Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. With offices in more than 160 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP Bangladesh has been collaborating with the Government of Bangladesh and local communities across Bangladesh the country since 1972, to reduce poverty, strengthen the country’s resilience in the response to climate change and natural disasters, and build capable, inclusive and responsible governance institutions.

UNDP Bangladesh has been a key facilitator in Bangladesh's remarkable development story since it first arrived in 1972. Since then, UNDP has assisted Bangladesh's progression from a war zone, beset by environmental and political instability, to an ever more dynamic, youthful, and resilient emerging economy with distinct promise. UNDP Bangladesh has been a valuable partner throughout this process, acting as an honest broker and a helpful catalyst in promoting transformational changes in the lives and livelihoods of Bangladesh's people.

UNDP is helping Bangladesh meet its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Communications team is responsible for expanding and enhancing UNDP Bangladesh visibility, online presence, and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In view of responding to the needs from different projects to create social media content for UNDP Bangladesh, highlighting project activities, UNDP Bangladesh seeks to make a roster / Long Term Agreement (LTA) for on-call photographer for providing timely and quality photography writing/editing/translation services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager of the hiring Project/UN Agency, 

The writer is expected to:

• cover events
• go for field visits
• interview project people, beneficiaries, members of donors, counterpart organisations and government
• Produce top-quality articles, blogs, and features

The editor is expected to:

• Edit existing content.

The translator is expected to:

• Translate to and from English and Bengali.

The consultant will be given 1 week notice prior to the assignment in normal circumstances.

In case of on request or urgent event coverage, the consultant might be required to complete the assignment within 48 hours. Writer/editors/translators may do work outdoors and in remote locations.

The consultants must bring sufficient equipment and take necessary steps in order to perform the required output successfully.

The consultant will have to be ready to work in various weather conditions and bring their equipment with them while they are on location at all times.

Deliverable/output

Following the performance of the tasks outlined in the Scope of Work above, the writer/editors are expected to deliver the following outputs: 

The writer is expected to submit the following outputs for writing assignments per callfor every request.

• Rough notes
• Draft write-up
• Edited write-up after incorporating feedbacks from assigning officer.

The editor is expected to submit the following outputs for editing assignments per call.

• Edited write-up after incorporating feedbacks from assigning officer.

The translator is expected to submit the following outputs for editing assignments per call.

• Main write up in original language
• Draft translated write-up
• Final translated write-up after incorporating feedbacks from assigning officer.
• Roster / LTA Contracting modality and Call-off mechanism:

Roster / LTA Contracting modality and Call-off mechanism:

• All One or multiple LTAs will be established with the selected candidates will be put on a roster, valid forinitially for a year and can be extended up to 3 years. A candidate will have to select any/every role he/she feels will be able to fulfil. For example, Writer, Editor, Translator, Writer/Editor, Writer/Translator, etc. 
• The LTA(s) to be signed will be an all-inclusive lumpsum amount. The writer/editors/translators will have to propose lumpsum quotes based on
  • Daily rate of services

Please note that the writers/editors/translators will have to cover all costs including internet and equipment costs. UNDP will not be liable for these costs.

• UNDP does not warrant any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming needs.
• Once the LTA is signed, if there is a specific requirement/event/meeting to be covered, the focal person in the UNDP hiring unit would contact the top-ranking LTA holder (ranking to be set up as per evaluation method and criteria section below). Should this consultant not be available for the assignment, UNDP will contact the second ranked consultant and so on.
• Upon receipt of this communication, the LTA writer/editor/translator would have to confirm their availability for the assignment. If positive, s/he would inform UNDP of the expected travel/lodging costs (if applicable if the event requires travel). Upon review of the same, UNDP will send the writer/editor/translator a written communication confirming the requirement in the form of a work order or purchase order sent by email.

The order will include details on the location of the event, number of hours/days for work and other practical details. Price in the order will be based on lumpsum fee included in the LTA contract and on the agreed travel costs.

After the work order has been sent, no further costs would be reimbursed by UNDP (increased number of workdays/hours, or increased travel costs) unless there is prior written authorization by UNDP. The successful IC will be given 2-3 days’1 week notice prior to the scheduled event.

• After the work order has been sent, no further costs would be reimbursed by UNDP (increased outputs, or increased travel costs) unless there is prior written authorization by UNDP.
• Once the services are completed and have been approved by the hiring unit, the consultant will send the following for payment purposes:
  • complete invoice indicating number of pages and travel costs (if any);
  • supporting documentation (bills/vouchers) for reimbursements of travel costs if applicable;
  • copy of the UNDP order for the assignment.
• The roster may also be used by UNDP HR team to select consultants on National Professional Service Agreements (NPSA). Those contracts will be based on the time-input provided by the selected consultants. The fee under NPSA modality will follow the pre-defined remuneration scale prescribed by NPSA policy.

