International Consultant (Senior Systems Thinking Advisor - UNDP CO) SDG-PIP Project

Consultant

Overview

Lead development of the new country programme document and align UNDP strategies with SDGs.

You have:

• Master’s degree from a recognized university in Organisational Change, Governance, Public Health, Law, Public/Business Administration, or International Development.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in international development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization.
• At least two years of experience working with organisational change in the security sector.
• Demonstrated experience in serving in an advisory role with involvement of multiple and diverse stakeholders.
• Previous experience of working with the UN.
• Past experience working in Afghanistan and/or conflict affected countries highly desirable.
• Excellent written and oral English skills.
• Competence in Dari and/or Pashtu is an asset.

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. UNDP is on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement:

UNDP supports stabilization, state-building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, helps countries to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock. In Afghanistan, a country in conflict, UNDP works for development and recovery choices that reduce vulnerability and contribute a development perspective to strengthen humanitarian and peace-building responses.

Organizational Context:

UNDP is committed to supporting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) with the achievement of its core objectives of self-reliance and peace and helping it to meet the challenge of the transition from a war to a peace economy. To meet these goals, the Government has identified a comprehensive set of national priorities in the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF). To achieve the Agenda 2030, the Government has also developed a set of 16 Afghan Sustainable Development Goals (A-SDGs) and ten national priority programs (NPPs) to place the country on a path towards sustainable development. Progress towards self-reliance and peace across the country will be guided and measured by the targets and indicators described in each of these frameworks.

To support the Government’s efforts to implement the ANPDF, NPPs and the A-SDGs, UNDP offers a unique and highly integrated model for sustainable development based mainly on its traditional strengths in three main areas:

1. Promoting Human Development to improve human well-being, resilience and support environmental sustainability
2. Providing technical expertise in the use of a Multi-Dimensional Poverty approach to reduce vulnerabilities, inequalities and exclusions
3. Promoting Human Rights to ensure a fair distribution of development opportunities and benefits in social, political, economic and environmental dimensions.

In addition, UNDP now has the Mandate to support SDG Integration to ensure faster progress on sustainable development and can offer support in four areas, (1) Integrated policy and programming solutions, (2) SDG metrics, data and analysis using state-of-the-art tools for modelling and forecasting, (3) Knowledge and innovation and (4) SDG Financing services to help countries identify innovative ways to expand public and private contributions to reach the 2030 agenda. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted an urgent need to adopt a Systems Approach that is orientated towards building Resilience to future shocks through continuously reviewed scenario analyses.

However, to make significant progress on the many highly complex development issues that face the country will require new ways of thinking, new skills and a much more collaborative and inclusive approach. Given the complex nature of many of these challenges, an effective policy response can no longer rely on the traditional sectoral responses of the past. Instead, a more integrated way of thinking will be needed, one that focuses on human well-being and is guided by the SDG framework.

To reflect these needs and to transform UNDP into a learning organization that is ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030, UNDP has designed a new programme portfolio that is intended to support progress towards sustainable development and sustainable peace. It focuses on economic transformation, sustainable energy, social protection, environment and climate change, and governance issues such as anti-corruption, local government, justice and security sector reform, peace and reconciliation. The design of each of these programmes is based on the UN’s three core principles of human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability and is guided by the UNDP Strategic Plan (2018-2021). Taken together and implemented in an integrated way through a platform approach, the proposed programmes will contribute towards achieving Peace, Prosperity and Sustainability in Afghanistan. Each of these themes is reflected in the new organizational structure for the CO.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment:

1. Country Programme Document: To complete the steps required for the articulation of a new country programme narrative for UNDP in Afghanistan, in light of the changing context in Afghanistan. The development of this document will be conducted in close consultation of the UNDP Country Office Programme units, project staff and regional offices as well as UNDP’s external stakeholders.

