After decades of authoritarian rule, the 1987 Constitution signified the decentralisation of administrative power and restoration of democratic institutions. The 1991 Local Government Code has actualized these principles, devolving more authority to the Local Government Units (LGUs), and creating participatory governance mechanisms at the grassroots level. Although LGUs were provided with greater administrative responsibility, some argue that their share of the internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) was inadequate, with poorer local governments struggling to fund their new mandates.

In 2018, the Supreme Court took a landmark step toward operationalising the Local Government Code when it ruled in favour of the Mandanas-Garcia petition. From 2022 onwards, the LGUs share of the IRA may increase up to approximately 27%. This shift will have a direct consequence on several national government agencies, particularly the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), which shall need to focus more on project oversight of - rather than direct project management support to - local governments across the country.

The post-Mandanas era shall therefore thrust LGUs even more at the forefront of development and public service delivery. The stakes are stacked even higher, given the protracted COVID-19 crisis likely to extend well into 2022, and the impact it continues to have on poverty and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Since the recovery period from COVID is likely to stem several years, the national and local governments will have to quickly transition into new arrangements if the Philippines is to swiftly get back onto the pathway toward prosperity and inclusive development. In this respect, stakeholders will have to promptly address the core governance issues: (1) ensuring that DILG is Fit for Purpose in the Post-Mandanas Era, (2) addressing Capacity Limitations of LGUs in Project Planning, Management, and Anticipatory Governance, and (3) strengthening Participatory Governance for Social Accountability at the Local Level.

The Planning Service, in view of its mandated function of conducting regular monitoring and is currently redesigning their monitoring and evaluation system and results framework in light of the call for Fit for Purpose in the Post-Mandanas Era, and need support in ensuring that they are able to capture good quality results-based data data to ensure attainment of overall goals and objectives and consistent with national thrusts and priorities. While systems strengthening is necessary, the support shall be provided as part of a wider data governance programme to strengthen the appreciation of - and capacities in - data-driven management throughout the local, regional, and national levels of government. As part of this effort, the Planning Service would also like to surface key capacity building and IT equipment needs that would enable the DILG meet their mandate and new demands come 2022. UNDP Pintig Lab would like to support this endeavour through technical assistance in conducting a needs assessment and scoping exercise aimed towards developing capacities for results-based management within DILG and LGUs, and strengthening digital systems to enable the efficient and fluid capture of data for anticipatory planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work and Outputs

The Consultant is expected to implement a scoping exercise for a web-based data system that would enable DILG to perform its mandate post-Mandanas based on the DILG Outcome Framework and Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation System (RBPMES). Said web-based system shall complement and reinforce the information systems already developed by the Information Systems and Technology Management System (ISTMS).
The needs assessment exercise should answer the following questions:
1. What is the DILG and LGU M&E system?
2. What is the design and status of their current web-based data system? How does the system of the Central Office connect with systems of regional and field offices? And also the systems of attached agencies?
3. How should a web-based data system be designed to support DILG and LGU’s new demands in a post-Mandanas era? Exploring the use of scorecards and scorecard analytics on the progress and status of each program/project on a monthly basis is suggested.
4. Does DILG need additional IT equipment to be able to implement a web-based data system?
5. What type of training and capacity building would DILG and LGUs need to be equipped for 2022?
The Consultant is expected to conduct:
1. A desk review of DILG reports, program documents, data, manuals, and other resources suggested by the Planning Service;
2. Online interviews with DILG and (ISTMS, officials, etc. and LGU representatives; and
3. Online FGDs or workshops for needs assessment with DILG staff and stakeholders (ISTMS, bureaus/ regional offices, attached agencies, etc.).
The Consultant will submit a needs assessment report which includes recommendations for a web-based M&E system for DILG and LGUs.
The Consultant should submit proof of concept through a dashboard for planning.
The Consultant must coordinate with DILG Planning Service in the conduct of all its activities. He/she must also consult and seek feedback from DILG regarding the main findings of the report and the recommendations.
The Consultant is expected to present the results of the report to relevant DILG officials and UNDP staff.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Deliverables/ Outputs

Estimated Duration to Complete

Target Due Date

Review and Approvals Required

Work Plan

Including a Gantt chart and risk log

10 days

TBA

Main:

Pintig Lab Project Manager

After conferring with UNDP key officials & stakeholders

Alternate:

Pintig Lab Data Analyst

Progress Report 1

Activities conducted (status of activities vs. the work plan)
Preliminary results

28 days

TBA

Progress Report 2

Activities conducted (status of activities vs. the work plan)
Preliminary results
Mock-up dashboard

22 days

TBA

Final Report

Overview of DILG and LGUs M&E and data systems
Summary of anticipated data gaps when the Mandanas ruling is implemented
DILG ands LGUs needs in terms of data system design, equipment, and capacity building
Recommendations and structure of a data governance programme, including a data visualisation platform for planning, strengthening of existing data systems, summary of hardware and software needs, and summary of training for national, regional DILG staff and LGUs.
Dashboard for planning as proof of concept

20 days

TBA

Institutional Arrangement

The Contractor will be under the direct supervision of the UNDP Pintig Lab Project Manager. The UNDP Pintig Lab Project Manager shall regularly communicate with the Contractor and monitor the progress of their outputs.
The Contractor shall report progress, provide updates, or raise issues to the UNDP on a weekly basis. The Contractor is expected to be accessible to UNDP personnel through mobile and digital collaboration tools on an agreed schedule and when required.
Upon the direction of the UNDP focals, the Contractor is expected to coordinate with officials, personnel, and consultants of UNDP, government agencies, CSOs, private sector partners, and other stakeholders of the project.
All systems, reports, and video material shall be the sole property of UNDP.
The Consultant is expected to have its own working premises, ICT equipment, internet connectivity, and cloud hosting, among others. This work shall be done on a work from home basis and should be within the COVID-19 quarantine guidelines and protocols. As such, logistical support will not be provided by the UNDP. If needed, UNDP may provide coordination support in terms of introductory meetings with key partners.