Contract management:

UNDP will regularly monitor the performance of these LTA holders, based on the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• KPI 1: Responsiveness: Writer/editor should respond and confirm their availability for the event within 1 day of UNDP’s notification by email.
• KPI 2: Timeliness of submission of reports to UNDP
• KPI 3: Quality of reports are as per work order submitted.
• KPI 4: Accuracy of payment documentation: Writer/editor/translator shall provide complete payment documentation including accurate invoices with correct quantities, unit price, complete travel bills/vouchers for reimbursement, etc.
• KPI 5: Communication and Reporting: Writer/editor/translator shall communicate and provide reports in a timely and professional manner

UNDP would may conduct performance reviews of these LTAs every six (6) months, which might include meetings with the LTA holders and feedback from other stakeholders.

If the consultant fails to meet UNDP’s performance requirements detailed above, s/he will receive in the first instance a warning to improve their performance. Continued failure to meet performance requirements may result in termination of the LTA.

Duties and Responsibilities

LTA Objective and Set-up

The overall objective to set up Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with individuals to expedite the process by which UNDP and other UN Agencies in the Bangladesh engage the services of a writer/editor/translator, as the need arises.

DUTY STATION AND TRAVEL

• The consultant will be required to work from within Dhaka and or from their own homes/offices unless requested by UNDP to travel to different locations within Bangladesh.
• For completion of the activities/deliverables under these LTAs, the consultant will be responsible for her/his own equipment, tools or software (i.e., laptop, internet, phone, etc.) and must have access to reliable internet connection.
• The consultant might be required to travel outside their duty station for specific events and would make their own arrangements for travel and lodging.
• Payment of travel costs including tickets (based on economy class ticket only), lodging, etc. should be agreed upon, between UN/UNDP and the consultant prior to travel. 
• All travel related expenses will be reimbursed on actualsactual basis, upon submission of original receipts - air tickets must be most direct.

VALIDITY OF THE ROSTER / LTA

The initial contract would be for one year with an option for renewal in the subsequent years which is contingent on a satisfactory performance evaluation. The roster/LTA will be valid for maximum period of 3 years.

UNDP may issue multiple long term agreements (IC contracts) for selected consultants or National Professional Services Agreement (NPSA) depending upon the need of various projects.  LTA holders are not guaranteed any contract amount during the validity of the LTA, and engagement will be on an on-callneed- basis.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The writer/editors/translator must have required hardware and software packages, and internet access for carrying out the activities required under this assignment and shall report to the Project Manager of the hiring unit or his/ her authorized representative/s.

All submissions for the release of payments shall have final soft copies of the edited products as agreed. The final output will be reviewed by the assigning officer, who will provide comments and endorsement of the output.

Competencies

Core competencies

• Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility:  Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:  Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
• Must be detail-oriented
• Has excellent analytic skills especially in understanding complex information to produce evidence-based comparisons and conclusions.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required.
• 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 and technical competencies

• Brand & quality management: Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality.
• Writing and editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages.
• Creative direction and copywriting: Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way.
• Multimedia writing/editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia.

Required Skills and Experience

Junior Specialist:

• At least graduation/diploma in literature or a relevant discipline
• Minimum 2-8-8 years of experience
• At least 1 year experience of working in development/humanitarian documentation.

Specialist:

• At least graduation/diploma in literature or a relevant discipline
• Minimum 9-15-15 years of experience
• At least 13 year experience of working in development/humanitarian documentation.

Senior Specialist:

• At least graduation/diploma in literature or a relevant discipline
• Minimum 15++  years of experience
• At least 15 year experience of working in development/humanitarian documentation

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual Consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) 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 70% point in technical criteria would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Financial Evaluation (Total 30 marks)

All technical qualified proposals will be scored out 30 based on the formula provided below. The maximum points (30) will be assigned to the lowest financial proposal. All other proposals received points according to the following formula:

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.

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 output, i.e. upon delivery 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).

Financial Proposal

• The Candidate must send an all-inclusive financial proposal for daily rates in Bangladeshi Taka.
• The contractor must include in the computation of the contract price all fees, inclusive of professional fees; coordination and communication costs; rental cost of equipment; taxes; etc.
• 100% Payment will be made based on submission and acceptance of final product.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
• 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;
• Portfolio, including:
  • For writer:
    • At least 3 articles or write-ups on any three of the following topics
    • Climate Change and resilience
    • Urban poverty
    • Gender and inclusion
    • Environment
    • Youth
    • Culture and festivals
    • A collection of writeups that the writer feels is reflective of his/her skills.
  • For editor:   
    • At least 3 sample eEditing work including original drafts and final edited versions on any three of the following topics
    • Climate Change and resilience
    • Urban poverty
    • Gender and inclusion
    • Environment
    • Youth
    • Culture and festivals
  • For translator:
    • At least 3 sample tTranslation works including original drafts and final edited translated versions on any three of the following topics
    • Climate Change and resilience
    • Urban poverty
    • Gender and inclusion
    • Environment
    • Youth
    • Culture and festivals
• Award list, a list of international and national awards including links to the awarded submission.
• Financial Proposal: Financial Proposal has to be submitted through a standard interest and availability template which can be downloaded from the link below:

BGD_ Individual Contract_Offerors Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability.docx (live.com)