Background
UNCDF is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 47 least developed countries (LDCs). With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: savings-led financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments – through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance – can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development. UNCDF financing models are applied in thematic areas where addressing barriers to finance at the local level can have a transformational effect for poor and excluded people and communities.
UNCDF’s Local Development Finance Practice aims to be a centre of excellence and innovative fund for local government finance and local economic development finance in the world’s 47 LDCs. As part of UNCDF’s development goals, it promotes and supports transformative investment through local governments and domestic banks in LDCs by piloting and scaling up innovative financing mechanisms and policies in the public and private sectors. The vision is a world in which LDCs will have robust policy environment, strong institutional capacity and effective financing vehicles that contribute to diverse, inclusive and resilient local economies and societies by 2030.
Local Development Finance (LDF) at UNCDF adopts a transformative impact financing approach to promote service delivery, infrastructure investment and local economic development that retains value within the local territory. This builds local fiscal space and local fixed capital formation. Working with local governments, domestic banks and local businesses, LDF designs, pilots and tests out financing mechanisms and business models in both public and private sectors that support locally designed public investments and revenue generating capital investment projects. The investment financing toolboxes include Fiscal Decentralization, Local Development Funds for public capital investment programming, Structured Project Finance, Municipal Finance, SME Finance, and Public-Private Partnerships.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the Director of Local Development Finance Practice at HQ, the Consultant will support the Practice in policy research, knowledge management, policy advocacy, partnerships, communications and outreach, Annual events planning as well as general support to the programmes as needed:
Policy research and analysis, knowledge management?
- Draft and edit documents requested by the Local Development Finance Practice (LDFP) Director including concept notes, policy briefings, background papers, proposals, programme documents, reports, letters and correspondence, speeches and publications;
- Conduct research and provide summary reports in areas related to Local Development Finance, including but not limited to, municipal finance, climate resilience and adaptation, women’s economic empowerment, capital investment finance, food security, post-conflict and peacebuilding, private sector development, infrastructure and local economic development;
- Manage the New York University Capstone Projects, liaise with faculty and students, provide inputs to the research and final reports;
- Contribute to the OECD-UCLG-UNCDF joint initiative – World Observatory on Subnational Government Finance and Investment, consolidate and analyze social-economic and finance data collected from least developed countries (LDCs), support the drafting of the final publication;
- Assist with LDFP knowledge management and sharing.
Programme management support and operations
- Provide support for the Municipal Investment Finance Programme (MIF), the Municipal Development Fund, Local2030 related initiatives and other projects as needed;
- Support the Local Resilience Programme (LRP), including the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), food security and land degradation initiatives, partnerships with Commonland and others;
- Carry out research on affordable housing models and markets, develop the concept note and project design of the initiative on municipal investments in affordable housing;
- Draft project related documents and support the programme implementation process (e.g. facilitating the clearance/approval process, partnerships) as needed by the programmes;
- Liaise with country team, programme partners and maintain effective partnerships;
- Support other LDFP global programmes, such as the Local Finance Initiative (LFI).
Resource mobilization, partnerships and communications
- Support partnership building and resource mobilization for local development finance programmes;
- Prepare funding proposals and application for LDFP global programmes, liaise with internal staff and external partners;
- Contribute to the content development and design of communication and outreach materials (e.g. presentations, brochures, webpages) as needed for the Practice;
- Maintain and update the resource mobilization database;
- Lead the LDFP podcast initiative (Local Econocast) including preparation, interviews, recording, editing and publishing;
- Other partnerships and communications support as needed.
Support to Local Development Finance HQ Management
- Manage daily schedule, mission planning and calendar of engagements for the Practice Director;
- Serve as the Secretariat of LDFP HQ Weekly Management Meeting including preparing the agenda and supporting materials, taking meeting minutes and tracking follow-up actions;
- Coordinate the LDFP weekly webinar with colleagues in HQ, Africa and Asia;
- Assist in developing the strategic documents, data analytics and visualization for HQ Management;
- Schedule meetings for LDFP Director with partners and follow up if necessary;
- Perform other administrative tasks as needed.
Event planning and organizing
- Member of the Organizing team for the High-Level Conference on Municipal Finance in Malaga every year including agenda, invitations, communications and logistics;
- Member of the Organizing team for the UNCDF sessions during the High-Level political forum every year including agenda, invitations, communications and logistics
- Facilitate the LDFP annual all-staff retreat;
- Support other events such as the Annual Financing for Development side events.
