Sustaining Peace in Bougainville, Post-Referendum Technical Support (Retainer)

Consultant

Contract

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

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

UN Women, alongside UNDP and UNFPA, is implementing a peacebuilding project titled ‘Sustaining Peace in Bougainville - Post-Referendum Support’ (2022-2025) in support of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) has three main pillars: weapons disposal, operationalizing Bougainville's new autonomy powers, and holding a referendum within 15 years of Bougainville's 2005 Constitution to provide guidance on whether the people wanted independence from PNG or some other form of governance. The referendum, held in December 2019, saw 97.7% of voters choosing independence from PNG, and the process was inclusive and genuinely representative of the people's will, with the results widely and peacefully accepted. Bougainville has entered the post-Referendum period, and negotiations are anticipated to take up to five years.

In the lead up to the referendum, efforts were made across Bougainville to support the peace process, remove weapons from communities, and reconcile those communities and groups divided by the conflict.Since the vote, the GoPOPNG and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have signed three key agreements negotiated between the two governments, namely the Sharp Agreement, the Wabag Road Map, and the Era Kone Covenant.

There is a clear expectation that in the post-Referendum context, Bougainville people will be more economically prosperous and will have sustainable livelihoods that bring in good revenue. However, there are very few formal employment opportunities within Bougainville, and even fewer opportunities for those in communities that remain outside the peace process. To avoid an over-reliance on the mining sector as the primary option for future economic development in ARoB, there is strong demand for investment in the agriculture sector, where 87 percent of the population work a livelihood cash crop (such as copra, cocoa, livestock, fisheries, and eco-tourism). Agriculture potentially offers more opportunities than mining and has lower barriers to participation. This support is critical to widening the economic base to activities that are rural and women-centric.

The overall objective of the UN’s support is to continue facilitating mutual and collaborative partnerships between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to:

• Peacefully progress the implementation of post-Referendum priorities as determined by the two Governments.
• Support communities across PNG and Bougainville to understand and buy-into the outcomes of the post-Referendum negotiations and their implementation to support ongoing peace and inclusive sustainable development across PNG and Bougainville.

As part of this project UN Women is supporting Outcome 3: Peace-supporting businesses are established in collaboration with local governments to address spoilers of the Bougainville Peace Agreement with the following outputs:

• Output 3.1: Engage conflict-prone communities in inclusive, local economic development to support the continued implementation of an inclusive Bougainville Peace Agreement.
• Output 3.2: Strengthen the capacity of Community Governments in Bougainville to promote social cohesion and local economic development.

The aim of this work is to strengthen community cohesion and buy-in to the broader political elements of the post-referendum process by supporting the development of livelihoods’ opportunities, recognising that economic development is critical for the future stability of Bougainville.

This outcome will focus on promoting local economic development (LED) in conflict-prone/fragile communities in Bougainville by working with communities to identify market opportunities that link to the drivers of conflict. This approach provides a peacebuilding strategy that seeks to disrupt cycles of violence through socially and materially incentivising non-violent alternatives that promote conflict resolution, positive social identities and status, in conjunction with material gain. In addition, this approach will provide an economic incentive for outlier and conflict-prone communities to connect into regional economic processes, which will serve as an entry point for these communities to be brought into the post-referendum process through awareness-raising activities.

As such, UN Women is seeking a highly experienced International Consultant to provide ongoing technical support to this project, which will lay the foundation for long-term economic development and peacebuilding in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision and guidance of the UNW Sustaining Peace Project Manager, and UN Women Deputy Representative the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide technical support in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating project activities.
• Design and conduct gender sensitive, joint conflict-market assessments in the three pilot communities to inform peace-supporting businesses.
• Develop needs assessment tools for the capacity building of local government representatives in target communities to support local business with relevant regulatory frameworks and provide technical inputs to the development of a capacity building plan.
• Provide technical inputs for stakeholder consultations and engagement, including with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, local Government representatives and key ABG Departments), pilot communities and relevant civil society organisations.
• Collect and analyse relevant documentation and consolidate knowledge, experience, good practices and lessons learned.
• Support the project in risk identification and mitigation measures in each of the pilot communities.
• Support the development of toolkits, guidelines and publications.
• Provide technical inputs and guidance to the project team, partners and stakeholders.

1. Expected Deliverables

In consultation with the WMC Technical Specialist, the WPPL Consultant will produce on a retainer basis:

Deliverable

Percentage Completion

Timeframe

1. Technical Support Plan

• Develop a detailed plan outlining the technical support needed for designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating project activities.