The new Country Programme Document (CPD) will be the guiding document for UNDP programming for the next five-year cycle (2022-2026). It responds to both the Outcomes in the UNDP Strategic Plan and the new Outcomes that will be developed in the CCA and then included in the UNSDCF. It will also incorporate the key findings of recent analyses and research carried out by UNDP staff, and in particular by the UNDP CGE Economic Modelling Team. The overall aim will be to engage the staff in thinking more critically about how their work is connected with the work of other units, and to stimulate a discussion on the extent to which the current overall work programme of UNDP Afghanistan is ‘fit for purpose.’

To identify the key messages, the consultant will review the relevant documents and overlay a strategic framework that includes the contribution of UNDP’s programmes to improvements in human development, human security and ecological sustainability. Relevant documents include the five draft Country Office Programme documents that have recently been developed, an overall programme concept note that lays out the broad context and challenges, and the findings in a series of technical notes that have been produced in the last 12 months on topics such as the impact of COVID on the SDGs, and the Socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, and the country report for the Donor Pledging Conference that is scheduled to take place in November 2020.

An assessment of the strategic priorities identified in the draft set of ten Country Office Programmes will need to be matched with the Government’s priorities as outlined in the new Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF) and what is known of donor priorities following the Geneva Pledging Conference in November 2020. UNDP is planning a series of round tables are planned with the Government to help understand how the priorities identified in the ANPDF under the three main themes (Peace, State-Building and Market-Building) align with a Meta-Micro strategic framework and what the gaps might be e.g. the link between environment and the Government’s self-reliance objectives, how the Afghan Sustainable Development Goals (A-SDGs) can best be used to guide government investment and serve as a road map towards achieving self-reliance. Although the CPD will primarily be built around the UNSDCF Outcomes, it must respond to Government priorities and so these roundtables will be used to ensure alignment.

1. Common Country Analysis (CCA): Working closely with the CCA consultant, the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and the Resident Coordinator, contribute as a key member of the writing team that produces the narrative for the new CCA. The CCA is an independent and objective assessment of the country context that identifies the key development and humanitarian challenges and opportunities for the UN System going forwards in its role as a key development partner for the Government. This narrative which will feed into the development of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) which starts in 2022. This will involve participation in a number of consultative meetings with the Programme Management Team (PMT), the Government and various Civil Society actors. Carry out any analyses required and draft content under relevant headings.

2. Support for the alignment of UNDP Programmes with the ANPDF and the SDGs: Working closely with the UNDP staff member seconded from the Yemen CO and relevant programme staff in Kabul, advise on the development of UNDP’s new portfolio of programmes using an SDG integration lens to help design interventions that are more coherent with the nature of the complex development challenges that the country is facing.

Expected Deliverables:

The Individual Consultant (Country Programme Narrative Process Facilitator) will provide technical assistance as required by and directed by the Executive Office focusing on the two deliverables described below. The estimated number of working days for completion of each deliverable for this assignment are also indicated against each deliverable:

Deliverable (1) - CPD: (20 working days, 15%).

New Country Programme Document: Work with UNDP programme staff to develop a new Country Programme Document, carry out the necessary consultations with government, obtain the required approvals and clearances, and submit this for approval by RBAP and the UNDP Executive Board by 30th September 2021.

Deliverable (2) - CCA & UNSDCF: (40 working days, 30%)

Assist with the editing and drafting of relevant contributions to the first draft of the Common Country Assessment (CCA) document, and contributions to the UNSDCF to the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) by 30 April 2021. Given the tight deadlines, it likely that the timeframe will slip a little and that some further development and analysis will need to be carried out to finalise this document by May/June 2021.

• First Draft of the UN Common Country Assessment (CCA) document: work with the CCA consultant and Programme Management Team (PMT) to review, edit and contribute new sections as requested and assist with the consultation exercise involving relevant external stakeholders (Government, Donors, NGOs, etc.)
• Inputs to the Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF): Work with the Resident Coordinator (RC), and the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) to review, edit and contribute to new sections as requested and assist with the consultation exercise involving relevant external stakeholders (Government, Donors, NGOs, etc.)

