Background

The Government of Bangladesh along with other UN Member States formally adopted the most all-encompassing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda – widely referred to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development - to combat poverty in all its forms, inequality and reducing climate change effects on 25 September 2015 at the 70th UN General Assembly. The 17 new Sustainable Development Goals and its associated 169 targets aim to end poverty, hunger and inequality, act on climate change and the environment, improve access to health and education, caring for people and the planet, build strong institutions and partnerships.

The breadth and length are so over encompassing that it would be over ambitious to implement and attain the SDGs alone by only national efforts. Cooperation is warranted to reap the fruit of the 2030 Development Agenda. Therefore, international development cooperation for SDGs implementation has been given emphasis in different SDG targets reiterated on different global forums. SDGs Outcome Document (2015) stated to ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries.

Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015) also echoed to enhance international cooperation, including ODA, in particular to least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States, and countries in Africa. The Agenda also encouraged other forms of international cooperation, including South-South cooperation, to complement efforts of SDGs implementation. It also urged the ODA providers to consider setting a target to provide at least 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries.

However, the concept of development cooperation has evolved and shifted beyond Official Development Assistance (ODA). Firstly, apart from financial assistance, development cooperation now-a-days also refers to technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge-sharing and technology transfer. Secondly, source of assistance has also shifted from traditional donors to emerging economies as well. Thirdly, south-south cooperation has contributing a lot in the form of sharing of knowledge and experience, training, technology transfer, financial and monetary cooperation and in-kind contributions.

In the country context, Bangladesh Planning Commission is in-charge of strategic development planning and formulating policies on a series of longer-term issues.  This is undertaken by General Economics Division (GED), which is mandated to prepare the national five-yearly plan, long-term perspective plan as well as presenting different research and background papers and organizing forums for policy debates on socio-economic issues. GED has been playing the role of Focal Point of GoB for Poverty as well as interpretation and charting the path of implementation of SDGs.

To review, monitor and evaluate the progress of the SDG goals, UNDP financed ‘Engaging with Institutions (EI)’ IP project in GED, Planning Commission is providing technical and financial assistance. With the assistance from the project, the GED has prepared most of the upfront documents relating to SDGs mainstreaming, mapping of targets by Ministries, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The GED has decided to commission a study to assess impact of and strategizing development cooperation in achieving the SDGs in Bangladesh.

In this context. The study on ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation in attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh’ will assess and devise actions in forging international development cooperation for Bangladesh. It will also assess the targets of the SDGs that enunciated actions (targets) for international cooperation. The study is also expected to explore the areas of SDGs implementation where Bangladesh would need international assistance as of SDG targets. The review will also identify potential areas where development partners can extend technical and financial assistance to the GoB in implementing the SDGs. The proposed study will be critical in identifying areas of cooperation, current state and forging potential partnership that are agreed upon under SDG goals and targets. The study should go beyond descriptive analysis and provide a deeper understanding of overcoming the constraints, identify pathways for successful bonding in order to achieve the SDGs.

 2. Guidance for Conducting the Study

The General Economics Division (GED), with support from UNDP financed Engaging with Institutions (EI), IP Project, plans to conduct a study on ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation in attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh’. The study will be done in line with following guidance notes:

• Identification of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) those have the provision of international cooperation (Technical, financial and if any other);
• Needs Assessment of the areas where Bangladesh might need international assistance in SDGs implementation;
• Reviewing the current status of international cooperation in different forms and strategic weakness, if any;
• Identification of potential areas where development partners and other philanthropic organizations can contribute in propelling the SDGs implementation in Bangladesh;
• Analysis of the probable impacts of international cooperation in the course of SDGs attainment in Bangladesh;
• Analysing prospects of utilizing climate funds in attaining climate relate targets of SDGs;
• Analysing “best practices” in terms of SDGs implementation that may be worthwhile for Bangladesh comparator countries;
• Recommendation for improving negotiation skill and fostering capacity of the public officials for faster utilization of external resources, and
• The way forward to sustain development cooperation and suggestions for future policy improvement and strategy toward implementation of the SDGs targets.

