In Iraq, many entrenched sectarian and social divisions have followed the war against ISIL and are further impacted by recent anti-government political demonstrations. Historical grievances also exist, which must be stemmed by facilitating opportunities for citizens to dialogue and restore trust with each other. Support towards increased and sustainable social cohesion practices to enable peaceful coexistence among different Iraqi groups and communities in Iraq continues to be one of UNDP’s key priorities. In this, a clear focus has remained on identifying the catalytic factors that unify communities over the ones that differentiate them. There are few things that has such unifying effect amongst people and communities across the globe, and food is one of them.

In light of the above, UNDP will create and publish a cookbook showcasing the culinary highlights and cultural narratives of the Iraqi people across the various 18 governorates, as well as different ethnic groups, emphasizing similarities, whilst embracing subtle differences in available ingredients and preparation methods.  An Iraqi Chef and a Historian will work together to highlight multiple dishes famous by area and ethnic group categorized under a historical narrative of the area/group, with commentary on popular ingredients and resources 

The “Hungry for Peace” cookbook will seek to demonstrate that while regions and ethnic groups in Iraq may have independent characteristics, there are commonalities that bring the Iraqi people together that underpin a national identity. The cookbook will set the tone for a national dialogue on food and culture and will be launched in a cultural event gathering women and men from all over Iraq demonstrating the cooking of the various Iraqi dishes. 

The Terms of Reference outlined in this document relate to the contract for a historian that is specialized in Iraq and the region to contribute to the historical narratives of ethnic groups and regions, as well as the categorization of recipes.  

1. Project Goal: 

The main goal of the creation and publication of the Hungry for Peace Cookbook is to illustrate how Iraq is unified in diversity by providing narratives surrounding various ethnic groups and regions and featuring their celebrated dishes and recipes.

Deliverables:

Outcome 1: Research resulting in written narratives on ethnic groups / regions (governorates) of Iraq developed and drafted. The completed book will be between 150 – 200 pages.

Description: Brief written narratives (Max. 1500 words per narrative) that provide a historic summary of ethnic groups and regions of Iraq outlined in a story-telling manner, under which popular dishes for each group/region will be categorized.

Minimum Activities:

• Brief written narratives (Max. 1500 words per narrative) that provide a historic summary of ethnic groups and regions of Iraq outlined in a story-telling manner, under which popular dishes for each group/region will be categorized.Payment on deliverables will only be made when documentation produced by the implementing partner have been reviewed and endorsed by UNDP Iraq as having met the required standard.
•  
• Ensure that the briefs include all groups and backgrounds and are inclusive and representative.

Outcome 2: Popular and most beloved dishes have been identified by region and ethnic group in Iraq and their recipes acquired, in consultation with the chosen Iraqi chef. Each historical narrative feature 3-4 dishes.

Description: Utilize current knowledge, conduct research, and use UNDP Iraq survey and social media poll results in the development of recipes. Work with the chosen Iraqi Chef to decide which recipes are popular and fall under ethnic and regional categories.

Minimum Activities:

• Research popular dishes and their recipes according to the historical narratives that have been developed.
• Work with the chosen Iraqi Chef to discuss the dishes and recipes that fall under each narrative.

Outcome 3: UNDP Iraq has been supported to draft and finalize the Cookbook.

Description: Draft the narratives and provide feedback on placement of content. UNDP Iraq will coordinate drafting of the foreword and seek feedback from the historian. The historian’s name will appear as the collaborating author.

Minimum Activities:

• Support the drafting of the foreword between 2-3 pages.
• Edit and copyedit the final Arabic language version.
• Consult closely with UNDP Iraq and the chosen Iraqi chef on the drafting of the Cookbook, including selection of photos and photographic layout.
• Provide feedback on the Cookbook design, which will be coordinated by UNDP Iraq.

1. Technical Deliverables/Payment Method:

The workplan provided to UNDP Iraq during the project implementation will be in English, to facilitate review and feedback by UNDP Iraq.

Payment on deliverables will only be made when documentation produced by the implementing partner have been reviewed and endorsed by UNDP Iraq as having met the required standard.

