Background

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATIOM ON THE PROJECT

The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a direct and highly negative impact on social cohesion, resilience, livelihoods, community security, and the rule of law. Recognizing the need to urgently address reconstruction, economic recovery and peacebuilding needs in areas affected both directly and indirectly by the conflict, in late 2014 the Government of Ukraine requested technical assistance and financial support from the international community to assess priority recovery needs. In late 2014, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union conducted a Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment, which was endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers in mid-2015.

UNDP has been active and present in eastern Ukraine for the past decade, prior to the conflict, with a focus on community development, civil society development, and environmental protection. Work on addressing the specific conflict-related development challenges discussed above built on this earlier engagement and established partnerships and started in 2015 through the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP), a multi-donor funded framework programme jointly implemented by four UN partnering agencies (UNDP, UN Women, FAO, UNFPA) in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.

The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP) is being implemented by four United Nations agencies: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Twelve international partners support the Programme: the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland & the UK.

As an area-based programme specifically developed for the conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine, the UN RPP addresses the key stabilization, peacebuilding, economic and governance priority needs in eastern Ukraine following the start of the conflict. It takes into account the opportunities that have arisen from the Minsk Protocol of September 2014 and the renewal of its cease-fire provisions (the latest cease-fire having been agreed in March 2018) and is also fully adjusted to the humanitarian-development nexus.

The Programme’s interventions are grouped under the following key Programme components, which reflect the region’s priority needs:

Component I: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure

Component II: Local Governance and Decentralisation Reform

Component III: Community Security and Social Cohesion (CSSC).

The Programme, which operates on the basis of a pooled funding arrangement, follows a multi-sectoral programme-based approach and is implemented using an area-based methodology. With the current project, it is a unifying interventions framework for 12 projects funded by 12 international partners.

The financial management of the following assignment is entrusted to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

UNDP designed the Community Security and Social Cohesion Working Groups (hereinafter - CSWGs) using a multi-sectoral programming Community Security and Social Cohesion (CSSC) approach. The CSSC approach operationalises human security, human development and state-building paradigms at the local level. It focuses on ensuring that communities and their members are "free from fear" while also taking action on a wider range of social and economic issues that may impact on physical security to ensure "freedom from need". It emphasises participatory assessments, planning and accountability and seeks to improve service delivery, reduce social exclusion and strengthen democratic governance.

Community Mobilization approach for Community Security and Social Cohesion is being practiced by the UN RPP since 2017.  A CSWG is a community level construct around which the inhabitants can gather, and which mobilizes them to create a safe environment.  A CSWG is also an advisory body that enables community decisions to be taken. It is a democracy tool that helps to build community dialogue, and which can evanesce the line between "we" and "they" in community and increase trust. The working groups are transforming the relationship and dynamics between local authorities and local population, enabling a better engagement in the life of the community.

The UN RPP is looking for a highly qualified expert to summarize vast experience of CSWGs acting in up to 50 communities of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr oblasts and create knowledge product for best practices and lessons learned scaling from local to regional and wider – national level.

Duties and Responsibilities

II. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this assignment is to summarize best practices and lessons learned from the functioning of the 48 Community Security and Social Cohesion Working Groups (CSWG), which is available at the link:

https://www.ua.undp.org/content/ukraine/uk/home/library/recovery-and-peacebuilding/working-groups-community-security-social-cohesion.html

as an element of community mobilization methodology implementation in partner communities of UN RPP in Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, government-controlled areas of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, where CSWG were created as dialogue platforms for participative community problem solving and for local level partnerships building.

The Consultant is required to: (1) prepare materials in “human/community stories” format that would contain information about CSWG as an efficient and innovative local level dialogue platform that empowers community members and enhances development opportunities through unique intra- and inter-community partnerships and (2) summarize and streamline CSWG creating and functioning experience, including the methodology (-ies) of institutionalization, legitimization, membership and stakeholders engagement, people and resources mobilization, capacity building and local issues targeting. The consultant is required to visit at least 5 (five) online CSWG meetings. The list of locations will be agreed additionally with the selected Consultant.