3. Objectives

The ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation in attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh’ should draw upon existing documents, publications and ODA reviews as much as possible and should be used to provide quick assessments and analysis that are usefully presented and can be communicated through simple and clear messages both in descriptive and tabular format. The Comprehensive Review should capture and illustrate how international cooperation can contribute to achieving the SDGs in Bangladesh. Specifically, the following areas need to be emphasized:

• Specify the reasoning of slow flow of international cooperation promised in SDGs;
• Identify the binding obligations of the developed countries to the developing/under developing countries in promoting SDGs attainment;
• Suggest with specific policy interventions required to attract cooperation from development countries under SDGs obligation;
• Identify the scope of cooperation between the developed and developing countries in terms of financial support, technology transfer and capacity building;
• Assess the level of impact international/regional cooperation in the achievement of the desired outcome of SDGs aspiration, as well as the effectiveness of such cooperation;
• How to promote north – south as well as south-south cooperation

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work:

GED, Planning Commission and UNDP supported EI, IP project is seeking consultancy services to undertake a comprehensive study on ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation in attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh’. Using the guidance notes, study objectives and the framework presented above, the consultants will:

• Review existing literature and relevant SDGs reports, latest available data and information, including national policy documents, statistical reports and ODA support related to SDGs. International reporting/references/commendations relating to Bangladesh SDGs implementation may also be contextually referred to;
• Reviewing aid flows as spoused in targets of SDGs;
• Conduct KIP interviews with relevant institutions/organizations (ministries, the private sector, development partners, UN agencies, other selected NGOs and CSOs) and experts;
• Conduct assessment of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) those referred to and have the scope of international cooperation;
• Assessment of the areas of SDGs implementation where Bangladesh might need extended international assistance;
• Identify potential areas where development partners can extend assistance to the GoB in implementing the SDGs;
• Reflect on probable impacts of international cooperation on the country’s development agenda and SDGs implementation;
• Identify the way forward to sustain development cooperation, increase AID effectiveness and suggestions for future policy and strategy toward implementation of the SDGs targets.

Methodology:

The Consultant may suggest on overall approach and method for conducting the evaluation, as well as data sources and tools that will likely yield the most reliable and valid answers to the evaluation questions within the limits of resources. However, final decisions about the specific design and methods for the evaluation should emerge from consultations among the project management, programme cluster, the evaluators, and key stakeholders including Economic Relations Division (ERD) about what is appropriate and feasible to meet the evaluation purpose and objectives and answer the evaluation questions, given limitations of budget, time and extant data.

Deliverables:

The details of the deliverables are as follows:

• An inception report at the beginning of the study, clearly proposing the approach/methodology to be adopted along with draft framework/content of the Report.
• The drafts of the report titled ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation by SDGs Targets in Bangladesh’ must satisfy the GED’s requirements.
• Final report should include an executive summary and address specific suggestions, comments and observations of the GED and other line ministries.

The final report will be an absolute knowledge product of the government (GED) and reproduction is prohibited.

Management and Support Arrangements

The consultant will work under the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA), EI, IP Project with the overall supervision and the guidance by the Member (Senior Secretary) of GED. GED will be the authorizing entity for approval of the document. The consultant will work closely with ERD, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and other data producing sources within Government in accessing the official data required for generating the report. Where the relevant data are not available within Government institutions, other authentic, internationally reputed data sources can be used. In addition, the consultant will:

• Submit two bound hard copy of draft Report and soft copies (in memory sticks and DVD copy), one in PDF and one in MS Word to the CTA, EI, IP Project
• Submit all the supporting analyses (Tables, graphs, regressions) done in MS Excel, STATA or any other software package.
• Take down the comments, critique and inputs from the GED on the zero draft of the report and prepare the first draft accordingly.
• The first draft will be shared with the relevant stakeholders for comments and verification of data used.
• The final draft of the report should be prepared taking into account of the comments of the stakeholders meeting.
• De-briefing session where a summary of findings and recommendations will be presented to GED, UNDP and other stakeholders and development partners to receive their feedback on findings and preliminary recommendations.
• A consistent standard method shall have to be followed in footnoting and referencing.

Implementation Arrangements

The IP project’s Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will be the focal point from the management point of view of the study Report under the guidance of GED. The Consultant will report to the CTA of EI, IP project and will also receive guidance from the GED. UNDP will play the role of a facilitator and will be responsible for ensuring the quality of the evaluation in line with the GED requirements

Inputs by Project Management 

The Consultant will be provided space at the EI, IP office whenever required. However, the Consultant will enjoy the liberty of working from home as well. The Consultant will use her/his own logistics (computer, software etc.).

