Background

The UN’s journey towards their own operational climate neutrality began officially on 5th June 2007, when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon publicly called on all UN agencies, funds and programmes to ‘go green’ and become climate neutral. Driven initially by the UN initiative “Greening the Blue”[1], with an interest to promote climate neutrality within the UN, the focus was largely on addressing associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Sustainable UN facility in collaboration with sustainability focal points in about 60 UN entities and the HLCM procurement network has extended the focus area onto other critically important purchasing categories as well including the focus on resource depletion and eco- and human-toxicity in the procurement in the context of procurements for the health sector.

UN informal Interagency Task Team on Sustainable Procurement in the Health Sector (SPHS) was established in May 2012 with an aim to leverage the normative mandate and joint procurement volume of participating UN agencies to influence the global health aid market towards reducing its environmental footprint, particularly through the introduction of green procurement criteria. In 2014 global health financing institutions have been approached to join forces in introducing environmental safeguarding policies and green procurement criteria, thereby further strengthening the purchasing power within the global health aid market and SPHS members now include UNDP, UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNHCR, UNEP, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNITAID and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. The cumulative purchasing power of SPHS members in the global health aid market is about USD 5 billion annually.

The ability of the SPHS to effectively address the challenge of sustainable procurement hinges on its ability to galvanize collective engagement among public, private and non-profit stakeholders. With an increased engagement with key stakeholders, a number of communication and information related gaps have been identified within the SPHS which need to be addressed, including the necessity of a space for SPHS members to share documents, reports and other content and the necessity of an informal communication channel on the topic of green procurement between SPHS members and key stakeholders from the global market for health aid. Arising from these needs and circumstances, the SPHS Secretariat is seeking the services of a consultant who will focus on the following tasks:

1. Understanding Phase 3 business requirements. Consultant will work with the developer company to ensure that the business requirements are accurately understood and addressed as development work is conducted, and as the new tools and features are tested and implemented.
2. Providing inputs for additional development and enhancements to the SPHS integrated Website/CMS platform. Our integrated platform serves as a knowledge-hub and forum for information sharing between SPHS, SPHS Members, health sector suppliers, and the general public. Apart from addressing external parties and the interested public on the topic of sustainable procurement in the market for global health aid, the website and integrated tool platform is used to meet SPHS members’ demand for internal information and knowledge-sharing as well as SPHS demand for internal content management. At the time that the current project begins, the SPHS Website/CMS (www.savinglivesustainably.org) phase 2 will have recently been launched. However, various system enhancements and features will be added to the platform as part of phase 3.
   • Track project scope, quality, and time as the Developer company implements new tools and features for the SPHS website, integrated online map, administrative CMS console, customer relationship management database, Document Management Tool and Online Engagement Tool. While the Developer Company will create and manage the Project Plan and assign deliverable dates and resources from their side, the Consultant will also track from the SPHS side.
   • Risk analysis and escalation. Consultant will identify and document any development items that may cause problems to the project; for example, any development items that may be infeasible as envisioned in the requirements document. He/she will identify and document/discuss these issues as early as possible in the project, escalate them to Management on the Developer and SPHS-sides, and obtain agreements between SPHS and the Developer Company on feasible workaround technology solutions to address the business needs.
   • Development issue tracking and resolution. Consultant will work with SPHS and the Developer to mutually identify and track/manage issues and requested development adaptations for Phase 3 as development progresses within an ‘Issue Management Log’, or similar tracking mechanism.
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3. Test the new tools and functions as they are developed and implemented to ensure that the Development work accurately meets the business need as envisioned by SPHS, and documented within the business and technical requirements document. Consultant will ensure that the developed tools and functions perform as expected, through consultation from SPHS team.
   • Work with the developer to ensure the CRM, DM and OET tools are configured properly to meet the needs of end-users. Ensure a fully compatible system implementation that optimizes programming, management and communication needs of the SPHS secretariat.
      
4. Identify gaps in the Developer training resources. The Developer Company will supply the training and guidance notes (such as technical SOPs and standard system/tool training guides) by the end of the project, and the consultant will identify any gaps, document them, and notify the developer and SPHS team so that these gaps can be filled by the end of the project.
    
