Technical Support to Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region, INDIA

Contract

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

Background

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s current Country Programme, 2018-2022, has entered its final year of implementation. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability

South-South cooperation and gender equality are promoted across the pillars and the programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the 2030 Agenda. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

UNDP has been supporting the Ministry of DoNER in the development of North-Eastern Region (NER) District SDG Index and Dashboard which ranks districts of the North-Eastern States on the SDGs. The index gives an overview of the performance of the districts of the NER on the SDGs which encompasses social, economic and environmental parameters of development.

Further, a new Scheme, PM-DevINE, w****ill provide additionality to the quantum of resources available for the development of the NER.

The objectives of PM-DevINE are to: (a) Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti; (b) Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER; (c) Enable livelihood activities for youth and women; (d) Fill the development gaps in various sectors. PMDevINE will lead to creation of infrastructure, support industries, social development projects and create livelihood activities for youth and women, thus leading to employment generation.

The justification for announcement of PMDevINE is that the parameters of NE States in respect of Basic Minimum Services (BMS) are well below the national average and there are critical development gaps as per the NER District Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index 2021-22 prepared by NITI Aayog, UNDP and MDoNER. The new Scheme, PM-DevINE was announced to address these BMS shortfalls and development gaps.

The Ministry plans to apply and analyse the results of indices like the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index and the NER District SDG Index for holistic planning to address key SDGs and optimally allocate resources to states based on the results of such indices. In this regard, UNDP is looking to hire a consultant to provide technical support to Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and overall supervision of the Secretary, Ministry of DoNER and in collaboration with UNDP SDG team, following tasks to be undertaken

1. Prepare guidance note for NE states to support alignment of schemes and new proposal to the evidence on the SDGs;
2. Support development of targeting and progress monitoring criteria for MDONER aligned with the SDGs and MPI
3. Undertake budgetary analysis of the NE states in context of SDGs
4. Prepare a blueprint of a monitoring dashboard for PMDevINE by collating data and inputs from various states and ministries for preparation.
5. Support preparation of knowledge products related to upcoming Northeast SDG Index

Competencies

• The candidate must possess:

1. strong presentation skills
2. strong oral and written communication skills in English language
3. ability to analyse data and draft documents, proposals or policy papers for ministries/governments
4. excellent team working and collaboration skills.

• Ability to get along with diverse personalities across diverse cultures; be tactful, mature, and flexible with strong interpersonal skills. Should be able to manage confidential information very effectively.
• Uses information technology and appropriate tools e.g. excel, power-point to make clear presentations and analyses.

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Economics, Public Finance or related fields with minimum 10 years’ experience.

Languages Required: Fluency in Hindi and English is a must.

Criteria for Technical evaluation (70%)

• 5-7 years of work experience on issues of public finance, budget analysis – 40%

• Prior experience of engaging with the government will be an asset – 20%

• Research work for NE State or region will be an advantage - 10%

The contract will be awarded for six months initially.

Payment Scheduled: Payments will be deliverable linked as per the following schedule of payments:

Expected Deliverable/ Outcome/Payment Schedules

Deliverables

Amount%

Months

1. Policy notes for MDoNER based on the upcoming Northeast SDG Index. A note on how the SDG North District Index can be used as tool for planning and designing of schemes to address the bottlenecks.

By end November

20 %

Month 1

2. Prepare guidance note for NE states to support alignment of schemes and new proposal to the evidence on the SDGs; An in-depth analysis of the schemes for North East and its alignment to the SDGs Indicators and Targets. A tentative target setting for the North East also is to be prepared.

By end December

20%

Month 2

3. Policy note on development of targeting and progress monitoring criteria for MDONER aligned with the SDGs and MPI - A note on enhancing the monitoring of various projects and schemes in North East India through the lens of SDGs has to be prepared.

By end January

20%

Month 3

4. Undertake budgetary analysis of the NE states in context of SDGs. The budgetary analysis has to be Statewise and Goal wise and then a compilation of entire North East. (first draft)

By end February

20%

Month 4

5. Submission of budgetary analysis of the NE states in context of SDGs ( complete draft)

By end March

10%

Month 5

6. Prepare a blueprint of a monitoring dashboard for PMDevINE by collating data and inputs from various states and ministries for preparation.

By end April

10%

Month 6

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT:

The Consultant will work in close collaboration with the Policy Specialist and will report to the Head of State Outreach and SDG Integration, UNDP

Financial Criteria weight – 30 % (only candidates who score a consolidated 70% in the technical criteria and interview would be invited to submit financial proposals)

Submission of Proposal

Financial Proposal: Technically qualified consultants will be requested to submit their lump sum rate i.e. consultants who score more than 70% i.e. 49 marks with respect to the above-mentioned evaluation criteria (which includes both the technical and the interview). Consultant should not specify their consultancy fee on their CV or with the submission. The CV will not be evaluated further in case the consultant submits the same. When submitting CVs, candidates are requested to submit a document that is clearly responsive to the technical evaluation criteria.

Notes:

1. Miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone, relocation charges, local travel etc. would not be reimbursed separately
2. Travel, lodging and boarding as per UNDP rules subject to prior approval
3. Individuals working with institutions may also apply, the contract would be issued in the name of the institution for the specific services of an individual