Deliverable (3) – SDG Integration: (50 working days, 40%):

Mainstreaming SDG Integration in the CO: Support the CO team on mainstreaming SDG Integration to ensure that UNDP Programmes are aligned with the SDGs. Finalise the SDG integration guidelines for staff and working closely with programme staff, advise on the development of UNDP’s new portfolio of programmes using an SDG integration lens to help design interventions that are more coherent with the nature of the complex development challenges that the country is facing.

Deliverable (4) - Advisory and Support Services: (22 working days, 15%)

The Individual Consultant (Programme Development) will provide general advice, meeting facilitation and technical assistance as required by and directed by the Executive Office, focusing on the following areas:

• Advise and support the Country Office in developing appropriate programmatic and institutional mechanisms to act as the UN system’s “SDG Integrator” at national and regional levels across Afghanistan;
• Participating in consultations with relevant stakeholders (Government, UNDP, donors, civil society organizations) to understand stakeholders’ concerns and expectations for UNDP programming;
• Support the UNDP Resident Representative and Deputy Representative in supplying additional documentation or correspondence for UNDP HQ or partners as required;
• Assist the Resident Representative, Deputy Representative, and UNDP Front Office in any additional tasks as required.

Payment Modality:

Payments under this contract shall be delivery-based and be made on receipt of timesheets approved by the Senior Deputy Country 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.

Institutional Arrangements:

The international consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Senior Deputy Country Representative (Programmes) and under the direct supervision of the Chief, Strategy, Planning and Results unit. The consultant shall work in close collaboration with the staff of all Country Office Units and will liaise with relevant external stakeholders at national and regional levels as applicable (government, UN Agencies, UNAMA, Civil Society Organisations, etc).

The Country Office will provide office space, internet, logistical and other support service including transport and security applicable to UNDP international personnel. The consultant however is expected to bring his/her own laptop and mobile phone and meet local communications costs. Costs to arrange meetings, workshops, travel costs to and DSA during field visits (if any), etc. shall be covered by the Country Office.

Duration of the Work:

The performance under the contract shall take place over total contract duration of six months with maximum 132 working days excluding joining and repatriation travel days. The target date for the start of work will be around 15 February 2021 depending on the availability of the appropriate consultant.

Duty Station:

The duty station for the contractor is Kabul, Afghanistan for the entire duration of the contract. There may be missions to the regions for the consultation workshops When in Country, the Contractor will be required to report regularly and be present at the UNDP Country Office (UNOCA) during the working hours, security conditions permitting. The contractor will follow the working hours and weekends as applicable to UNDP project staff. The contractor’s movement for meetings and consultations shall be coordinated by UNDP Country Office. The contractor is at all times required to observe UNDP security rules and regulations.

Competencies

Competencies:

Corporate Competencies:

· Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

· Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

· Treats all people fairly without favouritism;

Functional Competencies:

· Knowledge Management and Learning:

· In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;

· Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

· Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;

· Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;

· Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.

Management and Leadership:

· Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;

· Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;

· Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;

· Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;

· Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;

· Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;

Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from a recognized university in any of the following areas or related field: Organisational Change, Governance, Public Health, Law, Public / Business Administration, or International Development.

Professional experience:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in international development, in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting; working with national, regional and international entities;
• At least two years of experience working with organisational change in the security sector;
• Demonstrated experience in serving in an advisory role with involvement of multiple and diverse stakeholders;
• Previous experience of working with the UN;
• Past experience working in Afghanistan and/or conflict affected countries highly desirable.

Language:

• Excellent written and oral English skills is a necessary requirement.
• Competence in Dari and/or Pashtu is an asset.

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 contractor shall propose a daily fee which should be inclusive of his professional fee, visa fee, local communication cost and insurance (inclusive of medical health and evacuation). The number of working days for which the daily fee shall be payable under the contract is 132 working days;
• 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.

The total professional fee shall be converted into a lumpsum contract and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the abovementioned schedule of payments.

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%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Technical Criteria 70 points:

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:

• 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.
• 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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Potential interview questions

Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.undp.org