Background

“Leaving No One Behind (LNOB)” is a central theme of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, 193 United Nations Member States pledged to ensure “no one will be left behind” and to “endeavor to reach the furthest behind first”. The interpretation describes people as being “left behind” when they lack or have limited choices or capabilities to participate in or benefit from human development. In practice, this means taking explicit action to end extreme poverty, curb inequalities, confront discrimination and fast-track progress for the furthest behind.

All persons living in extreme poverty and faces social discrimination to unleash their potentials can thus be considered ‘left behind’, as can those who endure disadvantages or deprivations that limit their choices and opportunities relative to others in society. The discussion paper and implementation framework 2018 by UNDP asserted to understand who is being left behind and why at the country level and to shape effective responses to put the pledge to leave no one behind at the heart of its support. The report suggested five key factors that should be assessed who is the left behind: Discrimination, Geography, Governance, Socio-economic status and Shocks and fragility. 

Today’s global scenario on LNOB has also been depicted in the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019 published by United Nations. The share of extremely poor people are children under 14 years is close to half 46%. The extreme poverty rate (17.2%) in rural areas is three times higher than in urban areas (5.3%). Only 35% of children receive social protection benefits, only 28% of people with severe disabilities receive disability pensions and only 22% of people who are unemployed receive unemployment benefits.

The Government of Bangladesh has started preparation of the 8th five-year plan (2021-2025) and is committed to take measures to ensure that no one is left behind. The objective is to adopt policies and strategies for those who are left behind is the process of achieving the SDGs. For deeper understanding, the General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission has decided to conduct an analytical background study to ensure no one is left behind from the inclusive development framework of sustainable development in Bangladesh. This study should also lead to realizing the development strategy and implementation approach on LNOB so that it can suitably be integrated into the national planning and policies.

The technical study will be commissioned with support from ‘Engaging with Institutions (EI),’ IP project of UNDP. The study aims to strengthen the policy and technical capacity of GED and relevant central government agencies to secure a planning process that is more pro-poor, inclusive, gender-responsive and resilient. The outcome of this background study on “Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) in the context of SDGs Implementation in Bangladesh” is expected to be a substantial input in the upcoming national planning document.  

The study on “Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) in the context of SDGs Implementation in Bangladesh” is expected to explore the areas of SDGs implementation where Bangladesh would need special focuses for not leaving anyone behind and to reach out the furthest behind. The study should identify the potential areas where development partners can extend technical and financial assistance to the GoB so that development touches the lives of the marginalized. The proposed study will be crucial in identifying priority goals and targets, areas of cooperation, forging partnership and potential resource mobilization to address the LNOB in the country’s development. The study should not be limited to descriptive analysis and provide proper guidance of mainstreaming the aspiration of SDGs (LNOB) together with overcoming the constraints and pathways for implementation.  

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 “Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) in the context of SDGs Implementation in Bangladesh”. The study should be accomplished in line with following guidance notes:

• Identification of the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh which have wide-ranging provision for inclusion of ‘Leaving No One Behind (LNOB)’;
• Identification of potential areas where the Government, development partners and other philanthropic organizations can contribute to propelling the LNOB aspirations in Bangladesh;
• Reviewing prospects of inclusion of LNOB in the targets relating to poverty eradication, quality education, health and well-being, economic growth, reduce inequalities and climate change;
• Review the best practices related to LNOB in the areas of SDGs implementation that may be pertinent to Bangladesh;

Recommending suggestions for policy improvement and strategic action plan toward implementation of the SDGs leaving no one behind. 

