Researcher for PRIHATIN Social Assistance Report on the COVID-19 Outbreak and Social Assistance Efforts

Contract

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

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Malaysia, creating tremendous health and socio-economic impacts. The Government of Malaysia has implemented measures to prevent further virus spread, including a movement control order (MCO), quarantine centres, and a wide range of relief and recovery efforts.

UNDP in Malaysia provides policy and technical advisory support to the Government of Malaysia. In line with this, UNDP is developing a PRIHATIN Social Assistance Report (PSAR) on the COVID-19 response in Malaysia for the Economics Planning Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department. The report will draw from various surveys, interviews and observations on COVID-19 response undertaken by UNDP and its partners. Given the above, UNDP is recruiting national consultants to undertake research and write the PSAR.

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to produce a report covering the efficiency and effectiveness of social assistance mechanisms and the impact of the PRIHATIN aid provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Three main areas will be covered in the report: (1) Efficiency and effectiveness of PRIHATIN social protection mechanism; (2) Adequacy and impact of PRIHATIN aid during the crisis (3) alternative social assistance payment mechanisms and modality.

The report will evaluate the successes and gaps in these mechanism and modality to identify current needs and strengthen future crisis responses. To achieve this goal, the report should reflect the perspectives and experiences of the range of stakeholders, including both those in urban and rural areas, B40 and M40 groups and of different gender, ethnicity and age. Recommendation on policy and interventions for tailored and alternative social assistance to be written up based on the analysis of various demographics and locality.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Researcher will work closely with Rapid Household Survey (RaHIS) project team members and Learning and Insights Hub under the oversight of UNDP and the direct supervision of designated UNDP personnel. The consultant will work in collaboration with Government officials, UN Agencies, development partners, technical advisors and experts, civil society, and the private sector, where necessary to advance the understanding of the COVID relief and response.

The scope of work for this assignment will include the following key functions:

1. Development of detailed framework for the PSAR;
2. Rapid review of PRIHATIN Social Assistance Mechanism and Modality
3. Analysis and compilation of evidence from Rapid Household Survey (RaHIS), Youth and Gig Worker Financial Constraint Survey,
4. Undertake gathering of additional beneficiaries and observers’ perspectives;
5. Consult with identified subject matter experts in social assistance and for recommendations in strengthening future crisis response.

Methodology

The methodology for the assignment will include:

1. Analysis of primary quantitative and qualitative data received from RaHIS, financial constraint surveys and other interviews conducted by UNDP and partners
2. Review and analysis of secondary data and related information such as policy documents and official reports on COVID-19 PRIHATIN social assistance efforts;
3. Interviews, surveys and other mixed-method rapid information gathering from beneficiaries and observers’ perspectives and to fill in gaps in knowledge.

UNDP will support information gathering by facilitating interactions with EPU and other key agencies, and making available pertinent data being generated by the UN through its response and recovery actions.

Specific Task Assignments, Expected Results and Qualifications

Inception report, including detailed framework for the PSAR and plan to carry out any additional data gathering as necessary:

• Based on initial review, develop a joint inception report that reflects the consultants understanding of the assignment, detailed framework, tentative plan and schedule to carry out the tasks, and expected conclusions and recommendations of the report;
• Identify gaps in available data and sources to address these gaps;

Draft report:

• Develop a draft PSAR with evaluation of PRIHATIN social assistance mechanism and modality to improve future crisis response, and recommendations of immediate steps and alternative solutions in light of present outcomes;
• The report should address effectiveness and impact of PRIHATIN aid, Bantuan PRIHATIN National (BPN) and other related government relief and response efforts,
• The report should reflect the perspectives and experiences of beneficiaries from different demographics and locality including urban-rural, gender, ethnicity, age, B40 and M40 etc;
• The report should highlight successes, identify gaps in response, and recommend resources, practices, institutional linkages, and mechanisms and modalities that would improve future crisis responses;
• Present the draft report and recommendations to UNDP and other key stakeholders to validate the findings;

Final report:

• Finalize PSAR based on feedback and inputs from UN and other stakeholders;
• Development of slide-deck to accompany the report.

HANDLING OF DATA, INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS

All data, information and documents obtained under this assignment is the property of the United Nations Development Programme and shall be treated as strictly confidential.

