Background
UNCDF is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 47 Least Developed Countries (LDC). UNCDF uses its capital mandate to support LDCs pursue inclusive growth. UNCDF also promotes financial inclusion through digital financial services (DFS), as a key enabler of poverty reduction and inclusive growth; and it demonstrates how localizing finance outside the capital cities can accelerate growth in local economies, promote sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure development, and empower local communities. Using capital grants, loans and credit enhancements, UNCDF tests financial models in inclusive finance and local development finance; ‘de-risks’ the local investment space; and provides proofs of concept, paving the way for larger and more risk-averse investors.
Recently, UNCDF has formulated its strategy ‘Leaving no one behind in the digital era’ based on over a decade of experience in digital finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. UNCDF recognizes that reaching the full potential of digital financial inclusion in support of the Sustainable Development Goals aligns with the vision of promoting digital economies that leave no one behind. The vision of UNCDF is to empower millions of people by 2024 to use services daily that leverage innovation and technology and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Please refer to the link for further information: https://www.uncdf.org/article/4931/global-strategy-leaving-no-one-behind-in-the-digital-era.
As part of the strategy, UNCDF has been shaping its work on Innovations globally which is now extending into the emerging topics and building new programming in emerging markets. With the extended body of work specially in emerging geographies like Malaysia, China, India, Singapore, Philippines, among others and in core LDCs.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Management Consultant would work with the Global Innovation Manager with the oversight and tracking of projects and activities. He/She would be liaising closely with country programme teams and other teams to document the donor/UNCDF milestones, keep track of achievements of these milestones, track and update project activities in line with the work-plans, support in the process of project development processes that include RFA, etc. and work on providing update for donor reports, etc.
- Analysing and updating portfolio (2020-2021)
- Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments
- Support the 2021 planning exercise of the Innovations and Emerging Areas project
To meet the above objectives the consultant would undertake the following activities and complete the deliverables. The activities below have been outlined based on some of the broader outcomes that have been outlined above and are only representative and could be more than that.
Month | Category | Activities | Deliverables | # Days (est.) | % |
1 | Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana project management (PM) system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 8 | 10 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 5 | ||
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting under i3 Programme | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | ||
Support the Partnership and/or Procurement Process | Support on organizing/reviewing the partnership and/or procurement pipeline and instrument (RFA, TOR, RFI, etc.) | List of engagement – PPT | 3 | ||
2 | Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Organize training with the team on work planning, project management, etc. | New training provided to project team - PPT | 4 | 7.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 3 | ||
Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Supporting the country teams in the design and appraisal of new projects in the pipeline (at least 6 projects). | One project design document and appraisals reviewed | 2 | ||
Support the Partnership and/or Procurement Process | Support on organizing/reviewing the partnership and/or procurement pipeline and instrument (RFA, TOR, RFI, etc.) | List of engagement – PPT | 3 | ||
3 | Analysing and updating portfolio (2020-2021) | Updating relevant project information with programme teams in the field including updated pipeline and contract tracker. | Project portfolio status report including recommendations for 2021 plan - Word/PPT | 4 | 11.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 4 | ||
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting under i3 Programme | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | ||
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for Semi-Annual report under i3 Programme | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | ||
Provide support to advisory governance | Support the project team in preparation of Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) Meetings | Report for SAB | 4 | ||
4 | Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | 9.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 4 | ||
Support the 2021 planning exercise of the Innovations and Emerging Areas project | Organize the 2021 work planning exercise and consolidating country and global work plans for 2021 | Country and global work plans for 2021 | 10 | ||
Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for the portfolio | Review of existing project design and quality assurance guidelines. Analysing their adequacy to the context of the innovative solutions approach. | Report on existing project design and quality assurance guidelines - Word/PPT | 2 | ||
5 | Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting under i3 Programme and other Donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | 8 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 4 | ||
Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Supporting the country teams in the design and appraisal of new projects in the pipeline. (At least 6 projects). | One project design document and appraisals reviewed | 2 | ||
Support the Partnership and/or Procurement Process | Support on organizing/reviewing the partnership and/or procurement pipeline and instrument (RFA, TOR, RFI, etc.) | List of engagement – PPT | 3 | ||
6 | Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | 3.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 4 | ||
7 | Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting for different donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | 7.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 4 | ||
Support the Partnership and/or Procurement Process | Support on organizing/reviewing the partnership and/or procurement pipeline and instrument (RFA, TOR, RFI, etc.) | List of engagement – PPT | 4 | ||
8 | Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Organize training with the team on work planning, project management, etc. | New training provided to project team - PPT | 3 | 8.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 5 | ||
Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Supporting the country teams in the design and appraisal of new projects in the pipeline. (At least 6 projects). | One project design document and appraisals reviewed | 2 | ||
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting for different donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | ||
9 | Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | 8.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 5 | ||
Support the Partnership and/or Procurement Process | Support on organizing/reviewing the partnership and/or procurement pipeline and instrument (RFA, TOR, RFI, etc.) | List of engagement – PPT | 3 | ||
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for Semi-Annual report for different donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 6 | ||
10 | Provide support to advisory governance | Support the project team in preparation of SAB Meetings | Report for SAB | 5 | 9.5 |