5. Follow-up to Phase 2 Work: 
   • Consultant will interface with Phase 2 Composity developers to make bug and configuration change requests under the Phase 2 support contract. He/she will confirm that configuration issues and bugs are resolved on schedule and oversee the developer team’s progress in making scheduled changes.
   • Ensure continued successful adoption of the Phase 2 SPHS Website/CMS tools and functions. Consultant will work with the SPHS Secretariat to adapt the Phase 2 tools and reports; helping them to integrate the tools into their work by conferring with the Composity Developers and the Phase 2 user guides / training resources. All IT solutions need to optimize the SPHS programming, management and communication needs in an integrated way. The consultant is expected to work with the SPHS team to ensure that the currently implemented technical platform and tools are adopted successfully by SPHS, and will explore options to integrate the tools in the most optimal way.
6. Assess practical applications and the effectiveness of the enhancements and tools deployed in Phase 3 in meeting the business needs of the SPHS.

The HHD Team at the IRH is seeking the services of a consultant, with a focus on project management and business analysis, supplemented with experience in organizational and/or technical testing and training to support the SPHS Secretariat.

References:

[1]. http://www.greeningtheblue.org/

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the SPHS Coordinator, the Consultant will:

• Ensure completeness of business/technical specifications for their delivery to the Developer and according to Developer needs.

• At project inception, facilitate review sessions between the Developer and SPHS of the business/technical specifications, to ensure that the requirements are understood, and to identify and document items that may cause problems to the project. Anything not feasible to be developed as envisioned by SPHS will be documented and technical workaround solutions will be discovered and documented/agreed with all parties.

• Update the business/technical specifications document to reflect the outcomes of the project inception review sessions, including adaptations of the original requirements to include technical workarounds to meet business needs.  Deliver the updated document to SPHS and the Developer team.

Follow-up to Phase 2 Work:

• Consultant will interface with Phase 2 Composity developers to make bug and configuration change requests under the Phase 2 support contract. He/she will confirm that configuration issues and bugs are resolved on schedule and oversee the developer team’s progress in making scheduled changes.
• Ensure continued successful adoption of the Phase 2 SPHS Website/CMS tools and functions. Consultant will work with the SPHS Secretariat to adapt the Phase 2 tools and reports; helping them to integrate the tools into their work by conferring with the Composity Developers and the Phase 2 user guides and training resources.
• Track project scope, quality, and time as the Developer implements new tools and features for the SPHS website, integrated online map, administrative CMS console, customer relationship management database, Document Management Tool and Online Engagement Tool. Developer will create and manage the Project Plan, and assign deliverable dates and resources from their side, and the Consultant will track in parallel from the SPHS side.
• Develop and manage an issue tracking and resolution log. Consultant will work with SPHS and the Developer to identify, track and manage issues and requested development adaptations for Phase 3 as development progresses within an ‘Issue Management Log,’ or similar tracking mechanism.
• Work with SPHS Secretariat and Developer to ensure that available procurement and member/supplier manufacturer data is prepared for import to the OET database tools and available for use in OET reports. 
• Work with SPHS and the Developers to review and test the new Phase 3 tools and functions as the Developers implement them, to ensue that the tools match the business need as envisioned by SPHS within the Business & Technical Requirements Specifications for SPHS Website / Content Management System Development Project, Phase 3. Confirm that the work is configured properly for end-users as they are developed tested and implemented.
• Work with SPHS and Developer to ensure that the guidance notes, technical SOP and training tools adequately meet the needs of the SPHS. This entails making sure that all new tools and features are included adequately in the user manuals, and prompting Developer to add any missing items prior to the end of the project.
• Assess the practical applications and effectiveness of the functions and tools deployed in Phase 3 in addressing the SPHS business needs in customer relationship management, document management and with the online engagement tool, and its success as an integrated knowledge-sharing platform for SPHS, SPHS Members, Suppliers, and the public.

Deliverables:
Ensure completeness of business/technical specifications for delivery to the Developer and according to Developer needs. 

