UNDP Jobs - 95296- National Consultant for South Sudan Diagnostic Tra

National Consultant for South Sudan Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study Update

Location :

Juba, SOUTH SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Dec-2020

Application Deadline :

20-Nov-20 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

90 Working Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

90 Working Days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Following expiry of the South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) 2011-2013 which came into effect following Independence, a new National Development Strategy (2018-21) was launched in November 2018, with the overall objective of consolidating peace and stabilizing the economy. It further commits the Government into bringing South Sudan into the global economy through regional and international integration, speeding up economic recovery and management of inflation as well as economic diversification.
South Sudan has been a beneficiary of the EIF since 2012. The Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) was undertaken in 2014 and several activities have commenced implementation under the Tier 1 funding window. In 2014, the DTIS assessed South Sudan’s economy, identified key trade sectors, outlined constraints to trade, and presented an Action Plan (Action Matrix). The diagnostic study provided key analytical foundation for policy recommendations and interventions for Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) and capacity building for greater trade and market integration of South Sudan into regional and the global trading systems.
The Tier 1 Project is tailored towards supporting the implementation of Trade Policy Framework (TPF) for South Sudan (2018-22) and National Development Strategy (2018-21). The key objective of the Tier 1 Project is to enable South Sudan to use trade as an effective instrument for human development by strengthening trade institutions, enhancing capacities for mainstreaming trade, and increasing Aid for Trade and its effectiveness.

In line with the work plan of the Tier 1 project approved by the EIF Board, an update of the DTIS ought to be undertaken in order to provide further analytical assessment of the progress to-date of South Sudan’s trade regime and capacity. The DTIS Update will take stock of the 2014 DTIS, measure progress to date, and identify key strategies and activities to address supply- side constraints to trade and contribute to remedy challenges affecting South Sudan trade.
The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has opted to undertake its DTISU using agency implementation through UNDP; the management of the DTISU has thus been delegated to UNDP maintaining the arrangement which was agreed during 2014 DTIS process.
UNDP has been requested to support the Republic of South Sudan in conducting the DTIS Update in coordination with the EIF agencies and interested donors. The study will be prepared by a team of national and international experts working under the direction of a Team Leader.

Broad Objectives

The objective of the DTIS update is to provide updated perspective of trade priorities and identify key areas and shortfalls that may require further strengthening, cognizant of change in national, regional and international environment since the completion of DTIS in 2014.
The present assignment seeks to support an assessment of the degree of realization of the DTIS 2014 action matrix, as well as research and organizational support to the DTISU Team leader and other stakeholders, for the formulation of the DTIS update.

Implementation Modality

The assignment consists of two main components: First, working closely with the DTISU Team leader, assist filling data gaps and background information and analysis, and facilitating consultations and follow up with stakeholders in South Sudan throughout the DTISU process. This support will be extended to other experts that may be engaged by UNDP to contribute to the DTISU once the report’s concept note is complete and required expertise determined.
Second, working closely with the Team leader and national stakeholders, contribute to an assessment of the degree of realization of the DTIS Action Matrix 2014 by carrying on research and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The EIF Focal Point at the Ministry of Trade and Industry provides strategic guidance to the DTIS project in South Sudan. The DTISU Team leader will provide day to day guidance concerning the substantive and organizational tasks to be accomplished. UNDP South Sudan provides administrative and logistical support.
The national consultant will report to the team leader of UNDP Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (STARR) Unit, who will verify quality of reports produced and sign off milestones achieved. S/he will be in regular contact with UNDP South Sudan, National Implementation Unit (NIU) and UNDP Geneva’s EIF focal point for sharing drafts and ensuring that the process is on track.
Estimated time dedication is 90 days spread over a period of seven months (to July 2021)

Methodology

The individual contractor will undertake research and analysis, including quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis; as well as organizational support. S/he will:
• Use a consultative approach to ensure broad and inclusive participation and buy-in of all concerned stakeholders (public private sectors, NGOs, Media and partners) throughout the update process as well as publicity to process and findings;
• Collect existing analytical work; do research and data analysis on topics of relevance to the DTIS; Coordinate with national stakeholders and facilitate the organization of consultations involving the DTIS team and keeping track of key points raised and followed up;
• Do research and hold consultations with stakeholders to assess the extent of realization of the 2014 DTIS action matrix, main obstacles and factors facilitating success;
• Help with the identification of priority actions for the 2020 DTIS update.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific Tasks
In consultation with the DTISU Team Leader:

