Background

Realization of Sustainable Development Goals remains a formidable challenge for Sri Lanka despite having made significant strides in reducing poverty and promoting social development. Sri Lanka’s status changed from an Upper Middle Income Country status to a Lower Middle Income Country status in 2020, Sri Lanka is faced with the ‘triple traps’ of: middle-income trap, the inequality trap, and the imbalance trap such as female to male labor force participation, regional disparities in economic activity - that may jeopardize the country’s ability to transition to high income status and achieve the SDGs. In this context SDG incorporated  evidence based national development planning and financing process, that is more cohesive, horizontally (through sector development plans) and vertically (through sub national development plans) aligned, with costed financing strategies, and an enabling institutional mechanism for implementation, monitoring and governance, would support the implementation of the Government’s “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor” policy vision and the achievement of SDG commitments.

The National Planning Department (NPD) as a part of the Ministry of Finance is committed to -facilitate for policy development, planning and implementation, to accelerate Sri Lanka's economic growth and social progress. NPD provides a national perspective to policies, programmes and projects. NPD has several core responsibilities including the proper appraisal/evaluation of national level projects prior to implementation.

 

With over five decades of experience in Sri Lanka and with a global footprint spanning over 150 countries providing national and sub-national level planning support and capacity building, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking to provide support to the NPD to strengthen the overall Project Appraisal/evaluation in the national planning process. This is part of the broader UNDP support to the NPD and the Government of Sri Lanka in establishing a comprehensive SDG incorporated National Development Framework. A key feature of this support would be to strengthen the current risk framework (RF) embodied in the project evaluation/appraisal process that looks into aspects of:

  1. Risk identification –i.e. identification of all relevant risk factors
  2. Risk quantification – i.e. the determination of risk probability and severity of risk in each of the identified risk factors.
  3. Risk mitigation measures – i.e. measures for risk minimization or mitigation appropriate for the project
  4. Risk financing – i.e. costing of risk mitigation measures and determination of financing measures.

 

The need for strengthening of the RF in the current project appraisal/evaluation process has been made more pertinent in the wake of the recent COVID-19 outbreak and the potential for similar epidemic and other forms of threats that the country may endure going forward. Additionally, the establishment of a robust risk identification, management and mitigation system is likely to contribute towards increased investor confidence in Sri Lanka and creating additional opportunities for investment in the backdrop of a challenging fiscal landscape.

 

Scope and Objectives

The main objective of this assignment is to strengthen/consolidate the RF embodied in the project appraisal/evaluation process of the NPD giving particular attention to the RF components mentioned above. Such intervention would facilitate a more critical evaluation of risks underlying in projects and with appropriate mitigation and management measures would have a positive impact on the success of the project.

 

The Assignment

Against this backdrop, the UNDP is looking to commission an independent consultant to carry out this exercise, culminating in the development of a comprehensive Risk Framework for the NPD.  The consultant will work closely with the NPD and liaise with other government counterparts, risk management specialists of the UNDP and other development partner agencies as necessary.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Capacity Building and Risk Assessment Specialist will report to UNDP’s SDG Integration Specialist and will work closely with the Consultant on National Planning in carrying out the key responsibilities of the assignment.

 

Responsible for but not limited to:

1.  Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current risk identification mechanisms of the NPD with a focus on national, sectoral and sub-national level risk factors in agreement with the NPD to ensure that the government policy framework is successfully achieved , followed by a draft preliminary report based on the findings

  • Together with the NPD, understand the scope of the current Risk Framework in place and applied in project appraisal/evaluation;
  • Together with the NPD, identify national, sectoral and sub-national level risk factors against the achievement of the government policy framework;
  • Together with the NPD, identify the impact of external environment and the impact of natural or man-made disasters;
  • Together with the NPD, identify the importance of considering physical and emotional wellbeing as a risk factor in the planning/evaluation process;
  • Together with the NPD, assess all identified risk factors and select priority sectors for the implementation of a comprehensive risk framework;
  • Introduce measures for risk minimization or mitigation as appropriate to projects/programmes;
  • Draft a preliminary report of the findings following the assessment.

 

2.  Provide technical assistance, policy and programme support for the consolidation of the Risk Framework

  • Following the comprehensive assessment, develop guidelines/strategies for the strengthening of Risk Identification and how that can be integrated into the existing project submission format and also for the specific priority sectors Provide technical inputs for the design, development, and implementation of risk quantification measures that are in line with global best practices together with needed platforms (Excel based or other);
  • Provide technical support for evaluating suitable Risk Mitigation/Management measures consistent with underlying projects; 
  • Ensure the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, social cohesion, rights of persons with disabilities, human rights, and resilience into the overall risk management related activities, as well as under monitoring and reporting;
  • Provide technical support for evaluating suitable Risk Financing measures (taking into consideration potential opportunities for PPPs and SDG investments) consistent with identified risk mitigation/management measures.

