Successful implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides a better opportunity for the Revitalized Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to carry out reforms skilfully, structurally, systematically, symbiotically and synthetically in public institutions. This will necessitate the placement of public servants with the capacity to allow the effective and efficient delivery of peace dividends to positively impact for welfare of over 12.58 million people of South Sudan. Early support with leveraging coordinated partnerships is needed urgently during the transitional period with a concentration on delivery capacity of Change Agents (CAs) in the Ministry of Interior (MoI) mentored by a Special Skills Expert (SSE) on immigration and customs officials to be deployed at the border posts. This will include assessing, analysing, deciding, planning, organizing, training, staffing, leading, controlling, performing, evaluating, redressing the fundamentals of public administration and management of this sector in accordance with cooperation agreements.

The objective of the Governance and Economic Management Support Project (GEMS) of UNDP is to support the effective implementation of the R-ARCSS and improve governance and economic management by:

• Strengthening the capacity of key national institutions for effective and accountable implementation of the R-ARCSS with a technical approach.
• Bolstering key economic governance and accountability functions with attention on Chapter IV of the R-ARCSS.
• Establishing a consistent and structured platform for advancing policy dialogue and mutual accountability on implementation of the R-ARCSS, and
• Providing a platform for south-south cooperation and for development partners to bring their expertise and experiences to bear on the implementation of the R-ARCSS priorities.

The assigned SSE to the MoI is to coach and mentor the CAs on institutional capacity of the RTGoNU to successfully contribute to processes of effective reforms guided by clear vision, specific mission, ethical values and strategic plans for scoring on the following core objective:

• Strengthened functional capacity for immigration, customs and aliens management to practically assist in implementing Chapter I, IV and the related provisions of R-ARCSS, applying public policy professionalism skills with coordination and continuous social dialogue among immigration, customs and aliens actors including Government, employers and workers.

This core objective relates to the design of activities that support government institutions to operate cohesively, integrally and technically to promote honest transparency, enforceable accountability, participation and nationalistic inclusivity with diversity of voices in immigration, customs and aliens arenas. It has to be measured by the quality of immigration, custom and aliens services in line with legal principles, regulatory frameworks, operational policies, code of ethics, skills development programming, and devolution of resources in the private sector and NGOs sector with checks and balances. The MoI is a key national institution for coordinating all these with links to the Presidency, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (PMDAs) and partners.

• The SSE shall support the MoI with detailed technical capacity building and institutional development for delivering on the reforms and administration of immigration and customs in accordance with R-ARCSS and reviewed laws of these sectors, focusing on the following:
• Harmonization of Strategic Plan of MoI with R-ARCSS and Vision 2040, emphasizing on RTGoNU institutional reforms and human resource advantages.
• Facilitation of review and Updating the organizational structure (organogram) of MoI with clear line of bureaucratic authority and division of mandated duties/rights.
• Adoption of soft borders policy as a recognition of common history and heritage of Sudanese and South Sudanese, accompanied by holistic joint approach to security management through border conflict prevention, management and resolution culminating in reconciliation and peace-building dividends.
• Regulation of interactions through Integrated Border Management Approach (i.e., bilateral cooperation, inter-agency cooperation, intra-agency cooperation and local stakeholders’ participation), safeguarding the customary rights of pastoral nomads, seasonal farmers and casual workers from the communities along the border areas (development of MoUs on joint adjudication for these is important).
• Prioritization of promotion of trade, investment and economic administration along border towns and villages with back up from commercial banks, telecommunication companies, currency exchange regimes, and One-Stop Customs/Immigration/Taxation posts (having MoUs on these arrangements, including revenue sharing, is important).
• Effective and efficient handling of issues arising from transhumance (e.g., subsistent cross-border trade and combat of trans-border crimes, especially smuggling and trafficking). This will contribute to promotion of socially cooperative interactions among peaceful and secure border communities, spearheaded by governors of the adjacent states (encourage signing of twinship MoUs on this is helpful).
• The SSE shall train, coach and mentor the staff of the MoI to support technically the public administration of immigration, customs and aliens with coordinated facilitation and recommendations from the Council of Ministers and related specialized Commissions, Authorities and Independent Mechanisms.
• The SSE shall prepare skills training plan of actions, provide policy advice, and help in designing strategic communication with other public institutions for informed technical understanding of government’s decision-making process in Immigration and Customs sectors based on conferred powers, functions and responsibilities by R-ARCSS and the Law.
• The SSE and CAs shall be provided with efficient work facilities (computers, printers, internet service, and stationeries) through GEMS Project budget while the Ministry provide offices space with power during workhours.
• The SSE shall work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Minister of Interior in coordination with GEMS Project Manager.

KEY RESULTS EXPECTED FROM THE SUPPORT

Identifying and building strategic consensus with constructive partnerships:

• Effective networking with and partners in seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to mandate of RTGoNU as provided in the R-ARCSS and with special focus on governance reform agenda during transitional period.
• Fast-tracking coordinated decision-making and directives for administrative delivery of immigration and customs services, using efficient tools necessary for supporting capacity building of the assigned staff based on international partnerships on achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Innovating and Developing Good Governance Strategies, Plans and Regulations:

• Harmonization of legislative framework, institutional policies, strategic plans, and work plans with well-studied knowledge sharing flatforms on immigration and customs governance.
• Adoption of new approaches of immigration and customs administration with broader range of perspectives in developing innovative proposals for meeting the contemporary governance standards and mechanisms.

Creating Impact through Sustainable Peace and Holistic Development Dividends:

• Leadership and administrative skills of immigration and customs on analyses of governance information on potential bilateral cooperation with recommendable strategic approach for mutual benefits and accountability.
• Comparative lessons learned on immigration and customs capacity development in accordance with inculcated fundamentals of good governance.