Hold consultations with stakeholders and data analysis - past statistics, current data and future projections – to assess the extent of realization of the 2014 Action matrix and challenges hindering progress.
Update information concerning the action matrix in consultation with all Ministries (all departments and authorities), border posts, NGOs, Civil Societies, Private Sector, the States/Regions of South Sudan, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Industrialist, Universities, Transporters, SME operators, Skill providers, etc.
Identify at least 2 contact persons with each Ministry, NGOs, Civil Organizations, for information or discussions.
Facilitate the organization of consultations by the Team leader and other DTIS experts with national stakeholders whether in person or through virtual platforms.
Collect relevant background documents and other supporting material and data to allow the Team leader and other DTIS experts to work on the report. Consider, gender disaggregated analysis and data.
Support the Team leader and other DTIS experts with the formulation of the DTIS 2020 action matrix.
Support and organize Validation seminars and keep track of stakeholders’ inputs. Support draft revisions by the Team leader.
Perform other tasks that may be requested by the Team leader

Deliverables

Background material, data and analysis on topics of relevance to the DTIS update collected. This may include literature survey, reports, field survey, interviews, observations, and information on other administrative regions of South Sudan.
Records of all institutions visited, interviews conducted, and literature obtained with dates and names of the person involved kept.
Consultations with stakeholders throughout the DTIS processes undertaken
Assessment of 2014 DTIS action matrix
Effective validation workshop held

Competencies

Functional Competencies

Ability to work to tight deadlines;
Timely delivery of the outputs
Ability to manage conflicting priorities and focus on results

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics; trade, business administration, commerce, or related field. S/he should have basic understanding of imports and exports, duties and taxation

Experience

The consultant should have at least five (5) years relevant experience in research, writing and presenting reports in English.
Strong understanding of the trade-related development challenges and relevant sectoral issues, especially in the context of LDCs;
Ability to interpret results and make recommendations;
Solid track record of providing coordination and building partnership with government.
Post-conflict experience will be added advantage

Language requirement

The consultant must have excellent command of English;
Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable

Institutional arrangements

The consultant can make use of the DDR offices in South Sudan (COVID 19 related restrictions allow) and is expected to use his own computer/laptop and cell phone.
The consultant will be contracted for 6 months.
The consultant will report to the Programme Specialist of the Peace and Community Cohesion Project and the Chair of the DDR Commission or a delegated representative, who will review and approve delivery of outputs.

Payment Schedule

Background material, data and analysis on topics of relevance to the DTIS update collected. This may include literature survey, reports, field survey, interviews, observations, and information on other administrative regions of South Sudan. 20%
Records of all institutions visited, interviews conducted, and literature obtained with dates and names of the person involved kept. 25%
Consultations with stakeholders throughout the DTIS processes undertaken. 25%
Assessment of 2014 DTIS action matrix. 20%
Effective validation workshop held. 10%

Technical proposal comprising of the following:

Provide brief information reflecting understanding of the TORs, methodological approach proposed, and similar tasks implemented over the past 5 years with concrete experience from within the country and the region. Evidence of key deliverables and results could be attached to the document;
Filled the P11 form including experience in similar projects and contact details of referees

Financial proposal

Indicate the daily fee expected.
The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable deliverables

Evaluation Criteria
Candidates will be assessed based on the following technical criteria:

Technical Evaluation (70%):

Evaluation of the P11 and CV including educational attainment, research experience and publication record of high professional standards in the fields of trade and development (40 points)
Strong understanding of the trade-related development challenges and relevant sectoral issues, especially in the context of LDCs and ample experience on trade and development issues in South Sudan and the region (40 points)
Experience on trade-related international cooperation, including solid track record of providing coordination and building partnership with government, post-conflict experience will be added advantage (20 points)

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 per cent of the total technical scores will be considered for the Financial Evaluation;

Financial Evaluation (30%): The fee should be quoted in US dollar only.
The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal: p = y (µ/z),

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

The final evaluation method will be based on a cumulative analysis of both the technical and financial proposals. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer is responsive/compliant/acceptable; and has attained the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.