Background

To apply, interested persons should upload the combined* Technical Proposal/Methodology (if applicable), CV and Offeror’s Letter to “UNDP Jobs” by navigating to the link below and clicking “APPLY NOW”, no later than the date indicated on the “UNDP Jobs” website. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted**: -

UNDP Job Site – https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=94920 (cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work)

* PLEASE NOTE: The system allows the upload of one (1) document ONLY – if you are required to submit a Technical Proposal/Methodology, this document along with your CV/P11 and Offeror’s Letter, MUST be combined and uploaded as one.

NOTE: The Financial Proposal should not be uploaded to “UNDP Jobs”**.

<IMPORTANT>

**Please email the password-protected Financial Proposal to procurement.bb@undp.org. The subject line of your email must contain the following: “BBRSO##### Financial Proposal – Your Name”

If the password for your Financial Proposal is required, it will be requested by the Procurement Unit.

Any request for clarification must be sent in writing to procurement.bb@undp.org within three (3) days of the publication of this notice, ensuring that the reference number above is included in the subject line. The UNDP Barbados & the OECS Procurement Unit will post the responses*** two (2) days later, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to: -

http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=71905 (cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work)

A detailed Procurement Notice, TOR, and all annexes can be found by clicking the above link.

*** UNDP shall endeavour to provide such responses to clarifications in an expeditious manner, but any delay in such response shall not cause an obligation on the part of UNDP to extend the submission date of the Proposals, unless UNDP deems that such an extension is justified and necessary.

Background:

The project will support the efforts of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 aiming at mitigating the negative effects of the virus on the population by strengthening national health capacities and reducing the adverse socio-economic and human development impacts. The novel Coronavirus (COVID 19 disease) which was declared by the WHO as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 is an unprecedented worldwide crisis affecting all countries in different ways. In Antigua and Barbuda after recording the first [imported] case on 13 March 2020, 23 cases have been recorded to date (21 April 2020) with 3 reported deaths. In addition to the looming health crisis, CIVOD-19 strikes a devastating blow on the Eastern Caribbean economies. As tourism comes to a standstill, the direct and indirect source of over 40% of GDP and of 25% of the private sector jobs are at serious risk. In addition, the fragile agriculture, fisheries and non-tourism service industry are at serious risk of being significantly impacted, as the main buyers (cruise ships, hotels, restaurants) have disappeared from the local market. Moreover, the likelihood of “second waves” or prolonged periods of global economic slowdown will create further uncertainty and undermine the potential for any swift recovery in small, open economies like Antigua and Barbuda.

As a global pandemic that threatens to profoundly deepen inequalities and undo progress on sustainable development and humanitarian response more broadly, COVID-19 is already devastating individuals, families, communities, businesses, economies and infrastructure. On the social side, unemployment is forecast to increase with the fall-off in tourism. Critically, women are overrepresented in tourism sector employment, accounting for 60% of the tourism sector labour force and suggesting that they are likely to face disproportionate impacts from declines in the sector. The multiplier effect of tourism sector declines will also likely affect employment in the wider economy, including informal workers and those in the informal economy.

An urgent response to simultaneously tackle the health, economic and social impacts of the pandemic at a commensurate speed and scale and in line with the integrated logic of the SDG is vital.  An effective response must be driven by solidarity, science and human rights, whilst focusing on the most vulnerable people.

The project’s intended outcome of strengthening national health capacities and reducing socio-economic and human development negative impacts of the crisis, will be achieved through the following outputs:

Output 1: Medical equipment for a specially designed infectious disease and isolation centre procured.

Output 2: Support to assess the socio-economic and human development impacts of the crisis, in particular on women, provision of policy recommendations and support for the implementation of agreed recommendations. These will be targeted with short-term measures designed to mitigate immediate impact of the crisis and strengthen the capacity for medium and long-term recovery, in particular of women.

Output 3: E-commerce services developed for MSMEs and other businesses in agriculture, tourism and the “gig” economy and integrated with relevant ancillary services.

The project will adopt a comprehensive approach to effectively meet the needs of the most affected population of Antigua and Barbuda. All interventions will consider the greater impact and specialized needs that vulnerable groups suffer during crisis. This recovery programme will pay emphasis to promote gender equality.

As the implementing Agency, UNDP will carry out the implementation of the project in close consultation and collaboration with relevant national authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment and the Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development, Youth and Gender Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MAFBA). Other critical national stakeholders will also be engaged, including the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Antigua Barbuda Association of Small Business Owners and the Antigua Chamber of Commerce.

UNDP, in coordination and close collaboration with the relevant national authorities will manage, monitor and report the achievement of project results.

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ANALYTICAL WORK

Provide technical support as needed; specifically providing support to the consultant in implementing on the ground activities related to Output 2 of the project

Supports monitoring of financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports in collaboration with the Project Head of Office and the Programme Finance Associate;

Lead in implementing all project activities under output 3 of the project

Support visibility and communications around the project activities

Support the compilation and revision of reports for project activities for donors as required

Provide technical guidance for monitoring and evaluation of the project including assessing risk and proposing risk mitigation strategies

Ensure adequate information exchanges and promote efficient collaboration between all government stakeholders

Competencies

Demonstrated experience working with national governments, communities, and diverse stakeholder groups for a minimum of 3 years

Practical experience in organization management, strategic planning of associations and public organizations at the national and regional level

Experience in Project implementation

Teamwork and cooperation

Effective time management and ability to work within tight deadlines

Required Skills and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with a focus on Research and Data Collection or Project Management