Historique

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to strengthening of development management system at cantonal level in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). In this regard, four (4) national or international consultants for technical support (hereinafter the Consultant) will be engaged.

Objective

This consultancy will contribute to the effective implementation of the current development strategies of cantons in FBiH, but also inpreparation for the upcoming new planning cycle 2012-2027, via evaluation of cantonal development strategies in eight (8) cantons, namely: Una-Sana, Central Bosnia, Tuzla, Posavina, Bosnia Podrinje Gorazde, Zenica-Doboj, Herzegovina-Neretva and Canton 10. Findings obtained during the evaluation process will be elaborated in the evaluation report, which will contain critical observations and recommendations.

Background Information

The consultancy is planned within the ILDP, a joint project of the Government of Switzerland and UNDP, aimed at strengthening development through introduction of a systematic approach to strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategy realization and harmonisation of planning system at the local level with those at the higher levels of government. The project is implemented in partnership with the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, the FBiH Ministry of Justice, the RS Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government and both Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMCs).

The ILDP supported the participatory creation of a standardised development planning methodology. The planning methodology defines the guiding principles of the planning process, the general structure of cantonal strategies, the planning process and planning bodies, including minimum consultation requirements and engagement of constituent local governments and socio-economic partners within the canton. The standardised planning methodology was successfully applied in all 10 cantons that have designed their integrated development strategies by 2020. Following the adoption of their development strategies, the ILDP partner cantons received support in preparing and adopting three-year strategy implementation plans and annual development reports.

The regulatory framework in entity of Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Law on Development Planning and Management) prescribes the need and responsibility for evaluation of strategies. Based on this Law and emerging by-laws on evaluation of strategic documents, the ILDP developed and piloted in two cantons (Western-Herzegovina and Sarajevo Canton) the guidelines for evaluation of development strategies at the cantonal level.

Devoirs et responsabilités

 In order to facilitate provision of technical support, target cantons will be organized in 4 geographical clusters as follows:

Cluster 1: Una-Sana Canton and Canton 10;

Cluster 2: Tuzla Canton and Posavina Canton;

Cluster 3: Zenica-Doboj Canton and Central-Bosnia Canton;

Cluster 4: Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and Bosnia-Podrinje Canton Goražde.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Consultants must apply for each cluster separately, indicating distinctly consultant fee and travel costs. However, the consultants can apply for provision of technical support to more than one cluster, however, maximum number of clusters to be assigned to one Consultant is one (1).

In close coordination and collaboration with the other evaluation consultants, the consultant will adjust existing evaluation guidelines based on current and taking into account emerging legal framework on development management in BiH and existing best-practices. The evaluation guidelines are to be implemented in the process evaluation of development strategy in eight targeted cantons.

More concretely, the Consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks:

Task 1: Fine-tune the Methodological Guidelines for Integrated Cantonal Development Strategies Mid-term Evaluation

Under this task, the Consultant will collect and review all relevant documents (including but not limited to the FBiH Law on the Development Planning and Management, existing draft by-law in the area of evaluation, current ILDP Guidelines and tools for evaluation of cantonal strategies, 2-3 cantonal development strategies from BiH, etc.) and become well acquainted with legal requirements and best practices. Also, as a part of this task, the Consultant will familiarize her/himself with key cantonal procedures related to development processes.

Based on the above documents, the consultant may propose slight adjustments of the current guidelines for cantonal strategies evaluation. Based on the proposal from all 4 engaged consultants, the guidelines will be finalized and ready for application. It is important to note that the structure of the evaluation report should have minimum the following elements: Executive summary, Background information, Explanation of the methodological approach, Findings of the evaluation, Conclusions and recommendations (with special focus to providing detailed recommendations, which should be taken into account in the forthcoming planning processes, Annexes, etc. It is important to note that all structural elements should be briefly explained, and practical tips provided, including maximal number of pages for each segment.

Following this, each Consultant will fine tune the ILDP evaluation guidelines in order to bi ready for application in each specific canton. The fined tuned evaluation guidelines are to be submitted for approval to ILDP prior to their application.

The Consultant is required to prepare a detailed work-plan for Task 1 and framework work-plan for Task 2 and Task 3. Following approval of the work-plan by the ILDP, the Consultant will schedule meetings with the targeted stakeholders and initiate the process.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by the mid of September 2019 and the level of effort will not exceed 6 working days.

