Special Skills Expert (SSE) for Ministry of Federal Affairs (MoFedA)

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Application deadline 3 years ago: Tuesday 27 Oct 2020 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

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

Background

Successful implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides a better opportunity for the Revitalized Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to carry out reforms skilfully, structurally, systematically, symbiotically and synthetically in financial public institutions. This will necessitate the placement of public servants with the capacity to allow the effective and efficient delivery of peace dividends to positively impact for welfare of over 12.58 million people of South Sudan. Early support and leveraging coordinated partnerships is needed urgently during the transitional period with a concentration on delivery capacity of Change Agents (CAs) in the Ministry of Federal Affairs (MoFedA) mentored by a Special Skills Expert (SSE) on governance and inter-ministerial coordination. This will include assessing, analysing, deciding, planning, organizing, training, staffing, leading, controlling, performing, evaluating, redressing the fundamentals of public administration and management of federal development in South Sudan.

The objective of the Governance and Economic Management Support Project (GEMS) of UNDP is to support the effective implementation of the R-ARCSS and improve economic management by:

  • Strengthening the capacity of key national institutions for effective and accountable implementation of the R-ARCSS with a focus on Chapter I and IV.
  • Bolstering key economic governance and accountability functions with attention on Chapter IV of the R-ARCSS.
  • Establishing a consistent and structured platform for advancing policy dialogue and mutual accountability on implementation of the R-ARCSS, and
  • Providing a platform for south-south cooperation and for development partners to bring their expertise and experiences to bear on the implementation of the R-ARCSS priorities.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs (MoFedA) is one of the newest National Ministries created in November 2017 under the Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) in 2015, and reconfirmed in 2018 under the R-ARCSS with mandate for devolution of more powers and resources from the central government to state and local governments. The MoFedA is responsible for educating the people about the processes towards establishing a federal system of governance in the thematic areas of coordination, facilitation, outreach, research, monitoring, evaluation and learning. The MoFedA is also responsible for educating the people on participation in the permanent constitutional development process, and any other functions as may be delegated by the Council of Ministers. The MoFedA not been fully established with regards to human and institutional capacity and operational budget. The lack of capacity, coupled with the current global situation of COVID-19, has created more constraints including lack of resources to effectively carry out ministerial functions. The MoFedA does not have a policy framework to guide its work and mandate for the people of South Sudan.

The core objective of assigning a SSE for the MoFedA is to develop and backstop the institutional capacity of the RTGoNU to successfully direct the peace and legal process on devolution with effective reforms of public sector guided by clear vision, specific mission, ethical values and strategic plans for scoring on the following:

  • Strengthened functional capacity for governance with trained skills of public servants to practically assist in implementing Chapter I, IV and the related provisions of R-ARCSS, applying Public Institutional Management (PIM) professionalism in federal matters with coordination and continuous dialogue among top political actors guided by leadership ideals.