Expected Outputs and Deliverables
Target Completion | Yearly Deliverables | Payment terms in % of total yearly contract price |
1/31/2019 | 1. LDFP resource mobilization database updated for the projection of 2019 after consultation and data gathering from the Senior team in the field. 2. Revision of requested project documents and advocacy materials for the year 2019 drafted and submitted for LD Senior Management. 3. Full schedule of the first two quarters of corporate events, mission plans and priority engagements identified and submitted to the Director. 4. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded. 5. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 6. Lead the planning for the Annual LDFP podcast initiative (Local Econocast) including preparation, interviews, recording, editing and publishing to be delivered by year end. | 8 |
2/30/2019 | 1. LDFP resource mobilization proposals and communication materials drafted for each identified donor opportunity. 2. Support in the organization of corporate events and specific high-level missions and engagements. 3. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded. 4. Start first revisions of the Publication on LD’s 50th anniversary book and decentralization. 5. First round of Data on the World Observatory on Subnational Government Finance and Investment consolidated, reviewed and contributed to the final publication. 6. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice | 10 |
3/31/2019 | 1. Final Data on the Annual World Observatory on Subnational Government Finance and Investment consolidated, reviewed and contributed to the final publication. 2. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded. 3. Continuation of edits, research and revisions for the LD’s 50th anniversary book and decentralization. 4. Support to the organization of the Annual high-level Malaga coalition meeting on Municipal Finance. 5. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 6. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded
| 10 |
4/30/2019 | 1. New York University Capstone Projects well facilitated, guidance and inputs provided. 2. As part of the core organizing team, support to the organization of the high-level Malaga coalition meeting on Municipal Finance. 3. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 4. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded | 8 |
5/31/2019 | 1. New York University Annual Capstone Projects final report submitted for LD Director Clearance. 2. Full schedule of the last two quarters of corporate events, mission plans and priority engagements identified and submitted to the Director 3. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 4. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded | 8 |
6/30/2019 | 1. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 2. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 3. Research and reports provided to LD director in areas related to Local Development Finance. 4. LDFP resource mobilization database updated 5. Technical inputs and data gathering in support of UNCDF’s reporting to the Annual Executive board provided. 6. Inputs into speeches and documents for the UNCDF Annual executive board prepared. | 8 |
7/31/2019 | 1. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 2. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 3. Research and reports provided to LD director in areas related to Local Development Finance. 4. Part of the organizing team, take lead on the organizational aspects of UNCDF’s Annual specific LD events during the High Level Political Forum. 5. Inputs into speeches and documents for the UNCDF Annual participation in the high level political forum. 6. Provide support for the Municipal Investment Finance Programme (MIF), the Municipal Development Fund, Local 2030 related initiative. | 8 |
8/30/2019 | 1. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 2. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 3. Preparation for the Annual Investment Summit (TBC) for 2019. 4. Prepare funding proposals and application for LDFP global programmes, liaise with internal staff and external partners 5. Provide support for the Municipal Investment Finance Programme (MIF), the Municipal Development Fund, Local 2030 related initiatives | 8 |
9/31/2019 | 1. Assist with LDFP knowledge management and end of year report. 2. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 3. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 4. | 8 |
10/31/2019 | 1. Assist with LDFP knowledge management and end of year report. 2. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 3. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 4. Carry out research on affordable housing models and markets, develop the concept note and project design of the initiative on municipal investments in affordable housing | 8 |
11/30/2019 | 1. Assist with LDFP knowledge management and end of year report. 2. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 3. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 4. Carry out research on affordable housing models and markets, develop the concept note and project design of the initiative on municipal investments in affordable housing | 8 |
12/31/2019 | 1. Assist with LDFP knowledge management and end of year report. 2. LD weekly meetings organized, and minutes recorded 3. Programme and administrative support provided to the Practice 4. Produce by December the Annual LDFP podcast initiative (Local Econocast) including interviews, recording, editing and publishing of materials conducted throughout the year. | 8 |
100 |
Deliverables/Outputs | Description of deliverable/outputs | Review & approvals Required Prior to authorization of payment |
Deliverable 1 | High Level Events Organized | HLFP Event organized; Malaga MIF event Organized; Contribution to Executive board sessions (speeches, data and inputs) |
Deliverable 2 | Targeted Policy Research | Inputs into the Observatory Final Reports Submitted; Inputs and revisions to the LD 50th Anniversary book submitted; |
Deliverable 3 | Knowledge Management Communications and Advocacy for the LD practice | Brochures, Speeches, Corporate materials, advocacy campaigns updated and produced; LDFP podcast initiative materials published |
Deliverable 4 | Resource Mobilization | Donor Proposals for identified opportunities drafted and submitted; facilitation of donor meetings organized; follow up with regional senior teams; LD resource mobilization plan updated |
Deliverable 5 | Programme Management and Support | LD director Mission schedule up to date and supported; research is carried out on specific strategic areas in local development finance; project documents updated as per request |
Deliverable 6 | Management of the NYU Capstone project | As lead focal point on the NYU Capstone project, Submission of the final Report to the approval of the Director |
Any delay in the completion of the outputs, if not attributed to the performance of the consultant, shall be addressed through a no-cost time extension.