Promoting Institutional Training, Technical Expertise and Knowledge Sharing:

• Continuous training, coaching and mentoring of immigration and customs staff with efficient use of contemporary computerized tools and communication technology.
• Effective planning and report-writing skills with strong performance and strategic resilience in the conduct of professional immigration and customs administration.

Deliverable:

• Inception Report and initial workplan (10 days after contract commencement).
• Bi-monthly workplan and report of previous period (2 months after contract commencement and every two months following).
• Draft Final Report on the results/finding and recommendations (one month prior to end of contract).
• Final Report on the results/finding of the assessment and recommendations for future interventions (Revised draft incorporating the feedback from stakeholders) (one week prior to end of contract).  This is to be presented to stakeholders for validation

Identifying and Building Strategic Consensus with Collegial Partnerships:

• Establish effective networking with PMDAs and partners in seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to mandate of RTGoNU as provided in article 1.2 of R-ARCSS and with special focus on governance reform agenda during transitional period.
• Contextualize assistance with fast-tracked coordination of decision-making and directives for immigration, customs and aliens administrative delivery, using efficient tools necessary for supporting capacity building of the public sector with international partnerships in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Innovating and Developing Good Governance Strategies, Plans and Regulations:

• Coordinate the harmonization of legislative frameworks, institutional policies, strategic plans, and work plans with well-studied knowledge sharing flatforms on immigration, customs and aliens administration and continuous human resource opportunities.
• Adopt new approaches of immigration, customs and aliens management with broader range of perspectives in developing innovative proposals for meeting the contemporary immigration, customs and aliens administrative standards.
• Create conducive work environment and team spirit, which fosters innovative collective thinking through the reformed immigration, customs and aliens institutions as regulated by the government.

Creating Impact through Sustainable Peace and Holistic Development Dividends:

• Develop leadership and immigration, customs and aliens skills with developmental analyses of public service information on potential bilateral and multilateral cooperation with national counterparts to recommend strategic approach for mutual benefits and accountability.
• Compile comparative lessons learnt on immigration, customs and aliens capacity development and public administration strategy of managing the immigration and customs sector in accordance with inculcated fundamentals of good governance and developmental endeavours.

Promoting Institutional Training, Technical Expertise and Knowledge Sharing: 

• Prioritize continuous training, coaching and mentoring of immigration and customs officials with efficient use of contemporary computerized tools and mechanisms of e-governance.
• Enhance effective planning, presentation and report-writing skills with strong analytical and strategic resilience in advanced professional immigration, customs and aliens administration with specific human resource specialization.
• Demonstrate comprehensive skilful knowledge and competence in information technology and strategic communication on immigration and customs services with efficiency and accountability.

Organizational Awareness:

• Promotes the mission, vision and strategic goals of Ministry of Interior;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment understands the structure and hierarchy of Ministry of Interior as well as process flows throughout the ministry.

Working in Teams:

• Acting as a team player and facilitating teamwork;
• Works collaboratively with colleagues inside Ministry of Interior as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals.

Communicating Information and Ideas:

• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Delivers verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easily understood manner;
• Strong communication skills and the ability to listen and take direction and leadership from others.

Self-Management & Emotional Intelligence:

Creating synergies through self-control, tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in law, Public policy/administration, public security, political science, Information Communication Technology or first-level university degree combined with relevant specialized professional experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional working experience in relevant fields related to immigration, customs and aliens management is required;
• A minimum of 5 years working in immigration, customs and aliens management is required;
• A minimum of 2 years working in immigration, customs and aliens management, knowledge management within an international organization is required;
• Proven experience organizing and managing events and workshops is desirable;
• Knowledge of the UN system is desirable;
• Proven ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, and to deliver in a timely manner within cost and quality standards;
• Proficiency and proven experience in the use of Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point) is required. Proven experience in the development infographics, online surveys, presentations, organization of webinars would be an asset;
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate information collection and monitor own work plan;
• Ability to work, establish and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, donors, civil society partners and other UN agencies.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; Arabic Language is desired.

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, 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;
• Two pages to describe the methodology to respond to the TOR (understanding of the project requirements

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-hours 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.
• 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.
• 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% (700 points):

• Criteria 1: Professional working experience in relevant fields related to immigration, customs and aliens management, particularly within the MoI: Weight = 10%; Maximum Points: 100;
• Criteria 2: Proven technical experience working in capacity development and coaching of technical staff, especially at managerial level in economic, resource, revenues and financial management: Weight = 15%; Maximum Points: 150;
• Criteria 3: Demonstrated experience working in knowledge management strong background in planning, policy designs, professional leadership, intra government relations, inter-departmental coordination: Weight = 10%; Maximum Points: 100;
• Criteria 4: Proven relevant work experience and knowledge of corporate social networking-based platforms/tools, and competence in computerized office applications, data basing and visualization software, including faster adaptation of new updates: Weight = 7%; Maximum Points: 70;
• Criteria 5: Experience organizing and managing events and workshops: Weight = 7%; Maximum Points: 70; and
• Criteria 6:  Proven experience to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate information collection and monitor own work plan: Weight = 21%; Maximum Points: 210.

Having reviewed applications received, UNDP will award the top candidates with highest scores. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the technical criteria (70 points) shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

Financial Evaluation - Total 30% (30 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 the Inspector-General of Police and the UNDP GEMS Project Manager and will be responsible for the fulfilment of the deliverables as specified above.

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.
• The work week will be based on 35 hours, i.e. on a 7-hours working day, with core hours being between 9h00 and 18h00 daily.