National Consultant/Thematic Expert on trafficking of small arms and light weapons under Preliminary Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) Study for Sri Lanka (1 Position) Reference No.: IC/UN

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Friday 18 Feb 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

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

Background

Introduction:

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) located in New Delhi (India), covers six countries of the region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Under its Regional Programme (RP) for South Asia for the period 2018 to 2022, UNODC is delivering technical assistance to South Asia under the following five components: (1) Countering transnational organized crime; (2) A comprehensive response to the drug problem (drug trafficking & drugs and health); (3) Countering corruption; (4) Terrorism prevention; (5) Criminal justice and crime prevention.

Crime and drug challenges in South Asia are multifaceted, and many are transnational in nature. A combination of threats posed by transnational organised crime in the manufacture, trafficking and use of illicit drugs, trafficking of persons, smuggling of migrants, and environmental crimes such as the trade of illegal timber/exotic animals, have been facilitated by the ease of money laundering and a relatively weak border control framework. In Sri Lanka, the current financial crisis with large foreign debts amounting to billions of dollars in loan payment and fiscal deficits, further compounded by the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic have undoubtedly shifted its post conflict development dynamics. The complete halt in tourism, reduced domestic workers remittances, and exports constitute aggravating triggers that may act as drivers for the most vulnerable populations, with limited or no income, to resort towards informal/illicit economic activities.

In the absence of a comprehensive threat assessment being conducted in Sri Lanka or the South Asia region, UNODC Programme Office in Sri Lanka, under Sub Programme 1 of the RPis planning to conduct a preliminary study to assess the current transnational organised crime situation in the country. The study is expected to focus on transnational crime areas that pose the most threat to Sri Lanka , to better understand its severity and extent of its prevalence, that may have human, economic, social, political and security threats that impacts beyond its own borders.

Overall objective of assignment:

The overall objective of the wider assignment is to understand the presence of organised crime in Sri Lanka, with an aim to enhance evidence-based policy responses, which, in turn will promote the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions, that are capable of decreasing organised crime problems. The wider study will focus on the following thematic areas: (1) Trafficking of illicit drugs and precursors; (2) Wildlife and Forest Crimes and (3) Trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW). The study will capture the basic nature of the crimes prevalent in Sri Lanka, flows/ patterns, key stakeholders, key legislations, identification of key knowledge, data as well as resource gaps that would contribute towards strengthening existing mechanisms.

Specific Objective(s):

Together with the other thematic experts produce a preliminary study on TOC related to trafficking of SALW in Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work and expected outputs/ deliverables:

Under the overall supervision of UNODC Regional Office for South Asia and the Programme Office in Sri Lanka, the Thematic Expert on trafficking of SALW is expected to work in close partnership with the other thematic experts to:

  1. Describe the broad legal, cultural and economic context against which current trafficking of small arms and light weapons and related crimes occur in Sri Lanka;
  2. Identify key sources of data and information on trafficking of small arms and light weapons and related crimes, including key stakeholders, and the data they collect (including but not limited to arrests, prosecutions, sentencing, seizures, reported crimes);
  3. Identify key trafficking routes involving Sri Lanka for internationally trafficked SALW, a. Include where known, the source and destination countries;
  4. Describe the broad efforts being made to decrease and prevent these illicit activities and sources of data where relevant to these efforts. (An example would be the funds made available to resource customs or law enforcement organisations).
  5. Identify areas to strengthen (following the review of main gaps) within institutional, legal, policy, operational and administrative structures that hinders monitoring and prevention action.

Thematic Expert on trafficking of small arms and light weapons is responsible for the following:

  1. Provide input to the wider inception report covering the legal framework for trafficking of SALW and related crimes; government structure and governance structures; data sources we could use, and broad patterns and trends in trafficking of SALW and related crimes
  2. Work with UNODC colleagues (HQ) to develop a suitable collection tools to compile more detailed information to answer the following research questions:
    • What are the key SALW related problems?
    • How do these occur? (modus operandi)
    • What types of organisations are involved in this illicit activity? (levels and structures)
    • Are there any new and emerging trends evident from the data on types of crime or on response to crime?
    • What efforts are being made to decrease crime?
    • Where are key knowledge gaps about the crime itself, and about responses to it
  3. Collect and collate data including desk research, conducting interviews with stakeholders etc, as defined by step 2.
  4. Draft the results in English to using the co-author referencing style.
  5. Co-ordinate with stakeholders and facilitate a session to validate key findings and conclusions.
  6. Re-draft the chapter following feedback from the UNODC.
  7. Provide National Program Coordinator and Team Leader with summarised findings and full chapter to enable drafting of the wider Executive Summary, and for final presentation of key findings relevant to trafficking of small arms and light weapons and related crimes

Specific deliverables and payment terms:

Outputs

Target Due Dates

/Number of days per output

Percentage payment

1.