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting for different donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 5 | ||
Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Supporting the country teams in the design and appraisal of new projects in the pipeline. (At least 6 projects). | One project design document and appraisals reviewed | 2 | ||
11 | Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting for different donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | 7.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 5 | ||
Support the Partnership and/or Procurement Process | Support on organizing/reviewing the partnership and/or procurement pipeline and instrument (RFA, TOR, RFI, etc.) | List of engagement – PPT | 3 | ||
12 | Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Organize training with the team on work planning, project management, etc. | New training provided to project team - PPT | 3 | 8.5 |
Analysing and updating portfolio | Mapping ongoing projects under the current Innovations projects portfolio (updated under Asana PM system), assessing the status of existing and planned projects. | Updated Asana System and other tools with milestones, activities, dates, etc. | 3 | ||
Analysing and updating portfolio | Reporting project risks and deviations. Update tracking tools and inform reporting team when relevant action is needed. | Health check reports on project risks and deviations | 5 | ||
Reviewing the project design, quality assurance and project monitoring guidelines for UNCDF´s investments | Supporting the country teams in the design and appraisal of new projects in the pipeline. (At least 6 projects). | One project design document and appraisals reviewed | 2 | ||
Support the Existing Donor Reporting | Compiling country and global information for 6-weekly reporting for different donors | Compilation of Information - Word/PPT | 4 | ||
Total | 200 |
Competencies
- Conceptualizes more effective approaches to programme development and implementation and to mobilizing and using resources;
- Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives;
- Proactively identifies, develops and discusses solutions for internal and external clients, and persuades management to undertake new projects or services;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities, and resolve problems;
- Focus on impact and results for clients and stakeholders;
- Builds trust in interactions with others, facilitates partnerships;
- Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and responds positively to feedback;
- Committed to teamwork and working with other stakeholders.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- A Master’s degree in Project Management, technology, economics, public/business administration, social sciences, or related discipline.
Experience:
- A minimum of four (4) years’ Project or programme implementation experience, preferably in managing specific project implementation;
- At least 3 years of experience in creating designing projects/workplans or implementation plans for donor or government projects is mandatory;
- At least 2 years of experience in research and analysis is mandatory;
- Experience in using project management tools like Asana, Slack, etc would be a plus;
- Working knowledge of concepts into financial inclusion or Global engagements forums like WEF, others and preferably knowledge and exposure to digital financial services or other efforts using technology to reach rural and poor populations is desirable but not mandatory.
Language:
- Excellent command of the English language is mandatory.
Timeline, duration of assignment, duty station and expected places of travel:
- Timeline: October 2020 to October 2021
- Total Number of Working Days for Assignment: Max of 200 working days within 12 months
- Duty station: Home Based (Asia Region) with travel to countries in Asia
(The consultant should preferably be based in Asia as this role requires close coordination with the country programme teams in Asia.)
For 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.
Progress Controls & Payments:
Payment will be made against each satisfactorily achieved deliverables. All payments are subject to the clearance and approval of the Global Innovation Manager. Final payment shall require a signed performance evaluation of the consultant.
Application process:
Interested individuals must submit the following as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications: (NOTE: the system does not allow multiple uploads of document. Applicants must make sure to upload all documents in one PDF file).
All applications must contain the following information:
- Cover letter with a summary statement of competencies in relation to the TOR deliverables;
- Curriculum Vitae and or Completed P11 Personal History Form with names and current contacts of 3 referees (available from http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc;
- Signed financial proposal for the full assignment outlining: All-inclusive fee including professional fees and other professional expenses, such as insurance, taxes, etc (Available at: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=29916).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.
Evaluation:
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:
- Preliminary Evaluation - Step I: Screening;
- Technical Evaluation Weight - 70% x (Step II: Desk review 20 Points + Step III: Interview 80 Points = 100 Points);
- Financial Evaluation Weight - 30% = Step IV.
Step I: Screening
Applications will be screened and only applicants meeting the following mandatory criteria (listed under education and experience) will progress to the pool for shortlisting.
- A Master’s degree in Project Management, technology, economics, public/business administration, social sciences, or related discipline.
- A minimum of four (4) years’ Project or programme implementation experience, preferably in managing specific project implementation.
Step II: Desk Review – 20 points
UNCDF will conduct a desk review to produce a shortlist of candidates according to the criteria listed below. Only candidates that obtained 80% of the points at this stage shall be invited for the next step.
Shortlisting scoring:
- A Master’s degree in Project Management, technology, economics, public/business administration, social sciences, or related discipline. – 20%
- A minimum of four (4) years’ Project or programme implementation experience, preferably in managing specific project implementation. – 30%
- At least 3 years of experience in creating designing projects/workplans or implementation plans for donor or government projects is mandatory. – 25%
- At least 2 years of experience in research and analysis is mandatory. – 25%
Step III: Interview – 80 points
Applicants who obtained a minimum of 80% at Step II shall be invited to a panel interview. The interview will have a pass/fail score of 70%.
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% on the total of Steps II (20 points) + III (80 points) will be considered as technically qualified and will be reviewed further for financial evaluation.
Step IV: Financial Evaluation
The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:
Lowest priced proposal / Price of the proposal being evaluated x 30
Award Criteria
The contact shall be awarded to the applicant whose offer have been evaluated and determined as:
- Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
- Having received the highest combined weight technical (desk review and interview) 70% + financial 30% = 100%.
Both individual consultants and individual employed by a company or institution are welcome to apply.
Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for IC must do so in their individual capacity (providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly).
Women candidates or women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
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