The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) is the focal point for promoting and facilitating South-South and triangular cooperation (SSC and TrC) for development on a global and United Nations system-wide basis. It fosters a coordinated and coherent United Nations system support to SSC and TrC. It also supports the UN agencies/entities in mainstreaming SSC and TrC in their strategies, programmes and activities, and manages four South-South cooperation trust funds. Working together with the Member States, Inter-governmental Organisations, UN Agencies/entities and other partners, UNOSSC performs its mandate and delivers services through its headquarters in New York and three Regional Offices in Addis Abba (Africa), Istanbul (Arab States, Europe and the CIS) and Bangkok (Asia and the Pacific). 

UNOSSC, hosted by UNDP since 1974, was established by the UN General Assembly with a mandate to advocate for and coordinate SSC and TrC on a global and UN system-wide basis. It receives policy directives and guidance from the General Assembly and through its subsidiary body, the High-level Committee on South-South cooperation. It submits its strategic frameworks to the UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS Executive Board for consideration.

As the current UNOSSC Strategic Framework (2018-2021) is going to be completed in 2021, UNOSSC needs to develop its new Strategic Framework (2022-2025) in a consultative manner, which will be presented to the UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS Executive Board for consideration. 

UNOSSC is developing its Strategic Framework (2022–2025) at an exceptional time. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the global context for sustainable development has fundamentally changed. The pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to the nations and peoples of the Global South. They need more international support and solidarity than ever before to effectively respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and SSC and TrC can be at the forefront of response and recovery efforts.

It will be the first Strategic Framework of UNOSSC after BAPA+40 and the development of a UN System-wide Strategy on SSC and TrC and its Action Plan. During the development period of this Strategic Framework, a High-level Committee (HLC) on South-South cooperation will be organized, which will focus on the implementation of BAPA+40. UN Agencies including UNDP, the host organization of UNOSSC, are also developing their Strategic Plans 2022-2025. UNOSSC will incorporate the provided guidance by the HLC into the new Strategic Framework and will also align it with other UN Agencies’ plans including UNDP.

A mid-term review of the current Strategic Framework (2018-2021) was commissioned in 2020, which provides forward-looking recommendations and lessons to develop a new Strategic Framework. In the mid-term review, UNOSSC has committed to strengthening results orientation in its new Strategic Framework developing sound theory of change and result framework.

The UNOSSC Strategic Framework (2022-2025) will be developed in participatory process. The indicative phases for the development of the Strategic Framework include:

• Phase 1 (Research and analysis): UNOSSC will conduct research and analysis of multiple aspects covering its mandates and working areas to inform the development of the new Strategic Framework, including development situation in the Global South and evolving socio-economic contexts and trends.
• Phase 2 (Theory of change): UNOSSC will develop a theory of change that responds to the analyses and present pathways to greater progress towards the SDGs and BAPA+40. 
• Phase 3 (Results and measurement): UNOSSC will use the theory of change to define the proposed results at impact, outcome and output levels and the corresponding indicators and data sources – covering both development and organizational results.
• Phase 4 (Consolidation and drafting): Following the theory of change and the results framework, UNOSSC will draft narrative of the Strategic Framework incorporating the findings and recommendations of the performed research and analysis.
• Phase 5 (Consultation and finalization): UNOSSC will intensively share the draft Strategic Framework with stakeholders for consultation and to receive inputs. The final draft UNOSSC Strategic Framework (2022–2025) will be presented for consideration at the second regular session of the Executive Board, in September 2021.

In this context, UNOSSC intends to hire a Strategic Planning Consultant to support the development of a new Strategic Framework (2022-2025). The consultant will work under direct supervision and guidance of the UNOSSC Director a.i, and in close collaboration with UNOSSC teams. He/she will closely work with UNOSSC Result Management Specialist on M&E aspects (eg. theory of change, result framework).

The consultant will directly report to the UNOSSC Director a.i., and perform the following duties, but not limited to:

• Conduct background research and analysis covering mandates and working areas of UNOSSC to gather inputs and establish a sound basis for the development of a new Strategic Framework. This may include: 1) desk review of relevant literature including UN resolutions, evaluations/reviews, planning documents of UN agencies, independent reports, among others; and 2) conducting surveys, E-discussions and meetings engaging UNOSSC Teams, Member States, UN System Agencies/entities, Inter-governmental organizations, academics, think-tanks, centers of excellence and other stakeholders including the private sector, foundations and civil society organizations. 
• Collect inputs through relevant meetings and discussions including High-Level Committee on South-South cooperation – in early June 2021.
• Prepare theory of change and result framework in a participatory manner.
• Prepare a first draft of the Strategic Framework following the theory of change and result framework – for consultation.
• Produce revised drafts of the Strategic Framework incorporating inputs received from UNOSSC, UN system agencies, Member States and stakeholders – as necessary.
• Develop a final draft of the Strategic Framework in the given United Nations template along with a theory of change and result framework.
• Provide inputs as requested by the supervisor directly related to this assignment. 

