Background

NOTE: Signed Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability - https://www.ba.undp.org/content/dam/bosnia_and_herzegovina/docs/Operations/Jobs/Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx - Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability.docx - to be sent to e-mail ba.shared.hr@undp.org with Subject: Job ID 95733.

The ongoing public health crisis revealed the need for improvements in ensuring transparency, inclusion and timeliness of public information aimed at the protection and rescue of people during emergencies. All relevant institutions tasked with the protection and rescue responsibility in Bosnia and Herzegovina are to ensure transparency and timeliness of appropriate information on hazards and protection and rescue measures to citizens and the general public, according to the provisions of applicable laws in this area. The efficiency of the public alert system in the event of natural and other disasters and crises is often the key factor in the proper response of the public and can significantly contribute to saving lives and property.

Immediate lessons from the recent pandemic crisis show that the commonly used methods of public alerts and information through mass media often leaves vulnerable or remote populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina at risk of not receiving the information thus preventing them to act in a timely manner and in accordance to the instructions of the protection and rescue authorities. These inefficiencies also enabled the spread of erroneous or incomplete vital safety and security information during emergencies.

UNDP with its Accelerator Lab has conceptualized an initiative that aims to pilot a re-modelled approach towards public warning and information during emergencies. The approach is based on bulk SMS texting, combined with other possible information channels, that would ensure instant notification to the entire population of the selected geographic region and provide concise alerts or instructions in real time. The real-time, instant information sharing function via SMS would be reliable even in situations where traditional information channels are not available (due to power outages and alike).

To explore different approaches and operationalize this concept in a local context, UNDP is aiming to pilot this instant alert service with the relevant authorities in the Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina..

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective of the consultancy is to conduct a feasibility study on the implementation of a population alert service in Brcko District of BiH, thus assisting  UNDP and project partners in their efforts to strengthen the emergency communication mechanisms and synergies among the Brcko District civil protection service, security agencies, government, telecom operators, media outlets, at-risk communities and other potential stakeholders.

Given the considerable potential for both improvements in the existing emergency alert practices and a potential to develop new information models in relation to modern, fast and reliable information-sharing in times of public crisis, the Study is intended to address both internal data flow and map feasible technological solutions for an inclusive and timely emergency information service, as well as concrete recommendation for its deployment, including the financial estimates for a public system in Brcko.  The consultant is expected to perform following tasks in relation to the Study:

1) System analysis: Assess the present status of the security system in Brcko District, with the special focus on the emergency alert system, including data collection and processing flows and legal/organizational set-up of the security/civil protection system in Brcko District.

2) Process analysis: Analyze the general status of existing sensing/observation facilities in terms of availability, efficiency and production cost; analyze the current early warning information issuance system model (who defines which information, when and how are information disseminated to population).

3) Solutions: Based on the current situation in Brcko District and informed by the best international practices, propose a recommended model for an upgraded public alert information sharing, within the public civil protection system in Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, that is most adequate and relevant for local circumstances and ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the service. Viability and feasibility of multiple channels of information delivery, including broadcast and telecommunications outlets and services (e.g. SMS service) should be considered in detail. Viability and feasibility of multiple channels of information delivery, including broadcast and telecommunications outlets and services (e.g. SMS service) should be considered in detail. The proposed model/solution should be designed for replication and scale up to the other government levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and is developed in close cooperation with the Brcko District stakeholders. The model also needs to take into consideration the differently digitally abled population as well as vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly, socioeconomically disadvantaged, etc).

4) Provide technical support to UNDP in preparation of the Terms of Reference for the procurement of the technical solution(s) for a real-life testing of the proposed operating model prepared in task 3) as well as development of Standard Operating Procedures for usage of new technical solutions.

The expected timeframe for the assignment is December 2020 to February 2021, with the estimated level of effort of 20 consultancy days. The entire assignment will be delivered in local language, however the report upon the finalization of each tasks should be submitted to UNDP in English language, as well as the final report upon the finalization of the consultancy process.

Specific outputs in relation to this task are as follows:

• Key stakeholder identification: stakeholder role and responsibilities matrix, possible external synergies or partnerships - projects, initiatives and resources identified,
• Comprehensive review of existing emergency notification system (ENS) by assessing emergency communication equipment and operating modalities; protocols used by key institutions for issuing and transmission of warnings to those at risk; technologies/mechanisms employed in existing ENS and providing a comparative evaluation of these technologies/mechanisms with those used in international best practice; connectivity and integration of ENS with critical facilities and installations and emergency services,
• The role and function of ENS and what the general workflow is from start to finish (documented in diagram would be preferred); any existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) identified,
• Identification of current national/regional level mechanisms in place or planned and possible linkages between what exists and a national/regional ENS,
• A solutions report that suggests methods and a model to be adopted to improve the public alerting practices in Brcko District of BiH, that should cover, at minimum:
  • Network design and technology/equipment needed,
  • Estimated costs of any equipment or service proposed for use,
  • Appropriate and effective methods of disseminating early warning messages including different modes of communication and consideration of target audiences,
  • Possible private-public partnerships and advice on how best to integrate such a system with the existing Disaster Risk Management (DRM) systems,
  • Identification of types of/additional capacity required to improve the current emergency public information practices,
  • Training needed to build capacity,
  • Governance and institutional arrangements required to sustain the new alert service.
• Contribution and technical guidance in defining Terms of Reference for the procurement of the technical solution(s) to pilot early warning and emergency notification system in Brcko District. Technical solution(s) will be used to test the proposed emergency warning feature within different aspects of the civil protection and rescue system:
  • how the public alert service is activated and used before the alert itself is created, as part of broader civil protection functions and responsibilities,
  • the alert creation, flow, and dissemination within responsible institutions, and
  • population reception of the proposed solution and the exact penetration rate of a new information system in the given local community.

Payments will be made on monthly basis, only upon confirmation of the UNDP on deliveries in a satisfactory manner. In order to fulfil required tasks, the estimated number of days to be invested by the consultant is up to 20 working days until the end of the assignment with maximum of 10 working days per month. Field visits in Bosnia and Herzegovina are envisaged, especially to Brcko District. The Consultant service delivery is home based.

Deliverables/outputs

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards,
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP,
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability,
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism,
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional competencies:

• Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Results-Orientation: Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals, generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations;
• Communication: Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match target audiences;
• Teamwork: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, computer science, engineering, security studies, disaster risk management or other closely related technical or scientific field of study.
• Master’s degree or PhD in the same fields will be considered as an advantage.

Experience:

• Demonstrated relevant working experience in ICT solutions design and development, implementation, and/or management,
• Professional working experience working within or for governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, preferably in applying technical solutions for disaster risk management and early warning systems development will be an advantage.

Languages Requirements:

• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in in the official languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Other Requirements:

• Project management experience would be desirable.

Longlisting/Shortlisting Criteria

Qualifications as stated in the ToR

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation

Individual  will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the candidate whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• * Technical Criteria weight-70%
• * Financial Criteria weight- 30%

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

Proposal: 

• Motivation letter- Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work;

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

• For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 65 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
• Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.