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The study on “Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) in the context of SDGs Implementation in Bangladesh” should draw upon existing documents, reports, publications and best practices around the globe, should provide recommendations that are usefully presented preferably in a matrix format. The comprehensive study should illustrate the following areas:

• Identify the priority areas of implementation where the action plan on LNOB should immediately be developed;
• Suggest the policy recommendations to place the LNOB in the centre of national development planning;
• Collate the best practices related to LNOB preferably among South Asian nations that can be adopted in the context of Bangladesh;
• Recommend how the government can mainstream the LNOB into the process of SDGs implementation in Bangladesh and its 8th Five Year Plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

The General Economics Division (GED) through EI, IP project is seeking consultancy services to undertake a comprehensive study on “Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) in the context of SDGs Implementation in Bangladesh”. Using the guidance notes and study objectives mentioned above, the consultant(s) will accomplish upon the following:

• Review the existing publications, frameworks, action plans and reports of SDGs in terms of leaving no one behind;
• Review the national policies that should be modified to respond to the LNOB;  
• Review the best practices relating to LNOB successfully rolled out in other countries of South Asia/ Asia;
• Conduct KIP interviews with relevant institutions/ organizations (ministries, divisions/ departments, private sector, development partners, NGOs and CSOs);
• Identify priority areas relating to LNOB where the government needs to take actions and contribute nearly;
• Assess the scope of cooperation where Bangladesh may consider scheming joint programs on LNOB with other countries in Asia/ South Asia;
• Recommend how the government can mainstream the LNOB into the process of SDGs implementation in Bangladesh.

Facilitate a debrief where a summary of findings and recommendations will be presented to GED, UNDP and other stakeholders to receive their feedback. 

The details of the deliverables are as follows:

1. An inception report at the beginning of the study, clearly understanding the approach/ methodology to be adopted along with a draft framework/ content of the report.
2. The draft of the report titled ‘a comprehensive study on Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ should satisfy the GED’s requirements.
3. The final report should include an executive summary and address specific suggestions, comments and observations of the GED along with a presentation of the study.

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

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment is tentatively scheduled for 30 days . The Engaging with Institutions (EI), IP project will assist the scheduling of meetings and consultations and producing the necessary background information for the preparation of the above deliverables. The duty station will be in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

SUPERVISION, REPORTING AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) of EI IP project will be the focal point from the management point of view of the assessment 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.

The consultant will be provided space at the EI, IP project office whenever required. However, the consultant may take the liberty of working from home as well as using own logistics (computer, software etc.).

TENTATIVE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Technical understanding – Familiarizes with SDGs implementation and the concept of leaving no one behind (LNOB);   
• Communication – Facilitates and encourages open and effective communication;
• Team Work – Demonstrates ability to work with the government, UNDP and Civil Society Organizations, effective working relations with people of different backgrounds;
• Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs following the agreed time, costs and quality standards.

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to conduct advanced research, reviews, mapping and studies independently;
• Strong skills and experiences in communicating and presenting evidence and ideas for policy and programmatic interventions;
• Consistent approach of work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates openness to ideas and the ability to manage complexities of the situations.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree (minimum Master’s) preferably Ph.D. in Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Development Studies, Social Science or related fields.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in academia, government, think tanks or research institutions;
• Excellent knowledge and experience of development economics, sociology, SDGs, MDGs, and experience of working on similar issues;
• Having prior experience in responding to the LNOB in sustainable development will be given priority;
• Strong writing and oral communication skills and familiarity with data analysis and its implications;
• Experience in working with a group of professionals, government institutions and UN/UNDP.

Language:

Excellent oral and written English, and technical writing and presentation capabilities.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSAL

• Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability (http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=45780 ) using the template provided by UNDP including Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. If an 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 Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate this at this point and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. 
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all previous experiences from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment and a methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment.

EVALUATION

The individual contractor will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis: The candidates will be evaluated through Cumulative Analysis method. The award of the contract will be made to the individual contractor whose offer has been evaluated 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.

Only individual contractors obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for Financial Evaluation.

Financial Evaluation (Total 30 marks)

The total weight for the financial proposal will be 30.  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

Annexes and References:

Individual Consultant's General Terms and Conditions are provided here: 

http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf