Historique

UNDP's Social and Environmental Standards (SES) first came into effect 1 January 2015. While an update to the policies was approved in late 2019, it came with a clear mandate to prepare an implementation strategy to ensure strengthened institutional arrangements and capacities for implementation. An Inter-bureau SES Task Force was subsequently established to lead the development of the implementation plan, building on lessons learned from the last five years. Among the key lessons and feedback received was the need for greater and sustained investment in learning and training opportunities on the SES. Therefore, the SES Task Force has developed a Learning and Communication Strategy which is at the heart of the implementation plan.

Lessons from the last five years have showed that one-off ad hoc trainings with very limited investment in continued and progressive learning opportunities is insufficient at best. It has also shown that one-way communications and trainings reliant on small HQ SES team are not an effective strategy to build the capacities and awareness needed, as evidenced by continued low levels of basic awareness and understanding of the SES.

To respond to these lessons, the SES Learning and Communication Strategy describes the objectives, principles, approach, and resources required to ensure scaled-up and sustained investment in SES learning and communications. With a corporate commitment to invest in continued learning and implementation capacities, UNDP aims to enter a new phase of embedding the SES in the way we manage and implement our programming.

The objective of the strategy is to enable UNDP staff to progressively understand and implement UNDP’s SES as an integral component of effective programming, applying a principled and risk-informed approach and embed measures in broader risk-management efforts around program management. Further, it aims at raising awareness among all relevant stakeholders of the value and purpose of the SES, create and/or strengthen capacities of implementing partners.

As part of it’s launch package, the learning and communications strategy aims at delivering several elements that need to be prepared before or delivered alongside the launch of the updated SES (planned for Q4):

1) Building a Cadre of SES Experts in Regional Hubs

UNDP is lucky to have internal expertise from human rights to environment needed to implement the SES. However, these experts have not been trained or mobilized to offer this support. This strategy aims to build a “critical mass” of in-house specialized SES expertise in the Regional Hubs to offer support and trainings to the practitioners at the forefront of implementation. An initial phase will involve in-depth training for a group of experts within the Global Policy Network (GPN), primarily based in the Regional Hubs, on the content and implementation of the SES, simultaneously equipping them to deliver training and build internal and external capacity. Continued learning opportunities will be provided to these experts as well as networked knowledge sharing and exchange. 

2) Webinars on policy updates, the basics etc. 

Webinars are a fundamental tool to provide training while engaging with the audience in an interactive way, especially in times when face-to-face interactions are limited. Targeted webinar sessions with Regional Bureaux (RBx) as well as the Country Oversight and Support Teams and specific webinars for each of the RBx for all staff will be an essential tool to prepare and accompany the launch of the updated SES. The presentation of specific, recent guidance notes as well as orientation sessions for SES regional oversight LTA’s and consultants working on SES may be necessary.

3) Gather feedback, support the adaptation and general implementation of the Learning and Communication Strategy

Support the social and environmental policy specialist in conducting a continuous dialogue with relevant stakeholders (RBx) to gather feedback and improve both this specific training program as well as the overall learning strategy. The consultant is expected to support the organizational tasks around facilitating this dialogue and any other relevant tasks deemed essential for the implementation of the learning strategy.

Devoirs et responsabilités

SCOPE OF WORK, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ANALYTICAL WORK

The objective is four-fold:

1. Support the development of above-mentioned products under the supervision of the SES Policy specialist.
2. Identify opportunities for virtual trainings and applies technical knowledge to deliver them.
3. Supports the adjustment and further development of the learning and communication strategy in line with feedback received and lessons learned from key stakeholders throughout the planning process and on the concrete learning activities.
4. Support any other activities related to the learning and communications strategy as needed.

Concrete Activities

Support the development of the “train-the-trainers” module

Support the design and delivery of a training program for selected GPN colleagues in the regional hubs. This targeted training must be an in-depth course that equips the participants with the necessary knowledge and practical experience to become trainers/advisors themselves and support country offices colleagues to efficiently fulfill their functions regarding SES. It should focus on the technical requirements for programs under each of the standards and principles at the different stages of the project cycle, their relevance for programming, familiarize the audience with the different social and environmental instruments (ESIA, ESMP, ESMF etc.) and how to efficiently engage with partners. Further, deep-dive sessions will need to be developed to train colleagues on specific standards and allo them to become advisors on specific topics.

Support the development of Webinars on relevant SES topics

Support the preparation and delivery of targeted webinar sessions with RBx, Country Oversight and Support Teams, specific webinars for each of the RBx for all staff, presenting specific Guidance Notes with particular relevance for the audience,  an orientation session for SES regional oversight LTA’s and consultants on the roster working on SES and others, as required.

