National Expert on Security Sector Reform and Regulations – parliamentary oversight over security comparative review

Contract

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

Background

“Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia” project is designed to strengthen the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia (RA NA in its new and fundamentally enhanced role within the governance system in carrying out key functions of law-making, oversight, and representation. With a long-term goal of enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Parliament as a policy-making institution, the project is designed to support the National Assembly to take the advantage of the modern governance tools and mechanisms that are focusing on improved quality, transparency and inclusiveness of parliamentary operations and enhanced parliamentary capacity for gender-responsive policymaking, as well as overall safety and security of the Parliament and its operations.

The three components of the project are focused on the areas of Legislative capacity, Legislative transparency, and Legislative responsiveness. To that end, a three-stage strategy will be applied: (i) catalytic stage of needs assessment, strategic agenda-setting, and pilots of the designed approaches, (ii) full-fledged implementation of the strategic agenda, tested approaches and activities, (iii) evaluation of the implementation, policy recommendations, and project closure.

The project is planned for the period of four years (2019-2022) during the term of the National Assembly of the 7th Convocation (2019-2023). The project will be implemented through a basket fund model.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Expert will act under the overall supervision of UNDP MAP Project CTA and Associate Coordinator in consultations with the RA NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security to provide Legal assistance to conduct a comparative analysis of the constitutional regulations of European countries on parliamentary oversight in the field of security.

The principal duty of the expert will be to conduct a comparative analysis of the constitutional regulations of European countries regarding parliamentary oversight in the field of security. The Expert will be requested to:

• Carry out scoping and identification of the relevant international experience and key matters to be addressed by the constitutional reform within the context of security sector.
• Conduct review of constitutional provisions pertaining to the oversight of security sector in 3 to 5 pre-identified countries with relevant constitutional framework; highlighting implications of regulatory solutions for the practice.
• Modeling on positive international experience, develop recommendations for the prospective constitutional amendments in Armenia, within the context of ensuring effective separation of powers, principles of democratic civilian oversight, safeguards for the protection of human rights, transparency and accountability.
• Ensure close coordination and consultation with other stakeholders involved in the process of constitutional reform, including, among other the Expert Panel on Constitutional Reform and the Platform on Democratic Oversight of Security Sector.

Expected deliverables:

The Expert will report on the work progress to the UNDP MAP Project team and the NA Standing Committee. Interim Progress Report and the Final Report shall be produced and submitted according to the deliverables schedule below. The Final Report shall be presented to the project national partners as well as involved stakeholders, discussed and validated before finalization.

Description of deliverables

Delivery time

1. 1st Draft “Comparative analysis of the constitutional regulations of European countries on parliamentary oversight in the field of security”

12 days

1. Arranged discussion meeting with key stakeholders

3 days

1. Final draft “Comparative analysis of the constitutional regulations of European countries on parliamentary oversight in the field of security

5 days

Competencies

• Demonstrated capacity to innovate and think creatively;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
• Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Capacity to interact with senior officials and elected Members and credibly influence senior decision makers;
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, including ability to produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products;
• Demonstrated practical knowledge and experience in the field of parliamentary assistance;
• Effective and timely delivery of agreed outputs in a high-pressure work environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law and or Public Administration or Development (Security Sector).

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of specialized experience in international context in governance, legislative strengthening, democratization, five of which may be in legislative development;
• Strong technical knowledge of the field of parliamentary development, as well as a general knowledge of cross-cutting democratic governance issues;
• Strong networks within the international parliamentary development community;
• A minimum five (5) years of respective working experience in policy analysis, project/programme;
• Proven experience and knowledge in policy related assessments;
• Experience in writing report/analysis/ policy outlook;
• Sound knowledge of political and administrative system in Armenia;
• Experience and/or knowledge in gender equality and innovation;
• Experience in parliamentary development is an asset;
• A strong knowledge of the Armenian political process and political decision making;
• Experience in research on political issues;
• Experience working in a political environment.
• Previous experience in crisis management and Security Sector Reform; related experience in the field would be an asset

Languages:

• Native in Armenian and excellent written and oral English language is required.

INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications, experience and financial proposal.The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

• Financial Proposal and Availability form: OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP
• CV shall include Education/Qualification, Processional Certification, Employment Records /Experience

General Conditions of Contract is available here: GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

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