The texts should contain the detailed description of Community Mobilization Methodology by the UNRPP through CSWG creation, legitimization, institutionalization and operationalization, evidenced by the life-asserting and motivating stories of people who managed to succeed in implementation of local civic initiatives and building partnerships which promoted changes in their communities due    to the CSWGs.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direct supervision of the Community Mobilization Specialist and oversight of the Community Security and Social Cohesion Coordinator, the Consultant will carry out the following tasks:

Stage 1. Preparation:

1. Review and analyze the documents provided by the Programme, such as CSWG minutes, official and unofficial CSWG development project reports, etc.
2. Conduct at least 1 (one) online Focus Group with Community Mobilization Team and Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist, outline key priorities for the assignment and undertake mapping of the stakeholders, activities, and cases;
3. Participate in at least 5 (five) online CSWG meetings; the schedule for CSWGs will be provided by CM team;
4. Develop and agree with the supervisor work plan and the vision for the knowledge products.

Stage 2. Producing 10 human/community stories.

1. Based on the information and contacts, provided by the UN RPP Community Security and Social Cohesion team members, select 12 (twelve) best practices in 4 (four) oblasts to be described and agree the list with the UN RPP.
2. Conduct minimum 12 (twelve) online interviews (individual and group format, approx. 1,5 hours each) with key stakeholders on the cases chosen. Based on the data collected, produce minimum 10 (ten) success human stories highlighting the best practices of the Community Mobilization for community security and social cohesion (CSSC).
3. Develop the concept/plan for each of the 10 (ten) stories and agree it with Supervisor and the UN RPP Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist.
4. Produce the stories and agree the texts with Community Mobilization Specialist and Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist:

• The stories should be developed in line with the UNDP Storytelling Guidelines, which will be provided to a contracted Consultant, and The principles of the gender-responsive communications, which is available at the link:

https://www.ua.undp.org/content/ukraine/uk/home/library/womens_empowerment/10-principles-of-gender-responsive-communications.html.

• The stories   should include quantitative gender-disaggregated data on people reached and/or benefitted from activities conducted and initiatives implemented by the CSWGs in the target regions.
• The overall narrative for the stories must be developed in line with the Community Mobilization for Community Security and Social Cohesion Methodology Guidebook, which is available at the link:

https://www.ua.undp.org/content/ukraine/uk/home/library/recovery-and-peacebuilding/community-mobilization-guidebook.html

• The stories should refer to CSWG features and activities, results achieved and changes promoted and may fall into the following thematic areas:
  • Safer community,
  • Community Policing,
  • Unique Partnerships,
  • Inclusive Community,
  • Violence prevention,
  • E-participation
  • Youth engagement,
  • Gender equality and gender mainstreaming
  • COVID-19 response
  • Ex-combatant’s reintegration
  • Innovations development and implementation,
  • Any other thematic area related to the activity of the CSWGs.
• The stories should be about 750-1000 words each, on the subjects described above, in Ukrainian language. Each of the stories should be supported by 5-6 photos on the case provided by community.
• The prepared material should reflect the UN Core Values and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) principles and be related to the objectives and activities of the ongoing UN RPP projects in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr Oblasts.

Stage 3. Briefing the Methodology of Community Mobilization for Community Security and Social Cohesio

1. Based on the document and information, provided by the Community Mobilization team, key stakeholders and partners, identify and highlight:

• the objectives and key steps of a CSWG creation;
• the CSWG formalization options;
• stakeholders’ engagement;
• the role which the CSWG plays in the community;
• key stakeholders’ roles and inputs;
• main achievements of the CSWGs activity;
• CSWGs informational, networking and capacity building policies and principles
• lessons learned and recommendations for existing and prospective CSWGs;
• recommendations for scaling up of the methodology to the national level.

     2.  In coordination with Community Mobilization Team and Knowledge Management and Communication   Specialist to generalize the results obtained in detailed “Methodology of CSWGs for Community  Mobilization”. Word format, up to 10 pages, 14 font, Times New Roman.

Stage 4. Knowledge products creation

1. Based on the results of the stages 1-3, to summarize the outputs and develop concepts for 2 (two) knowledge products which will be used for the national scaling up of the methodology:

• “CSWGs for Community Mobilization” booklet (working title) targeted at wide audience, that includes the brief of CSWG methodology and the stories as an illustrative examples (up to 30 pages, 14 font, Times New Roman).
• The “CSWGs for Community Mobilization” summary leaflet (up to 4 pages A4 14 font, Times New Roman) targeted at regional and national level policymakers, so to promote lessons learned from the functioning of CSWGs at the national level, that will include key messages, achievements and milestones of the CSWG methodology (incl. infographics).

