Antecedentes

UNDP Global Mission Statement:

The United Nations Development Programme (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. UNDP is on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

Organizational context:

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 subnational levels;

Enhancing Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Afghanistan (EGEMA) project is a collaborative effort between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) and UNDP to promote achievement of national commitments and objectives to strengthening capacity for greater gender equality outcomes. The project is being implemented with the financial support of the Republic of Korea (ROK), the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), as well as UNDP core resources.

Organizational context of the position:

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

  • Institutional Strengthening of the Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA);
  • Creating a national pool of Gender Experts;
  • Gender Transformative approaches.

The goal of capacity building will be achieved through a strategy based on the principles of 1) strengthening the Capacity of National and Sub-National Partners to deliver the goal and objectives of EGEMA; 2) promote and contribute to the coordination of gender-related activities and program coherence within the UN system; 3) enhancing the capacity of government institutions; 4) facilitate partnerships and synergies;

Based on above mentioned background, UNDP EGEMA Project is hiring on individual consultants (international) to carry out a deliverable under the Creating a national pool of gender experts’ output. The international consultant will be responsible for the development of short-term certification course on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality for Bachelor students and professors.

Overall objective of the consultancy:

In accordance with the project document, EGEMA project intends to develop a short term course on gender equality and women’s rights for Bachelor students and professors (the first implementation target university is the Kabul University). Ultimately, the developed short term course will be use as a selective course in other universities in Afghanistan.    

Deberes y responsabilidades

SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES  

Objective of the Assignment:

  • Development of short term course on gender equality and women’s rights for bachelor students;
  • Improve the knowledge and ability of selected university’s faculty to deliver short term gender and women’s rights course.

The specific tasks shall be the following:

The International consultant will develop the short term (approximately 10 sessions) course on gender equality and women’s rights for Bachelor students and professors.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables; Estimated duration to complete and payment percentage:

The following key deliverables are expected from this assignment:

Deliverable 1: Inception Report (3 working days, home based); 20%

  • Inception Report: In this inception report, the detailed description of the methodology to answer the assessment questions as well as the proposed source of information and data collection procedure. The inception report should also indicate the detailed schedule for the tasks to be undergone (work plan), the activities to be implemented and the deliverables. Including desk review of similar short term courses in similar context.

Deliverable 2: Developing the short term course (15 working days, home based): 40%

  • Draft short term course report: Based on the schedule from the inception report, a consultant develop a short term course and to deliver a presentation (online) to EGEMA team and stakeholders for its review.

Deliverable 3: Final short term course (15 working days in Kabul); 40%

  • Final short term course presentation: Based on comments from the EGEMA team, Governance for Peace Unit, Kabul University during the short term course presentation, the consultant revised the final short term course (including a sample syllabus). Once it is approved by Faculty Social Science of Kabul University and the EGEMA team, the consultant will deliver an introduction and a teaching methodology presentation to the Faculties of Kabul University (in person if the situation permits, twice for 40 faculties and training sessions will be organized and coordinated by the Social Science Faculty of Kabul University).

End products:

  • Developed the short term course on gender equality and women’s rights for bachelor students (10 sessions);
  • Delivered trainings for the Social Science Faculty of Kabul University. 

Process and recommended methodology:

Accountabilities:

UNDP project staff will be accountable for coordination of stakeholders involved, organizing field-visits, focus groups, and other logistical issues. UNDP CO/programme staff will be accountable for reviewing/approving of the final evaluation results.  The evaluator shall be independent in evaluation exercise, however considering sensitive issues which may arise while assessment.  There are no specific concerns related to conflict of interest;

The EGEMA team will serve as the primary contact with the consultant. Technical guidance will be provided both from the Governance for Peace Unit. The Programme Unit together with EGEMA team will coordinate the training logistics with Kabul University. 

Payment Modality: 

Payments under the contract shall be delivery based and be made on receipt of the specific milestone reports indicated above. These shall be made upon approval by EGEMA and Governance for Peace Unit. All deliverables will be reviewed by EGEMA and Governance for Peace Unit. Upon receipt of final comments, the consultant shall finalize the evaluation for formal acceptance by UNDP at which point the final payment shall be released;

UNDP reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

Institutional Arrangements

The International Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the EGEMA Project;

The Governance for Peace Unit and the EGEMA Project will provide office space, internet, logistical and other support services including transport and security for UNDP international personnel. However, the consultant is expected to bring his/her own laptop and mobile phone and meet local communications costs (Governance for Peace Unit will provide a local pre-paid SIM card). Costs to arrange meetings, workshops, travel costs and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) during field visits (if any), etc. shall be covered by the EGEMA Project.

