Background
Sri Lanka enacted a Right to Information (RTI) law in 2016, after years of lobbying and advocacy by various stakeholders. The Sri Lankan RTI Act became fully operational in February 2017. The Act is by and large in line with progressive comparative legislation, and is ranked 3rd in the Global Right to Information rating by the Centre for Law and Democracy. The law creates a key entry point for strengthening transparency and accountability in government, addressing corruption, and ultimately strengthening participatory, effective and equitable governance.
The success of the RTI legal regime would critically depend on the efficient and effective supply of information by public authorities as the main duty holder under the Act. The Act is applicable to public authorities at national, provincial and local levels. Wide responsibilities have been cast on public authorities, including specified tasks relating to specific aspects, which need to be individually or collectively discharged for the successful operationalization of the law.
The Right to Information Commission was appointed in terms of section 11 of the RTI Act no. 12 of 2016 in 2017 to, among others to monitor RTI implementation and compliance by public authorities, issue guidelines with regard to various aspects of implementation and records management, capacity building of public authorities and to hear and determine appeals submitted to it by aggrieved parties.
In terms of section 14 (a) of the RTI Act, the RTI Commission is required to monitor the performance of public authorities, and ensure due compliance of the duties cast on the public authorities under the RTI Act. To discharge this obligation, it is important to conduct proper monitoring of the implementation of the law in terms of both reactive and proactive disclosure of information as well as records management. Effective monitoring depends on the efficient collection and analysis of information on how duties are discharged. The internal reporting mechanism prescribed under Section 10 of the Act obliges public authorities to provide annual reports giving specific information to the Commission to ascertain the level of implementation.
Scope and Objectives
UNDP Sri Lanka is supporting the newly established RTI Commission to implement the RTI law. Towards this end, UNDP Sri Lanka requires the immediate services of a monitoring consultant to provide support to the RTI Commission with their core monitoring functions in order to give effect to and realize the full potential of the law.
The Consultants will report to UNDP’s Technical Specialist on Independence Commissions for contractual purposes and jointly to the Director General of the RTI Commission and the UNDP’s Management and Coordination Consultant on RTI on a day-to-day basis in carrying out the key responsibilities of the assignment.
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 Technical Specialist (Independence Commissions) for contractual purposes. Any such proposed changes will be discussed in advance with the Consultants, and formally communicated in writing thereafter.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide support to the RTI Commission with their core monitoring functions in order to give effect to and realize the full potential of the law. More specifically, the consultant is expected to:
- Assist to review the Annual and bi-annual reports submitted by public authorities to the RTI Commission; and provide feedback;
- Provide assistance to organize, categorize and cluster the data contained in the above reports into frameworks in consultation with the RTI Commission; and generate reports with analysis and recommendations;
- Assistance to supplement/ triangulate such information with information in emanating from independent sample surveys conducted by external institutions;
- Provide suggestions and inputs to advise the RTI Commission on data gaps and possible remedial measures to strengthen its monitoring functions;
- Provide support to assist the enhancement of the capacity of selected Public Authorities and RTI Commission in effectively monitoring the implementation of RTI Act and thereby contributing to improve overall programme delivery.
At all times, the consultant should ensure that the deliverables are of high quality and meet standards.
Expected Outputs/Deliverables
- Provide assistance to the Consultant to develop the Work plan clearly describing the tasks/milestones for the consultancy period within two weeks from the appointment;
- Brief report of 1st phase of Consultancy, including description of implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report and other monitoring support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders;
- Brief report of 2nd phase of Consultancy, including description of implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report and other monitoring support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders;
- Brief report of 3rd phase of Consultancy, including description of implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report and other monitoring support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders;
- Final detail report of Consultancy, including description of the last phase of consultancy implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report, support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders, lessons learned and recommendations for improvement.
DURATION OF THE WORK
The duration of this assignment is expected to be over the period 1 February 2019 to 31 August 2019 with the possibility of extension.
Competencies
Corporate
- Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional
- Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to undertake multiple tasks and deliver under pressure;
- Strong analytical and synthesis skills;
- Ability to work independently and achieve quality results with limited supervision and within tight schedules;
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills;
- Experience in reports production;
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner;
- Good teamwork and interpersonal skills;
- Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with all UN/UNDP staff;
- Flexibility and ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure;
- Ability to facilitate the achievement of qualitative results, despite operational challenges;
- Excellent computer skills especially Word, Excel and Power Point.
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products;
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
- Demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity in providing strategic policy advice and direction.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2 years.
Experience:
- At least 1 year of work experience in a similar capacity;
- Proven track record of designing M&E frameworks for developmental project preferably in governance and peace building;
- Experience in managing and overseeing evaluations, assessments, studies etc.;
- Experience in procuring and supervising social research companies or team of researchers;
- Excellent human relations, coordination, planning and team work skills.
Language Requirements:
Good oral and written communication skills in English as well as Sinhala and / or Tamil are required.
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;
- 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: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.
Financial Proposal
All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR
Amount in words: LKR
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 per diems and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.
For an Individual Contractor who is 65 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 UNDP Programme Quality/Design Analyst.
Payment Milestones will be as follows:
Deliverables / % out of All-inclusive Lump sum / Time Line (from contract date)
Deliverable 1: Inception Report clearly describing the approach, methodologies, limitations, activities, outputs and work plan for the consultancy period. Reviewing available monitoring and evaluating documents and develop an effective format to evaluate reports and monitor implementation of RTI Act / 10% / 2 weeks.
Deliverable 2: Brief report of 1st phase of Consultancy, including description of implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report and other monitoring support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders / 15% / 2 months.
Deliverable 3: Brief report of 2ndphase of Consultancy, including description of implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report and other monitoring support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders / 25% / 4 months.
Deliverable 4: Brief report of 3rd phase of Consultancy, including description of implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report and other monitoring support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders / 25% / 6 months.
Deliverable 5: Final detail report of consultancy, including description of the last phase of consultancy implementing the agreed work plan in the inception report, support provided to the RTI Commission and other stakeholders, lessons learned and recommendations for improvement / 25% / 7 months
Evaluation
Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the minimum criteria will progress to the pool for short listing. Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria noting that an interview will be conducted to the shortlisted candidates.
- Technical Criteria weight: [70%];
- Financial Criteria weight: [30%].
Only Individual Consultants obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) on the Technical Evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.