 

3.  Development of tools and resources to support capacity building of NPD staff on Risk and Risk management  

  • Producing a guideline/ manual on risk management with linkages to relevant themes that would be relevant to the national, sectoral and sub-national level risk factors selected in agreement with the NPD; 
  • Development of tools and methodologies that would support in the overall Risk Framework factors such as risk identification, quantification, mitigation measures and financing; 
  • Support the development and delivery of risk management related training modules/guidance tools, risk analyses/assessments which would contribute towards the capacity development of the NPD staff;
  • Support the capacity development of line ministry staff responsible for project proposal submission through the provision of guidance material, tools, and in person or online workshops.  

 

4.  Comprehensive Strategy for Risk Framework Implementation at the NPD

  • Development of a guideline/ manual that outlines the comprehensive strategy for Risk Framework Implementation following the completion of the relevant activities highlighted in detail above which would inform the overall process;
  • This would also draw on global best practice including advice from UNDP and other development agencies. 

 

Time Frame

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is a maximum of 30 working days spread over a period of 4 months from the commencement of the contract. During the duration of the assignment, the respective duty station would be Home-based.

 

Timeline for Deliverables:

Tasks – Percentage - Timeline - Review and Approvals Required - End Product/ Deliverables

Deliverable 1 – 10% - Preliminary Report (Timeline - 10 days):

Approval - UNDP and NPD

  • Production of a preliminary report based on the findings of the comprehensive assessment of the NPD, its priority sectors and the associated risk frameworks followed by them;
  • Discuss the preliminary findings and incorporation of any changes proposed by NPD. For meaningful engagement, agree with NPD on a Short term, Medium term and Long-Term action plan;
  • Preparation of a Consultancy Work Plan following this.

             

Deliverable 2 – 20% - A comprehensive RF strengthening measures looking at all its components (Report) (Timeline - 5 days):

Approval - UNDP and NPD

  • Provide technical assistance, policy and programme support for the consolidation of the Risk Framework

          

Deliverable 3 – 20% - Training modules as a form of a report and workshops (Timeline – 10 days):

Approval - UNDP and NPD

  • Development of tools and resources to support capacity building of NPD staff on Risk and Risk management                      

 

Deliverable 4 – 50% - Booklet (Timeline – 5 days):

Approval - UNDP and NPD

  • Development of a Guideline booklet that outlines the comprehensive strategy for Risk Framework      

Competencies

i.  Technical competencies,

  • Strong analytical and research skills
  • Pro-active, results driven and able to meet strict deadlines

ii.  Leadership

iii.  People Management, maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national institutions

iv.  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

v.  Communication. The ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

vi.  Delivery. Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

vii.  Good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work deliverables

viii.  Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback

Required Skills and Experience

  1. Master's degree in social policy, public policy, economics, development studies or a related area;
  2. At least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in the fields of development sector with experience in national development policy formulation, project planning/evaluation, implementation, risk management, financial administration etc;
  3. Experience managing and coordinating projects, specifically with government projects;
  4. Excellent quantitative and analytical skills;
  5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  6. Experience working in the UN System is an asset. 

Language Requirements

  1. Fluency in spoken and written English and Sinhala is mandatory;
  2. Fluency in Tamil would be an added advantage;

 

How to apply

 

  • The application should contain:
    • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
    • Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR
    • Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.

 

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._______________________________________________________________)

 

Lump Sum fee (equivalent to daily fee x no. of days) - Number of days refers to actual days that the consultant works in order to produce deliverables as required by the ToR, NOT the number of days covering the whole period of consultancy. The number of days required to complete each deliverable is given under Section 5 – Timeline for deliverables

Deliverable 1 – 10%:

  • Production of a preliminary report based on the findings of the comprehensive assessment of the NPD, its priority sectors and the associated risk frameworks followed by them;
  • Discuss the preliminary findings and incorporation of any changes proposed by NPD. For meaningful engagement, agree with NPD on a Short term, Medium term and Long-Term action plan;
  • Preparation of a Consultancy Work Plan following this.

             

Deliverable 2 – 20%:

  • Provide technical assistance, policy and programme support for the consolidation of the Risk Framework

             

Deliverable 3 – 20%:

  • Development of tools and resources to support capacity building of NPD staff on Risk and Risk management

 

Deliverable 4 – 50%:

  • Development of a Guideline booklet that outlines the comprehensive strategy for Risk Framework

 

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

 

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.