Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life, as envisaged by 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners that can bring about results.

The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan and help countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, South-South and Triangular cooperation initiatives, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. The HIV, Health and Development Group is part of BPPS and supports UNDP’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan and countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda and making sure no one is left behind.

The UN’s journey towards their own operational climate neutrality began officially on 5th June 2007 when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon publicly called on all UN agencies, funds and programmes to ‘go green’ and become climate neutral. Driven initially by the UN initiative “Greening the Blue", with an interest to promote climate neutrality within the UN, the focus was largely on addressing associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Sustainable UN Facility in collaboration with sustainability focal points in about 60 UN entities and the High-Level Committee on Management procurement network has extended the focus area onto other critically important purchasing categories as well including the focus on resource depletion and eco- and human-toxicity in the context of procurements for the health sector.

Linkages between health sector procurement and the environment are still only partially understood despite the fact that the important role of procurement in influencing the environmental impact of health sector operations is well acknowledged. For example, studies show carbon emissions by national health systems and global health programmes are closely linked to procurement, especially with regards to pharmaceuticals and other health products throughout their life cycle including production, use and disposal.

The informal Interagency Task Team on Sustainable Procurement in the Health Sector (SPHS) was established in May 2012 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Ten SPHS members (UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, UHNCR, UNICEF, UNOPS, WHO, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNITAID) conduct high volume procurement in the health sector, representing a sizable portion of some segments of the global pharmaceutical and other health products markets. The cumulative purchasing power of SPHS members in the global health aid market is about USD 5 billion annually. The aim for establishing the Task Team was to facilitate and coordinate the introduction of green procurement in the health sector among members and to leverage the standard-setting and joint procurement volumes of member agencies to influence the global health sector (governments and other international development partners) and beyond. Thereby the SPHS Task Team intends to act as a driver for transformational change towards greener health systems and inclusive green economies.

Since its start, the SPHS initiative has been supported and coordinated by a Secretariat administered by UNDP. Within UNDP, the Secretariat is linked with the Bureau of Management Services (BMS) (procurement team, New York), the Nordic Liaison Office (UN procurement hub, Copenhagen), the Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) (HIV, Health and Development team, New York) and the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS (RBEC, New York/Istanbul). The SPHS initiative has demonstrated how sustainable health procurement can play a significant role in reducing the environmental and social impact of the health sector. It also has great potential to contribute to inclusive green and ethical economies in the context of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, starting in January 2018, UNDP HIV, Health and Development (HHD) Team at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH), as a host to the SPHS Secretariat, will roll-out a 4-year project ‘Strengthening Sustainability in the Health Sector in Low and Middle-Income Countries (SHiPP).’ The project aims to reduce harm to people and the environment caused by the manufacture and disposal of medical products and by the implementation of health programmes in developing countries.

UNDP Regional HHD Team, with the support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the Asian Development Bank, UN Environment, UNFPA, UNICEF, Health Care Without Harm, and Business Call to Action, is organizing the 1st Saving Lives Sustainably: Asia Forum 2018. The Forum will take place from 13th to 15th June 2018 in Manila, Philippines, and will bring together technical experts, suppliers and manufacturers from across the global healthcare industry. Forum is one of the first and key flagships events from the SHiPP Project, and as a 3-day conference will cover environmental and social aspects of health commodities production. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Forum aims to facilitate dialogue between key stakeholders from the Global Health sector and showcase front-running public and private sector innovations on the sustainable production of health commodities. Leveraging on the SPHS global technical network, UNDP aims to bring together top technical experts on environmental and social issues related to the global health supply chains, and UN suppliers and manufacturers. Key stakeholders concerned, or involved in the sustainable production, will exchange the knowledge and practice on the latest sustainable production techniques, share concrete examples of the benefits and savings brought by sustainable production.

UNDP Regional HIV, Health and Development Team at the UNDP IRH is seeking the services of an international consultant with a track record in event management to support the UNDP with the planning and organization of the Asia Forum 2018, including facilitating participation from key technical experts, suppliers and manufacturers of health commodities, preparation of event materials and presentations, communication with focal points, and facilitation of key panels and presentations at the Forum.

