UNDP Jobs - 78498- National Junior Research Consultant

National Junior Research Consultant

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

14-May-2018

Application Deadline :

06-May-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 Months (with possibility of extension)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 Months (with possibility of extension)

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

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports inclusive and effective democratic governance by advocating, advising, fostering impartial spaces for dialogue, facilitating consensus, and supporting the strengthening of institutions.

The Consultant will report to UNDP’s Policy and Design Specialist (Governance and Reconciliation) for contractual purposes. He/she will be required to liaise and/or work on assignment by the Prime Minister’s Office on a day-to-day basis. He/she will be guided by and report to any other government institution as assigned by the Prime Minister’s Office in respect of substantive aspects of the contract.

Given the fluid operational context, the scope, management and reporting arrangements as well as deliverables of this contract may change, save for the requirement of reporting to UNDP’s Policy and Design Specialist (Democratic Governance and Reconciliation) for contractual purposes. Any such proposed changes will be discussed in advance with the Consultants, and formally communicated in writing thereafter.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

UNDP’s Policy Unit requires the immediate services of National Junior Research Consultants to provide speedy research and administrative assistance on work relating to public law.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Undertake extensive research and analysis of Sri Lankan and comparative jurisprudence, policy and practice relating to thematic areas of public law reforms;
Provide research inputs, as well as technical and administrative support, for public law reform processes, including organization of meetings, drafting of minutes, reports, etc., as required.

Expected Output/Deliverables

Based on the fluid operational context and depending on the evolving needs of the key stakeholders, the deliverables below may change and/or the number of deliverables may be increased or decreased with advance notice. Any such changes will be discussed and agreed with the Consultant and thereafter formally communicated.

A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during 1st month;
A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during 2nd month;
A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during 3rd month;
A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during 4th month;
A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during 5th month;
A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during 6th month.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the Consultancy is 6 months, starting May 2018, with the possibility of extension.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective Consultant should have:

COMPETENCIES

Good research and analytical skills;
Ability to write well-structured and analytical research briefs in English;
Good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work deliverables;
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information;
Demonstrates good judgment and maturity;
A team player.

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A minimum of a degree in law (LL.B. or equivalent), political science, social science or other relevant field.

Experience:

A minimum of 1 year’s research experience, including in public law and/or public finance and/or public administration;
Experience in working with legal search engines, such as Lexix Nexis and Westlaw would be an advantage;
Good working knowledge of word-processing and internet software applications; and excellent electronic research skills.

Language Proficiency:

Excellent English language skills, particularly in writing well-structured and analytical briefs. A working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

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;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combimation of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: procurement.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR

Amount in words(Rs.):

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Policy and Design Specialist – Governance. Payment Milestones will be as follows:

16% of total lump-sum fee: A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during the 1st month;
16% of total lump-sum fee: A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during the 2nd month;
16% of total lump-sum fee: A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during the 3rd month;
16% of total lump-sum fee: A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during the 4th month;
16% of total lump-sum fee: A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during the 5th month;
20% of total lump-sum fee: A brief report of research briefs as well as technical and administrative inputs provided during the 6th month.