This core objective relates to the design of activities that support government institutions to operate cohesively, integrally and technically to promote honest transparency, enforceable accountability, participation and nationalistic inclusivity with diversity of voices. It has to be measured by the quality of provision of services of the government in line with legal principles, regulatory frameworks, operational policies, public service code of ethics and human resource development with checks and balances of federalism. The MoFedA is a key national institution for coordinating all these with links to the Presidency, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (PMDAs) of the RTGoNU.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • The SSE shall support the MoFedA with detailed technical capacity building and development of the institution to deliver on law reforms for federal development in accordance with R-ARCSS and best practices.
  • The SSE shall train, coach and mentor the staff of the MoFedA to support technically the administration and management of legal and federal issues with coordinated facilitation and recommendations of various directorates such as policy and planning, governance, capacity and institutional building, administration and finance, local government and inter-governmental linkages putting preference to the thematic areas mentioned above, to supported the following:
  • Harmonized Strategic Plan (2020 – 2025) of MoFedA with R-ARCSS and revisited Vision 2040, emphasizing on reforms within the new trends of federalism and e-governance.
  • Updated organizational structure (organogram) of MoFedA with clear line of bureaucratic authority and division of mandated duties/rights.
  • Develop a comprehensive federalism e policy framework (Minister and Undersecretary already have taken a considerable work policy framework which can be used as a blueprint, including stakeholders mapping consultations and workshops).
  • Review the conduct of business of staff of MoFedA with technical recommendations to the respective governance, economic, services, infrastructure and gender/youth clusters.
  • Develop a handbook and brochure for the Ministry of Federal Affairs.
  • Harmonize the legal policies of RTGoNU and federal enforcement of rule of law to match with the demands of R-ARCSS implementation.
  • Audit and review professional competence of all employees of the MoFedA to match with the contemporary standards and pyramidal staffing structure in line with nominal rolls.
  • Organize technical training sessions for the staff of MoFedA and stakeholders on the thematic areas of federal system of government.
  • Adopt affirmative action for less included nationals in the face of federal service with gender mainstreaming in the structure of line of authority.
  • The SSE shall prepare skills training plan of actions, provide policy advice, and help in designing strategic government communication on federal matters with informed technical understanding of government’s decision-making based on conferred powers, functions and responsibilities by R-ARCSS and the Law.
  • The SSE shall use an evidence-based approach and ensure the highest standard of work and timely deliverables at every stage of this assignment, ensuring clarity of objectives as well as process and content of all documentations to meet the highest standards with proper editing.
  • The SSE and CAs shall be provided with efficient work facilities (computers, printers, internet service, and stationeries) through GEMS Project budget while the Ministry provide offices space with power during workhours.
  • The SSE shall work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Ministry of Federal Affairs (MoFedA) in coordination with GEMS Project Manager.

Deliverables:

  • Inception Report and initial workplan (10 days after contract commencement).
  • Bi-monthly workplan and report of previous period (2 months after contract commencement and every two months following).
  • Draft Final Report on the results/finding and recommendations (one month prior to end of contract).
  • Final Report on the results/finding of the assessment and recommendations for future interventions (Revised draft incorporating the feedback from stakeholders) (one week prior to end of contract). This is to be presented to stakeholders for validation

Competencies

Identifying and Building Strategic Consensus with Collegial Partnerships:

  • Establish effective networking with PMDAs and partners, seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to mandate of RTGoNU as provided in article 1.2 of R-ARCSS and with special focus on federal governance reform agenda during transitional period.
  • Contextualize assistance of hierarchical bureaucracy of the MoFedA for fast-tracking a coordinated decision-making and directives for delivery of federal services, using efficient tools necessary for supporting capacity building of the public sector with domestic partnerships in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Innovating and Developing Good Governance Strategies, Plans and Regulations:

  • Coordinate the harmonization of legislative framework, institutional policies, strategic plans, and work plans with well-studied knowledge sharing flatforms on e-governance and federalism.
  • Adopt new approaches of public administration with broader range of perspectives in developing innovative proposals for meeting the contemporary standards of management of federalism.
  • Create conducive work environment and team spirit, which fosters innovative collective thinking through the reformed federal institution of the public sector.

Creating Impact through Sustainable Peace and Holistic Development Dividends:

  • Develop leadership and administrative skills of developmental analyses of federal issues with information on potential bilateral and multilateral cooperation with counterparts to recommend strategic approach for mutual benefits and accountability.
  • Compile comparative lessons learnt on human capacity development and public administration strategy of managing the public sector in accordance with inculcated fundamentals of federalism with links to local government.

Promoting Institutional Training, Technical Expertise and Knowledge Sharing:

  • Prioritize continuous training, coaching and mentoring of senior public servants with efficient use of contemporary computerized tools and standardized mechanisms of federalism.
  • Enhance efficient drafting, effective planning, presentation and report-writing skills with strong analytical and strategic resilience in advanced professional specialization federal services.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive skilful knowledge and competence in information technology and strategic communication on federal matters with efficiency and accountability.

