Background

Important Notices:

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If you need further information, please feel free to contact the following:

Focal Person in UNDP: Anwar-ul-Haq, Procurement Analyst

Address: UNDP, Iraq                                                                                                                         

E-mail address: anwar.ul.haq@undp.org

• Request for Clarification: Any request for clarification must be sent in writing and submitted via the e-tendering portal. UNDP will provide a written response, via the same channel, without identifying the source of inquiry.

• You may acknowledge receipt of this IC utilize the “Accept Invitation” function in eTendering system, where applicable. This will enable you to receive amendments or updates to the IC notice. Should you require further clarifications, kindly communicate with the contact person/s below as the focal point for queries on this IC. 

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 has a global mandate to support governments in the area of good governance and Security Sector Reform (SSR) and has significant experience in producing policy advice and support to governments. At the request of the Government of Iraq (GoI), UNDP has been engaging with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to support the government’s SSR efforts. Among others, the ongoing work focuses specifically in supporting the implementation of its Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP). In this regard UNDP maintains partnerships with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and relevant Ministries/Agencies and, also plays a central coordination role with International Partners engaged in this long- term reform process. Looking forward, UNDP will continue to provide technical advice and assistance to Iraqi interlocutors in this long- term reform efforts and also continue its efforts on International Partners (IP) coordination.

Within this background, UNDP has identified the need to hire a qualified SSR Advisor to provide strategic and technical advice to assist to the ongoing programme of work specifically in the following areas: to provide ongoing strategic advisory assistance to ONSA in overall implementation of the SSRP; develop policy papers relevant to SSRP implementation on identified SSR priorities on request of the Iraqi interlocutors; design and deliver workshops for Iraqi interlocutors on SSRP priorities on topics such as national security architecture; defence and international security strategy; and democratic oversight and accountability; analysis of existing international partner support to this long -term reform efforts and gaps and provide advice and assistance to any other emerging areas of engagement directly corresponding to the SSRP implementation in consultation with the  Security Sector Reform/ Rule of Law Programme Manager. They will also work in close collaboration with rest of UNDP SSR/RoL Programme Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Scope of Work:

Majority of the consultancy will be Baghdad-base with some home-based work and travel to other locations within Iraq governorates where necessary (e.g. Erbil, Anbar, Ninewa and Basra). The Consultant will be required to engage closely with all relevant government institutions/ministries and a range of international partners on a regular basis. The consultancy will be for a period of 06 months with in-country presence in Baghdad approximately 10-12 working days a month. The assignment will be conducted under the auspices of UNDP’s 'Support to Security and Justice Sector Governance' programme of work.  The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Provide on-going strategic advice and technical assistance SSR Support Committee and ONSA to implement the SSRP including constructive participation in the SSR Support Committee Meetings when required to do so.

• Assist with international partner coordination to ensure better alignment of partner support with SSRP priorities and undertake an analysis of international partner support including existing gaps.

• Assist Iraqi interlocutors in advancing M&E working modalities to appraise SSRP implementation and reporting therein.

• Develop policy papers relevant to SSRP implementation on identified SSR priorities on the request of Iraqi interlocutors.

• Design and facilitate workshops for the SSR Support Committee and other Iraqi interlocutors where necessary on identified priority such as National Security Architecture, Defence and Internal Security Strategy and oversight and accountability.

• Review existing SSRP working methods to better align with emerging priorities/ evolving operational environment with constructive recommendations.

• Advice and assistance to National Security Strategy Review exercise such as reviewing working document and facilitating NSS review workshops to the working committee.

• Undertake regular meetings with international partners (IP) engaged in SSR efforts in Iraq, help facilitate joint meetings between IP and ONSA where required and conduct an analysis of ongoing IP support in this regard.

• Any other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the SSR/ RoL Programme Manager.

1. Deliverables and timelines:

Under the supervision of the Security Sector Reform/ Rule of Law Programme Manager, the Consultant (i.e.SSR Advisor) is expected to achieve the following deliverables:.  

Institutional Arrangements

1. Office Facility:

   • UNDP will provide an appropriate office inside the International Zone in Baghdad only.

   • Consultant is expected to come well-equipped with his/her own technological solutions (i.e. roaming mobile, laptop).

2. Office Supplies and Printing Facilities: UNDP will provide office supplies or printing facilities during this assignment only inside the UNDP facilities.

3. Communication Facilities: UNDP will provide access to internet during this assignment and missions, when the consultant is presented inside the UNDP office premises.

4. UNDP Programme Manager will directly supervise the work of the Service Provider/Contractor to whom the Service Provider will be directly responsible to reporting to, seeking approval from, and obtaining certificate of acceptance of output.

5. The service provider will be expected to liaise/interact/collaborate/meet with all relevant government institutions, relevant authorities (as determined by UNDP).

6. UNDP Programme Manager will supervise, evaluate and manage the work of the service provider and make any necessary contractual decisions, while other authorities and entities identified above will only have a consultative role.

7. All reports and documents provided to UNDP Iraq will be in English, to facilitate review and feedback by UNDP Iraq.

Timeframe and Estimated workday duration

• The Consultancy service will be required for 07 months and 08 days initially with the possibility of extension.The Consultant shall be quarterly for fees for the worked number of days, assuming the UN-standard of 8 hours per day, based on work plan/agreed deliverables and satisfactory performance.

• The consultancy assignment is Baghdad based and Home Based. [per Programme manager approval and Project requirements] with potential travel to other locations as needed (i.e. Erbil), the assignment is for 100 working days [60 WD Baghdad, Iraq + 20 WD in Home Base + 10 WD in other locations - i.e Erbil].