Key documents for background information:

• Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 2015
• Outcome document of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development: Addis Ababa Action Agenda, 2015
• SDGs Financing Strategy: Bangladesh Perspectives, 2017
• Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Enhanced Development Cooperation in East and North-East Asia, UN ESCAP, 2018
• Private Sector Collaboration in Sustainable Development: Experiences from Asia and the Pacific, UNDP, 2012

Timeframe and Deadline:

The duration of contract is 25 working days over a period of two months. The assignment is tentatively scheduled during the period from June to July, 2019. The EI, IP project will facilitate the work of the evaluator before and during of the evaluation, including preparing a schedule of meetings and interviews, transport support for official purposes and, producing the necessary background information for the review process.

The Final Product

• An inception report at the beginning of the study, clearly proposing the approach/methodology to be adopted along with draft framework/content of the Report- 8 working days
• The drafts of the report titled ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation by SDGs Targets in Bangladesh’ must satisfy the GED’s requirements - 10 working days
• Final report should include an executive summary and address specific suggestions, comments and observations of the GED and other line ministries- 7 working days

Detail work break down are as follows:

 Duty Station

Home-Based

Tentative payment schedule:

• 1st payment: 20% of total contract amount will be paid after submission and acceptance of inception report at the beginning of the study, clearly proposing the approach/methodology to be adopted along with draft framework/content of the Report
• 2nd payment: 30% of total contract value will be paid after submission and acceptance of the drafts of the report titled ‘Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation by SDGs Targets in Bangladesh’ must satisfy the GED’s requirements.
• 3rd and final payment: 50% of total contract value will be paid after submission of the Final report should include an executive summary and address specific suggestions, comments and observations of the GED and other line ministries

Competencies

• Technical understanding of changing scenario of national and global development architecture and development effectiveness agenda;
• Technical understanding of M&E framework on MDG and use of development results framework;
• Excellent communication, facilitation and analytical skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills

Required Skills and Experience

Academic qualifications:

Minimum Master’s degree preferably PhD in Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Science or related fields.

Experience:

• At least 15 years of relevant work experience in academia, think tanks or research institutions with a record of publications in international journals;
• Excellent knowledge and experience of development economics, sociology (especially quantitative knowledge), SDGs, MDGs, and experience of working on similar issues;
• In-depth knowledge of policy, institutional and human development approach analysis in both national and international context;
• An appreciation of the Post 2015 Development Agenda and SDGs will be an added advantage.
• Exclusive working experience with multi and bi-lateral development partners in the areas of international development cooperation and its impact assessment.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills and familiarity with human development data analysis and its implications; Experience in working with a group of professionals, and excellent team work skills.

Language:

Excellent English communication and drafting skills.

Lump sum contracts:

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

In-country travel (if required) will be met by UNDP and DSA will be paid as per UNDP policy. If unforeseen travel outside the Duty Station not required by the Terms of Reference, is requested by UNDP, and upon prior written agreement, such travel be at the UNDP’s expense and the Individual Contractor shall receive a per diem not to exceed United Nations daily subsistence allowance rate in such other location(s).

 Evaluation of the Candidates:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

Cumulative analysis-

The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant up on Cumulative Analysis/evaluation and determined as:

1. Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
2. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation;

Technical Criteria weight-70

Financial Criteria weight 30

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 marks in technical evaluation will be considered eligible for financial evaluation.

Technical Evaluation Criteria (Total 70 marks):

1. Overall experience in the provision with services- 20 marks
2. Specific experience in the provision with similar service - 30 marks;
3. International Development Cooperation skills - 20 marks.

Financial Evaluation (Total 30 marks)

All technical qualified proposals will be scored out 30 based on the formula provided below.

The maximum points (30) will be assigned to the lowest financial proposal. All other proposals received points according to the following formula:

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.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Proposers who shall not submit below mentioned documents will not be considered for further evaluation.

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; P11 can be downloaded from the link below: http://www.bd.undp.org/content/bangladesh/en/home/operations/jobs/

Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment. A brief description of the assignment, detail break-down of the Work Plan and Methodology to carry out and complete the assignment.

Financial Proposal: Financial Proposal has to be submitted through a standard interest and availability template which can be downloaded from the link below:

http://www.bd.undp.org/content/dam/bangladesh/docs/Jobs/Interest%20and%20Submission%20of%20Financial%20Proposal-Template%20for%20Confirmation.docx

Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.