INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT-CONSULTANT TO CARRY OUT AN ASSESSMENT ON THE MANDATE OF INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS AROUND GENDER RESPONSIVE ELECTORAL PROCESSES

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

Section 233 of the Constitution states the general common objectives of the Commissions supporting democracy. These include: support and entrenchment human rights and democracy; protect the sovereignty and interests of the people; promote constitutionalism; promote transparency and accountability in public institutions; secure the observance of democratic values and principles by the State and all institutions and agencies of government, and government-controlled entities; and ensure that injustices are remedied. In line with this mandate, the independent commissions are designed as drivers of change for Zimbabwe’s implementation of democratic values and constitutionalism. Collectively, they serve the common purpose of contributing towards a democratic Zimbabwean society by steering the country towards constitutionalism as a shared value. Through their respective mandates, the independent Commissions are critical to improving the quality of governance, encouraging transparency and accountability, fostering inclusion, advancing gender equality, strengthening justice and rule of law, and ultimately leading to national unity, peace and reconciliation.

It is against this backdrop that a consultant is sought to conduct an assessment on the gender responsiveness of independent Commissions supporting democracy around electoral processes. The assessment of the gender responsiveness within the different commissions is in line with Section 3, 17, 56 and 80 of the Constitution which provide for advancement of gender equality in all aspects of their work.

Specifically, the assessment will;

• Identify and document the mandate of the independent Commission mandate around electoral processes;
• Conduct a gender analysis on the implementation of electoral processes by the independent Commissions supporting democracy;
• Identify gaps regarding gender responsive implementation of electoral processes by the independent Commissions supporting democracy;
• Recommend joint and individual strategies for enhancing gender responsive electoral process by the independent Commissions.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The consultant will report to and work under the supervision of the Chapter 12 Coordinator, She/ he will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities under the following components:

• Prepare an inception report with a clear methodology and workplan to be reviewed by the technical committee and incorporate feedback from the technical committee;
• Conduct desk review and key Informant Interviews on Chapter 12 Commissions mandate on electoral processes;
• Facilitate a consultative workshop with the Chapter 12 Commissions and develop a consultation report;
• Draft assessment with recommendations for review by the technical committee and Chapter 12 Commissions and incorporate feedback from the technical committee and Chapter 12 Commissions.

Deliverables/ Outputs:

• approved inception report including a clear methodology and workplan;
• Consultative workshop report;

• Final Assessment Report on the Chapter 12 mandate around gender responsive electoral processes;

  Financial arrangements: Payment will be disbursed upon receipt of the satisfactory final deliverable;

• 30% for the deliverables number 1 and 2;

• 70% for the deliverable number 3.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues.
• Accountability.
• Creative Problem Solving.
• Effective Communication.
• Inclusive Collaboration.
• Stakeholder Engagement.
• Leading by Example

Functional/Technical Competencies :

• Expert knowledge in Gender and Human Rights;
• Proven ability to collect information on, and analyse, organisational gender responsiveness;
• Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships;
• Excellent analytical and communication skills required;
• Strong knowledge of UN programme management systems.

Core Values

Integrity:

• Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of the UN in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.

Professionalism:

• Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.

Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity:

• Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff;
• Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences or area relevant to the Terms of Reference.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in managing complex and multi-component programme interventions with national partners, related to gender equality, women and human Rights;
• Experience working with the Chapter 12 Commissions will be an asset;
• Experience working on election issues from a gender perspective;
• Proven experience facilitating high level consultative workshops for Governmental Institutions and CSOs;
• Experience working on inclusive politics in a fragile context, with demonstrated ability to deliver;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and strong presentation skills.

Language

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Timeline, Reporting & Quality Control for the Assignment;

• The consultancy is for a period of 10 person working days, spread over a period of 91 person days;
• The contractors will work directly under the supervision of Chapter 12 Coordinator and will report to the committee on a regular basis;
• The Lead consultant will have the overall responsibility to deliver the outputs with support from Project Expert.

Application procedure;

• Prospective candidates should apply as individuals;
• Each individual should clearly mention the role they are applying for, Team leader or Project Expert. Each candidate should provide own CV, P11 and Technical Proposal, along with the application;
• Submissions shall be evaluated per individual and UNDP reserves the right to constitute a team on the basis of evaluation results, should it be so necessary. Prospective candidates are advised to take note of the provision.

Applicants are requested to upload the following documents:

• a copy of their latest updated P11 Form which can be downloaded from this website - http://www.sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc.;
• Technical Proposal;
• CV.

Applications without Technical Proposals will not be considered.

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF attachment as the system only allows upload of one document;

Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

Evaluation:

The Consultant will be evaluated based on the qualifications and the years of experience, as outlined in the qualifications/requirements section of the ToRs. In addition, the Consultant will also be evaluated on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis: When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the Consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the 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%.

The award of the contract shall be made to the Consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the ToR.

Selection Criteria:

Technical Evaluation: 70% of total evaluation (maximum 70 points):

Criteria A: Education (maximum 10 points); Criteria B: Experience (maximum 50 points, divided into 40 points for substantive and technical experience, 10 points for working experience. Criteria C: Language (maximum 10 points).

Final selection: Only the candidate with the highest ranked will be selected.

Note: “UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Well qualified candidates, particularly women and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply”.