Background

UNDP Global Mission Statement

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Iraq Mission Statement

UNDP is part of the UN Country Team in Iraq, which is comprised of 16 resident and 4 non-resident agencies. The UN Country Team is part of the integrated mission with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which was established in 2003. UNDP works alongside the UN Country Team to strengthen its coordinated effectiveness with the overall aim of achieving the MDGs and the post-2015 agenda. UNDP enables the work of the Country Team by undertaking a number of joint programmes to improve networking and information exchange capacities and reach a broader range of stakeholders and areas of Iraq. 

UNDP Developing Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Iraq

In northern Iraq the risk of Mosul Dam collapse represents a serious threat to the existing infrastructure in its path as well as the significant loss of life that could result from a collapse. Most models constructed of this scenario indicate that areas along the river will be inundated with fast moving flood waters, in some cases both deep and wide. This presents a significant challenge for the Iraqi authorities to safeguard the populations living downstream of dam along the flood path. To respond to this, UNDP has been working with the Iraqi authorities and stakeholders to support Government of Iraq in building national capacities and establishing systems toward effective preparedness and flood early warning across the Tigris river valley. 

A number of important results have been achieved through rapid actions and engagement with the Government of Iraq over the last years.  A number of activities have been planned in 2018 which aim to build on the existing results and strengthen key capacities at national, regional and local levels in order to protect the vulnerable populations along the Tigris river valley from flood emergencies in case of Mosul Dam breach. 

Furthermore, UNDP is continuing its support to GoI in adopt Disaster Risk Reduction DRR in Iraq as well as in Critical Infrastructure Protection. In DRR, it is planned to support GOI in developing operational action plan based on the DRR strategy adopted by NSC in 2016 and support its implementation.  On the other hand, support will continue to GOI is developing and adopting a Critical Infrastructure Protection strategy to improve infrastructure resilience against natural and man-made hazards. In 2018, progressing on both lines requires engagement, advocacy and technical support

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

Under the overall guidance of the Portfolio Manager, EECC the National DRR Adviser will coordinate with the national stakeholders and provide technical support in accomplishing following tasks of setting up alert/warning system:

• Overall technical management and coordination of all activities to be implemented throughout 2018.
• Liaise with the counterparts and the relevant authorities and stakeholders at the Federal, Provincial and local level in support of smooth implementation of Mosul Dam preparedness and other DRR activities.
• Provide technical guidance to the Consultants and the partners for effective and timely implementation of the activities on Mosul Dam project.
• Responsible for technical supervision on supporting Critical Infrastructure Protection CIP including mapping of critical infrastructure and database development and sensitize Iraq agencies to develop necessary contingency plans for these facilities in coordination with GoI including National Security Council, particularly the CIP working group.
• Discuss and coordinate action with the responsible expert for mobilizing the implementation of DRR strategy through advocacy and engagement with relevant stakeholders as well as technical support for developing the corresponding operational action plan and support implementation.
• Responsible for preparations to support GOI authorities to develop Mosul Dam national response plan following a participatory approach with stakeholders.
• Coordinate with the International expert and ensure timely preparation of reports and briefs as per the requirement of the Donors and UNDP.
• Develop the detailed scope of the work for the consultants and the partners to be engaged during the implementation of their respective works in 2018.
• Coordinate, provide technical guidance and monitor progress of the activities of UNDP partners, such as IRCS, for speedy implementation.

Expected Outputs, Deliverables and Timelines:

Under the direct supervision of Portfolio Manager, EECC, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Development of a National Mosul Dam Response Plan:

The ongoing efforts have successfully established an emergency alert system and also, the preparation of local response plans along the flood path are underway. However, in the absence of a proper national response plan, the importance and effective use of these tools will remain somewhat discreet or underutilized without proper national framework that recognizes all plans and relevant institutions. The development of a national response plan is a complex process involving multiple ministries and stakeholders at the national level and, in the context of Iraq, periodic drills and simulation of the alert system are critically important to clarify the roles and ensure readiness at each level.

1. Vulnerable communities Early Warning System for Tigris River:

Building on the current efforts, a community alert systems is important to set up which will enable the Provincial Authority to activate emergency alert system at the local level. The objective is to communicate and disseminate consistent warning messages for coordinated evacuation and response actions at the local level. To complement these actions, a network of volunteers, with specialized training and skill sets, will be established along the Tigris flood path which will play an important role to ensure that the alert or warning messages are effectively understood and the evacuation actions are facilitated at the local level.

1. Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy:

During the past few years, UNDP supported disaster risk activities in Iraq along the international best practices as adopted by HFA in 2005 and Sendai Framework in 2015. In 2016, GOI adopted the DRR Strategy. Support to GOI includes assistance in developing an action plan to implement the DRR strategy, which is a government-wide project and create the necessary framework, modalities for implementation, monitoring, and assessment.