1. Review Developer-created Project Management Plan with the Development Company.
2. Facilitate technical/business requirements review sessions with the Developer Company and SPHS to ensure the business requirements are understood, and to identify and document any items that may cause problems to the project.
   • Discuss with Developer any items not feasible for development as envisioned by SPHS. Document these and share with SPHS.
   • Discuss with Developer Company the proposed technical workaround solutions; document these and seek agreement by all parties.
   • Update the business/technical specifications document to reflect the outcomes of the project inception review sessions, including adaptations of the original requirements to include technical workarounds to meet business needs as just described.  Deliver the updated document to SPHS and the Developer team.
3. Review Developer updates to: a). new website pages, user registration, and login capability to include registration and login capability for specific types of website users and site user and registration integrated with LinkedIn b). configuration and design/user-experience of SPHS Website and Administrative CMS console, and c). user-friendliness and user navigation experience of the integrated online map and its integration with registered users data on the website and their records in the CRM.
4. Review Developer updates to the design and function of the Customer Relationship Management tool.
5. Review Developer updates to website user tracking and trend analysis, including segmented reporting on tool and website activities and behavior by each user group.
6. Review Development of Document Management Tool for SPHS’ external Members and improved existing DM tools for internal system Administrators.
7. Review Flexible Questionnaire development and enhancements to the design/function of the existing questionnaire.
8. Review integration of Questionnaire versions with OET database reports, and development of new OET report functions that will ‘read’ and provide analytical data comparing questionnaire scores across time and across questionnaire versions.
9. Work with SPHS & Developer to ensure that procurement and member/supplier contact raw data is prepared for import to the OET database tool.  
10. Review enhancements to the Online Engagement Tool and reports.
11. Review mobile-device compatible pages and page functions. 
12. Identify any gaps in the Phase 3 training resources. Consultant will identify any special needs or gaps in the training materials created by the Developer and track them to their resolution by the Developer Company.
13. Development of specifications for any required follow up consulting work (as applies) for the further development and implementation of the above.
14. Report on the main tasks, results obtained and lessons learned in the project. In the report, assess the practical applications and effectiveness of the functions and tools deployed in Phase 3 in addressing the SPHS business needs in customer relationship management, document management and with the online engagement tool, and its success as an integrated knowledge-sharing platform for SPHS, SPHS Members, Suppliers, and the public.

Payment:

Payments will be conducted per successful delivery of deliverables in the following order:

• Payment 1 - Delivery 1 – (March 2018)
• Payment 2 - Deliverables 2-3 (April 2018)
• Payment 3 - Delivery 4 (May 2018)
• Payment 4 - Delivery 5 (June 2018)
• Payment 5 - Delivery 6 (July 2018)
• Payment 6 - Delivery 7 (August 2018)
• Payment 7 - Delivery 8 (September 2018)
• Payment 8 - Deliveries 9 & 10 – payment 8 (October 2018)
• Payment 9 - Deliveries 11 (November 2018)
• Payment 10 - Delivery 12 (December 2018)
• Payment 11 - Deliveries 13 -15 (payable, January 2019)

More detailed monthly work plans on the delivery of above specified deliverables may be agreed upon with the Supervisor in writing. Payments will be made upon submitted satisfactory progress report against deliverables as approved by the Supervisor.

Travel: No travel is anticipated under this consultancy. 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.

Timeframe: The consultant’s assignment is expected to last 110 working days, completed over the period from May 2018 – March 2019.

Evaluation:

Applicants will be screened against qualifications and competencies specified above through a desk review. Applicants will be evaluated based on: Cumulative analysis method that combines the results of technical and financial evaluation results. The award of the contract should 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.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Evaluation Criteria (maximum 70 points):  

• Criteria 1: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, technical management or related area. A first-level university degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) in combination with at least two additional years experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree – Maximum points 5

• Criteria 2:  4+ years experience as a Project Manager for technical projects – Maximum points 15
   
• Criteria 3:  4+ years experience in a Business Analysis role or similar. Experience matching business/technical requirements specifications documentation to implemented system configuration - Maximum points 15
   
• Criteria 4:  2+ years experience as a Tester, working directly with Developers as they implement business and technical requirements specifications – Maximum points 15

• Criteria 5:  2+ years experience developing training materials and technical guidance notes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical training guides/documentation – Maximum points 15

• Criteria 6:  Fluency and ability to communicate and perform complex tasks in English (as per submitted writing sample) – Maximum points 5

Financial Evaluation Criteria (maximum 30 points)

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

Competencies

Professionalism:

Demonstrated ability and knowledge in the design and management of websites and complex information management systems. Is conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Technological awareness:

Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, technical management or related area. A first-level university degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) in combination with at least two additional years experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Additional qualifications (courses, diplomas) from relevant areas will be regarded as an asset.

Experience:

• 4+ years experience as a Project Manager for technical projects. Project Manager certification/s a plus.

• 4+ years experience in a Business Analysis role or similar. Experience matching business/technical requirements specifications documentation to implemented system configuration. Business Analysis certification/s a plus.

• 2+ years experience as a Tester, working directly with Developers as they implement business and technical requirements specifications. Experience identifying gaps between requirements and implemented system functionality; developing technical issue management logs and tracking and coordinating with the developer work to their successful resolution.

• 2+ years experience developing training materials and technical guidance notes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical training guides/documentation.

Language skills:

• Fluency and ability to communicate and perform complex tasks in English

• Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of other regional languages would be an asset.