Organizational Awareness:

  • Promotes the mission, vision and strategic goals of Ministry of Federal Affairs (MoFedA)
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment understands the structure and hierarchy of MoFedA, process flows throughout the ministry.

Working in Teams:

  • Acting as a team player and facilitating teamwork;
  • Works collaboratively with colleagues inside Ministry of Federal Affairs (MoFedA) as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals.

Communicating Information and Ideas:

  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Delivers verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easily understood manner;
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to listen and take direction and leadership from others.

Self-Management & Emotional Intelligence:

  • Creating synergies through self-control, tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in political science, political economy, project management, Law, international development, public administration/policy or first-level university degree combined with relevant specialized professional experience.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 10 years of professional working experience in relevant fields related to public sector is required;
  • A minimum of 5 years working in public sector with particular focus on federalism is required;
  • A minimum of 2 years working in knowledge management within an international organization is required;
  • Proven experience organizing and managing events and workshops is desirable;
  • Knowledge of the UN system is desirable;
  • Proven ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, and to deliver in a timely manner within cost and quality standards;
  • Proficiency and proven experience in the use of Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point) is required. Proven experience in the development infographics, online surveys, presentations, organization of webinars would be an asset;
  • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate information collection and monitor own work plan;
  • Ability to work, establish and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, donors, civil society partners and other UN agencies.

Language:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one file):

  • A cover letter with a brief description of why the Offer considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment;
  • Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references;
  • Two pages to describe the methodology to respond to the TOR (understanding of the project requirements.

Note: The above documents need to be scanned in one file and uploaded to the online application as one document.

Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.

  • The financial proposal should specify an all-inclusive daily fee (based on a 7-hours working day - lunch time is not included - and estimated 21.75 days per month).
  • The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract.
  • In the case of unforeseeable travel requested by UNDP, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UNDP and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.
  • If the Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

The Financial Proposal is to be emailed as per the instruction in the separate email that will be sent to shortlisted candidates.

Evaluation Process:

Applicants are reviewed based on Required Skills and Experience stated above and based on the technical evaluation criteria outlined below. Applicants will be evaluated based on cumulative scoring. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • Being 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 where technical criteria weighs 70% and Financial criteria/ Proposal weighs 30%.

Technical Evaluation - Total 70% (700 points):

  • Criteria 1: Professional working experience in relevant fields related to public sector with particular focus on federalism or within the MoFedA: Weight = 10%; Maximum Points: 100;
  • Criteria 2: Proven technical experience working in capacity development and coaching of technical staff, especially at managerial level in economic, resource, revenues and financial management: Weight = 15%; Maximum Points: 150;
  • Criteria 3: Demonstrated experience working in knowledge management, strong background in planning, policy designs, professional leadership, intra government relations, inter-departmental coordination: Weight = 10%; Maximum Points: 100;
  • Criteria 4: Proven relevant work experience and knowledge of corporate social networking-based platforms/tools, and competence in computerized office applications, data basing and visualization software, including faster adaptation of new updates: Weight = 7%; Maximum Points: 70;
  • Criteria 5: Experience organizing and managing events and workshops: Weight = 7%; Maximum Points: 70; and
  • Criteria 6: Proven experience to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate information collection and monitor own work plan: Weight = 21%; Maximum Points: 210.

Having reviewed applications received, UNDP will award the top candidates with highest scores . Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the technical criteria (70 points) shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

Financial Evaluation - Total 30% (30 points)

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

Contract Award:

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter into contract with UNDP.

Institutional Arrangement:

The consultant will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Undersecretary of MoFedA and the UNDP GEMS Project Manager and will be responsible for the fulfilment of the deliverables as specified above.

Payment Modality:

  • Payment to the Individual Contractor will be made based on the actual number of days worked, deliverables accepted and upon certification of satisfactory completion by the manager.
  • The work week will be based on 35 hours, i.e. on a 7-hours working day, with core hours being between 9h00 and 18h00 daily.
Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org