Jobs - 91801- Consultancy for International Research

Consultancy for International Research - SDGs and Awqaf

Location :

Riyadh - Home Based, SAUDI ARABIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

20-May-20 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 - 14 Weeks

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

Project Description

Awqaf – Islamic endowments – have been a central form of social finance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for centuries. Awqaf have been used to fund, on a perpetual basis, institutions and projects that support poverty alleviation, education, health care, and numerous other social objectives.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) have identified Awqaf as an important source of sustainable financing for the National Transformation Plan (NTP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In partnership, UNRCO and ICD envision undertaking a strategic study on the potential of Awqaf in the KSA for SDG financing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The International Researcher (IR) will undertake relevant literature search, provide reference and background documents and draft two chapters of the study and will contribute to other sections.

The consultant will also contribute to the Recommendations chapter, Executive Summary, and Conclusion as required to reflect his or her chapters.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Deliverables/ Outputs	Estimated Duration to Complete	Target Due Dates	Review and Approvals Required
Workplan for delivering results Based on the ToRs, and in consultation with the SDCO, prepare a workplan for delivering results.	1 week	Within 1 week of start date	Senior Advisor with EC Secretariat
Draft and Final version of Chapter II: Context and Introduction Objectives of the study The importance and urgency of the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs The importance of Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Plans The KSA’s commitment to the SDGs Prior research (light literature review) on Awqaf and social development The unique contribution(s) of the current study The Sponsors’ (UN and ICD) commitment to the SDGs	4 – 6 weeks	TBD	Senior Advisor with EC Secretariat
Chapter IV: Draft and Final version of Framework for SDG alignment Introduce framework for SDG and Vision 2030 alignment of Awqaf on three levels: The purpose of the Waqf; The projects of the Waqf; and The investments of the Waqf (when relevant). Discuss the alignment of purpose through Waqf charters and registration Discuss the alignment of projects though UN tools on SDG impact measurement Discuss the alignment of investments through UN principles and frameworks	4 – 6 weeks	TBD	Senior Advisor with EC Secretariat
Other contributions to overall report Contribute to the Recommendations chapter, Executive Summary, and Conclusion to reflect Chapters II and IV. Participate in reviews of the full report when ready, including possible working sessions with the Advisory Committee or Executive Committee Amend relevant chapters of the report as needed through rounds of feedback from the Advisory Board and Executive Committee	2 - 4 weeks	TBD	Senior Advisor with EC Secretariat

Competencies

Experience & Skills:

Expertise in the SDGs and sustainable finance;
Familiarity with the Waqf sector, Islamic finance, or philanthropy more broadly;
Excellent writing and communication skills (English-language);
Strong experience in qualitative and quantitative research;
Demonstrated ability to source and analyze information and data (English-language) from published reports and data;
Expertise in conducting stakeholder interviews to generate qualitative findings;
Strong project management skills; and
A proven ability to effectively work independently.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications of the Successful Individual Contractor

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in in economics, finance, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Language:

Fluency in English is required, as the report is in English.
Fluency in Arabic is highly preferred, as reference documents may not always be available in English.
Working knowledge of other languages in which Awqaf research is conducted is desirable to the extent that such documents may be referenced as international practices.