Background

The 2030 Agenda was the result of an inclusive and participatory process. The 2030 calls for the meaningful and active participation of people and stakeholders at all stages, from SDG integration into national strategies, to implementation, and national monitoring and review. It highlights the importance of participatory approaches for sustainable development. It also places the most vulnerable and voiceless people as central to leaving no one behind.

 

UN Country Teams (UNCTs) have a key role to play in supporting Member States in implementing the commitment of inclusive and transparent participation of all stakeholders in the 2030 Agenda and in facilitating inclusive, safe and enabling environments where stakeholders can contribute. The Secretary General has noted that, in moving towards a new generation of UNCTs, it must be ensured that, at the country level, Resident Coordinator Offices are empowered to serve as a one-stop shop for partnerships with external partners.

 

The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs serves as the Secretariat for the SDGs, among other things providing substantive support and capacity-building on stakeholder engagement for the 2030 Agenda. This includes online trainings for Member States, webinars and national workshops for civil society, and platforms for private sector to engage on the SDGs.

 

The form and level of stakeholder engagement in support to SDG implementation and follow up varies between countries, ranging from stakeholder consultations in decision-making processes, to the establishment of multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance on certain goals and targets, to involving stakeholders in monitoring and reporting. However, countries have also been expressing challenges when it comes to stakeholder engagement and not all Member States have reported on including stakeholders in their SDG implementation and follow up processes, including Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs).

 

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES    

 

Under the overall guidance of the Partnerships & Development Finance Specialist of the UNRCO, the consultant will contribute to strengthening multi-stakeholder dimension of national development planning and SDGs mainstreaming by analyzing current practices in Sri Lanka share good practices and proposing concrete actions in alignment with UNCT implementation of Cooperation Framework.

 

The global outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has posed considerable challenges to effective stakeholder engagement around the world. The present consultancy will provide an opportunity to identify useful alternatives and innovative solutions for engagement processes, such as, but not limited to, web- and SMS-based solutions.

 

S/he will demonstrate an ability to take initiative and leadership when needed, and be solution-oriented, steering discussion/debate towards consensus that takes work forward.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will develop recommendations for strengthening the multi-stakeholder dimension of national development planning and SDG mainstreaming in Sri Lanka, with an accompanying proposed/revised stakeholder engagement strategy.

Expected Output/Deliverables

Through the review of documents, reports and interviews with relevant stakeholders, the consultant will prepare a report including:

 

In the short-term:

  • Identification of stakeholders and recommended methods of engagement with such stakeholders in support of the COVID-19 Socioeconomic Response Plan in the country;
  • Identification of new ideas and solutions to address the challenges posed to effective stakeholder engagement by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In the medium term:

  • A national stakeholder mapping for engagement and participation at the 2030 Agenda implementation in Sri Lanka, including possible platforms where stakeholders can meaningfully engage;
  • An analysis of stakeholder engagement on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs at national level, including at VNRs and during Common Country Analyses, where applicable;
  • An analysis of multi-stakeholder engagement in the UNSDCF, considering the UNSDG “Common minimum standards for multi-stakeholder engagement”;
  • Identification of challenges and opportunities to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the implementation and follow up of the 2030 Agenda including with the national government and UNCT and through the Cooperation Framework;
  • Recommendations and proposed actions for a strengthened multi-stakeholder engagement in the 2030 Agenda implementation and in UNSDCF delivery.
  • Drafting of a stakeholder engagement good practices and action plan for inclusive and transparent participation of all stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda, promoting the LNOB approach.
  • Identification of potential areas where member states, UNCTs and stakeholders would need additional support, including with regards to capacity building.

 

 

TIMEFRAME

The duration of the consultancy is for 45 work-days over the period from July  to September 2020.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE     

 

a.  Technical competencies

  • Ability to undertake extensive research.
  • Demonstration of strong analytical oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to engage effectively with respective UN agencies, development partners, civil society, the private sector, etc.
  • Good understanding of the governance structure and systems in Sri Lanka, including the current political economy context.

 

b.  Corporate Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN
  • Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
  • Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity
  • Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work
  • Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Conflict management: Surface conflicts and addresses them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution; ability to handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behaviour towards others
  • Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative
  • Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
  • Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in sustainable development, international relations, governance, public policy, public administration, international law, or related field.

 

A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 – 7 years of relevant experience in sustainable development, with demonstrated proven track record in analytical research. 
  • Exposure to capacity development activities and projects in sustainable development is required.
  • Knowledge of and experience with the Voluntary National Reviews is an asset.

 

Language and other skills:

  • The expert should have excellent analytical skills and ability to produce high-quality documentation in English. Fluency in at least one of the national official languages is also required.
  • He or she should have demonstrated knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and stakeholder engagement.
  • The expert should also have outstanding written communication and organizational skills, including the ability to plan and prioritize work duties as well as work competently under pressure and tight deadlines.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

The application should contain:

  • Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR
  • Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combimation of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.
  • Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org  stating the vacancy number/position  in the subject line.

 

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL   

 

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______) Or All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR (_________________)

Amount in words: (Rs.___________________)

 

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

 

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts. 

 

 

 

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

 

Payments will be based on milestones certified by, and approved by the Partnerships & Development Finance Specialist of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.

 

The consultant will be paid a lump sum amount based on a daily rate.

 

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

Deliverables      /          Estimated due date    /            Payment Percentage

1. Timeline and workplan for the delivery of the work approved by the RC Office    /   31 July 2020   /   15%

2. 1st Draft of the report in word document   /   7 September  2020   /  35%

3. Final draft of the report – The final draft report must include an executive summary with main findings and a section with recommendations on the way forward. These should be provided also in English, should the report be drafted in another language   /   25 September 2020  /   50%