Task 2: Evaluation of two Cantonal Development Strategies

Under this task, the Consultant will collect all relevant documents for designated cantons and become well acquainted with the integrated development strategies as well as with supporting operational plans and reports on implementation of the strategic priorities and relevant statistical indicators. Also, as a part of this task, the Consultant will become familiar with the key procedures, internal organizations and systematisations necessary for obtaining an overview of the institutional and organizational capacities in terms of planning and implementation of the strategies.

Following this, the Consultant will, in close coordination and collaboration with the designated cantonal representatives and the ILDP team, propose key interviewees, dates and locations of meetings (detailed work-plan for Task 2) in order to review status of the strategy implementation through direct consultations with all relevant stakeholders. Following approval of the work-plan by the ILDP, the Consultant will, in close coordination with designated cantonal representatives and the ILDP, schedule and organize meetings.

Based on the information collected during the review of relevant strategic plans and reports, key internal regulatory documents, analysis of data collected through the evaluation supporting tools and those gathered during participatory and direct meetings, the Consultant will prepare a draft evaluation reports for respected cantons.

The minimum structure of each evaluation report will include the following elements:

• Executive summary (maximum 2 pages); 
• Background information (maximum 1 page);
• Explanation of the methodological approach (maximum 1 pages);
• Findings of the evaluation (maximum 15 pages);
• Conclusions and recommendations, with special focus to providing detailed recommendations, which should be taken into account during the forthcoming revision of the integrated development strategies (maximum 3 pages);
• Annexes (list of reviewed strategy documents, relevant operational plans and reports on strategy implementation; list of interviewees; methodological and theoretical "supporting tools" used during the evaluation).

The evaluation report should not exceed maximum of 20 pages (excluding annexes).

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by the mid of November 2019 and the level of effort of the Consultant will not exceed 14 working days.

Task 3: Evaluation consultation process and finalisation

In line with the detalied work plan, the Consultant will forward and discuss draft evaluation report (either through direct visits or electronically) with the designated representatives of the cantonal governments and the ILDP.

Upon that, and under this task, the Consultant will present the key finding from the Draft Evaluation Report (in one of the BiH languages) to the cantonal representatives (including the prime minister and/or finance minister), collect eventual comments, complete the final "polishing" of the Report and submit the Report to the ILDP and the canton.

As preparatory step for the presentation of the Draft Evaluation Report, the Consultant will prepare a brief power point presentation including key findings and recommendations.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by the end of November 2019 and the level of effort of the Consultant will not exceed 5 working days.

All planned activities for the Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3 should be completed within maximum 25 days, in the period mid-August to end-November 2019.

Deliverables/outputs

Compétences

Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time;
• Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually;
• Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives.

People Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
• Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behavior;
• Respects individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
• Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

Partnering and Networking:

• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
• Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously.

Results-Orientation:

• Plans and ensures quality results to meet established goals.

Communication:

• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
• Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

• Strong analytical skills;
• Advanced writing skills,
• Progressive knowledge of strategic planning at local and higher levels and the related methodologies;
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills;
• Substantive knowledge on security issues and activities with an emphasison local communities;
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
• Initiative and sound judgment.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• University degree in public administration, economics, law, social-sciences or related field.
• Advanced degree will be considered as an asset;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the field of development planning and management in Bosnia and Herzegovina or European Union countries;
• Proven previous experience in provision of technical assistance and training to public institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina or European Union countries in the area of development management and/or evaluation of strategies is required;
• Previous experience in provision of technical support to cantons in FBiH;
• Previous experience in working as part of public administration in BiH is a distinct asset;
• Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualise and write concisely and clearly.
• Fluency in languages of peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina and excellent command of English.

Long/Shortlisting Criteria (Rating based on Qualifications)

Technical Evaluation Criteria

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should 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%

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

• Completed and signed the Offeror’s template Confirming Interest and Availability (please follow the link: https://popp.undp.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/UNDP_POPP_DOCUMENT_LIBRARY/Public/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx&action=default);

• Latest personal CV, including past experience from similar projects, and email, telephone and any other contact details for references;
• Financial proposal - which will separately specify professional fee, indicating number of anticipated working days, travel costs (air-ticket or use of private vehicle), living allowance, and all other applicable costs.

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

• For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 65 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
• Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.