International Consultant (Chief Technical Adviser—Afghanistan SDGs M&E System) UNDP IPS-SDGs Project

Consultant

Contract

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Background

UNDP Global Mission Statement:

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement:

UNDP supports stabilization, state-building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan as well as support the country to achieve SDGs. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

Background:

UNDP supports countries around the world to formulate strategies, policies, and programme interventions that promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To advance these aims, UNDP provides technical policy advice and programming tools, especially to help address critical sustainable development challenges.

UNDP country offices work closely with government counterparts and other national stakeholders to support the introduction of inclusive and sustainable development policies that are aligned with the national context and contribute to the attainment of SDGs. The Afghanistan Peace and Development Framework II (ANPDF-II) is fully cognizant of the cumulative effects of conflict, corruption, poverty and inequalities on the development trajectory of the country and how these pre-existing conditions have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 15 National Priority Programs (NPPs) are the key planning instruments through which the ANPDF-II aims to realize its vision and contribute to Afghanistan SDGs. A number of Afghanistan Sustainable Development Goals (A-SDGs) are already aligned with ANPDF II and are grounded in the 15 NPPs. Through continuous support from UNDP, the Government of Afghanistan has developed a national SDGs framework that includes the most relevant SDG goals, targets and indicators. The national SDG indicator framework was also refined to address issues related to data gaps and enable proper monitoring and reporting of SDG targets in Afghanistan. More recently, UNDP initiated the technical process to estimate the costs of achieving national SDG targets in Afghanistan and conducted diagnostics in support of assessing the wider financing landscape in Afghanistan to influence public and private investments and attract additional resources needed to achieve SDGs. UNDP also developed a macroeconomic framework—the single-country and regional Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models—to build a base of evidence for properly integrating the SDGs into the national planning system and for enabling evidence-informed policy design and implementation.

However, to fully articulate and realize the sustainable development aspirations of Afghanistan—as reflected in the national SDGs framework—through ANPDF-II and the 15 NPPs, the Government needs to instigate and develop an integrated M&E framework for Afghanistan SDGs. To properly track progress and monitor medium- and long-term development objectives as reflected in Afghanistan SDGs, ANPDF-II and the 15 NPPs, SDGs indicator framework should be refined and aligned with the outcome indicators of ANPDF-II and NPPs and new information tools/IT systems should be developed, pilot tested for data availability and transferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of the Current Assignment:

UNDP Afghanistan seeking to develop an IT system that links public policies to SDGs indicators. The system will be able to:

• monitor the SDGs indicators’ evolution;
• monitor the sectorial programs and policies with 3 dimensions (i) Financial; (ii) Physical; and (iii) Citizens’ satisfaction;
• Link the government performance to the SDGs indicators;

These objectives should be defined and weighted. Within his context, the overall performance of a ministry/sector that mange several projects of policies is defined as a weighted average of the performance of each project that it manages. Later, each policy or project should be linked to an SDGs indicator. The linkages could be uniform (0,1) or weighted (Strong, medium, low, No). by doing this, a matrix of linkage between public interventions and SDGs will be completely defined.

This information can be summarized within a dashboard system. The system covers the four dimensions and calculates the difference between the realizations and the objectives. The system will also be able to collect the realization of each sector. UNDP Afghanistan seeking to improve the enabling environment for projects and businesses for the funds it is designing so that these are attractive to investors. UNDP intends to hire a Senior SDG Finance Expert Consultant to support UNDP management, the SDG Integration & Policy Lab and SDG Programme Portfolio Teams to prepare the groundwork.

Specific Tasks and deliverables:

To reach this objective, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will lead a team of sectoral experts and IT experts to perform the following tasks:

Expected Deliverables:

A. Develop a demo version of the system.

• Conduct a desk review of the current documentation available data base and define a concept note that describes the structure of the system using the current available data (A concept note)
• Define the Term of reference of the IT expert that will develop a demo version of the dashboard (ToR)
• Develop a beta version of the dashboard board (IT product)
• Discuss the demo version with the Afghan authorities (Workshop)
• Define a concept note that describes the structure of the final structure of the system (Concept note)

B. Develop the final version of the system

• Define the number of sectors that will be covered by the system and define the terms of reference of each sectoral expert (ToR)
• Define a framework that define for each project and policy, the Physical, Financial and the satisfaction indicators and objectives, the weight that of this project or policy in the sector and Its linkage to SDGs indicator. (XLs files)
• Consolidate all the files in a consolidated database (Database)
• Coordinate with the IT expert the structure of the dashboard system (IT product)

C. Define the data entry system

• Define the structure of the data entry (Concept note)
• Develop the data entry system in coordination with the IT expert (IT system)

D. Train the government team on the data entry (Workshop)

E. Go life (IT system)

Deliverables/ Outputs (summary of scope of works)

Estimated Duration to Complete

Target Due Dates

Review and Approvals Required

Deliverable 1:

• Conduct a desk review of the current documentation available data base and define a concept note that describes the structure of the system using the current available data

20 days

01-Mar-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 2:

• Define the Term of reference of the IT expert that will develop a demo version of the dashboard

10 days

16-Mar-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 3:

• Develop a beta version of the dashboard board

60 days

14-Jun-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 4:

• Discuss the demo version with the Afghan authorities

20 days

14-Jul-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 5:

• Define a concept note that describes the structure of the final structure of the system

10 days

29-Jul-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 6:

• Define the number of sectors that will be covered by the system and define the terms of reference of each sectoral expert

10 days

13-Aug-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 7:

• Develop a framework that defines for each project and policy the Physical, Financial and the Citizens’ Satisfaction indicators and objectives, the weight of that project or policy in the sector and its linkage to SDGs indicator.