Provide input for the inception report and agreement on further collection tools and methodologies with UNODC colleagues

Submission of Inception Report with methodology and workplan and incorporate feedback of UNODC upon receipt

18 Jan 22

(15 days)

55%

2.

Carry out the research as agreed with UNODC and draft a chapter on trafficking of SALW and related crimes

28 Feb 22

(30 days)

3.

Arrange and facilitate a session with stakeholders to validate key findings; provide a brief write-up of the meeting (including list of participants) and revise the draft chapter accordingly

15 Mar 22

(15 days)

45%

4.

Submit the revised chapter to National Program Coordinator /Team Leader and UNODC for comments/ review

31 Mar 22

(15 days)

5.

Presentation of the key findings of the trafficking of SALW and related crimes chapter as part of the wider team presentation

5 Apr 22

(5 days)

Notes:1) If the consultant anticipates some field travel within Sri Lanka, it should be budgeted in the proposal; 2) Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone, etc. would not be reimbursed; and 3) Please note proposals without the financial proposal will not be considered.

Indicators to evaluate the consultant’s performance:

  • All outputs are in line with UN standards and requirements;
  • All the outputs should meet the satisfaction of the responsible UNODC sections;
  • Timeliness and quality of work.

Time frame:

The period of the assignment will be 80 working days between 15 February to 30 June 2022.

Reporting and communication:

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and day to day guidance of the UNODC National Programme Coordinator based in Sri Lanka and the overall supervision of the UNODC Regional Representative/Deputy Representative for South Asia.

Competencies

  • Knowledge of trafficking of small arms and light weapons and related crimes including that of drivers, solutions to and key stakeholder roles.
  • Knowledge of emerging issues/ trends and policy analysis of the selected thematic area is required.
  • Proven experience in conducting assessments/gap analysis in the above thematic area within Sri Lanka or in the Asian region is required
  • Ability to interact with government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to operate effectively; establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations is essential.
  • Proven ability to produce high quality reports of publishable standard, including the use of visual presentation of data/ analysis is required.
  • Ability to access the main sources of information is required.
  • Strong analytical, writing, editing and presentation skills are required.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power-point etc.).
  • Ability to operate effectively in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender is essential.
  • Familiarity with the United Nations system and procedures is desirable.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in English. Fluency in one of the local languages (Sinhala/Tamil) is required.

Required Skills and Experience

Experience and qualifications:

  • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, crime prevention, social sciences or related field. University education may be substituted by extensive relevant experience.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant demonstrated experience that includes, a minimum of five (5) years of experience related to research and analysis, including specific experience in conducting research into trafficking of SALW and related crimes such as data collation and analysis, and devising and conducting fieldwork interviews with stakeholders.

Award of the contract:

The contract shall be awarded to the individual whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • Responsive to the criteria outlined in the ToR.
  • Having received the highest score of a pre-determined set of technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation and based on cumulative criteria.

Technical criteria weight - 70 marks

  • Educational qualification - 15 points
  • Experience working in the thematic area - 20 points
  • Required Competencies – 15 points
  • Demonstrated ability to work with subject specialists and relevant government counterparts - 20 points.

Financial criteria weight - 30 marks

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

How to apply

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

Documentation required

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document:

  • Personal CV, 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.
  • Technical proposal, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment; and b) a methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.

  • Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability & Financial proposal - Please send the Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability & Financial Proposal separately to the e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line as per template provided in Annex II. Note: National consultants must quote prices in Sri Lankan Rupees.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._______________________________________________________________)

Incomplete proposals may not be considered & please follow the above given instructions strictly when applying. Please submit the Amount in LKR only

Annexes

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

Contact information for queries:

For any clarification please contact: anusha.munasinghe@un.org

We are committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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