Background

Please note that the application deadline has been extended until January 24, 2021.

!!!! UNDP document templates are available for download by following the link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/297e72t7i3v2969/AADDRyUo2uoNrYjuD8NLmdl0a?dl=0

NB: Please note that online/application system does not recognise Russian/Ukrainian language, information you provide in on-line application questionnaire  must be presented in English. All requested documents should be combined/merged (compressed if necessary) and uploaded into the application system by 1 document/attachment only.

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

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

The UNRPP 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. The RPP involves three pillars for action: 1) restoration of infrastructure and economic recovery; 2) support to local governance and related capacity building; and 3) social resilience and peacebuilding. 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).

As an area-based programme specifically developed for the conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine, the RPP addresses the key stabilization, peacebuilding, economic and governance priority needs in eastern Ukraine following the start of the conflict. 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.

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 Decentralisation Reform

Component 3: Community Security and Social Cohesion (CSSC).

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. With the current project, it is a unifying interventions framework for 10 projects funded by 11 international partners and is worth about $80 million (2019-2022).

In October 2018, four UN agencies (UNDP, UN Women, FAO and the UNFPA) 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 the further escalation of conflict in Ukraine through effective and accountable decentralisation, gender-responsive recovery planning, and equal access to services, as well as enhanced community security and social cohesion.

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

1. To enhance local capacity for gender-responsive decentralisation and administrative reforms to improve governance, local development and the delivery of services.
2. To stimulate employment and economic growth by providing assistance for 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 and enhance the capacity of governmental authorities for national coordination of actions to cope with emergencies arising from the conflict zone.
5. To support the implementation of the European Investment Bank’s Early Recovery Programme.

One of the priorities of the project in that regard is to support the process of development strategic planning by communities, 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 communities 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 National Coordinator on Strategic Planning (hereinafter referred to as “Consultant”) to organize and coordinate the work of National Experts on Strategic Planning. Together, they will perform the following tasks: elaborate the Development Strategies for target communities (further simply referred to as Strategy), develop the Implementation Plans of the mentioned Strategies (IPDS), as well as the evaluation and monitoring systems. The National Coordinator should also coordinate the adaptation of the Strategies to the sustainable development goals in close cooperation with local administrations, UNDP and other relevant stakeholders.

The consultant will also elaborate and finalize the practical guide on “Integrated approach to community development strategizing”, which will be suitable for the representatives of local self-government bodies and working groups on strategic documents` development.

3. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant is expected to perform according to the framework below but can also suggest additional methodology. The framework is as follows:

1. Elaborate and agree with the UNDP work procedures and methodology to be used by the National Experts on Strategic Planning. This includes the logical framework on communities` strategic planning and economic development formation, with consideration of gender-based aspects and approaches, and is aimed at ensuring human rights and environmental safety, as well as with the reflection of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030;
2. Organize and facilitate at least four meetings in-person (or upon agreement with UNDP remotely during applying the restrictions and/or preventive measures connected with COVID-19 pandemic) of the Working Group of Experts, which will be initiated, organized and conducted by UNDP in order to discuss a common algorithm of actions/activities and expected/obtained results;
3. Provide expert analysis on the 7 Assessments of the socio-economic situation of the territory, elaborated on by National Experts;
4. Provide expert assessment of 7 strategies, with appropriate seven Implementation Plans of Development Strategies, elaborated on by the National Experts on Strategic Planning;
5. Conduct at least two visits to each of the 7 communities within the target area;
6. Provide at least 42 remote individual consultations to the National Experts on planning, social and economic development, and attracting investment for the selected communities. The consultant is required to provide a Register Log, listing all consultations completed;
7. Elaborate and finalize the manual on «Integrated approach to community development strategizing», which will be suitable for the representatives of local self-government bodies and working groups on strategic documents` development
8. Elaborate all necessary reports, including those highlighting the outcomes of the activities within the project. The number and framework of the reports will be agreed upon with the UNDP.

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 will directly report to the UNDP Social-Economic Development Specialist in accordance with deliveries schedule.

The consultant will regularly participate in project meetings (in person or via Skype) and will share his/her work progress. Moreover, the consultant must provide one Inception Report, three Interim Reports and 1 Final Report, in accordance with the terms covered in this ToR. Interim Reports should include work progress, as well as issues to be addressed, while the Final Report should include achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for further actions. All reports should be submitted in Ukrainian.

6. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

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 contractual obligations, whereupon the Programme Coordinator signs the certification of acceptance.

Competencies

7. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree/Specialist in Management, Law, Marketing, Economics, Social Science or other related fields.
• Five years of proven experience in research, evaluation and development of manuals, in particular in the of elaboration of such documents as: socio-economic development strategies and economic development plans (at least 3 examples of the elaborated socio-economic development strategies and/or economic development plans).
• At least five years of experience working in or with government structures, civil society organizations or international organizations in the economic field.
• Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian, working knowledge of English is an asset

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 with 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.

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 on 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 National Coordinator will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with the undertaking of 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 on a higher class, he/she should do so using their own resources. 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.

The consultant is expected to anticipate expenses for at least 18 travels associated with participation in working groups in 7 targeted communities (2 times in each), as well as the meetings of the Working Group conducted together with the UNDP and UN Women (4 meetings).

Required Skills and Experience

10. EVALUATION OF Applicants

• Master’s Degree/Specialist in Management, Law, Marketing, Economics, Social Science or other related fields – 13 points max obtainable (Master’s Degree/Specialist – 10 points; PhD or candidate – 13 points);
• Five years of proven experience in research, evaluation and development of manuals, in particular in the of elaboration of such documents as: socio-economic development strategies and economic development plans with at least 3 examples of the elaborated socio-economic development strategies and/or economic development plans – 25 points max obtainable (3 examples – 17 points; 4 – 5 examples – 20 points, 6 or more examples – 25 points);
• At least 5 years of experience working in or with government structures, civil society organizations or international organization in the economic field – 25 points max obtainable (5 years of experience – 17 points; more than 5 years – 25 points);
• Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian, working knowledge of English is an asset – 7 points max obtainable (Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian – 5 points; working knowledge of English – 2 points).

11. EVALUATION METHOD:

 Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.