20 days

12-Sep-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 8:

• Consolidate all the files in a consolidated database

20 days

12-Oct-21

UNDP RR

Deliverable 9:

• Coordinate with the IT expert the structure of the dashboard system

60 days

10-Jan-22

UNDP RR

Deliverable 10:

• Define the structure of the data entry

10 days

25-Jan-22

UNDP RR

Deliverable 11:

• Develop the data entry system in coordination with the IT expert

60 days

25-Apr-22

UNDP RR

Deliverable 12:

Train the government team on the data entry

20 days

25-May-22

UNDP RR

Deliverable 13:

• System is launched/goes to life

40 days

24-Jul-22

UNDP RR

Payment Modality:

Payments under the contract shall be delivery based and be made on receipt of the specific deliverables indicated above. These shall be made upon approval by Resident Representative.

UNDP reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS:

Institutional Arrangements:

The International Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Resident Representative in collaboration with the staff of the Executive Office. The Executive Office will provide office space and internet facility, logistical and other support service including transport and security applicable to UNDP international personnel when based in Kabul. The consultant however is expected to bring his/her own laptop and mobile phone and meet local communications costs (UNDP will provide a local pre-paid SIM card). Costs to arrange meetings, workshops, travel costs to and DSA during field visits (if any), etc. shall be covered by the Executive Office and included in the contract.

Duration of the Work:

Performance of the work under this contract will be completed within 16 months (with a maximum of 360 working days) after signing the contract. The expected date to start the contract as is 1st March 2021.

Duty Station:

The International Consultant will work from home at the start of the assignment and will make visits to Kabul Afghanistan as required by the supervisor – UNDP Resident Representative.

Competencies

Competencies:

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Maturity combined with tact and diplomacy;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning

• Ability to conduct required research, analyze and produce proposals and reports;
• Excellent analytical aptitude, communication, writing and presentation skill;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;

Special skills requirements

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a multi-cultural and multiethnic environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in development studies or development economics or other related field.

Professional experience

• At least 15 years experience in international development with demonstrated experience in private sector development, financial sector development
• Minimum 7 years experience of designing and managing innovative finance funds
• Minimum 7 years supporting national public policy reforms in close collaboration with central government agencies, demonstrating ability to lead consultations with senior government officials and facilitate discussions among a wide group of stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in private sector, NGOs, and multilateral agencies
• Knowledge and experience with UNDP or UNDP administered agencies is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of UNDP Afghanistan an added advantage.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement.
• Excellent writing skills required, as demonstrated by previous research/analytical reports/policy notes on relevant topics.

PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal. The consultant shall then submit a price proposal when requested by UNDP, in accordance with the below

• Daily Fee – The Consultant shall propose a daily fee which should be inclusive of his/her professional fee, local communication cost, insurance (inclusive of medical health and medical evacuation etc.), equipment, and other costs required for performance of the contract but excluding travel, visa and DSA.
• DSA – The Consultant shall be separately paid the DSA as per applicable UNDP rate for stay in Kabul and travel to other locations as per actual number of nights spent in Kabul or other locations. Deductions from DSA shall be made as per applicable UNDP policy when accommodation and other facilities are provided by UNDP. An estimated provision in this regard shall be included in the contract. The consultant need not quote for DSA in Financial Proposal.
• Accommodation in Kabul - The Consultants are NOT allowed to stay in a place of their choice other than the UNDSS approved places in Kabul, Afghanistan. UNDP will provide accommodation to the Consultant for the duration of the stay in Afghanistan in UNDSS approved places. Deductions in this regard shall be made from DSA payment as per applicable UNDP Policy.
• Travel – The Consultant shall include lumpsum cost of travel per trip for Home-Kabul-Home (estimated 3 trips) and Afghanistan visa expenses in the Financial Proposal. Any other travel for work, originating from Kabul shall be payable by UNDP separately as per applicable Policy.

Payment schedule - Payments towards remuneration/fee shall be linked to deliverables and shall be made on certification of completion of deliverables and submission of certified timesheet. Payment towards travel shall be made on an instance of actual travel and shall be cost-reimbursable limited to the amount quoted in Financial Proposal. Payments towards DSA, Visa, etc. shall be cost-reimbursable, as specified above.

EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

• Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual 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%

Technical Evaluation (70%)

1. General Qualification and experience relevant to the assignment (20 marks);
2. Technical Proposal: Brief methodology and workplan on how the consultant will approach and complete the work (please see mandatory question on jobs site for inputting response) (20 marks).
3. Interview (30 marks)

Financial Evaluation (30%):

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

p = y (µ/z), where

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated

y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal

µ = price of the lowest priced proposal

z = price of the proposal being evaluated

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications in one single PDF document:

1. Personal CV or P11, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
2. Technical Proposal (can be attached with CV or response can be provided to mandatory question on jobs site):
   • Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
   • A methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment and work plan as indicated above.

All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNDP Afghanistan. UNDP Afghanistan will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

Annexes (click on the hyperlink to access the documents):

• Annex 1 - IC Contract Template (for information);

• Annex 2 - Financial Proposal Template using the template provided by UNDP (to be completed at later stage upon request by UNDP);

• Annex 3 – IC General Terms and Conditions (for information);
• Annex 4 – RLA Template (if consultant wishes to be recruited through an employer) - (for information).

Note: Incomplete application will result in automatic disqualification of candidate.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org