International Consultant to prepare the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan and conduct a two-day workshop

Contract

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

Background

The Project “Assistance in the realization of the National Action Plan of Turkmenistan in the field of human rights for 2021-2025” consolidates the established constructive relationship between UNDP and the Government of Turkmenistan in the implementation of the global Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 (Agenda 2030) and the relevant SDGs adopted by Turkmenistan in September 2016.

The long-term goal of the Project is to assist the Government of Turkmenistan in the development of a system for the protection, promotion, and implementation of human rights in Turkmenistan by further improving the legislative framework in this area and its proper implementation in accordance with the country's obligations under international treaties in the field of human rights and the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) for 2021 -2025.

The analysis of the NHRAP implementation for 2016-2020 provided some recommendations for the development of the subsequent Action Plan for the period 2021-2025, such as:

• expanding the role of civil society and the public during the plan development and implementation process;
• development of targets based on the achievements of the previous action plan, with particular attention to areas in which fewer achievements were recorded;
• development of qualitative indicators of progress and corresponding mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the plan;
• periodic review of the NHRAP to assess the level of implementation, gaps, and timeline, considering the possibility of amendments;

The Project “Assistance in the realization of the National Action Plan of Turkmenistan in the field of human rights for 2021-2025” aimed at strengthening the national system of protection, promotion, and realization of human rights in Turkmenistan by harmonizing laws and practices in accordance with the country's international human rights obligations has three main components:

• Component 1: Assistance in the implementation and monitoring of the implementation of the activities of NHRAP for 2021-2025;
• Component 2: Studying international experience and building the capacity of members of the Interagency Commission for the preparation of national periodic reports to the UN human rights treaty bodies to fulfil Turkmenistan's international obligations in the field of human rights;
• Component 3: Promotion of human rights education at various levels of educational institutions and professional training courses;

Within the Component 2 of the project, it is expected that an international expert will support in preparation of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan. The 3rd Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan was submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in 2018.

Duties and Responsibilities

This Terms of Reference lays out the goals and objectives set for an international consultant who in close cooperation with the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan, and under the direct supervision of the Program Analyst and Project Manager, will:

1. Review the NHRAP for 2021-2025, National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025, National Action Plan for the Implementation of Children's Rights in Turkmenistan for 2018-2022, National Action Plan to Counter Trafficking in Persons for 2019-2022 and a Mid-term Review on the fulfilment of human rights obligations in Turkmenistan by 2023 in compliance with the UPR Recommendations received in 2018.
2. Develop the First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan.
3. Conduct consultations with national partner and UNDP on the prepared First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan.
4. Develop an Agenda of a two-day workshop with the related materials, presentations, and handouts based on the developed First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan to be presented to workshop participants (members of the Working Group of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring Compliance with Turkmenistan's International Commitments in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and implementing parties of the NHRAP for 2021-2025).
5. Conduct a two-day workshop on the First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan.
6. Organize and conduct a debriefing session for the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan.
7. Provide UNDP with a Final Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan, as well as a report to reflect the results of the assignment for UNDP to further assist in the implementation of the UPR Recommendations in Turkmenistan.

Results and Timing:

• Review of the NHRAP for 2021-2025, National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025, National Action Plan for the Implementation of Children's Rights in Turkmenistan for 2018-2022, National Action Plan to Counter Trafficking in Persons for 2019-2022 and a Mid-term Review on the fulfilment of human rights obligations in Turkmenistan by 2023 in compliance with the UPR Recommendations received in 2018 conducted (3 days);
• The First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan developed (7 days);
• Consultations with national partner and UNDP on the prepared First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan conducted (0,5 day);
• An Agenda of a two-day workshop with the related materials, presentations, and handouts based on the developed First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan to be presented to workshop participants developed (1 day);
• A two-day workshop on the First Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan conducted (2 days);
• Debriefing session for the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan conducted (0,5 day);
• The Final Draft of the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan, as well as a report to reflect the results of the assignment for UNDP to further assist in the implementation of the UPR Recommendations in Turkmenistan developed and provided to UNDP (1 day);

Location: home-based (online). Number of days: 15 days, November 2022.

Payment Conditions:

This is a lump sum contract that should include all costs required to produce the above deliverables. The payment shall be released via a bank transfer in one installment. 100% upon submission and UNDP formal acceptance of the deliverables mentioned above.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge of and extensive experience working with UN agencies, developing national reports to UN Commissions on Human Rights and UN Human Rights Council;
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, and communication skills;
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, in a clear style tailored to match the audience;
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Diplomatic skills;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master`s degree in international law, human rights, political science;

Experience:

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels working with UN agencies, developing national reports to UN Commissions on Human Rights and UN Human Rights Council;
• Experience in working on reviewing implementation of the Recommendations of UN agencies or other international human rights organizations;
• Experience in capacity and institution building in international standards for the measurement and implementation of human rights obligations for reporting standards in line with UN agencies` requirements;

Language requirements:

• Fluency in Russian and English.

Submission of applications:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

All experts applying for this position are required to provide:

• A proposed methodology for the assignment with description of approaches for the development the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan;
• Cover Letter which contains a brief description of approach to work/technical proposal of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
• Financial Proposal with the references to (1) the daily rate for the assignment and within the timing scale indicated in the present TOR, and (2) any other expenses (including transportation costs, accommodation costs, the possibility of vaccination and etc.). Template of the form named “Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability” can be found at https://www.undp.org/turkmenistan/procurement . The UNDP will enter an Individual Contract based on a lump sum amount. The financial proposal shall represent a detailed, justified and “all inclusive” amount. In order to assist UNDP in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount, including: a daily fee for the tasks and an estimated duration as specified in this announcement, travel (to and from the missions), per diems, any other possible costs (including vaccinations, dwelling, communication etc.);
• Personal CV form including experience in similar projects and contact details of referees.

Evaluation of proposals:

Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on the combined scoring methodology. When using this method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant and
• having received the highest score – out of 100 points.

Out of the maximum score, the score for technical criteria equals 70% - maximum 70 points, and for financial criteria 30%.

The technical evaluation will consider the following as per the scoring provided:

• Master’s degree in international law or human rights – 10 pts;
• At least 10 years of professional work experience at the national and international levels working with UN agencies, developing national reports to UN Commissions on Human Rights and UN Human Rights Council; working experience on reviewing implementation of the Recommendations of UN agencies or other international human rights organizations; Experience in capacity and institution building in international standards for the measurement and implementation of human rights obligations for reporting standards in line with UN agencies` requirements – 25 pts;
• Interview - 15;
• Methodology for the assignment with description of approaches for the development the 4th cycle Universal Periodic Report of Turkmenistan – 20 pts;
• Fluency in Russian – 20 pts;
• Fluency in English – 10 pts;

Financial proposal – 30% of total evaluation.

Additional requirements for recommended contractor:

Recommended contractors aged 65 and older, and if the travel is required, shall undergo a full medical examination including x-ray, and obtain medical clearance from the UN-approved doctor prior to taking up their assignment. The medical examination is to be cleared by the UN physicians, and shall be paid by the consultant.