Background

BACKGROUND

UNDP promotes an integrated approach to achieve sustainable development that tackles the connected issues of multidimensional poverty, inequality and exclusion, and sustainability, while enhancing knowledge, skills and production technologies to reduce risks and sustain development gains. Working closely with the Government at national, regional and local levels, and civil society and the private sector, UNDP aims at eradicating extreme poverty, and reducing inequalities and exclusion to protect both people and the planet.

Particularly Sri Lanka, UNDP makes use of emerging opportunities and contending with existing challenges. Despite the three-decade war, the 2004 tsunami and the impact of the global recession, the country has achieved middle-income status and is on track to halving poverty by 2015. However, variations exist at the regional level and between different socio-economic groups.

Supporting communities affected by conflict as they gradually move from relief to recovery and development is a key focus of the work of UNDP, who supports efforts aimed at enabling internally displaced people to return safely to their communities, creating sustainable livelihoods and addressing their most pressing justice and human rights concerns. In addition, assisting in efforts to manage disaster risks is also a core part of our work. With Sri Lanka becoming increasing vulnerable to natural disasters, our work includes promoting disaster risk reduction and resilience and improving the security of the communities.

 

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

To support the initiatives UNDP is implementing, improvements to and construction of long lasting infrastructure is pivotal for the sustainability of many of the projects. Particularly project with a focus on security as well as project with including technical equipment, demanding extensive training and the development of SOPs to sustain the implementation, technical support from an experienced technical expert is needed.

The Consultant will:

(1) Deliver specific outputs related to UNDP’s strategy to reduce risk in the community and reduce poverty in Sri Lanka through overseeing infrastructure improvements;

(2) provide technical advice on infrastructure and communication requirements for UNDP projects;

(3) Provide technical advice and support to UN agencies conducting procurement activity through UNDP Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Expected Output/Deliverables

Under the supervision of UNDP the Consultant will perform the following tasks:

  • Under the direct guidance by UNDP Head of Procurement, provide Consultancy services for the procurement activities organized by UNDP;
  • Provide technical advice and mentoring on technology projects and related infrastructure.;
  • Provide technical advice and support the development of specificatiions, implementation, and on-going monitoring of technology projects including delivering training and developing SOPs;
  • Provide technical advice and support the development of specificatiions, conduct technical evaluations, implementation, and on-going monitoring of technology projects for other UN agencies conducting procurement through UNDP Sri Lanka.

 

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged time frame of the Consultancy is 06 months, starting from the 1st of August 2018 extendable up to 1 year subject to successful performance evaluation.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective Consultant should have:

COMPETENCIES

a. Technical competencies

  • Experience in developing and implementing construction projects in post conflict countries;
  • Familiar with developing and implementing IT, radio communication and electronic projects including drafting of specification for supportive equipment.

b. Partnerships

  • Experience in working in partnerships with other UN agencies, international organisations and NGO;
  • Experience in work with national authorities and government agencies.

c. Results

  • Successfully managed implementation of technology projects in developing countries, delivered training and developed SOPs on the use of system implemented;
  • Developed technical specification for technology projects, radio communication equipment and construction materials for tenders of a medium size (up to USD 5 Million);
  • Provided oversight of large technology/construction projects in developing countries by liaising with vendors, suppliers and construction workers.

 

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

(a) Education

  • Professional level qualification from a recognised institution in electronics and/or radio communication technology;
  • Qualification from a recognised institution in project management.

 

(b) Work Experience

  • Experience in supporting the delivery of complex infrastructure projects is required;
  • Experience in providing technical advice on implementation of complex technology projects is required;
  • UN security officer course is required;
  • Experience of supporting development and cooperation projects in an international environment is desirable;
  • Excellent English writing skills are required.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

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 combination 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

Or

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.

 

Payments will be based on milestones certified by UNDP

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

Monthly