Historique

UNDP is transforming itself into a knowledge-based organization that is more strategically focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals with transformational programmatic interventions. As part of this effort, UNDP aims to focus on women’s leadership and agency, promotion of gender transformative actionable change, strengthening women’s economic empowerment, and addressing discrimination, stereotypes and violence against women and SGBV. These areas of focus will be developed into a Gender Portfolio for the Country Office and hence, leveraged to mobilise resources to translate the strategies into programmatic interventions.

UNDP Sri Lanka after securing the Silver Gender Seal Certification (81% rating) has been offered the opportunity to bridge for the Gold Seal, for which the Country Office recently undertook a technical support mission. A robust gender portfolio is key in the efforts to strengthen UNDP Sri Lanka’s position on gender equality and mainstream it across all programming for the operationalisation of the Gender Strategy and Action Plan for UNDP.

Context of contracting of services

To provide that support in a coherent manner with the required technical expertise, UNDP, using its globally acclaimed procurement standards, wishes to procure the services of a relevant and competent consultant in the areas of gender programming, partnerships, analysis, and stakeholder engagement. 

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

Against this backdrop, UNDP is looking to commission a National Consultant to develop and support Country Office efforts in partner engagement for gender programming and building on the gender portfolio of UNDP Sri Lanka. The primary focus and expectation would be to work with the Gender Focal Team to assist in developing gender programming, including  formulate project development concepts. This will be in line with the UNDP’ s overall strategic thematic priorities/focus area and will also complement existing UNDP programmatic and policy interventions.

Key objectives include:

• Support the drafting of proposals and project/programme concepts, building on the gender portfolio.
• Analyse and map development partner and funding partner interest and identify strategic interventions and partnerships that can be built to support UNDP's Gender initiatives.
• Provide input and support proposals/project development across the country office to leverage funding towards gender programming.
• Integrate and mainstream gender equality into Concept Notes, Proposals at design stage into submissions from all teams across UNDP.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Against this backdrop, UNDP is looking for a consultant, whose primary focus and expectation would be to formulate and draft proposals and project programme concepts. The consultant will work closely with technical teams.

Devoirs et responsabilités

The consultant will be contracted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

and UNDP will support with:

• Any relevant background information required for the successful completion of the deliverables outlined below.
• Connecting the consultant contracted with relevant stakeholders where reasonable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The consultant will:

• Gather intel and assess intersections between donor priorities and Country Office priorities in gender programming.
• Identify resource mobilization opportunities with existing and new donors and partners, including IFIs, bilateral organisations, donor agencies, and the private sector, to strengthen the UNDP pipeline development on gender programming
• Draft concepts and project document relating to Country Office gender programming and gender-based violence.
• Support proposals across the country office to mainstream gender concepts and reflect the priority areas of the Country Office

Expected output and Deliverables

Development of project proposals and pitches including the following:

• Formulation of an action plan that also includes a resource mobilisation plan which will explore and identify future opportunities and strategies;
• The development of 3 Concept Notes and one Project Proposal, including standard details such as and not limited to scope, context, outputs, timelines etc.

TIMEFRAME

The expected duration of the assignment is 50 working days within the time period identified below.

The target date of commencement of the work will be the 10 December 2021 with the expected date of full completion of the assignment being 30 April 2022.

Timeline for Deliverables:

DUTY STATION

The service provider will be required to provide regular updates to the UNDP, which is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Given the prevailing pandemic situation, conducting, and facilitating work remotely and virtually, is permissible at UNDP’s discretion.

Compétences

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards, whilst promoting the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent communication skills with strong writing skills.
• Ability to work independently, deliver prompt products under pressure, and work collaboratively with other experts.
• Resourcefulness, ability to take initiative, and maturity in judgement.
• Knowledge of UNDP/UN programming an advantage.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education

• A Master’s Degree or equivalent in a field related to Gender Studies, Development Policy or a related field.   

Experience and Expertise

• A minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in the area of gender or any other developmental area.
• Experience in project formulation, design and working on proposals/concepts.
• Strong writing and drafting skills.
• Experience working with the UN, civil society or development partners an asset.
• Experience in analysis and research work and dissemination of findings.

Language Requirements

Excellent English language skills particularly in writing well-structured and analytical documents including project proposals and concept notes.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL  

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._____________________________________________________)

Please refer the below link to access the template for Financial Proposal

Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template

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 into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.
• The application should contain:
  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
  • 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
  • Sample of written work (This could include a written article and/or proposal, or any other written document that best reflects writing and analysis skills of the consultant).
  • Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination 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.

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence and qualified women are encouraged to apply.