Antecedentes

The UNDP Crisis Bureau (CB) is responsible for UNDP’s corporate crisis-related work and drives UNDP’s vision and priorities for peacebuilding and crisis prevention, response, and recovery. Together with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), the CB forms the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of global experts and practitioners providing timely development advice, delivering support to Country Offices and programme countries in a coherent manner – to connect countries to the world of knowledge, resources and networks of best practice they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Within the CB, the Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions (CPPRI) team covers the following thematic/programming areas as part of the Global Policy Network (GPN): 1) Conflict prevention and Peacebuilding; 2) Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE); 3) Core government functions, including local governance; and 4) Climate Security.

UNDP CPPRI is looking to hire an International Consultant to develop global guidance, through a consultative process, which will propose a framework for integrating mental health and psychosocial support into peacebuilding processes and programming. The Consultant will report to Team Leader, PVE and UNDP focal point on MHPSS.

There is a growing understanding of how prolonged crisis and violent conflict not only have devastating consequences  for mental health and wellbeing of communities and individuals but also impact their resilience, so the need for adaptive responses from the global peacebuilding community, including UNDP, is pressing. In recent years, great advances have been made towards including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in conflict and humanitarian responses at the national and community level. Global initiatives such as the IASC Reference Group on MHPSS have produced core guidance on integrating MHPSS in emergency settings and a wealth of complementary resources exist. Within the peacebuilding context, there is limited focus on MHPSS and a substantive framework for integration of MHPSS does not yet exist. To summarise, MHPSS is not yet structurally and explicitly considered as part of broader peacebuilding or conflict prevention efforts. The July 2020 Report of the UN Secretary General on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace included a clear ambition towards enhancing the integration of MHPSS into peacebuilding: “The further development of the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into peacebuilding is envisaged with a view to increasing the resilience and agency of people and communities.”

As the lead agency of the United Nations working on Peacebuilding and as the biggest implementing agency of the Peacebuilding Fund UNDP plays an important role in carrying forward the ambition of the Secretary General and is committed to support the further integration of MHPSS into peacebuilding. In this context, UNDP is initiating a process of engaging stakeholders across the sector in consultation with a view to developing a global guidance on integration of MHPSS into peacebuilding.

Deberes y responsabilidades

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

Under the supervision of the PVE Team Leader and UNDP Focal Point on MHPSS the Consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables:

Phase 1: Develop the methodology for developing a guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding

The consultant will design the methodology which will outline the approach to be applied in Phase 2 (research and stakeholder consultations) and Phase 3 (development of the guidance notes on integration of MHPSS in peacebuilding) of the assignment. Upon UNDP approval of the methodology note including a detailed work plan, the next phase will start.

The consultant should engage key stakeholders to inform the design of the methodological note which should include, but not be limited, to:

• An approach for data collection e.g., through developing a list of sources (interviewees and documentation); the design of consultation modality and working with UNDP to identify consultation participants, explicit outline of approaches to capture data and information on gender and human rights dimensions.

• A preliminary desk review of existing guidance, academic publications and policy frameworks on MHPSS and peacebuilding to ide

• A stakeholder mapping of a wide range of entities including field level practitioners, civil society organizations, UN entities, the IASC Reference Group – MHPSS working group, and Member States. The mapping should ensure strong representation from practitioners on the ground with a wide geographical representation and inclusion of voices from women peacebuilders.

• The conception and plan for carrying out the consultations which should inform the development of guiding principles for MHPSS and peacebuilding

A timeline and consultative approach for drafting and finalising the guidance note, including validation and feedback from key stakeholders.

Phase 2: Research and stakeholder consultations on MHPSS and peacebuilding

The consultant will implement the methodology by carrying out the approved steps in the methodology note with the identified stakeholders and experts. This involves collecting the inputs by conducting relevant research (through both desk review and interviews) and implementing the stakeholder consultation process. This second phase concludes with UNDP’s approval of a draft outline of the guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding and the stakeholder consultations findings report.

The research should include 1) review of current guidance, practices, and key documents around MHPSS and peacebuilding, 2) identification of case studies and good practice examples through desk review and interviews with stakeholders in collaboration with UNDP. The research must have a strong focus on gendered and human rights dimensions of peacebuilding and MHPSS. This research should feed into the draft outline of the guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding.

The consultant will also be tasked to implement the stakeholder consultations, which should engage stakeholders from both the peacebuilding and MHPSS sectors, within and beyond the UN. UNDP will be responsible for the logistics (providing the online platforms and infrastructure; where appropriate, liaising with the consultation participants). The key discussions and findings should be summarised in the findings report.

Phase 3: Development of specific guidance on integration of MHPSS into peacebuilding

Based on the outcomes of the research and consultations, the consultant will be responsible for developing a guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding. This will include the drafting and incorporation of feedback from UNDP and stakeholders through a validation process. The phase will be completed once the final draft guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding has gone through UNDP quality assurance mechanisms, including a peer review process, and has been finally approved by UNDP.