• The contract commencement date is aimed to be from 24 May 2020 till 31 Dec 2020.

Payment Method

• Payment shall be provided upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables outlined in section 2. Scope of Work and 3. Deliverables and timelines and, upon submission and acceptance of a quarterly progress report mentioned above.

• Payment requests submitted by the Consultant must be certified by the supervisor(s) specified below and accompanying payment invoices.

• Payments are to be made within 30 days from receipt of invoice.

• For each payment a certification of payment needs to be signed and approved by the direct supervisor attached to it explaining the accomplishment of the tasks.

• The payments will be made in four instalments subject to UNDP procurement procedures.

• First payment – 20% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 1st quarterly progress report in June 2020.

• Second payment – 25% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 2nd quarterly progress report in August 2020.

• Third payment – 25% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 3rd quarterly progress report in October 2020.

• Fourth payment- 30% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 4th and final quarterly progress report in December 2020.

• Reimbursement costs/ travel costs will be paid on the basis of actual expenditure and should not exceed the approved amount in the contract calculation sheet.

  Reimbursable cost will be paid on quarterly basis along with the consultancy fees upon submitting an approved time sheet.

• The consultant will be reimbursed for the daily living allowance in Iraq based on the actual days spent in Baghdad and, where necessary for the other locations in Iraq. (e.g. Erbil)

• A written approval from the Programme Manager will be required to facilitate consultant's travel outside Baghdad on official mission where necessary.

• For each payment a certification of payment needs to be signed and approved by the SSR/ RoL Programme Manager attached to it explaining the accomplishment of the deliverables corresponding to the respective quarterly progress report.

Reporting

The consultant will directly report to the SSR/RoL Programme Manager.

Key Performance Indicators During implementation of Services

Overall, the Consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

• Planning and Organizing skill: Identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

• Communication skill: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style & format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information & keeping people informed.

• Client Orientation skill: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Meets timeline for delivery of product or services to client.

• Quality of deliveries: Professional skill required for delivering outputs will be assessed.

• Satisfactory and timely completion of tasks and submission of the deliverables within the provision of above explained deliverables and outputs.

Upon signing of the contract, a detailed work plan will be prepared by the experts with activities, outputs and performance indicators and to be agreed with the supervisor as implementation follow ups and performance yardsticks

Travel Plan

• The Total Contract Duration will be 100 Working Days, over a period of 07 Months and 08 days with a commencement date of 24 May 2020 till 31December 2020.
• Time sheet is required to process payments for the reimbursable costs

Documents to be included when submitting the Proposal:

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

1. Technical Proposal: (which will include the following):

2. Signed Template Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal –Annex 1 attached.

3. A letter explaining why he/she considers him/herself the most suitable candidate for the work.

4. Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.

5. UN P11 Form (“CV Form”) – Annex 2 attached. UNDP-Iraq reserves the right to disqualify any submissions that have omitted this form.

6. A language assessment will be conducted [if needed] for verifying influence in English;

7. One Sample report of previous work in English.

B.Financial proposal:

The financial proposal will specify the daily fee, travel expenses and per diems quoted in separate line items, and payments are made to the Individual Consultant based on the number of days worked. Annex 1 attached

Important note: the consultant is required to specify the daily fee in his proposal.

C.Travel:

All envisaged travel must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/ repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does 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 his or her own resources.

Furthermore, Individual Consultant who is at the duty station at the time of hire is ineligible for travel to join, and who remain at the duty station after contract completion is ineligible for repatriation travel

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Selection Criteria:

The award of contract will be made to one individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as being:

1. Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

2. Achieving the highest combined score (financial and technical).

The Offer will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points will be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Annexes:

Annex 1 – Template Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal.

Annex 2 – P11/ CV Form.

Annex 3 – Individual Consultant General Terms and Conditions.

Competencies

Competencies:

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the mission, vision and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly and with impartiality.

Functional Competencies:

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines;
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Self-reliant and able to work as a part of a multi-cultural team in a stressful.

Professionalism:

• Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments; observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing:

• Identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust, respect; Meets timeline for delivery of product or services to client.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

Technological awareness:

Keeps abreast of available technology; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision, and values.
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Technical Knowledge and Communication
• Basic knowledge in international procurement systems, budget cycle, financial management and monitoring and evaluation;
• Substantial knowledge in communication and information dissemination techniques;
• Analytical skills to review documentations, to identify bottlenecks or areas of improvement and to propose recommendations for smooth project implementation.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to manage liaison, coordination and communication at senior GoI level and with international organizations;
• Ability to prioritize issues and complete the tasks based on the priority in an efficient and effective manner;
• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks including logistical and administrative support and reporting.

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the employer / supervisor and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in subjects related to peace, security and/ or conflict studies, strategy/risk management or other relevant subject matter areas.

Experience:

• 10 years professional experience working on SSR related issues in post-conflict environments is essential.

• Credible track record of working with senior government officials within the offices of the national security advisor/ national security offices or similar in post- conflict contexts will be an added advantage.

• Experience in providing high level policy and strategic level guidance on SSR issues to senior government officials/ entities in a multi-lateral setting with specific focus on SSR strategy implementation is essential.

• Proven expertise in the field of SSR strategy implementation at the government level in complex emergency settings is highly desirable.

• Proven capacity to engage with high-level government and international stakeholders with strong liaison capacities and experience is highly desirable.

• Proven track record in leading high-level policy development tasks in the SSR sector in post - conflict settings is essential.

Language:

• Fluency in English language is essential (spoken and written).