1.Institutional Arrangement

The Individual Consultant will have the responsibility of managing the deliverables in accordance with the indicated above scope of work. The Social Cohesion Programme will bear the responsibility of supervising the implementation process of the project in a way that ensures a high level of efficiency and professionalism.  The Individual Consultant has to cooperate with the Local Authorities in terms of getting the required support and approvals on the implementation process of the activities.

Further arrangements regarding contract and delivery modalities will be agreed upon between the Social Cohesion Team and the contracted Individual Consultant, prior to signing the contract.

2.Duration of the Work

In reference to what is mentioned above, all the indicated activities have to be completed within three months, starting from the date of signing the contract. The initiation of implementation has to be no later than one week after signing the contract.

The contracted Contractor will be responsible for any delay occurred on his side and has to compensate it through adopting additional procedures to cover the delay.

3.Location of Work

This is a home-based assignment with travel if required, taking into consideration COVID-19 related restrictions. 

1. Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.  
• Advocates and 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.

Functional Competencies

• Remain open to change and ability to manage complexity.
• Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive environment.
• Demonstrate capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time to meet goals in a high-pressure environment and multitasker person.
• Maturity and confidence in dealing with Local Authorities.
• Respect and sensitivity towards cultural, gender, ethnicity and religious diversity
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written and interpersonal skills.

Individual historians specializing in Iraqi and region’s history are invited to make a proposal for this contract.

The profile of the selected candidate should meet the following requirements:

• Having a positive reputation in Iraq and/ or the region as a professional historian specialized in Iraqi culture and history.
• Proven technical expertise and experience in the design and draft of history books and proven capacity to produce outputs in Arabic language.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Iraqi food culture and cuisine.
• 3-5 years of experience in their field.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Works effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Political, cultural sensitivity and commitment to diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to consult representatives of all areas of Iraq to ensure inclusion in final product.

Education:

 Master’s degree in Art, history, journalism literature, social sciences, or other related fields.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of overall 3 years’ experience in writing about Iraq’s modern and ancient history, journalism, and literature. 
• A positive reputation in the academic sphere and proof of a minimum of 3 published related works.
•  Knowledge of socio-economic, cultural, issues in Iraq

Language

• Arabic, English is an asset.

Evaluation Method:

• Only those applications, which are responsive and compliant, will be evaluated. Incomplete applications will not be considered;
• Offers will be evaluated according to the Combined Scoring method – where the technical criteria will be weighted at 70% and the financial offer will be weighted at 30%;
• Financial score (max 100 points) shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal of those technically qualified;
• The financial proposal shall specify an all-inclusive lump sum fee. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal must additionally include a breakdown of this daily fee (including all foreseeable expenses to carry out the assignment);
• Applicant receiving the Highest Combined Score and has accepted UNDP’s General Terms and Conditions will be awarded the contract

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points of the 100 points in the Technical Evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Total Score

• The technical score attained at by each proposal will be used in determining the Total score as follows: • The weights given to the technical and financial proposals are: T= 0.7, F=0.3

• The Total score will be calculated by formula: TS = St x 0.7 + Sf x 0.3

• TS - Is the total score of the proposal under consideration

• St - is technical score of the proposal under consideration.

• Sf - is financial score of the proposal under consideration.

Documents to be submitted:

1. Covering letter explaining why you are the most suitable for the work.

2.  Duly completed and signed Annex II- Offeror's Letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) assignment.

1. Personal CV including experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.  The CV must pinpoint relevant experience, highlighting comparative advantages and must be in Arabic or English Language

Kindly note you can upload only ONE document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).

General Conditions of Contract for the ICs:

http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf.

Annex II Offeror´s letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) assignment:

Annex II Offeror´s letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) assignment:

https://procurement-notices.undp.org/search.cfm

1.Special Requirements

Taking into consideration the security situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is highly recommended that the Individual Consultant examine any risks related to proposed travel to Iraq if living and working abroad.  He/she should be able to travel to Iraq when needed to promote the book and attend events, etc.  In case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs, including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

2.Financial Proposal

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms shall be made based on the technical deliverables indicated in item no. 4

The detailed terms of reference and the Letter of Confirming Interest and Availability Form are available in the following link:

 https://procurement-notices.undp.org/https://procurement-notices.undp.org/search.cfm  (Reference number 75687)