Gather feedback, support the adaptation of the Learning and Communication Strategy

Support the social and environmental policy specialist in conducting a continuous dialogue with relevant stakeholders (RBx) to gather feedback, improve tailoring of the specific learning and communication products. Further, the feedback should facilitate a continuous enhancement of the strategy based on the ideas and comments received. The consultant is expected to support the organizational tasks around facilitating this dialogue.

Expected outputs and deliverables:

• Supported the development and delivery of in-depth training program for GPN colleagues in Hubs.
• Identified virtual learning opportunities and supported the delivery of the trainings.
• Supported the development and delivery of webinars on different topics tailored to specific audiences.

Supported the general implementation of the learning strategy as needed.

Compétences

Technical / Functional Competencies:

• Solid understanding of social and environmental due diligence is required, SES experience with UNDP is an asset.
• Solid training experience is required, training experience with UNDP or another UN organization is an asset. 
• Superior written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex standards and principles in a clear and persuasive manner that is tailored to a range of audiences;
• Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; and knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
• Availability and flexibility to take on short-term assignments on an as-needed basis.

Personal Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners; and

Positive and results-oriented attitude, able to meet targets/deadlines

Qualifications et expériences requises

Academic qualifications:

• Masters degree or higher in Sustainability, Environment, Natural Resource Management,  Social Development, International Development, Anthropology, Engineering or other relevant field, Required

Experience:

• At least 6 years of experience in the development and delivery of learning and communication elements. (required)
• At least 3 years of proven experience working on developing and delivering trainings in the context of social and environmental standards/safeguards. (required)
• Proven experience in capacity building/trainings with implementing partners on the ground would be a strong asset.
• Proven familiarity with UNDP, the UN system, IFIs, donors and in general the international development landscape would be an asset

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
• Working knowledge of another UN language would be an asset
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, in a multi-cultural setting; excellent interpersonal skills and objectivity (required)

Application Procedure

The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one file):

• A cover letter with a brief description of why the Offer considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment;
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references;
• A one (1) page methodology on how the Offeror will conduct the work including a Work Plan and approach in delivering the required outputs within the assignment period; and

Note: The above documents need to be scanned in one file and uploaded to the online application as one document.

Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.

• The financial proposal should specify an all-inclusive daily fee (based on a 7 hour working day - lunch time is not included - and estimated 21.75 days per month).
• The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee; (excluding mission travel); living allowances at the duty station; communications, utilities and consumables; life, health and any other insurance; risks and inconveniences related to work under hardship and hazardous conditions (e.g., personal security needs, etc.), when applicable; and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services under the contract.
• This consultancy is a home-based assignment, therefore, there is no envisaged travel cost to join duty station/repatriation travel. 
• In the case of unforeseeable travel requested by UNDP, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UNDP and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.
• If the Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

The Financial Proposal is to be emailed as per the instruction in the separate email that will be sent to shortlisted candidates.

Evaluation process

Applicants are reviewed based on Required Skills and Experience stated above and based on the technical evaluation criteria outlined below.  Applicants will be evaluated based on cumulative scoring.  When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Being responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation where technical criteria weighs 70% and Financial criteria/ Proposal weighs 30%.

Technical evaluation - Total 70% (70 points):

Desk Review

• Criteria 1. Proven experience working on the development and delivery of learning and communications elements. Weight = 170%; Maximum Points: 170 
• Criteria 2. Strong knowledge of experience working on developing and delivering trainings in the context of social and environmental standards/safeguards. Weight =170%; Maximum Points:170;
• Criteria 3. Presented methodology: Weight = 170 %; Maximum Points: 170

Interview

• Criteria 4: Interview: Weight =190; Maximum Points: 190 points

Having reviewed applications received, UNDP will invite the top four shortlisted candidates for interview. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (490 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the technical criteria (700 points) shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

Financial evaluation - Total 30% (300 points)

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

p = y (µ/z), where

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

Contract Award

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter into contract with UNDP.

Institutional arrangement

The consultant will work under the guidance and direct supervision of Programme Specialist, Social and Environmental Standards, BPPS/Effectiveness Group and will be responsible for the fulfilment of the deliverables as specified above.

The Consultant will be responsible for providing her/his own laptop.

Payment modality

Payment to the Individual Contractor will be made based on the actual number of days worked, deliverables accepted and upon certification of satisfactory completion by the manager.

Annexes (click on the hyperlink to access the documents):

Annex 1 - UNDP P-11 Form for ICs

Annex 2 - IC Contract Template

Annex 3 – IC General Terms and Conditions

Annex 4 – RLA Template

Any request for clarification must be sent by email to cpu.bids@undp.org 

The UNDP Central Procurement Unit will respond by email and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all applicants.