No such information shall be used by the consultant for any other purpose other than the completion of deliverables within the scope of work.

All soft and hard copies of data, information and documents must be returned to UNDP upon completion of the assignment.

Deliverables

The contract and payments will be performance-based and assessed by UNDP Malaysia. For payment in instalments, certification of satisfactory performance at each phase of key deliverable is required. Timing of specific activities will be discussed and agreed between UNDP and the consultant.

• Inception report (20%);
• Draft PRIHATIN Social Assistance Report including key findings and recommendations (40%);
• Final PRIHATIN Social Assistance Report incorporating feedback from UNDP and other stakeholders (30%);
• PPT presentation of the key findings from the report (10%).

Competencies

Corporate

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, age sensitivity, and adaptability;
• Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity; and
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Technical

• Capable of working efficiently, dependable, and strong attention to detail;
• Familiarity with economics and development terminology and concepts, is an advantage;
• Demonstrated commitment to the timely delivery of projects; and
• Ability to maintain high-quality of work while meeting tight deadlines and short turn-around times.

Functional

• Strong listening and communication skills;
• Capable of working in a high-pressure environment with short deadlines, managing many tasks simultaneously;
• Exercise the highest level of responsibility and be able to handle confidentiality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in social science, political science, development, economics and disaster management or a related area; and
• At least 2 years of experience in research, demonstrating competency in quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, drafting and publication of policy or research papers and reports.

Experience

• Knowledge of and/or experience in social protection, macro and microeconomics, international humanitarian/emergency response, disaster risk reduction system, relief and response programme;
• Knowledge and experience in analysing qualitative and quantitative data are essential;
• Ability to write high quality reports and make impactful presentations;
• Excellent analytical and written communication skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Malay are essential; and
• Strong motivation and ability to work and deliver under short deadlines.

Language Requirements:

Strong command of speaking and writing in English and Bahasa Malaysia

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

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

1. Document 1 : Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability (Annex 1) provided by UNDP;
2. Document 2: Technical Proposal: Cover page (max. 2 pages) how candidate’s qualification and experience in research makes them suitable for the work and can lead towards the successful deliverable of the objectives of this consultancy within the required timeframe. Please provide a maximum of 3 samples of research/analysis work recently undertaken.
3. Document 3: Personal CV / P11 including areas of expertise and past experiences in similar area of work and at least 3 referees.
4. Document 4: Financial Proposal all inclusive and takes into account various expenses the candidate expects to incur during the contract, including:
   • The daily professional fee;
   • The cost of travel from the home base to the duty station (UNDP Office, Putrajaya) and vice versa;
   • Communications, utilities and consumables; and
   • Life, health and any other insurance.
5. Please submit this information in one file as Document 1, 2, 3 and 4.
6. Candidates who fail to submit all the information requested above will be disqualified.

How to Apply:

• Kindly download the Letter of Confirmation of interest and availability, Financial Proposal Template and General Terms & Conditions mentioned below;
• Read and agree to the General Terms & Conditions;
• Click the ‘apply’ icon and complete what is required;
• Scan all documents into 1 pdf folder and then upload;
• For clarification question, please email to [email protected]. The clarification question deadline is three (3) days before the closing. When emailing for clarification questions, please put "MyIC/2020/045" as the subject matter.

Forms and General terms & conditions to be downloaded:

• The UN Personal History Form (P11) is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/P11%20for%20SC%20&%20IC.doc?download
• The Letter of Confirmation Interest and Availability template at http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/Letter%20of%20Interest%20_Annex%201.docx?download
• Financial Proposal template at https://content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/Financial%20Proposal.docx

• The General Terms & Conditions for Individual contract is available at: http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/General%20Conditions%20of%20Contract%20for%20IC.pdf?download

  Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA): A legal instrument between UNDP and a Company/institution, according to which, the latter makes available the services of an individual delivering time-bound and quantifiable outputs that are directly linked to payments

• The General Terms & Conditions for Reimbursement Loan Agreement is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/Reimbursable%20Loan%20Agreement%20_%20Terms%20&%20Conditions.pdf?download

  Kindly note that the system will only accept one attachment , please merge all documents and submit as one file.

Note:

1. Incomplete applications will not be considered for shortlisting. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. The interview date will be informed to the shortlisted candidates directly.
2. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, aboriginal groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.