UNDP Jobs - 74487- Project Management Consultant

Project Management Consultant - National

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

23-Oct-2017

Application Deadline :

23-Sep-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 Months - starting Mid October 2017

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 Months (with posiibility of extension)

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.

Background

BACKGROUND

The Parliament of Sri Lanka is the apex representative body that exercises the legislative power of the People as recognized by the Constitution. Despite its impressive historical tradition, early achievements and a clear constitutional mandate, Parliament started facing challenges with regard to its authority, capacity and performance since the introduction of the executive presidency in 1978. Parliament has a pivotal role in the democratic governance of the country, with wide ranging duties and responsibilities in legislative, oversight and representative functions. The capacity of Parliament needs to be strengthened to fulfil its constitutional mandate to achieve the vision and objectives of a vibrant democracy.

Noteworthy changes have led to reinforcing the centrality of Parliament. These include the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, introduction in December 2015 of Sectoral Oversight Committees and a Committee on Public Finance to the Parliamentary structure, and the appointment of a Constitutional Assembly. The changes that have been initiated on the governance front provide a critical opportunity to support Parliament to transform itself into a well-developed institution.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka supports inclusive and effective democratic governance by advocating, advising, fostering impartial spaces for dialogue, facilitating consensus, and supporting the strengthening of institutions. UNDP provided technical assistance to the Parliament of Sri Lanka from 2003-2008. In September 2015, the Parliament’s leadership made a request to UNDP to consider initiating, in partnership with the Parliament, a fully-fledged programme aimed at strengthening the institution and developing its internal capacities, together with coordinating parliamentary support activities by other development partners and implementing agencies.

The UNDP Project “Consolidating Sri Lankan democracy and sustaining peace through parliamentary strengthening” (also referred to as the Parliamentary Development Support Project) is based upon a situational and needs assessment and identification of strategic priorities through preliminary consultations with key parliamentary leaders and officials as well as other stakeholders. The Project’s expected outcome is, “Parliament is strengthened to perform its core legislative, oversight and representational functions with increased effectiveness, transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation.” Seven key outputs have been identified towards this end, focusing on the following areas: strengthening the Parliamentary committee system; strengthening Parliamentary procedure and practice; public outreach, and citizens’ engagement in the legislative process; strengthening legislative and administrative processes; and increasing women’s legislative representation and participation in decision-making.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

UNDP is looking to recruit a Project Management Consultant (hereafter referred to as “Consultant“), who is expected to be responsible for the effective management of the Project and achievement of outputs. He/she will have the responsibility to run the project on a day-to-day basis, on behalf of and within the parameters outlined by the Project Board. He/she will provide leadership and a supervisory role to the project team supporting Parliament. The Consultant also has the opportunity to provide technical assistance to Parliament, in line with his/her areas of specialized knowledge and expertise, as relevant.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

On all substantive and technical issues, the Consultant is expected to seek the guidance of and work in close consultation with the Secretary General of Parliament, as well as UNDP Sri Lanka’s Policy Specialist (Governance and Peace-building). The Consultant will ultimately report to, and be supervised by, the said Policy Specialist (Governance and Peace-building).

The project assurance role has been delegated by the Project Board to UNDP’s Governance and Peace-building Cluster.? The Consultant will be expected to liaise and work in close consultation with the Programme Manager and other members of the said Cluster for project assurance purposes. Policy specialists and technical advisors in UNDP and other UN agencies in-country, as well as regional and global experts, can be called upon to assist the Project with policy/technical advisory services, as and when required.

In the event of changes in context, strategies, results framework, project priorities, financial resources, UNDP management structures, etc., the project management, supervisory and/or quality assurance arrangements may be revised to ensure the achievement of Project results. This will be communicated to the Consultant in writing.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables

Effective and efficient management of the Project:

Taking responsibility for overall performance and delivery of outputs and results as per the project document and/or Project Board decisions. This includes programme planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring. It is critical to consult and seek the guidance of the Secretary General of Parliament and UNDP Sri Lanka’s Policy Specialist (Governance and Peace Building) on substantive issues. The Consultant will be expected to inter alia;