References:

http://www.greeningtheblue.org/

http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/library/hiv_aids/rapid-assessment-healthcare-waste-global-fund

http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/library/hiv_aids/Carbon_footprint_UNDP_Global_Fund_health_initiatives_Montenegro_Tajikistan/

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/hiv-aids/managing-our-climate-change-risk--an-approach-for-environmental-.html

www.iiattsphs.org

https://iiattsphs.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/sphs-6-pager.pdf

https://iiattsphs.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/sphs-annual-report-2014_print_v3.pdf

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the SPHS Associate Coordinator and under the overall supervision of the SPHS Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub HIV, Health and Development (HHD) team and the SPHS members, the Event Coordinator will:

  • Support the design of the Asia Forum 2018 (AF18) to be held on 13th-15th June 2018. The Forum is expected to welcome 150 participants, namely top technical experts, suppliers and manufacturers, decision makers, UN Agencies, and other key stakeholders from the global health sector;
  • Coordinate preparations of the AF18 sessions¢ moderators, ensuring timely and satisfactory preparation of the AF18 sessions;
  • Provide formal weekly updates on status of preparation;
  • Participate as a moderator of the relevant AF18 panels and sessions (2-3 sessions).

Expected outputs and deliverables

  1. Supported development of AF18 agenda in close collaboration with UNDP Regional HHD Team and in close consultation with co-organisers of the AF18;
  2. In close collaboration with UNDP Regional HHD Team, communicated with speakers, moderators, resource persons;
  3. In close collaboration with UNDP Regional HHD Team, communicated with selected moderators and speakers, to facilitate participation, answer questions, and ensured proactive communication with key constituencies about the workshop;
  4. Moderated 2-3 sessions at the AF18;
  5. In consultation with UNDP Regional HHD Team, designed a workshop evaluation form, and supported its administration;
  6. Provided technical inputs and supported the development of the AF18 Catalogue of Good Practice Examples on Sustainable Production in the Health Sector;

Payments shall be done based on the following payment schedule:

1st payment – upon completion and UNDP acceptance of deliverables 1,2 – 25% - 1-1.5 months after signing contract

2nd payment - upon completion and UNDP acceptance of deliverables 3,4,5 – 40% - 2-2.5 months after signing contract

3rd payment - upon completion and UNDP acceptance of deliverables 6 – 35% - 4 months after signing contract

Reporting: the consultant will regularly evaluate progress in meeting the set targets and deliverables with the Eastern Europe and Central Asia HIV, Health and Development Team Leader.

Travel: one travel to Manila, Philippines is anticipated under this consultancy. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Timeframe: The consultant’s assignment is expected to last 20 working days, completed over the period from 30 April – 31 August 2018.

Evaluation:

Applicants will be screened against qualifications and competencies specified above through a desk review. Applicants will be evaluated based on: Cumulative analysis method that combines the results of technical and financial evaluation results.

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

1. Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

2. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

Criteria A: Bachelor’s degree in international relations, development, economics, law or a similar discipline – 5 points

Criteria B: At least 2 years of relevant experience in organizing and process documentation of medium-sized workshop and conferences participated in by multi-sectoral groups and/or organized by international organizations – 25 points;

Criteria C Demonstrated experience in partnership building – 20 points

Criteria D: Good understanding of financing for development landscape and 2030 Agenda – 15 points

Criteria E: Fluency and ability to communicate and perform complex tasks in English – 5 points
Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points

Competencies

Professionalism:

  • Demonstrated ability and knowledge in the design and management of websites and complex information management systems;
  • Is conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
  • Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
  • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
  • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Technological Awareness:

  • Keeps abreast of available technology;
  • Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;
  • Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;
  • Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
  • Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
  • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
  • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, development, economics, law or a similar discipline. Additional course/diploma in relevant field is an asset.

Experience:

  • At least 2 years of relevant experience in organizing and process documentation of medium-sized workshop and conferences participated in by multi-sectoral groups and/or organized by international organizations;
  • Demonstrated experience in partnership building is a distinct advantage;
  • Good understanding of financing for development landscape and 2030 Agenda is an advantage.

Language skills:

  • Fluency and ability to communicate and perform complex tasks in English;
  • Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of other regional languages would be an asset.

Guidelines for Applications:

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

Please note that our system only takes one attachment. Therefore, kindly scan all your documents into ONE single PDF file to upload.

*Consultant must send a lump sum proposal. The term “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, consumables, etc.) that could be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment are already factored into the lump sum proposal. Payments shall be conducted as per payment schedule above.

Costs related to participation at the Asia Forum conference will be cover by UNDP as per UNDP rules and regulations and will be organized on behalf of the consultant (via travel agency, hotel etc.).  In general, UNDP shall not organize travel exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

Security: Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://trip.dss.un.org

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

ANNEX 1- INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS is provided here: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf