Background

1. BACKGROUND

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 (UN), the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU) conducted a Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment, which was endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers in mid-2015.

The United Nations Development Programme (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, established partnerships, and started in 2015 through the Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (RPP). The RPP is a multi-donor funded framework programme formulated and led by the UNDP in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and in cooperation with a number of partnering UN agencies (UN Women, FAO, UNFPA).

The RPP was designed to respond to, and mitigate, the causes and effects of the conflict. It is based on findings of the Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment (RPA) and is aligned to the State Target Programme for Recovery as well as to the two oblast development strategies up to 2020. 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. It is an integral component of the UNDP Country Programme and is therefore fully aligned with the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPF). It is closely interlinked with the Democratic Governance and Reform Programme, operating nationally and in all of Ukraine’s regions, and is consistent with the SDGs, in particular SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong institutions).

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

Component 1: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure

Component 2: Local Governance and Decentralization Reform

Component 3: Community Security and Social Cohesion.

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. It is a unifying interventions framework for 16 projects funded by 10 international partners and is worth about 55 million USD.

In October 2018, four UN agencies (UNDP, UN Women, FAO and the UNFPA) have countersigned a new joint project document, funded by the EU. The overall objective of the project is to restore effective governance and promote reconciliation in the crisis-affected communities of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, thereby enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of local governments in the government-controlled areas (GCAs) of the regions. It will contribute to peace build and prevent further escalation of conflict in Ukraine through effective and accountable decentralization, gender-responsive recovery planning and equal access to services, as well as enhanced community security and social cohesion.

This endeavor will be achieved through the pursuit of the following specific objectives:

1.          To enhance local capacity for gender-responsive decentralization and administrative reforms to improve governance, local development and the delivery of services.

2.          To stimulate employment and economic growth by assisting to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development through demand-driven business development services and professional skills training.

3.          To enhance social cohesion and reconciliation through promotion of civic initiatives.

4.          To support sector reforms and structural adjustments in health, education and critical public infrastructure to mitigate direct impacts of the conflict.

One of the priorities of the project in that regard is to support the process of development strategic planning by hromadas, whereas communities shape their future and determine the stages of its achievement. It involves identifying available resources and related favorable development factors. This process involves the elaboration of strategic documents, which play an important role in the development of the hromadas not only seeking to attract new private sector investments, but also to develop their infrastructure, create conditions for efficient land use and work towards addressing environmental problems.

Duties and Responsibilities

2. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

UNDP is looking to contract a consultant to design the Social-Economic Development Strategy for Ol`hynka Amalgamated Hromada (prospective) (further – Strategy).  The consultant will also elaborate the Implementation Plan of the mentioned Strategy (IPDS). Finally, the consultant is expected to apply the yearly local Program of Social and Economic Development (PSED) to the goals of the newly elaborated Strategy in close cooperation with local administration, UNDP and other relevant stakeholders.

It is envisaged that the consultant will perform its duties according to the following framework:

1. Related workplans, timeframes, methodologies and relevant data assessment should be agreed with UNDP;
2. The elaboration of the Strategy, as well as the IPDS of the mentioned strategy will be provided according to the methodology. This also should consider the relevant legislation of Ukraine governing the decentralization processes, as well as international standards and regulations, including the integration of UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Integrate human rights and gender equality into the analysis and development of targets, baselines and indicators in the Strategy;
3. Final documents and presentation of the Strategy, IPDS and PSED should be approved by the UNDP.

For better cooperation with the National Experts on Strategic Planning, covering all target hromadas, a Working Group (WG) of Experts will be established by the UNDP and will be coordinated by the National Expert on Socio-Economic Strategic Planning Coordination. The main purpose of the WG of Experts is to provide an effective exchange of the experiences of the target hromadas under the RPP Decentralization and Governance Component.

The consultant will prepare methodological recommendations for the “Guidelines for the application of the Theory of Change approach in Strategic Planning for Amalgamated Hromadas” and to provide them to UNDP for the further preparation of the handbook for the Hromadas.

3. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant is expected to perform according to the suggested scope of the work framework, however, the consultant may suggest his own methodology. The framework is as follows:

1. Preparatory activities.
2. Assess the socio-economic situation of the target territory.
3. Develop and agree with National Expert`s Coordinator on Social-Economic Strategic Planning as well as with UNDP a complete methodology for the assignment implementation (elaboration of socio-economic development strategies) in selected community, including: 1) integration of gender-based and vulnerability-based data, 2) a mechanism of sharing the planning results at local, regional and national levels.
4. Draft a "situational analysis" as part of the strategic planning process based on existing UNDP analytical documents (document analyses on local socio-economic development) in selected ATH (partner community).
5. Conduct strategic sessions and workshops with stakeholders, resulting in a strategic plan that is widely accepted by the stakeholders.
6. Finalize activities.
7. Contribute to the development of “Guidelines for the Theory of Change Application in Strategic Planning of Amalgamated Hromadas”.

1. Preparatory activities

The consultant will take part in the WG of Experts, which will be initiated, organized and conducted by the UNDP in order to discuss a common algorithm of actions/activities and expected/obtained results.

The consultant will develop and agree with the UNDP on detailed methodology of the strategy designing process of Ol`hynka Amalgamated Hromada (prospective) together with the IPDS, while taking into account gender-based aspects and approaches aimed at ensuring human rights and environmental safety. Additionally, the consultant will develop an expert work schedule with specific activities, expected results and success indicators.

It is also expected that the consultant will provide all necessary support to the local authorities in the official launching and approval of the project`s activities in the hromada (i.e. the preparation of all necessary documents, letters, provision of technical support, etc.).

The consultant will provide support to the basic communication activities (questionnaires, booklets, announcements etc.), as well as information campaigns in the community (via media, the Internet, booklets, and announcements). All communication activities should be agreed upon with the UNDP.

2. Assessment of the socio-economic situation of the territory

The consultant will perform a desk research and several rounds of interviews with key stakeholders to understand the current profile of the territory and draft a long list of potential improvement ideas.

The following activities will be performed during this stage:

1. Performing in-depth analyses to define the current hromadas` profile:
   • Current plans of the territory (current budget, perspective directions, existing planning documents and development programs);
   • Economy and job structure;
   • Demography;
   • Infrastructure;
   • Major habits prevalent in the territory;
   • Other.
2. PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technical, Environmental, Legal) analysis, including:

• Political cluster analysis to map precise authority regulations and policy;
• Economical cluster study to identify people’s income and the ways it is generated; assess authority’s financial capabilities; analyze the structure of the hromadas` economy and jobs, skills available by workforce, and the wealth/income situation of citizens;
• Social cluster examination to specify demographic and cultural aspects (i.e.., living conditions, education, consumer debt and labor, tourism development, and cultural offerings, such as heritage);
• Technological analysis to determine the level of technological developments and assess the status of infrastructure and industrial structures;
• Environmental cluster study to consider the local, national and international environmental issues in terms of infrastructure advancements.
• Legal cluster analysis to understand national legislation in terms of city development.

1. Creating a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threads) profile of the territory;
2. Creating a long list of new ideas for the territory for the next five years, including ideas on potential mission/vision statements.

3. Conducting strategy sessions/workshops with stakeholders to arrive at a commonly accepted strategy.

During the second stage of the project the consultant will create and coordinate with the UNDP’s Working Group on Strategy Development (WGSD) in the hromada, which will consist of all relevant stakeholders.

At least eight meetings of the working group will be conducted to:  

1. formulate and discuss forecasts and scenarios of hromadas` development;
2. formulate a strategic vision of the hromadas;
3. prepare a draft structure of strategic and operational goals and objectives of the Strategy;
4. prepare a list of the priority development projects that meet the objectives of the Strategy, as well as the draft project forms;  
5. develop a draft of IPDS of the hromadas;
6. develop a draft of PSED, applied to the goals of the Strategy;
7. elaborate Strategy’s monitoring system;
8. approve the final versions of the Strategy, IPDS and PSED;
9. consider other necessary topics for discussion.

Minutes of the WGSD meetings, including a descriptive report of the events and list of the participants, will be submitted to the National Expert on Strategic Planning Coordination.

4. Finalizing activities

Phase 4 of the Strategy will be compiled and presented to the hromada at public hearings. It is expected that the consultant will provide all necessary support to local administration in conducting the aforementioned public hearings. The consultant will organize the collection of the feedback. After the feedback will be collected, needed changes (if any) will be implemented in the document.

Additionally, the consultant will develop and provide the UNDP with written guidance for the Strategy’s implementation/monitoring and provide technical and methodological advice and recommendations in the initiating and institutionalization of appropriate strategy implementation and monitoring structures (at least 5 pages).

The consultant is expected to provide all necessary support to the local authorities in approval of the documents according to the relevant legislation.

5. Contribution to the “Guidelines for the application of the Theory of Change approach in Strategic Planning for Amalgamated Hromadas”.

The consultant will contribute to the “Guidelines for the application of the Theory of Change approach in Strategic Planning for Amalgamated Hromadas”. Specific issue and requirements of the guidelines will be determined at one of the Community of Experts meetings.  Guidelines provided by the consultant must be approved by the UNDP.

At the end of assignment, the consultant shall prepare a final report with clear description of fulfilled tasks and achieved results, including recommendations on the next steps for further support and development of Ol`hynka Amalgamated Hromada (prospective) to achieve sustainable development. The report must be reviewed and approved by the UNDP’s designated supervisor.

4. DELIVERABLES

5. MONITORING/REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Programme Coordinator and direct supervision of the UNDP Social-Economic Development Specialist. The consultant, through weekly meetings, will report directly to both the UNDP Social-Economic Development Specialist and Programme Coordinator.

The consultant will regularly participate in Project meetings (by Skype) and will share his/her work progress. Moreover, the consultant must provide one Inception Report, three Interim Reports and one Final report - in accordance to the schedule covered in this ToR. Interim Reports will include work progress, as well as issues to be addressed, while the Final Report will include the achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for further actions.

6. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The UNDP will pay the negotiated amount in five tranches according to the following payment schedule:

• the first payment upon submission and approval of the Inception Report (20%);
• the second payment upon submission and approval of the 1st Interim Report (20%);
• the third payment upon submission and approval of the 2nd Interim Report (20%);
• the fourth payment upon submission and approval of the 3rd Interim Report (30%);
• the fifth payment upon submission and approval of the Final Report (10%).

The payments will be paid upon the full completion and acceptance of the contract’s obligations, whereupon the Programme Coordinator signs the certification of acceptance.

Competencies

Competencies of the consultant:

Ethics & Values:

• Demonstrating and promoting the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status.

Organizational Awareness:

• Ability to lead formulation, design, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, RBM and reporting.
• Developing and empowering people; coaching and mentoring:
• Self-development, initiative-taking;

Working in Teams:

• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;

Communicating Information and Ideas:

• Facilitating and encouraging open and effective communication within the team;
• Delivering verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easy-to-understand manner;
• Informed and transparent decision making;
• Accepting responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Treats all people fairly.

Required Skills and Experience

7. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree/Specialist in Management, Law, Marketing, Economics, Social Science or other related fields.
• Proven experience in research, evaluation and development of manuals, in particular in the of elaboration of such documents as: socio-economic development strategies (at least 3 strategies) and/or relevant implementation plans.
• At least 5 years of experience working in or with government structures, civil society organizations or international organization in the economic field.
• Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian.

8. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

9. 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 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.

The consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment, including office accommodations, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copying.

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 in higher class, he/she should do so using their own resources. In cases 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.

10. EVALUATION OF Applicants

• Master’s Degree/Specialist in Management, Law, Marketing, Economics, Social Science or other relevant related fields – Pass/Fail.
• Proven experience in research, evaluation and development of manuals, in particular in the of elaboration of such documents as: socio-economic development strategies (at least 3 strategies) and/or relevant implementation plans – Pass/Fail.
• At least 5 years of experience working in or with government structures, civil society organizations or international organizations in the economic field – Pass/Fail.
• Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian – Pass/Fail.

11. EVALUATION METHOD:

Lowest price and technically compliant offer.

The contract shall be awarded to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as both:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable (fully meeting the TOR’s requirements)

b) offering the lowest price/cost.