:
The consultancy will provide the necessary technical assistance consisting of the following:

TA1 = facilitation and coaching of the working groups, workshops for the City Working Team and any relevant meetings. Facilitation includes moderation, animation and the structuring of workshops in order to incorporate participants’ ideas, experiences and information, while promoting a broad consensus. Coaching includes support, relevant feedback, guidance and, as required, proposal of corrective measures to members of local planning bodies in the process of strategy review;
TA2 = reviewing, correcting, drafting, re-drafting components of the revised local development strategy focused on assisting key members of the local planning bodies directly. TA2 is hands-on, highly directive and involves expert support for document drafting and formulation. This will include “desk work” (if involving correction or drafting) and follow-up discussions, explanations and advice provided to city stakeholders on how to take the process forward.

More concretely, the Consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks:

Task 1: Review of relevant documents and development of a detailed work-plan
Under this task, the Consultant will collect all relevant documents and become familiar with the city integrated development strategy, mid-term evaluation report, and related planning and reporting documents.
As part of this task, the Consultant will also become familiar with i) the MiPRO methodology, its main principles and tools, ii) the main stakeholders participating in the process of strategic planning in the target city as well as iii) the strategic planning process which preceeded strategy adoption in 2012.
Following the documentation review, the Consultant will propose a detailed work-plan outlining the approach and timeline for the process. The work plan will be submitted for approval by LID and the target city. Following approval, the Consultant will, in coordination with LID, schedule an initial meeting with the target city.
It is envisaged that this task will not exceed 2 working days.

Task 2: Provision of technical support to the process of revision
Under this task, the Consultant will provide technical assistance to the process of strategy revision. The technical assistance will include TA1 and TA2 assistance, as described above. The Consultant is expected to steer, guide and facilitate the entire process which will result in a final draft revised strategy of the city.
Technical assistance will be delivered through a series of workshops carefully conceptualized, designed, and delivered by the Consultant in accordance with guidelines provided by the LID Project Team that prescribe the expected number of workshop events in each of the three envisaged revision phases, as well as the overall methodological approach.
It is envisaged that this task will not exceed 14 work days.

Task 3: Quality assurance and draft finalization
The Consultant will quality assure the strategy contents in close cooperation with the LID Project Team. Quality assurance includes the following:

reviewing the draft documents and ensuring harmonization with MiPRO and LID guidelines;
redrafting segments of the documents that are not satisfactory and providing brief argumentation of the introduced changes;
validating the final draft strategy;
following-up on additional requests for changes that may come as part of the validation process and coordinating finalization of the draft outputs with the City Development Team.

The Consultant will finalize the draft of the revised strategy document, to include as a minimum the following elements:

Introduction (including main findings of the evaluation report);
Methodology;
Revised strategic platform;
Revised sectoral objectives and plans;
Operational plan.

The Consultant will submit the draft, previously validated by the City Development Team, to LID for review and approval. It is envisaged that this task will will not exceed 4 working days.

Deliverables and timelines
The Consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:
Deliverables (outputs) Deadline
Task 1: Review of relevant documents (strategy, evaluation reports, MiPRO, related guidelines etc.) and development of a detailed work-plan

Relevant strategy documents and evaluation report reviewed;
Work-plan for the revision process developed and adopted by the Project Team. Mid April, 2018, (2 work days)

Task 2: Provision of technical support

All three phases of the revision process completed through a series of organized workshops held with the local team for strategy revision and sectoral groups. Mid June, 2018, (14 work days)

Task 3: Quality assurance and draft finalization

Draft revised strategy validated by the City Development Team and submitted for Project Team review;
Final draft of revised strategy, fully aligned with the MiPRO and LID methodological guidelines, and validated by both the Project Team and the City Development Team. September, 2018, (4 work days)

Competencies

Job knowledge/technical expertise/External authority in own discipline

Contributes to knowledge/information that extends the boundaries of knowledge in the discipline;
Is recognized outside the organization as a world-class authority in their discipline;
Applies an in-depth knowledge of best practices within the discipline; effectively uses this information to improve work practices within the function and the organization;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
Demonstrates basic knowledge of standard Computer Software applications and information technology including electronic communication and seeks to apply it in work tasks.

Conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise/Creating a climate for conceptual innovation

Promotes conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise;
Advocates for resources required for conceptual innovation;
Promotes strategic direction for capacity building in the provision of technical expertise.

Innovation and marketing new approaches/Creating a culture of innovation

Models and innovative thinking and innovative approaches to meeting UNDP’s mandate;
Creates a climate that encourages innovation and acceptance of change;
Provides authoritative guidance regarding methods and approaches to meeting UNDP’s objectives;
Leads change and implements effective change strategy;
Shapes the organization’s programmatic vision and guides its adaptation into programme priorities.

Client orientation/Advocating for client needs

Demonstrates a commitment to the provision of quality service to clients, promoting a mindset of valuing clients;
Provides client groups with opportunities for active participation/consultation on decisions relevant to their needs;
Develops strategic partnerships with clients to integrate common interests in support of UNDP’s strategic direction;
Reviews overall achievement of service level agreements with clients;
Leverages a network of senior level contacts and decision makers to pursue new approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree (VII degree) in development studies, economics, political or social sciences, or other relevant studies.

Experience:

At least 5 years of progressive experience in local development, strategic planning and/or strategy implementation primarily at local/regional level;
Rich experience in facilitation and moderation of participatory processes, preferably in the public sector of BiH;
Strong expertise and knowledge of local governance and local development, with specific knowledge of methodological frameworks and practices in the field of strategic planning and implementation in BiH (e.g. MIPRO);
Proven skills and experience in preparation of concise and analytical reports;
Proven communication skills and ability to work in the environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors including government representatives, donors and other stakeholders;
Knowledge and previous experience at the local level within the particular city is considered an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and in the official languages in BiH.

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Evaluation

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:
1. Cumulative analysis
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:
a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
b) 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 49 points for technical criteria assessment would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Technical 70% 70

At least 5 years of progressive experience in local development, strategic planning and/or strategy implementation primarily at local/regional level 40;
Strong expertise and knowledge of local governance and local development, with specific knowledge of methodological frameworks and practices in the field of strategic planning and implementation in BiH (e.g. MIPRO) 20;
Rich experience in facilitation and moderation of participatory processes, preferably in the public sector of BiH 10

Financial 30% 30

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

Completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (downloadable from http://www.ba.undp.org/content/bosnia_and_herzegovina/en/home/operations/jobs.html);
Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
Financial proposal which will separately specify professional fee, indicating number of anticipated working days, travel costs (air-ticket or use of private vehicle), living allowance, and all other applicable costs.

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 62 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy;
Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.