The final guidance notes on MHPSS and peacebuilding should include, but not necessarily be limited to:

• Summarizing the current understanding of existing needs and challenges in relation to MHPSS in conflict and crisis-affected settings.

• Systematising and structuring the understanding of the role of MHPSS for peacebuilding and how it relates to the humanitarian-peace-development nexus.

• An overview of global and regional policy frameworks relevant for MHPSS, peacebuilding such as Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Youth Peace and Security (YPS) etc.

• Guiding principles for how MHPSS can be considered/integrated in peacebuilding, including gendered aspects, protection, and relevant international human rights standards.

• An overview of the types of MHPSS interventions in peacebuilding and the spheres in which they take place, drawn from analysis of existing programming and support to MHPSS interventions, including interventions funded under the Peacebuilding Fund.

• A collection of case studies and best practice examples, including anticipated/actual impact of MHPSS on peacebuilding, from different stakeholders, ensuring adequate geographic representation, diversity of targeted groups, including women peacebuilders and women’s organisations.

• An annotated overview of existing guidance in the area of MHPSS and peacebuilding, including their monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

  Deliverables and payment schedule

• Deliverable	Approval	Payment
  1. Methodology note and detailed work plan	Team Leader, PVE	15%
  2. Report from stakeholder consultations and draft outline of the guidance note	Team Leader, PVE	30 %
  3. Final guidance note	Team Leader, PVE	55 %

  Activities and timeline The following activities and timeframes are proposed for this assignment: Phase Activity Approval Completed by Days Phase 1 Develop a detailed workplan for the assignment with corresponding timelines, including a methodology note for phase 2 and 3 Team Leader, PVE 10 May 2021 5 Incorporate any feedback on workplan and methodological note Team Leader, PVE 18 May 2021 2 Phase 2 Undertake research (both desk review and interviews) as per the methodology approved by UNDP Team Leader, PVE 23 July 2021 25 Undertake consultations as per the workplan approved by UNDP Team Leader, PVE 27 August 2021 15 Based on the outcomes of the consultation and research, develop and submit 1) an outline of the guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding 2) a findings report summarising the key discussions and findings Team Leader, PVE 10 September 2021 10 Presentation of the consultations and outline of the guidance note on MHPSS and peacebuilding to core stakeholders and incorporation of feedback Team Leader, PVE 24 September 2021 5   Phase 3 Develop and submit a first draft of the guidance note as per the outline approved by UNDP and incorporate feedback and comments Team Leader, PVE 29 October 2021 24   Facilitate the validation process and peer review of the guidance note, including a presentation of the findings to key stakeholders Team Leader, PVE 19 November 2021 5 Develop and submit a second revised draft of the guidance note integrating feedback on the first draft Team Leader, PVE 02 December 2021 8 Submit the final draft by incorporating the final comments Team Leader, PVE 10 December 2021 1 Total working days: 100

   

Competencias

Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to write in a clear and concise manner.

• Demonstrated ability to organise and structure information.

• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and psychosocial support in peacebuilding and crisis-affected contexts.

• Demonstrated knowledge of prevention, peacebuilding and relevant intervention areas.

• Demonstrated knowledge on gender and human rights-based approaches

• Excellent analytical and writing skills demonstrating fluency in English language.

• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to be flexible and respond to changes as part of the review and feedback process.

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under changing circumstances.

   

  Corporate Competencies:

• Knowledge of UN, including UNDP terminology, language, and style.

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.

• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Excellent understanding of international development issues and knowledge of the UN system.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in law, political science, psychology, social sciences, peacebuilding, international development, or other relevant disciplines required.

Experience:

• At least 7 years’ experience in peacebuilding, preferably demonstrating experience from both field experience and research is required
• At least 3 years’ experience on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in conflict or crisis-affected settings is required
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in designing and conducting similar research and analysis is required
• Experience in drafting reports and knowledge products in a related field is required.
• Experience in holding multi-stakeholder consultations is required.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

• French is highly advantageous and will be an asset.

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; and

• A two-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.

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 shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around the specific and measurable deliverables of the TOR. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR, and deliverables accepted and certified by the technical manager. 

• 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):

• Criteria 1. At least 7 years’ experience in peacebuilding or conflict prevention; Maximum Points: 20.
• Criteria 2. At least 3 years’ experience working on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus; Maximum Points: 18.
• Criteria 3. A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in designing and conducting similar research and analysis; Maximum Points: 16
• Criteria 4. Experience holding multi-stakeholder consultations; Maximum Points: 8; and
• Criteria 5. Experience drafting reports and knowledge products; Maximum Points: 8.

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.

Intellectual Property:

All information and production of materials pertaining to the assignments as well as outputs produced under this contract shall remain the property of the UNDP who shall have exclusive rights over their use. The products shall not be disclosed to the public nor used in whatever format without written permission of UNDP in line with the national and International Copyright Laws applicable.

Institutional arrangement

The consultant will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader, PVE 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

• Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified above and 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-hour working day, with core hours being between 9h00 and 18h00 daily.

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.