Background

Malaysia is an upper-middle income country in South East Asia with an increasing population from 30.7 million in 2014 to 32.1 million in 2017, with an average real GDP growth rate of 5% for the past 4 years from 2014 to 2017, and a rising GNI per capita from RM34, 838 in 2014 to RM39, 656 in 20171. In Malaysia, the urban population grew from 62.0% in 2000 to 75.5% in 2017 and is estimated to reach 77.6% by 20302. This movement of urbanisation increases the multidimensional challenges faced by the urban poor, for example having limited access to basic services, lack of access to employment opportunities, public transport and other infrastructure, escalating medical and other costs of livings, and affordable quality housing.

The population projections have shown that Malaysia is moving towards an ageing society by 2030, as the population projection shows decreasing proportion of younger age groups, while population aged 60 and above will be increasing in proportion due to declines in mortality and fertility. These demographic changes in turn presents the pressure on educational facilities, housing, social and health services, dependency ratio, urban areas, labour shortage and environmental impact. By 2040, Malaysia is projected to have more older people (age 60 and above) living in cities (greater than 15% of the population3). An ageing population not only puts a strain on a country’s social security system and health care, but also concerns on access of older person to social participation, entertainment or employment, which has direct and indirect implication to health, welfare, care and living arrangements.

Among the states in Malaysia, Perak recorded the highest number of older persons in Malaysia, with 14.9% of its population aged 60 and above. This means that local planning for older persons must take into consideration of the size, relative percentage and density of the elderly population in a given area to identify suitable solutions. Further, local governments have a greater role here to be ready with infrastructure and facilities that cater for the aged population in the locality and to promote well-being of their older population who are also rate tax payers.

Having recognised that cities play a vital role in becoming national models for intergenerational approaches in building strong supportive networks in communities with high populations of children, women, and older persons, UNDP Malaysia with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development have identified WHO’s Guidelines on Global Age Friendly Cities as the most suitable ones in designing a guideline for the cities identified in Malaysia. The Age-friendly Cities Programme by WHO is an international effort to help cities prepare for two global demographic trends: the rapid ageing of populations and increasing urbanisation. The programme targets the environmental, social and economic factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Lead Researcher is expected to address the following key areas (please note that these may vary subject to further in-depth discussions with Government and the UNDP):

Expected Outputs:

• A comprehensive framework on outlining the elements needed in transforming cities into an inclusive and aged friendly city under SDG 11 and WHO guidelines for replication in other cities.
• A study of the baseline assessment of the age friendliness of the City of Taiping as the project’s pilot city, and to develop the indicators based on WHO guidelines for progress monitoring from a combination of desk review, findings from consultations, and quantitative research methods)
• Identifying the challenges faced by the older persons, people with disabilities, and children in their mobility around the City of Taiping, accessing the services, and safety issues.
• Developing a set of recommendations and action plans based on the study’s findings into transforming the City of Taiping into an aged friendly city.
• Study should include, but not limited to; previous works by government and universities, history, trends, gaps, challenges and opportunities of aged friendly initiatives in Malaysia
• Study and mapping should be organised with gender and human rights elements and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. 
• Identifying the needs and challenges faced by the elderly as well as best practices at regional and international level through capacity building programme(s) as additional input for the development of a bill for older persons in Malaysia.
• Facilitating dialogues and capacity building programme(s) on inclusivity for the older persons, people with disabilities, women, gender, and children
• Strengthening the relationship and knowledge transfer between the United Nations and the relevant Government ministries

Expected Activities:

• The Lead Researcher may assemble a team of experts (under his/her own cost) to conduct and deliver the Study in accordance with but not limited to, the criteria mentioned above.
• Prepare a suitable workplan and methodology for the project, detailing the scope of study, the roles and responsibilities of the team, the deliverables and timeline for the project in close consultation with UNDP and the Government of Malaysia counterpart.
• Consult and closely engage with the relevant stakeholders for example: Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD), Majlis  Perbandaran Taiping (MPT), government agencies / ministries, UN agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations / Community-Based Organisations / Non-Profit Organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Collect, review and analyse all the relevant documents / agreements / policies / laws / regulations/ data / past reports / initiatives of government agencies, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders; and best practices of other countries.
• Provide progress reports monthly (or as needed) to UNDP and MWFCD overseeing this project and attend and present at meetings as required. The template for reporting will be decided upon discussion.
• Proposing and recommending to UNDP and MWFCD for partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as universities, relevant government agencies, experts and corporations.
• Mobilize partnerships and resources to support the work at both national and regional level