Duration of the Work

Duration of the consultancy is one month and half with maximum 33 working days.

Duty Station

The Work will be carried out from home and in-country. The duty station for the consultant shall be in Kabul and all the activities will be implemented in Kabul. The EGEMA Project will arrange the logistical issue (vehicle and movement clearance) in Kabul. The consultant will be based at UNOCA/EGEMA Project office and report regularly to EGEMA Project Manager and Governance for Peace Unit at the United Nations Office Complex in Afghanistan (UNOCA) during working hours, also, will travel to Kabul University and Ministries (if required)  if the security conditions permitting;

The Consultant will follow the working hours and weekends applicable to UNDP Country Office (CO) staff. The Consultant’s movement for meetings and consultations shall be coordinated by the Governance for Peace Unit and EGEMA Project; The Consultant is at all times required to observe UNDP security rules and regulations.

Competencias

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:

  • Good knowledge need analysis and  curriculum revision;
  • Experience in formulating and reviewing international policies and strategies for gender mainstreaming;
  • 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;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Education, Gender, sociology, international economics, law, public administration, social science or other closely related field from an accredited university.

Years of experience:

  • At least 10 years of working experience in Curriculum  development in gender and teaching,At least 5 years of researching experience in gender equality and women’s rightsand a demonstrated understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by post conflict countries;
  • Proven experience in development of the gender curriculum (preferably UNDP and with gender equality focus, policymaking, gender responsive budgeting, women’s economic empowerment);
  • Work experience related to women’s rights, local employment focused on women, academic programmes on gender and gender equality, is an advantage;
  • Experience working in Afghanistan an advantage.

Language:

  • Excellent command of written and spoken in English language.

PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.  The consultant shall then submit a price proposal when requested by UNDP, in accordance with the below:

The Consultant shall submit a price proposal as below:

  • Daily Fee – The consultant shall propose a daily fee, which should be inclusive of his/her professional fee, local communication cost and insurance (inclusive of medical health insurance and evacuation). The number of working days for which the daily fee shall be payable under the contract of one month and half with maximum 33 working days.
  • DSA/Living Allowance – The consultant shall be separately paid the Living allowance/DSA as per applicable UNDP rate for stay in Kabul and travel to other locations as per actual number of nights spent in Kabul or other locations. Deductions from DSA shall be made as per applicable UNDP policy when accommodation and other facilities are provided by UNDP. An estimated provision in this regard shall be included in the contract. The consultant need not quote for DSA in Financial Proposal.
  • Accommodation in Kabul - The consultant is NOT allowed to stay in a place of their choice other than the UNDSS approved places in Kabul, Afghanistan. UNDP will provide accommodation to the consultant for the duration of the stay in Afghanistan in UNDSS approved places. Deductions in this regard shall be made from DSA payment as per applicable UNDP Policy.
  • Travel & Visa – The consultant shall propose an estimated lump-sum for home-kabul-home travel (one time, economy most direct route) and Afghanistan visa expenses.
  • Payment schedule - Payments shall be done upon verification of completion of specific deliverables, upon approval by the EGEMA Project Manager.

EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

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%

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.

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 (30 marks)

  • Technical Approach & Methodology (20 marks) – This 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 (10 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 (40 marks)

  • Relevant education (10 marks);
  • Experience relevant to the assignment (20 marks);
  • Experience of working for projects/programmes funded by UNDP (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:

  • Personal CV  indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
  • Technical Proposal (can be attached with CV or response can be provided to mandatory question on jobs site):
    1. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
    2. A methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment and work plan as indicated above.

All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNDP Afghanistan.  UNDP Afghanistan will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

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

Note: Incomplete application will result in automatic disqualification of candidate.  

Additional Questions:

Please prepare a brief methodology and workplan as to how you will approach and complete the assignment (maximum 1000 words)