UNDP Jobs - 84679- IATI Secretariat – Governance, Outreach and Engage

IATI Secretariat – Governance, Outreach and Engagement Consultant

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

29-May-2019

Application Deadline :

28-Apr-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

4 months, to 30 September 2019

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

4 months, to 30 September 2019

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

Project Description

Launched at the Accra High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (2008), IATI works with donors, partner countries, CSOs, NGOs and private sector organizations to ensure that transparent, good quality information on development resources and results is available and used by all stakeholder groups to help achieve sustainable development outcomes.

UNDP has been a strong advocate of transparency, and supported IATI since its launch in 2008. Within the Secretariat, UNDP is responsible for day-to-day coordination, support to the governing bodies and outreach to partner countries and new members, and since 2018 has also been mandated to take on an expanded communications role.

The period leading up to the 2019 Members’ Assembly (MA) in September is a critical period for IATI and will culminate in the MA’s approval of a new 3-year strategic plan. UNDP has been mandated by the IATI Governing Board to steward the process and ensure it is conducted in a broad, inclusive and collaborative manner that includes not only the over 90 members of IATI, but also the wider international open data and development transparency community.

Objective

The purpose of this procurement exercise is to contract an individual consultant to support the UNDP-led Secretariat of the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). The IC will lead on IATI partner country engagement and consultation during the IATI strategic planning exercise, and lead the Secretariat’s support to the IATI Data Use Task Force (a working group under the IATI Governing Board), which includes the development of a new dedicated Data Use Strategy. The IC will further support the transition to an expanded IATI Secretariat role for UNDP which will incorporate new communications and outreach functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP is seeking to recruit a full-time Consultant - IATI Secretariat – Governance, Outreach and Engagement. Under the supervision of the IATI Secretariat Coordinator, Effectiveness Group, BPPS, the Consultant will lead on IATI partner country engagement and consultation throughout the strategic planning exercise; lead the Secretariat’s support to the IATI Data Use Task Force (a working group under the IATI Governing Board), which includes the development of a new dedicated Data Use Strategy. As part of UNDP’s lead role among UN agencies on IATI implementation, the IC will undertake inter-agency outreach and engagement activities to support the UN Secretary General’s vision of system-wide enrolment to IATI.

The consultant will implement outreach and training activities to raise awareness and capacity of new and existing partner country members to use IATI data as required, and support the communications adviser in a variety of tasks, such as developing guidance and promotional materials and knowledge products.

Activities will be guided by the strategic plan roadmap and the IATI Data Use Strategy 2017 - 2019, as well as by internal workplans in relation to the upcoming Members’ Assembly and the IATI Secretariat transition workplan, which has identified specific activities to be carried out by UNDP on behalf of the IATI Secretariat.

Expected outputs and deliverables:

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the IATI Secretariat Coordinator, the Consultant will focus on the following:

Support IATI’s strategic planning exercise:

Develop and implement multi-faceted phased consultation approaches for outreach with members as part of the strategic planning roadmap;
Conceptualize and organize a series of virtual and face-to-face consultation events throughout the IATI strategic planning exercise in the lead up to the 2019 Members’ Assembly;
Develop key annexes to the new Strategic Plan for IATI, including: Results and Monitoring Frameworks; Data Use Strategy; workplan and budget estimations;
Draft supporting briefs and other documentation around the strategic planning exercise for the IATI Governing Board or other stakeholder groups as needed;
Lead outreach activities with IATI partner country members to support preparation for their attendance and effective engagement at the IATI annual Members’ Assembly (September 2019) and plan, prepare and organize the IATI Partner Country Caucus meeting, which will take place ahead of the Members’ Assembly.

Provide Secretariat support to the IATI Data Use Task Force:

Provide Secretariat support to the Governing Board’s Data Use Task Force, including but not limited to agenda setting, work plan development, knowledge management and impact assessments;
Manage the IATI Data Use Fund, to include management of ongoing contacts, working in a collaborative manner with the Task Force to identify new priority areas and develop and assess requests for proposals; promote the IATI Data Use Fund among the stakeholder groups and identify potential implementing partners;
Promote IATI data use at partner country level through developing tailored solutions to national contexts, implementation of the IATI Data Use Strategy and active participation of Partner Country representatives in the IATI Data Use Task Force;
Develop clear metrics and approaches for monitoring of progress towards increasing data use at country level, and produce news reports and updates on key activities; and

Work with partners at country level to support integration of IATI data into national systems.

Strengthen UN-Inter-Agency coordination and cooperation in regard to transparency and open data:

Support the IATI Governing Board’s SDG Reference Group through the provision of guidance and input in regard to SDG monitoring and reporting practices; knowledge management and institutional support;
Contribute to UN System-level discussions around use of IATI data in monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals;
Convene and provide secretariat support to the UN Inter-agency Group on data and transparency.
Keep track and inform UNDP and IATI Governance Board on trends and developments within the UN system in relation to open data and transparency and provide advice on IATI’s positioning in order to create synergies and reduce reporting burdens throughout the system.

Support the IATI Secretariat Coordinator in governance matters:

Develop and/or review position papers for the IATI Governing Board as required;
Support the IATI Secretariat transition and implementation of recommendations resulting from the 2018 institutional review, including the development of IATI’s multi-year budget for 2020-21 that aligns with strategic priorities and budget realities;
Prepare presentations, briefs and other documents for regular IATI Governing Board meetings and for the 2019 Members’ Assembly;
Design and conduct events and workshops and develop materials for promoting use of IATI data to national and sub-national government officials, CSOs, journalists and researchers if requested by the IATI Governing Board;
Contributing content to IATI’s website and other publications, as required;
Carry out other day to day activities as required, including participation in IATI management meetings and providing Secretariat support to the IATI Governing Board during bi-monthly meetings.