Event Coordination:

• Coordinate the inputs of UNDP, MWFCD, the relevant stakeholders, and the other implementing partners into the agenda, and coordinate National dialogues as advised by UNDP and the MWFCD;
• Organise a series of meetings and / or workshops with key stakeholders to present the research findings and policy paper as advised by UNDP and the Government counterpart;

Institutional Arrangement:

• The Lead Researcher will report to the Inclusive Development and Growth department at UNDP Malaysia and MWFCD, as well as working in close collaboration with other contracted parties. The success of the project depends on the timely delivery of each component. 
• The Lead Researcher will also discuss the methodology,challenges, the identification of relevant stakeholders, timeline, and the findings of the study with UNDP and MWFCD.
• The findings of the study will not be shared publicly unless given permission from UNDP Country Office and Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
• The Consultant is expected to submit monthly reports identifying progress towards the following outputs based on the Preparation Towards an Aged Nation work plan:

Deliverables with timeline:

Duration of assignment, duty station and expected place of travel:

Contract duration: 15 months of 315 man days (20 August 2019 to 20 December 2020). 

The lead researcher may be required to travel to project sites or attend the events relevant to the project within Malaysia. Travels will be authorized by the program manager of when required. Travel expenses (ticket, living allowance and local transport) shall be agreed prior travel and reimbursed after trips completed.  It is also expected that the lead researcher to participate in key meetings organized by UNDP/UN’s office as and when necessary.

Financial Proposal:

Financial Proposal (Sample):

Note:

• Prices should be in US Dollars and include all expenses related to the assignment. Individual Contractor is responsible for payment of all relevant taxes.
• UNDP does not accept travel costs exceeding those of most direct route, cheapest and restricted economy class ticket. Should the Individual Consultant wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. In the case of unforeseeable and additional duty travels required, 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. Individual Contractor is responsible for his/her own travel arrangement in Malaysia.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations; and
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent knowledge of the current and emerging social development challenges, particularly issues surrounding older persons, people with disabilities, women and children in Malaysia;
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; and
• Excellent teamwork and leadership skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to analyse and understand the diversity of religion, culture and tradition, and challenges in promoting inclusivity from the policy, legal and regulatory perspectives;
• Ability to apply organisational policies and procedures;
• Strong analytical skills.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Supports teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors; and
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

• A PhD (doctorate or equivalent) in area of Social Science, Public Health, Social Economics, or related fields.  In Lieu of not having a PhD, a Masters Degree, with more than 5 years of professional working experience.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of working and / or research experience in the field of ageing population issues, or related fields;
• Experience in Malaysia is a must, and prior experience in the Asia-Pacific region or in countries of similar level of development is an added advantage;
• Experience in city planning would be an added advantage;
• Familiarity with the SDG agenda and localisation process is an added advantage;
• Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Language Requirement

Proficient in English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia will be an added advantage.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individuals must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Proposal on how your qualifications and experience can lead towards the successful deliverable of this assignment within the required timeframe, and provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the assignment;

2. Financial Proposal as provided.

3. Personal CV including areas of expertise and experience in similar projects and at least three (3) references in the format of UN Personal History Form (P11 form).

How to Apply:

• Kindly download the Letter of Confirmation of interest and availability, Financial Proposal Template and General Terms & Conditions mentioned below;
• Read and agree to the General Terms & Conditions;
• Click the ‘apply’ icon and complete what is required;
• Scan all documents into 1 pdf folder and then upload;
• For clarification question, please email to procurement.my@undp.org. The clarification question deadline is three (3) days before the closing. When emailing for clarification questions, please put "MyIC/2019/052" as the subject matter.

Forms and General terms & conditions to be downloaded:

• The UN Personal History Form (P11) is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/P11%20for%20SC%20&%20IC.doc?download
• The Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Financial Proposal Template at: http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/MyIC_2019_042%20Annex%201-2.docx
• The General Terms & Conditions for Individual contract is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/General%20Conditions%20of%20Contract%20for%20IC.pdf?download
• The General Terms & Conditions for Reimbursement Loan Agreement is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/Reimbursable%20Loan%20Agreement%20_%20Terms%20&%20Conditions.pdf?download 

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer:

The award of the contract will be made to the Individual Expert who has obtained the highest Combined Score and has accepted UNDP’s General Terms and Conditions. Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated. The offers will be evaluated using the “Combined Scoring method” where:

1. The technical proposal including educational background and experience on similar assignments will be weighted a max. of 70%;
2. The financial proposal will weigh as 30% of the total scoring.