Antecedentes

UNDP Global Mission Statement

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement

UNDP supports stabilization, state-building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and sub national levels.

UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Enhancing Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Afghanistan

Based on experiences and lessons learned from the GEP-II, the new phase of the Gender Equality Project was developed as Enhancing Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Afghanistan (EGEMA) with four pillars:

• Institutional Strengthening of the Ministry of Women Affairs(MOWA);

• Creating a national pool of Gender Experts;

• Women’s livelihoods strengthening and;

• Gender Transformative approaches.

The core of these efforts remains the relevant capacity required by MoWA to perform in the above four pillars. The goal of capacity building will be achieved through a strategy based on the principles as follow. 1) Strengthening the Capacity of National and Sub-National Partners to deliver the goal and objectives of EGEMA; 2) promoting and contribute to the coordination of gender-related activities and program coherence within the UN system; 3) enhancing the capacity of government institutions, 4) facilitating partnerships and synergies.

Gender Studies Programme

The Gender Studies Institute (GSI) was established in 2004 with the primary objective of addressing the felt need to integrate a gender-inclusive approach into Afghanistan’s national reconstruction process. Its three key activities are: awareness raising and capacity-building through training programs for integrating  gender-focused initiatives into different spheres of development especially in the context of a conflict-affected country like Afghanistan, research on pertinent topics rooted into the national context which would enrich the resource base of the Institute and strengthen relationships between the GSI and other university institutions in the region and in other countries by creating a network of gender-focused activities to enhance the capacity of GSI.

Rational for Sustainability of Master Programme and design of the Certificate Course

To make Master’s Program on Gender and Women Studies sustainable without reliance to external financial support, kabul university is exploring the potential sources of income that can sustain the program. Tuitions fees, Course fees, and research studies are among the key potential sources of income. Under this assignment, Kabul University desires to conduct a feasibility study and come up with solid evidences including cost benefit analysis, that can inform decision making. Further, Kabul University expects the consultant to develop, validate and finalize the curriculum for a short term certification course in gender mainstreaming.

Objectives of the certificate program and financial analysis:

Keeping the context in mind, a gender studies certificate program at the Kabul University Social Science Faculty, will focus on building its curriculum around the basic objectives of promoting sustainable, equitable and participatory development, social welfare, and social justice. More specifically this program:

• Will create an understanding of gender basic concepts, gender concerns at the theory and practical level which is directly relevant to socio- culture of Afghanistan;

• Will create a sustainable financial income to the Gender and Women Studies Master Program;

• Will create analytical and awareness raising, and social change in Afghanistan, and;

• Will develop participant’s perspective and skills to conceptualize women’s gender interests and to use gender analytical frameworks to critically work with social policy and programs.

Financial Analysis:

 Comprehensive analysis of incomes sources as well as successful experience from other countries helps Kabul University to propose an evidenced-based business case for the Ministry of Higher Education to make well-founded and informed decisions about university financial autonomy.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Scope of Work and Deliverables:

Under overall supervision of EGEMA Project Manager and in close coordination with Kabul University, the consultant is expected to work on the following areas:

• Work with the faculties identified to develop and integrate gender studies modules for the one month certificate course curriculum, and facilitate the process of obtaining the requisite permissions from the Ministry of Higher Education and KU;
• Adapt the curriculum for the Certificate Course to match the master’s program framework currently employed by KU;
• Prepare/identify relevant resource/teaching materials for two weeks’ certificate course on gender studies courses and modules;
• Work closely with the Gender and Women Studies board advisory, and Gender and Women Studies program Coordinator and relevant KU authorities and other relevant bodies responsible for higher education to ensure full ownership of Kabul University;
• In collaboration with KU, the Gender and Women Studies advisory board and other stakeholders, develop a plan to launch the certificate courses program.
• Identify and put in place methods for adapting international resources to the local context;
• Develop modules on gender concept, women’s leadership; gender and security; gender mainstreaming, gender based violence. national and international policies in the Afghan context; research methodology and others as required;
• Deliver the first certificate course as a pilot, and adjust the curriculum as required;
• Identify key resource people/teaching staff to conduct the training modules for the certificate course and support and/or teach courses as part of the Certificate program.

The specific tasks she/he will carry out in this regard will include the following:

1. Curriculum design and developed;

2. Syllabus design and pedagogical techniques developed;

3. Participants evaluation procedures and tools developed;

4. Develop the Gender and Women’s Studies certificate course sustainability plan through a financial analysis of needs and best practices;

5. Conduct a Pilot Certificate Programme, and adjust curriculum as needed;

6. Provide a financial analysis report and make evidence-based recommendations to
   Kabul University on a way forward to achieving financial autonomy with its Masters gender studies programme.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables, Timeframe and Percentage:

Deliverable 1.

Submit inception report and detailed work plan for the assignment. 7 working days, 10% of total payment

Deliverable 2.

• Develop the two weeks training curriculum, syllabuses and preparatory materials and guidelines to the participants. 20 working days. 30% of the total payment.

Deliverable 3.

• Develop and provide Certificate Training for 30 participants. 15 working days, 25 % of the total payment

Deliverable 4.