Deliverables/ Outputs - Estimated Duration to Complete - Target Due Dates:

A series of 8-12 strategic consultation events with special focus on IATI Partner Countries has been organized (15 working days; May – June)
At least 3 more RfPs for the IATI Data Use Fund have been published and implemented (15 working days; May – August)
A new IATI data use strategy (2019 – 2021), including a monitoring framework, which will be an Annex to the IATI Strategic Plan has been drafted in a consultative manner with the IATI Data Use Task Force (10 working days; May – June)
Outreach strategy for IATI Partner Countries has been drafted and a package of 4 advocacy products is included in a communications package for partner country members, private sector and academia with specific focus on their effective engagement in the Strategic Planning process leading up the September Members’ Assembly meeting (15 working days; May – September)
A number of high-quality knowledge products (presentations, briefings, blogs, communication materials etc.) has been drafted upon request throughout the SP period and for the Members’ Assembly. Products are relevant for different user groups and purposes, observing language, regional and national considerations (10 days; June – September)
The partner country caucus meeting within the scope of the 2019 members’ assembly is well prepared (e.g. PCs are engaged throughout the process, working on dedicated assignments and inputs for the strategic planning exercise and make contributions/ presentations during the caucus meeting (15 days; May – September)

Duration of Work:

The work week will be based on 35?hours, i.e. on a 7-hours working day, with core hours being between 9h00 and 18h00 daily;
Guided by the IATI Coordinator, the IC will prioritize work assignments per deadline and urgency on a weekly or monthly basis.

Location:

The IC will be office-based in UNDP HQ New York, Effectiveness Group, BPPS.

Institutional arrangement:

The IC will be based in UNDP HQ New York and report directly to the IATI Coordinator, Development Effectiveness Group, BPPS.
The IC will update the IATI Secretariat Coordinator on a weekly basis and keep him/her informed on work progress through project management software;
The IC will work closely with IATI secretariat colleagues and contribute to regular coordination meetings;
The IC will use his/her own laptop and software.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

Payment to the Individual Contractor will be made based on the actual number of days worked, deliverables accepted and upon certification of satisfactory completion by the manager.

Competencies

Innovation

Ability to develop innovative concepts and suggestions in regard to multi-stakeholder engagement, institutional and programmatic approaches.

Communication

Communicates effectively to a variety of audiences and is confident and authoritative with public speaking in a range of different situations;
Researches and writes effectively, demonstrating excellent drafting and editorial skills to present strong drafts and polished final documents.
Excellent intercultural communication skills.

Delivery

Demonstrates exceptional analytical and organizational skills, planning, prioritizing and delivering tasks on time;
Works effectively in a geographically dispersed team and in a multi-cultural environment;
Recognized to be a good team player ready to take on new challenges as they arise.

Partnerships

Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships;
Is strongly client focused and has advanced interpersonal skills.

Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge.

Project Management

Ability to handle a large volume of logistical details, accurately and thoroughly, with close attention to detail;?
Advanced computer skills in common office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Required Skills and Experience

Academic qualifications:

Master’s degree in political science, law, public administration or related field.

Experience:

At least 8 years of working experience in an international organization or related field;
At least one year experience in working with the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) and/or advanced knowledge of IATI’s institutional design, work plan priorities and challenges and opportunities around IATI data use;
Experience in working with Member State officials and UN senior management;
Work experience with UNDP and understanding of UNDP rules and regulations considered a strong asset;
Network within the open data and development transparency community considered a strong asset;
Excellent drafting skills in English, including the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing to a variety of audiences; and
Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Application Procedure

The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one file):

A cover letter with a brief description of why the Offeror considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment;
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references.

Note: The above documents need to be scanned in one file and uploaded to the online application as one document.

Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.

The financial proposal shall specify an all-inclusive total lump sum amount, and payment terms around the specific and measurable deliverables of the TOR, indicating a breakdown daily rate. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR, and deliverables accepted and certified by the technical manager.
The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee; (excluding mission travel); living allowances at the duty station; communications, utilities and consumables; life, health and any other insurance; risks and inconveniences related to work under hardship and hazardous conditions (e.g., personal security needs, etc.), when applicable; and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services under the contract.

In the case of unforeseeable travel requested by UNDP, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UNDP and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding

those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.
If the 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 UNDP under a 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 UNDP.

The Financial Proposal is to be emailed as per the instruction in the separate email that will be sent to shortlisted candidates.

Evaluation process

Applicants are reviewed based on Required Skills and Experience stated above and based on the technical evaluation criteria outlined below. Applicants will be evaluated based on cumulative scoring. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Being responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation where technical criteria weighs 70% and Financial criteria/ Proposal weighs 30%.

Technical evaluation - Total 70% (100 points):

Minimum of 8 years professional experience in an international organization. Maximum points: 15
Experience with IATI and demonstrated knowledge of IATI’s institutional priorities and challenges/opportunities around data use. Maximum Points: 35
Experience working with UNDP. Maximum Points: 20
Experience drafting high quality reports, briefing documents and knowledge products. Maximum Points: 10
Network and/or demonstrated understanding of the IATI community and global environment related to open data and transparency Maximum Points: 20

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (70 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the technical criteria (100 points) shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

Financial evaluation - Total 30% (30 points)

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

p = y (µ/z), where

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated

y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal

µ = price of the lowest priced proposal

z = price of the proposal being evaluated

Contract Award

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter into contract with UNDP.