        2, After concepts’ approval by UN RPP develop 2 (two) knowledge products. Both products should be written in Ukrainian, reflect the UN Core Values and SDG principles and be related to the objectives and activities of the UN RPP on-going programme in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr Oblasts. Texts produced should be approved by Community Mobilization Specialist and agreed with Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist.

      3. Working in close coordination with the UN RPP team and designer, contracted by UNDP, develop visual support for the products (incl. infographics, pictures, illustrations and overall design) and provide final versions in .pdf format for the UN RPP approval.

General requirements recommendations

The Consultant ensures the mainstreaming of gender equality and women’s empowerment considerations in the field of expertise, promote a safe and enabling environment free of any kind of discrimination and abusive behaviour, and use the principles of gender-responsive communications in line with the UNDP corporate standards.

     IV. DELIVERABLES

The Consultant is expected to perform activities within the scope of work and to provide the following deliverables with the given timelines:

 V. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The programme will pay the negotiated amount in 2 (two) tranches:

50% upon submission and approval of deliverable 1-2;

50% will be paid upon submission and approval of deliverable 3-4.

The payments will be processed upon the full completion and acceptance of contractual obligations whereupon the Programme’s supervisor signs the certification of acceptance.

VI. MONITORING AND REPORTING  REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant will work under direct supervision of the Community Mobilization Specialist. The consultant will duly inform UN RPP of any problems, issues or delays arising in the course of the implementation of the assignment and take the necessary steps to address them.

The stories and the reports per TOR Scope of Works should be submitted to responsible supervisor by email. All reports and materials shall be prepared and transmitted electronically (Formats of: * .docx, * .xlsx, * .pptx, * .pdf, etc.) to the electronic device or in the form of electronic communication with the final product. The materials/reports should be prepared in Ukrainian. No reports or documents should be published or distributed to a third part without approval of the UN RPP.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Ability for innovation, creativity;
• Proactivity and ability to work independently as well as in a team;
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Knowledge of the background and geography of the conflict in eastern Ukraine;
• Deep understanding of social and economic dynamics in the region.

Required Skills and Experience

VII. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Master’s degree in journalism, social science, international relations, philology, or other relevant area.
2. At least 3 (three) years of proven journalist experience, including storytelling in the conflict affected areas.
3. Experience in the producing of knowledge products (reports, manuals, guidebooks, etc.) related to community development, civil society development and civic engagement topics (at least 3 (three) products).
4. Experience in facilitating meetings/trainings/workshops (incl. online activities) for different stakeholders in the communities (at least 3 (three) events).
5. Previous experience in working with UNDP in conflict-affected settings would be an advantage.
6. Fluency in Ukrainian, Russian is required. Working knowledge of English would be an advantage.

VIII. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSAL

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

 IX. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

 Lump sum contract

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon outputs, i.e. upon deliveries of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

The Consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. 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. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

  X. EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. Educational background in journalism, social science, international relations, philology or other relevant area – 5 pts max

{3 pts. – Master/Specialist degree; 5 pts. – PhD or equivalent};

2. Proven journalist experience, including storytelling/story-writing in the conflict affected areas – 16 pts max

{13 pts. – 3 years of experience; 14 pts. – 4-5 years of experience, 16 pts. – 6 and more years of experience};

3. Proven experience in the producing of practice/evidence based knowledge products (reports, manuals, guidebooks, etc.) related to community development, civil society development and civic engagement topics  – 22 pts max

{3 products – 16 pts; 4-5 products – 18 pts; 6 products and more – 22 pts};

4. Proven experience in facilitating meetings/trainings/workshops (incl. online activities) for different stakeholders in the communities – 12 pts max

{9 pts. – proven experience in facilitation of 3 events; 12pts. – proven experience in facilitation of 4 and more events };

5. Proven experience in working with UNDP in conflict affected settings – 5 pts max

{0 pts – has no experience in working with UNDP in conflicy affected settings; 5 pts. – has experience in working with UNDP in conflict affected settings};

6. Language knowlede – 10 pts max

{8 pts. – Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian; 10 pts. - Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian and working knowledge of English}.

Selection method: Desk review with possible validation interview

ATTENTION!

1. UNDP documents templates are available at the following the link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/506vw4976ka77jy/AABF10LJ-JEqb843fiCK7btSa?dl=0

2. Online system does not recognise Russian or Ukrainian language, information you provide in on-line application should be in English

3. Online system allows to upload only 1 (one) file. Please combine all the files in one and then upload