Expected Duration of the Contract

The Consultant will be hired for 80 working days spread over 4 months beginning May 2021 until September 2021.
The estimated lead time for UNDP or Project Implementing Partners to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs, etc. is 10 working days.

Duty Station

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and declaration of State of Public Health Emergency in the Philippines, all work of the Consultant shall be on a work from home arrangement and should be within the guidelines and protocols set by the local and national government. This work shall be performed remotely. Once the community quarantine restrictions are eased, UNDP and the Individual Consultant shall assess if it is safe and necessary to have in-person meetings and activities. Any in-person meetings will be within Metro Manila.
The Consultant is expected to provide weekly updates.

Competencies

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN mission, vision, values, and ethical standards
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability
Promotes UNDP’s agenda in meetings

Other Competencies

Ability to work in close collaboration with a group of national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities;
Demonstrates capacity to plan, organize, and execute effectively;
The initiative, good analytical skills, mature judgment, and ability to work under tight schedule while respecting deadlines achievement, ethics, and honesty;
Ability to establish effective working relations in a diverse environment
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Builds strong relationships with internal and external clients;
Demonstrated ability to function in a team environment and to deal with complex multi-stakeholder environment
Good ability to use information and communication technologies as tools and resources;
Excellent written communication and presentation/public speaking skills focus on results, ability to interact productively in a teamwork environment

Required Skills and Experience

Professional Qualifications of the Successful Consultant

The successful Individual Contractor should meet the following minimum qualification

Education

A bachelor’s degree in data science, economics, communications, political science, and other related fields

Experience

At least five (5) years experience in data science, data strategy, machine learning, data visualization, and communications and partner relationship management for data science projects
At least three (3) data science projects in partnership with government, UN offices, non-profits, and private sector

Language

Fluency in spoken and written English and Tagalog

Scope and Price of the Proposal and Schedule of Payment

The Consultant should send the financial proposal based on a lump-sum amount for the delivery of the outputs identified below. The total amount quoted shall be “all-inclusive” all costs (professional fees, medical insurance, communications, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Consultant should be factored into the final amount submitted in the proposal. Travel, as deemed relevant by UNDP, will be arranged by UNDP, following UNDP Financial Rules and Regulations.
Medical/health insurance must be purchased by the individual at his/her own expense, and upon award of contract, the consultant must be ready to submit proof of insurance valid during the contract duration.
The contract price will be a fixed output-based price. Any deviations from the output and timelines will be agreed upon between the Consultant and the Pintig Lab Project Manager.
Payments will be done upon satisfactory completion of the delivery by target due dates. Outputs will be certified by the Pintig Lab Project Manager, prior to the release of payments.

Deliverables / Outputs

Due Date

Indicative Percentage of Lump-Sum Price

Work Plan

TBA

20%

Progress Report 1

TBA

30%

Progress Report 2 (including mock-up dashboard)

TBA

30%

Final Report

TBA

20%

Criteria for Selection of Best Offer

The combined scoring method where the qualifications will be weighted a maximum of 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30% shall be adopted.

Interviews may be conducted for the validation of the candidate’s technical “know-how”.

If interviews will be done, the Technical evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

Technical qualifications per CV and sample work

65%

Interview

35%

TOTAL

100%

The review of the per CV and sample work will be based on the following criteria:

Criteria

Maximum Points Obtainable

Education

A bachelor’s degree in data science, economics, communications, political science, and other related fields

(minimum 14 points for Bachelor’s degree, additional 6 points for additional degree, maximum of 20 points)

Experience

At least five (5) years experience in data science, data strategy, machine learning, data visualization, and communications and partner relationship management for data science projects

(minimum 28 points for 5 years’ experience, additional 2 points for every additional year, maximum of 40 points)

At least three (3) data science projects in partnership with government, UN offices, non-profits, and private sector

(minimum 28 points for 3 years’ experience, additional 2 points for every additional year or project related to data science, maximum of 40 points)

Language

Fluency in spoken and written English and Tagalog as indicated in the CV

Pass/fail

TOTAL

100

If interviews would be deemed necessary, only Offerors that will get total 70% from the review of CV+sample work and interview will qualify for review of financial offer.

Recommended Presentation of Offer

Duly accomplished Offeror's Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the IC that indicates the all-inclusive lumpsum contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided; If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP;
Financial Proposal (Annex 2 of Offeror's Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability)- use UNDP Template
Personal CV or P11 Personal History Form, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;

Offerors must upload in one (1) file the aforementioned documents.

Templates for a) P11 Personal History Form and b) Offeror's Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal (Annex 2) are available through the link below. UNDP General Terms and Conditions for Individual Contractors are also available: http://gofile.me/6xdJm/bE9TCw8fU

Incomplete submission of required documents may result in disqualification.

Please see the deadline of submissions above.

In view of the volume of applications, UNDP receives, only shortlisted offerors will be notified.

Apply now

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org