The above deliverables are continuous in nature, and updated on yearly basis, including the organizing of the yearly events.
Institutional Arrangement
This assignment will be under the overall direction and day to day supervision of the Director of the Local Development Finance Practice.
Duration of the Work
This assignment will have a duration of 3 years (36 months) with 250 working days per year. The performance control/ monitoring mechanism will be applied from the start date. However, before the end of each year (every 12 months), UNCDF will determine the viability of extension subject to availability of funds and the performance.
Duty Station
- The duty station/location for the contract duration is New York, USA; This is an office-based consultancy.
- If there is any approved travel, UNCDF will pay separately travel expenses (economy airfare, terminal expenses and per diems which include hotel and food expenses) according to standard UN rates based on evidence of approved and actual travel.
Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and writing skills;
- Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities aimed at effective and efficient functioning of unit;
- Focus on results for the clients and responds positively to feedback;
- Demonstrate excellent organizing, planning and time management skills with strong interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work under pressure in a well-organized, flexible and calm manner in fast-paced environment;
- Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.
Functional/Technical Competencies:
- Keep abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop herself or himself professionally;
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments;
- Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge;
- Development and Operational Effectiveness;
- Demonstrate a high degree of initiative and independence in delivering required outputs within tight timeframes, exercising problem solving and negotiation skills while at the same time demonstrating flexibility and ability to get the job done effectively;
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
- Ability to finalize key products in the absence of supervisors
Required Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in Public Administration, International Policy and Management, Political Science, Economics, or related Development field.
- Demonstrates a high degree of initiative and independence in delivering required outputs within tight timeframes, exercising problem solving and negotiation skills while at the same time demonstrating flexibility and ability to get the job done effectively;
- Ability to finalize key products in the absence of supervisors.
- Advanced computer skills especially in photoshop, InDesign, PowerPoint;
Experience:
- At least 3 years of relevant working experience in policy and advocacy, knowledge management, management support, partnerships and communications, or related field;
- Experience working with UN agencies in local development finance or municipal finance or local economic development;
- Proven experience in drafting a variety of documents for senior officers and organizing public events/meetings;
- Experience in using IT and communications related programmes including photoshop, InDesign, PowerPoint.
- Experience in drafting donor proposals and outreach materials
- Experience in data collection, analysis and contributions to publications.
Languages:
- Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required;
- Working proficiency in another UN official language is desirable.
Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments
Payments will be made based on the percentage of contract price corresponding to the deliverables stated in Section D above, and upon confirmation of UNCDF that the individual has delivered on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.
Recommended Presentation of Offer
The following documents are requested:
- Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability;
- 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;
- Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.
- Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive Daily Fee price. If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNCDF under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNCDF.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer
Consultants will be evaluated based on UNDP’s cumulative analysis method. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract shall be made to the consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
- Responsive/compliant/acceptable vis-à-vis the requirements of the TOR and the project operating environment; and
- Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (70%) and financial (30%) criteria.
UNCDF will conduct a review of a profile (technical evaluation) that matches applicants experience and expertise to the key tasks outlined in the consultancy. These are detailed under each of the following Key work areas noted above:
- Relevant UN experience in Policy research and analysis (20points);
- Programme management support and operations (20 points);
- Resource mobilization, partnerships and communications (15 points)
- Event planning and organizing (15 points)