Provide leadership and a supervisory role to the project implementation team;
Lead and facilitate coordination efforts with other implementing partners providing support to Parliament;
Lead the preparation of annual and quarterly work plans, in consultation with the Secretary General of Parliament, UNDP and ultimately the Project Board;
Prepare and consolidate the overall budget, monitor expenditure in accordance with UNDP financial rules and cost-recovery policies, and implement adequate internal control;
Prepare budgets, budget forecasts, budget revisions and financial reports;
Ensure compliance of programme and operations activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies; implementation of programme and operations strategies; establishment of management targets; and monitoring of the achievement of results;
Apply principles of gender and social inclusion as cross-cutting factors in every aspect of project implementation and management;
Analyse and identify any issue that requires the attention of the Project Board and/or UNDP, and prepare succinct briefs for discussion;
Monitor the day-to-day progress of the project based on work plans. Regularly update the risk log, human resource plan and procurement plan;
With the support of the UNDP Country Office, oversee all the recruitment and procurement needs of the project as per approved human resource and procurement plans;
Manage the selection of appropriate government and civil society partners in the implementation of the project. Monitor the work of sub-contractors to ensure the delivery of quality work;
Prepare annual and quarterly progress reports as well as other reports for the Project Board, UNDP, development partners and other stakeholders, as required;
Organize regular Project Board meetings in consultation with the Secretary General and UNDP Country Office, and ensure the implementation of the Project Board’s decisions;
Based on the M&E framework in the project document and strategic planning exercises, help develop and refine indicators, baselines and targets for the effective implementation of the project.

Facilitate technical assistance and knowledge management:

Source technical assistance and policy advice through UNDP Sri Lanka Country Office and UNDP Regional Hub;
The Consultant has the opportunity to provide technical assistance to Parliament, in line with his/her areas of specialized knowledge and expertise, as relevant;
Ensure synergies between the project and other UNDP/UN programmes/projects;
Facilitate knowledge-building and management. Ensure that project lessons learned and best practices are captured and documented to inform project management decisions, as well as wider policies and programmes;
Analyse results and lessons learned, and recommend strategies for improved delivery of project outputs and results.

Advocacy and rapport-building with Parliament and the Secretariat:

Maintain regular communication and coordination with the Parliamentary Secretariat to implement project activities in a timely manner. Facilitate a good working relationship and collaboration between Parliament and UNDP;
Facilitate and support capacity-building;
Facilitate the development of linkages and collaboration between the Sri Lanka Parliament and Parliaments of other countries;
Participate in meetings, workshops, seminars, etc., organized by Parliament, as required.

Partnership-building and resource mobilization:

Represent the project and develop partnerships with government institutions, UN Agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector, etc., with a view to achieving the results of the project;
Assist the Parliament Secretariat in ensuring all development partners supporting Parliament plan their activities and outputs around a common results framework and annual work plan;
Consolidate results from the assistance provided by all development partners within a common results framework;
Ensure the formulation and implementation of a M&E framework that measures quantitative as well as qualitative results, including outcomes and impact of the activities that have been carried out by key development partners assisting Parliament;
Support the mobilization of resources from traditional and non-traditional development partners.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the consultancy is 12 months, starting mid-October 2017, with the possibility of extension.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective consultant should have:

COMPETENCIES

a) Technical Competencies

A good understanding of the governance structure and systems in the country;
Sound project management and coordination skills;
Knowledge of human and financial resources management, procurement, and general administration;
Leads teams effectively and demonstrates mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Theoretical and/or practical knowledge (preferably both) of Parliamentary procedure and practice would be a distinct advantage;
Strong analytical skills;
Strong verbal and written English communication skills.

b) Partnerships

Proven networking, team building, organizational and communications skills;
Ability to engage effectively with Parliamentary leadership;
Ability to engage effectively with other implementing agencies supporting/linked to Parliament, including government institutions, other UN agencies, multilateral and bilateral development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, etc;
Ability to build strong relationships with all partners, focusing on impact and results for the client.

c) Results

Ability to lead strategic planning, and results-based management and reporting;
Promotes knowledge management in Parliament, and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant practice areas, and applies newly acquired skills.

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in political science, social sciences, public administration, law, development studies or other relevant field.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 year’s relevant work experience managing and/or coordinating programs/projects;
Experience in Parliament, parliamentary development support and/or policy reform processes will be an advantage;
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, effectively manage a team, and motivate its members and other project counterparts to effectively work towards the project’s expected outputs and outcomes;
Good communication skills, and competence to handle the project’s internal and external relations at all levels;
Familiarity and prior experience in working in accordance with policies and guidelines of UNDP or a similar development agency is an asset.

Language Proficiency:

Fluency in English, including excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as a working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is essential.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief description on how you will approach and conduct the work;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: procurement.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR

Amount in words:

(Rs).

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station), honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. ?Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Policy Specialist (Governance and Peace-building).

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

Deliverable 1: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 1st phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 2: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 2nd phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 3: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 3rd phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 4: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 4th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 5: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 5th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 6: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 6th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 7: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 7th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 8: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 8th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 9: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 9th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%);

Deliverable 10: Payment against all-inclusive lump sum, upon the submission of a brief report of 10th phase of consultancy, including work outputs, results achieved and recommendations to address challenges (10%).