EXPECTED KEY DELIVERABLES:

The consultant is expected to produce a first draft of the Strategic Framework within mid-June 2021. The specific timeline for each deliverable will be agreed upon between UNOSSC and the consultant at the beginning stage of the assignment. The key deliverables include:

1. Sound and evidence-based background researches and analysis - covering mandates and working areas of UNOSSC - conducted to establish a sound basis to develop the new Strategic Framework.
2. Draft theory of change and result framework prepared.
3. Draft Strategic Framework prepared following the theory of change and result framework, and necessary revisions made incorporating received inputs. This may include multiple rounds of revisions.
4. A final version of the Strategic Framework prepared along with a theory of change and result framework – incorporating received inputs.

Core values:

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNOSSC/UN System.

Core 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: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences;
• Teamwork: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team;
• Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners’ needs and matching them to appropriate solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education:

• At least an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in public policy, economics, political economy, international relations, social sciences or any other relevant fields. (Required)

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years’ experience working on international development at the strategic level within the UN System, international agencies or government agencies focusing in developing country contexts. (Required)
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation issues/intergovernmental policy process/practices/programmes. (Required)
• Proven experience conducting research, developing Strategic Framework or similar planning document for UN System Agencies. (Required)
• Very good knowledge and experience on RBM and M&E methodologies and developing theory of change and result framework for the large scale and multi-sectoral policies/action plans/programmes. (Required)
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conceptualize, articulate, write and debate about the multiple thematic sectors in international development etc. (Desirable).
• Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations. (Desirable)
• Ability to work with diverse groups to facilitate dialogue and inclusive and participatory processes to build consensus on complex and sensitive issues. (Desirable)

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;

EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Application Procedure

The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one file):

• A cover letter with a brief description of why the applicants considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment. (Required)
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references. (Required)
• At least one example/sample of previous most recent similar work. (Required)

Note: All the above documents need to be uploaded together putting into a single zip folder

Technically qualified candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.

• Financial proposals must be all inclusive and must be expressed on the basis of “a daily fee” in USD based on an 8-hour workday.
• The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee; (excluding mission travel); living allowances at the duty station; communications, utilities and consumables; life, health and any other insurance; risks and inconveniences related to work under hardship and hazardous conditions (e.g., personal security needs, etc.), when applicable; and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services under the contract.
• This consultancy is a home-based assignment, therefore, there is no envisaged travel cost to join duty station/repatriation travel.  Any official mission travel expenses will be duly paid for by UNOSSC/UNDP and should not be included in the price proposal.
• In the case of unforeseeable travel requested by UNOSSC/UNDP, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UNOSSC/UNDP and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNOSSC/UNDP should 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 their own resources.
• If the 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 UNOSSC/UNDP under a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNOSSC/UNDP.
• The Financial Proposal is to be emailed as per the instruction in the separate email that will be sent to shortlisted candidates.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply for this assignment.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF THE BEST OFFER:

Applicants are reviewed based on required skills and experience stated above and based on the technical evaluation criteria outlined below. 

The selection of the best offer from the shortlisted candidates will be based on a combined scoring method – where the qualifications and experience will be weighted a maximum of 700 points and combined with the price offer, which will be weighted a maximum of 300 points.

Method: Cumulative analysis method will be used to evaluate proposals.

• When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the ICFA will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as responsive, compliant, and acceptable, and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to this solicitation process. Kindly refer to the evaluation criteria and scoring provided below.

Technical Criteria weight: 70%

Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Technical Evaluation – (700 points, 70%):

The technical evaluation will comprise of a desk review (400 points) and interviews (300 points).

All applicants will be initially screened against the minimum qualification requirements as specified above.   Responsive candidates will then be further evaluated against the following criteria and shortlisted applicants invited for the interviews:

 Desk Review of Technical Criteria as Evident in the submitted application (400 points)

• Criteria 1: Quality and relevance of sample work/s submitted for review. (100 points)
• Criteria 2: Relevance and track-record of expertise in conducting research and developing Strategic Framework or high-level planning document along with theory of change and result framework. (150 points)
• Criteria 3: Demonstrated knowledge and experience on development issues/sectors focusing on South-South Cooperation and triangular cooperation including inter-governmental policy making process of United Nations. (75 points)
• Criteria 4: Demonstrated skills and experience facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations for diverse groups to facilitate dialogue and inclusive, and participatory processes to build consensus on complex and sensitive issues. (75 points)

The top three candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (280 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the desk review (400 points) shall be considered for the interview.

• Criteria 4: Interview (300 points)

The total obtainable score on the interview is 300 points, bringing the total points for the technical evaluation to a maximum of 700 points. A minimum 210 (70% of total points obtainable during the interview) points are required to pass the interview.

 Only those candidates who obtain a total technical score of 490 points and above on the technical evaluation will be considered for financial evaluation.

Financial evaluation (300 points, 30%)

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

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

Contract Award

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter contract with UNOSSC/UNDP.

PAYMENT MODALITY

• Payment to the Individual Contractor will be made based on the actual number of days worked, deliverables accepted and upon certification of satisfactory completion by the supervisor.
• This consultancy is expected to be performed over a maximum of 60 days over a 6 month period. However, the payment will be made based on the actual working days upon submission of the Certification of Payment (COP), as well as the deliverables report.