10%

April 30 - May 15, 2024

2. Gender-sensitive Conflict-Market Assessment Reports

• Design and conduct joint conflict-market assessments in the three pilot communities, ensuring gender sensitivity.
• Compile assessment reports highlighting findings and recommendations to inform peace-supporting businesses.

15%

May 16 - June 15, 2024

3. Needs Assessment Tools for Capacity Building

• Develop needs assessment tools tailored to the capacity building needs of local government representatives in target communities.
• Provide technical inputs for the development of a capacity building plan focusing on supporting local businesses with regulatory frameworks

15%

June 16 - July 15, 2024

4. Stakeholder Consultation Reports

• Provide technical inputs for stakeholder consultations and engagement sessions with ABG members, local government representatives, pilot communities, and civil society organizations.
• Compile consultation reports summarizing key insights and recommendations.

10%

July 16 - August 15, 2024

5. Documentation and Knowledge Consolidation Reports

• Collect, analyze, and consolidate relevant documentation, experiences, good practices, and lessons learned from project activities.
• Compile reports summarizing findings and recommendations for future reference and learning.

15%

August 16 - September 15, 2024

6. Risk Identification and Mitigation Plans

• Support the project team in identifying potential risks in each pilot community and developing mitigation measures.
• Develop comprehensive risk identification and mitigation plans to address identified risks effectively.

10%

September 16 - October 15, 2024

7. Development of Toolkits, Guidelines, and Publications

• Support the development of toolkits, guidelines, and publications related to peace-supporting businesses and gender-sensitive approaches.
• Provide technical inputs and assistance in drafting and finalizing these materials for dissemination and use.

10%

October 16 - November 15, 2024

8. Technical Inputs and Guidance

• Provide ongoing technical inputs and guidance to the project team, partners, and stakeholders throughout the project duration.
• Offer expertise and support as needed to ensure project activities are implemented effectively and in line with project goals

15%

November 16, 2024 - April 30, 2025

All the deliverables, including annexes, notes and reports should be submitted in writing in English. Upon receipt of the deliverables and prior to the payment of the first installment, the deliverables and related reports and documents will be reviewed and approved by UN Women. The period of the review is one week after receipt.

The SSA contract provides for the inclusion of all costs (all-inclusive); the Organization will not assume any costs or benefits in addition to the fee for services. Therefore, it is the consultant's responsibility to have medical insurance for the period of the contract and it is recommended that it include medical coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses. Medical coverage should be international in cases where the contract requires international assignments or missions.

If selected for this vacancy, proof of medical coverage will be required within the first two months of the contract.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:

https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and proactively solve problem;
• Capacity to plan, prioritise and deliver tasks on time;
• Capacity to engage with national and international staff, provide clear feedback and maintain effective rapport with different kinds of people;
• Actively work towards continuing learning and sharing with others to support local capacity development;
• Required experience and qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, International Development Studies or Rural Development

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in the field of economic development, inclusive governance or peace and security within developing countries
• Proven experience facilitating high level consultative workshops for Governmental Institutions and CSOs
• At least 2 years of experience in providing policy advice and technical assistance to government institutions within conflict or post conflict settings.
• Exposure to women, peace and security will be an asset;
• Experience of working within the Pacific region, in particular Bougainville or Papua New Guinea, will be an added advantage;
• Experience working with local governments to establish mechanisms and processes that support conflict-sensitive local businesses would be an added advantage;
• Practical knowledge on Results Based Management (RBM);
• Demonstrated experience in establishing gender-responsive peace-supporting businesses would be an asset.

Language and other skills

• Good command of English both written and oral
• Ability to communicate in the local languages (Tok Pisin) would be an added advantage.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

1. VII. Submission of application

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit electronic applications to UNDP Jobs link: https://www.undp.org/papua-new-guinea/jobs

Submission package includes:

• Personal History Form (P11) http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/about-us/jobs
• Examples of previous work related to inclusive governance area with specific emphasis on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Financial proposal which shall specify the daily professional fee.

1. VIII. Duration and Remuneration

Maximum of 120 days between 30 April 2024 to 30 April 2025

1. Diversity and Inclusion

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

1. Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis:

• Technical Qualification (100 points) weight; [70%]
• Financial Proposal (100 points) weight; [30%]

A two-stage procedure is utilised in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical qualification evaluation will be evaluated.

1. Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

The selection process will be carried out through a desk review, in which first a formal verification that the applications comply with the documentary evidence to be examined and the minimum requirements established for the consultancy. Then, the technical evaluation of the applications received is carried out, which will be qualified based on the technical requirements established in the following qualification table

Technical Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, International Development Studies or Rural Development

15%

Experience and skills

• At least 5 years of experience in the field of economic development, inclusive governance or peace and security within developing countries
• Proven experience facilitating high level consultative workshops for Governmental Institutions and CSOs
• At least 2 years of experience in providing policy advice and technical assistance to government institutions within conflict or post conflict settings.
• Exposure to women, peace and security will be an asset;
• Experience of working within the Pacific region, in particular Bougainville or Papua New Guinea, will be an added advantage;
• Experience working with local governments to establish mechanisms and processes that support conflict-sensitive local businesses would be an added advantage;
• Practical knowledge on Results Based Management (RBM);
• Demonstrated experience in establishing gender-responsive peace-supporting businesses would be an asset.

70 %

Language and report writing skills

• Good command of English both written and oral
• Ability to communicate in the local languages (Tok Pisin) would be an added advantage.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

15 %

Total obtainable score

100%

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidate.

1. Financial/Price Proposal evaluation:

Annex I and II is shared herewith, below, to set the guidance to submission/s of financial proposals.

1. Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated.
2. The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100 (30%).
3. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation.
4. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
5. The prospective Individual Consultant should take the following explanations into account during submission of his/her price proposal:

® The consultant’s daily rate estimated to complete deliverables. Please note that UN Women solely pays upon submission of deliverables.

® The daily price proposal should indicate a "lump sum amount" which is "all-inclusive"; All costs (professional fees, communications, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor needs to be factored into the proposed price. Airfare, daily subsistence allowance and terminal payments for travel outside of Papua New Guinea will be paid directly by UN Women and are not required to be included in the lump sum amount.

® UN Women will not withhold any amount of the payments for tax and/or social security related payments. UN Women shall have no liability for taxes, duties or other similar charges payable by the Individual Contractor in respect of any amounts paid to the Individual Contractor under this Contract, and the Contractor acknowledges that UN Women will not issue any statements of earnings to the Individual contractor in respect of any such payments.

® Currency of the price proposal. The applicants are requested to submit their price proposals in USD. In case of proposals in other currency, these shall be converted into USD using the official UN exchange rate for currency conversion to USD at the date of applications’ submission deadline.

Annex I: Price Proposal Guideline

The prospective Individual Consultant should take the following explanations into account during submission of his/her price proposal.

1. Daily fee

The daily price proposal should All Inclusive, all cost that could possibly be incurred by the Consultant needs to be factored into the proposed price.

UN Women will not withhold any amount of the payments for tax and/or social security related payments. UN Women shall have no liability for taxes, duties or other similar charges payable by the Individual Contractor in respect of any amounts paid to the Individual Contractor under this Contract, and the Contractor acknowledges that UN Women will not issue any statements of earnings to the Individual contractor in respect of any such payments.

1. Travel costs

Travel is anticipated however will be covered by UN Women as and when needed. These costs cannot be included in the financial proposal

1. Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA)

There is travel anticipated for the consultant, however DSA costs will be covered by UN Women and should not be included in the financial proposal.

1. Currency of the price proposal

The applicants are requested to submit their price proposals in USD. In case of proposals in other currency, these shall be converted into USD using the official UN exchange rate for currency conversion to USD at the date of applications’ submission deadline**. The financial proposal must be submitted in the form specified in the Annex**

Annex II: Price Proposal Submission Form

[ Mandatory document for the Consultant to complete and submit ]

To: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Ref:

[ name of consultancy position ]

Dear Sir / Madam,

I, the undersigned, offer to provide professional consulting services to UN Women within the scope of the referred Assignment.

Having examined, understood and agreed to the Terms of Reference and its annexes, the receipt of which are hereby duly acknowledged, I, the undersigned, offer to deliver professional services, in conformity with the Terms of Reference. My maximum total price proposal for the assignment is given below:

Costs1

USD

Professional fee

Communication Cost

Insurance Cover/ Certification

Total price

I confirm that my financial proposal will remain unchanged. I also confirm that the price that I quote is USD gross, and is inclusive of all legal expenses, including but not limited to social security, income tax, pension, etc., which shall be required applicable laws.

I agree that my proposal shall remain binding upon me for the duration of the contract timeline i.e.

_________days / weeks / months / year. I understand that you are not bound to accept any proposal you may receive.

[ Signature ]

Date:

Name:

Address:

Telephone / Fax:

Email:

1 Cost proposal can be presented in detailed monthly breakup where applicable.

Apply Now Refer a Friend

Apply now

Added 17 days ago - Updated 5 days ago - Source: jobs.undp.org