UNDP Jobs - 88867- National Consultant - Senior Research Consultant -

National Consultant - Senior Research Consultant - Sri Lankan Nationals Only

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

13-Dec-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Sri Lanka enacted a Right to Information (RTI) law in June 2016. The RTI Act 2016 and the rules and regulations issued thereunder became fully effective in February 2017.

The RTI Act is anticipated to have a major democratizing impact on how government functions and its interactions with citizens. The law creates a key entry point for strengthening transparency and accountability in government and public finance, addressing corruption, and ultimately contributing to participatory, effective and equitable governance.

The Right to Information Commission was appointed in terms of section 11 of the RTI Act no. 12 of 2016 in 2017 to, among others to monitor RTI implementation and compliance by public authorities, issue guidelines with regard to various aspects of implementation and records management, capacity building of public authorities and to hear and determine appeals submitted to it by aggrieved parties.

UNDP Sri Lanka is supporting the newly established RTI Commission to implement the RTI law. Towards this end, UNDP Sri Lanka requires the immediate services of junior research consultants to provide research support to the RTI Commission with their core functions in order to give effect to and realize the full potential of the law

The Consultants will report to UNDP’s Techncial Specialist on Peacebuilding and Reconcilation for contractual purposes and jointly tothe Director General of the RTI Commisison and the UNDP’s Management and Coordination Consultant on RTI on a day-to-day basis in carrying out the key responsibilities of the assignment:

Given the fluid operational context, the scope, management and reporting arrangements as well as deliverables of this contract may change, save for the requirement of reporting to UNDP’s Technical Specialist (Independence Commissions) for contractual purposes. Any such proposed changes will be discussed in advance with the Consultants, and formally communicated in writing thereafter.

Duties and Responsibilities

Attend appeal sittings of the Commission at least three times a week and provide feedback on legal issues relevant to the appeals upon request;
Preparation of Notes on Appeals, Minutes of Appeal Proceedings and mainian a record of proceedings of each Appeal;
Assist the Commission with the categorisation of letters/appeals, drafting of preliminary assessments and sending out notices to the appellants
Attend the meetings of the Commission and assist with the Commission proceedings etc.
Provide translation support to the Commission documents from English to Sinhala and Sinhala to English.
Carry out any other relevant tasks, as required.

Expected deliverables:

A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 1st month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (31st January 2020)
A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 2nd month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (28th February 2020)
A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 3rd month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (31st March 2020)
A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 4th month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (30th April 2020)
A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 5th month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (31st May 2020)
A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 6th month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (30th June 2020)

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the consultancy is 6 months, starting January to June 2020.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Good research and analytical skills.
Ability to write well-structured and analytical research briefs in English.
Good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work deliverables.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
Demonstrates good judgment and maturity.
A team player.

Required Skills and Experience

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B.) with experience in conducting legal research is preferred. Other research experience with an Attorneys-at-Law may be considered in lieu of a Degree in Law.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years experience in conducting legal research or providing legal advisory services, particularly in the area of public law;
Familiarity and experience working on the Right to Information, Good Governance and/or Anti Corruption;
Good working knowledge of word-processing and internet software applications; and excellent electronic research skills.

Language:

Excellent English language skills, particularly in writing well-structured and analytical briefs. A working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation, and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer, and a brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for UNDP
Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._______________________________________________________________)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones, i.e., upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum/Daily Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, any additional HR costs (as required) such as translators and field assistants, communication costs such as telephone/internet usage, printing costs, return travel from home to office, stationery costs, ad-hoc costs and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per diems and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

The Research Consultant shall receive payment in instalments as follows:

Instalment / Number Percentage of Payment All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee / Deliverable

1.- 15% - A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 1st month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (31st January 2020)

2. - 17% - A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 2nd month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (28th February 2020)

3. - 17% - A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 3rd month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (31st March 2020)

4. - 17% - A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 4th month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (30th April 2020)

5. - 17% - A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 5th month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation. (31st May 2020)

6. - 17% - A brief report of research as well as technical inputs provided during 6th month of consultancy, along with supporting documentation (30th June 2020)