1. Extension of Flood Risk Awareness and Education:

The existing initiatives of media advocacy and awareness campaigns will be deepened and repeated over an extended period in order to ensure greater impacts on risk education at the community level. This includes targeted advocacy for children, elderly and the disabled at the local level. Focus during flood season especially in newly liberated areas.

1. Institutional capacity building for Critical Infrastructure Protection in Iraq:

Based on the current efforts of the assessment of environmental impact of critical infrastructures along the Tigris flood plain, a systematic database for critical infrastructure installations along the Tigris flood path based on field checking and environmental criticality analysis is developed and the facilities are mapped in a multi-layer GIS system. The ongoing preparedness efforts provide technical support for sensitizing the relevant authorities to develop contingency plans or applicable business continuity plans.

CIP has been identified as one of the objectives of Security Sector Reform Strategy adopted by GOI in partnership with the international community. Throughout 2018 UNDP will engage with Critical Infrastructure Taskforce offers for supporting GOI in addressing Critical Infrastructure vulnerabilities and developing a national multi-sectoral CIP Strategy through advocacy, technical support and capacity building. The current initiative of mapping Critical Infrastructures along the Tigris flood path can be strengthened and expanded to develop a national critical infrastructure database within the national Critical Infrastructure Protection Strategy.

The consultant is expected to produce the following set of deliverables according to timeline and payment details according to the following table:

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

Institutional Arrangements:

The Consultant shall work closely with UNDP project partners and report directly to the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Programme Manager/ UNDP Iraq. the National DRR Adviser will coordinate with the national stakeholders and provide technical support in accomplishing the above deliverables according to timeline

Duration of the Work:

150 Working Days during twelve months (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018)

Duty Station:

This will be a home based assignment (However, within the scope of 150 work-days, the consultant will undertake following field missions to Iraq:

• 12 field missions to Baghdad (each for 5 days) spanning over a period of 12 months.

3 field mission to Erbil (each for 3 days) spanning over a period of 12 months.)

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 and respect; Meets time line for delivery of product or services to client.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

Advanced degree (Master degree) in Disaster Management, Hydrology or related discipline

Years of experience:

At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in disaster risk management with particular focus on managing large scale and complex emergencies.

Special skills requirements

1. Languages:

• Fluent in English.
• Arabic proficiency is a strong asset

1. Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in disaster risk management with particular focus on managing large scale and complex emergencies.
• Must have demonstrated ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team of experts with strong leadership skills, particularly in conflict context.
• Has demonstrated excellent communication and writing skills.
• Proven experience of working with diverse range of stakeholders including the experience of working with at-risk communities.
• Experience of working in disaster risk reduction projects
• Working experience in the UN system would be a strong asset

Experience in the context of Iraq will be an advantage.

The contractor shall submit a price proposal as below:

• Daily Fee – The contractor shall propose a daily fee, which should be inclusive of his/her professional fee, local communication cost and insurance (inclusive of medical health insurance and evacuation). The number of working days for which the daily fee shall be payable under the contract is 150 working days;
• The contractor shall propose a Living allowance at the Baghdad applicable rate of USD ($275) and Erbil rate of ($195) per night for his/her stay at the duty station. The number of nights for which the Living allowance shall be payable under the contract is 60 nights in Baghdad and 9 nights in Erbil. The contractor is NOT allowed to stay in a place of his choice other than the UNDSS approved places. UNDP will provide MORSS compliant accommodation to the contractor.
• Travel & Visa – The contractor shall propose an estimated lump-sum for home-Baghdad-home travels (12) (economy most direct route), and home-Erbil-home travels (3) (economy most direct route)Iraq visa expenses;

• The total Professional fee, shall be converted into a lump-sum contract and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the schedule of payment linked with deliverables.

EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

1. Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant 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%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Technical Criteria – Maximum 70 points

Technical Proposal (30 marks)

• Technical Approach & Methodology (20 marks) – Explain the understanding of the objectives of the assignment, approach to the services, methodology for carrying out the activities and obtaining the expected output, and the degree of detail of such output. The Applicant should also explain the methodologies proposed to adopt and highlight the compatibility of those methodologies with the proposed approach.
• Work Plan (10 marks) – The Applicant should propose the main activities of the assignment, their content and duration, phasing and interrelations, milestones (including interim approvals by the Client), and delivery dates. The proposed work plan should be consistent with the technical approach and methodology, showing understanding of the TOR and ability to translate them into a feasible working plan.

Qualification and Experience (40 marks) [evaluation of CV]:

• General Qualification (20 marks);
• Experience relevant to the assignment (20 marks);

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested international  individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications in one single PDF document:

• Duly accomplished Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal Template using the template provided by UNDP (Annex II);
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

Technical proposal:

• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
• A methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment

Financial proposal, as per template provided in UNDP jobsite (Annex II);

Incomplete proposals may not be considered