• Prepare financial analysis report for finical autonomy of the university and provide evidenced based recommendations for achieving financial sustainability for master studies programme. 18 working days, 35% of the total payment.

Methodology:

Participatory approach and dynamic role play will be applied during training sessions, in line with training manual which contains description and analysis of topics, necessary background materials, and outline of learning objectives, activities, handouts, and exercises.

• The consultant for completion of his/her assignment will be receiving constant feedback from EGEMA project manager and if needed GSI team.

• Use participatory methodologies for effective delivering of Certificate Courses.

• Provides periodical briefs on his/her consultancy progress to Project Manager of EGEMA and GSI team.

Interested parties should submit a proposal to include:

•     Final work plan with specific timeline and detailed methodology for Certificate Course.

•     Financial plan to have all the deliverables included in with their activities' based costing.

Working Language of the certificate is in Dari, course materials and supporting documents should be developed in Dari. The translation of the material from Dari to English will be facilitated by UNDP using an in-house translator.

Payment Modality:

Payments under the contract shall be delivery based and be made on receipt of the specific milestone reports indicated above, and including a timesheet per UNDP procurement formats for individual contractors, the consultant shall finalize the report for formal acceptance by UNDP at which point the payment shall be released. The consultant will be paid as postpaid once he /she successfully completes the following tasks.

Competencias

Core Competencies:

• Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity;

• Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;

• Team Work: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;

• Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.

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.  

Functional Competencies:

• Familiarity with the gender equality and women’s empowerment concept with particular focus on gender and women’s leadership;
• Knowledge of program based Gender Equality and Women’s empowerment of government institutions
• Advanced knowledge of the analytical foundations of adult education, coaching and mentorship for leaders development;
• Demonstrates good writing skills and the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into succinct written notes/reports, summaries.
• Strong proven capacity in training, coaching;
• Ability to develop creative solutions;
• Ability to liaise with stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society, international organizations;
• Ability to work in culturally diverse environments and display diplomacy and tact;
• Knowledge of socio-economic performance in Afghanistan or post-conflict countries.

Management and Leadership:

• Ability to manage time and meet tight deadlines;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic Qualifications:

• PhD (preferred), MSc/MA Degree or above in Gender Studies, Political Science, Economics or any other relevant social science discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the development, assessment and evaluation of curricula and teaching and learning resources, preferably on gender and human rights.

• Proven experience in writing analytical reports.

Language:

• Excellent written and spoken English, Dari, Pashto.

Institutional Arrangement:

The consultant will work under direct supervision of EGEMA Project Manager and in close consultation with the Kabul University, Academic chancellor and Dean of Social Sciences Faculty. EGEMA Project will provide office space and internet facility, logistical and other support service including transport and security applicable to UNDP international personnel. The candidate however is expected to bring his/her own laptop and mobile phone (UNDP will provide a local pre-paid sim card).

Duration of the Work:

The performance under the contract shall take place over total contract duration of 3 months with maximum 60 working days.

Duty Station

The duty station for the assignment is Kabul, Afghanistan for the entire duration of the contract. No to limited field visits outside Kabul are envisaged under the contract. The candidate will be required to report regularly and be present at EGEMA during the working hours. The candidate will follow the working hours and weekends as applicable to EGEMA. Consultant’s movement for meetings and consultations shall be coordinated by EGEMA. The candidate is at all times required to observe UNDP security rules and regulations.

Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

The contractor shall submit a price proposal as below:

• Daily Fee – The contractor shall propose a daily fee which should be inclusive of his professional fee, local communication and transportation costs. The number of working days for which the daily fee shall be payable under the contract is 60 working days.

The total professional fee, shall be converted into a lump sum contract and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the abovementioned schedule of payment.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

The offer will be evaluated by using the Best Value for money approach (combined scoring method).  The Technical Proposal will be evaluated on 70%.  Whereas the Financial Proposal will be evaluated on 30%.

Cumulative Analysis:

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• 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.

Technical Criteria weight 70%;

Financial Criteria weight 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria 70 points

Technical Proposal (50 marks)

• Technical Approach & Methodology (30 marks) – Explain the understanding of the objectives of the assignment, approach to the services, methodology for carrying out the activities and obtaining the expected output, and the degree of detail of such output. The Applicant should also explain the methodologies proposed to adopt and highlight the compatibility of those methodologies with the proposed approach.
• Work Plan (20 marks) – The Applicant should propose the main activities of the assignment, their content and duration, phasing and interrelations, milestones (including interim approvals by the Client), and delivery dates. The proposed work plan should be consistent with the technical approach and methodology, showing understanding of the TOR and ability to translate them into a feasible working plan.

Qualification and Experience [evaluation of CV] (20 marks):

• University degree in gender studies, social sciences, education, communication or related fields; Advanced University degree in the mentioned fields will be an asset. Along with 5 years of working experience in the similar field. (10 marks).

• Written Sample of similar assignment and success report (10 Marks).

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications in one single PDF document:

• Duly accomplished Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal Template using the template provided by UNDP (Annex II) and P11;

• Success report with reference from the previous similar assignment.

Technical proposal:

• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;

• A methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment and work plan as indicated above.