Background
The principal mandate of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) is to establish the fate of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots who went missing as a consequence of the tragic events of 1963-1964 and 1974 and to provide answers to families of missing persons who remain in grief. CMP’s work includes the obtaining of information that may lead to the exhumation, identification and return of remains of missing persons. This process enables the relatives of the victims to recover the remains of their loved ones, arrange for a proper burial and provide closure to a long period of anguish and uncertainty, thereby promoting a process of reconciliation, healing and dialogue between both communities. The investigation process is a key component of the CMP project and it is particularly transversal to the whole identification process and will assist in locating burial sites of missing persons. The CMP project also aims to strengthen the capacity for civil society to engage in sustained cooperation and reconciliation, through the important participation of bi-communal activities and cooperation in all stages of the process.
The United Nations Development Programme, Programme Management Office (UNDP PMO) in Nicosia, Cyprus, seeks to contract on behalf of the CMP a skilled Research / Investigation Coordinator to contribute to CMP’s mandate.
The individual contractor reports to the UNDP Operations Manager and will work closely with CMP teams and the UNDP operations unit. CMP Member(s) will be requested to review deliverables/timesheets from the substantive side and provide their opinion prior to approval of services and payment by the UNDP
Duties and Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the contractor will be responsible for the following duties:
- According to CMP’s Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), provide oversight, management and technical direction of a team of investigators tasked to gather information from witnesses and other sources;
- Coordinate investigations, in collaboration with the respective Exhumation Coordinator, the other CMP Office’s Investigation Coordinator and the Health and Safety Coordinator, including the setting of priorities, assigning of cases/workload, and reviewing of case reports;
- Coordinate and exchange relevant information with the Offices of other Members;
- Identify potential research and analysis topics that may provide leads to locating burial sites of missing persons;
- Collect, collate, evaluate and analyze information in relation to the implementation of CMP’s mandate from a range of open sources, including but not limited to military/civilian authorities in southern and northern parts of Cyprus, international community, NGOs, media, and other key stakeholders as well as CMP’s archives that are stored in databases;
- Play a leading role in the collection of relevant information by identifying gaps and constructing plans to direct resources in order to fill those gaps;
- Review and identify material relevant to the preparation of case files that will assist CMP in determining possible sites for the exhumation of remains of missing persons;
- Deliver comprehensive analytical products (i.e., reports, timelines, charts, etc.) in support of investigations and prepare recommendations;
- Oversee the timely production of reports, site assessments and ensuring information is properly disseminated;
- Participate in regular briefings with Members, Assistants, and other partners relevant to the collection of information and evidence;
- Oversee a system for storing confidential information, in consultation with Members, Assistants and the data base/information management coordinator;
- Obtain information by collecting, analyzing and summarizing data regarding the possible burial sites of missing persons, the last seen place of disappearance etc.;
- Produce weekly reports to the relevant Member;
- Provide recommendations to Members regarding investigation training and investigations strategic planning
Competencies
Professionalism: Excellent analytical, drafting and briefing skills; Strong ability to investigate and to analyze complex information and data from a variety of sources, or activities of related groups; Strong knowledge of the historical context in Cyprus (especially related to events in 1963/64 and 1974); Ability to employ sound professional investigative and analytical experience to facilitate the obtaining of information and the production of high quality work from the team; Knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to investigations; Ability to approach and conduct sensitive interviews with witnesses and family members; Familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including digital sources; Ability to work in a high-tech environment; Shows pride in work and in achievements, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is meticulous and pays attention to detail; 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; Demonstrates lateral, objective and logical thinking with an enquiring mind; Proven ability to handle large amounts of data to produce assessment and provide creative and imaginative solutions to problems; Is self-motivated.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues from Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and the UN 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.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
Communication: Excellent communication skills with the ability to deal with people at all levels and ages in order to develop a two-way exchange of information and ability to negotiate and influence decision makers on recommendations made.
Core Competencies: The candidate demonstrates
- Cultural, political, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Excellent management skills to lead a team;
- Good communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work well under pressure;
- Good understanding of the sensitive and bi-communal work of CMP;
- Ability to act as a team player and to facilitate team work;
- Learning and the sharing of knowledge and encouraging the learning of others;
- Ability to respond positively to critical feedback.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, foreign affairs, law or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience and relevant academic/professional qualifications, such as accreditations from military or government command and staff colleges, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Certification or training in information analysis is desirable.
Experience:
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in information analysis, political science, international relations, journalism, development, security (military or police) or related field is required.
- Experience in working in investigations and analysis is desirable.
- Previous experience working with local communities in a post-conflict setting is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent knowledge of English as well as Turkish.
Driving License:
- The incumbent will travel widely in Cyprus and a valid driver’s license is a requirement.
Application
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
- CV: Applicants are required to submit a CV.
- References: Contact details of 3 referees.
- Financial Proposal: Applicants are requested to submit financial proposal. The financial proposal will specify the daily fee in EUR per working day. A day will be calculated as 8 hours in total (half an hour break and 7.5 hours of work), could be pro-rated to the actual hours worked and shall cover all expenditures including fees, health insurance, vaccination, international (all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel) or local travel (place of residence to office / investigation site and office / investigation site to place of residence with personal vehicle), cost of living and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services. Leave benefits (annual, sick, paternity, maternity) are not applicable to an Individual Contractor and absent days, including weekends and office holidays, are not payable.
Evaluation / Selection Process
All applicants will be screened against their qualifications and the competencies set above. Candidates fully meeting the requirements will be further evaluated based on the criteria below.
Technical Criteria (CV review and interviews) – 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:
CV review: 30 points;
- Educational qualifications as defined in the ToR (10 points);
- Experience as defined in the ToR (20 points).
Only candidates who obtained at least 70% of points from the CV review (i.e., a score of at least 21 points) will be invited for an interview.
Interview: 40 points
- Experience in investigations and information analysis (20 points);
- Experience in working in a post-conflict setting, missing persons and/or humanitarian context (10 points);
- Language skills (10 points).
Only those individual consultants who obtained at least 70% of points from the interview (28 out of 40) will be considered for a financial proposal evaluation.
Financial Criteria – 30 % of total evaluation – max. 30 points.
- Financial scores will be calculated using the formula [lowest offer / financial offer of the candidate x 30].
UNDP applies the “Best value for money approach” – the final selection will be based on the combination of the applicant’s qualification and financial proposal.
Payment Term:
Monthly lump-sum payable upon submission of the monthly time-sheet, the monthly report and approval of the UNDP.