UNWOMEN International Consultant on Gender Responsive Sustainable Financing

Consultant

Contract

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

Background

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) has committed to implement Agenda 2030, which has been domesticated the Framework for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Framework) adopted by the BIH Council of Ministers as well as by the governments of Brcko District BIH (BD BIH), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH) and Republika Srpska (RS).

With its ambition of being transformational, Agenda 2030 and the SDG Framework will present significant challenges for governments at all levels in BIH. This concerns the traditional government-centred approach to development and financial planning that will require urgent transformative changes and actions to strengthen SDG financing through more optimised public government funding, more active involvement of private sector and other interested parties in sustainable development investments, including through broadening the traditional financing landscape by introducing new and innovative financing instruments successfully applied throughout the world. As this will demand significant shifts in the way existing resources are planned, prioritized and used as well as increases in capacities for SDG-based financing, with support of the Joint SDG Fund, the UN agencies in BIH have launched a Joint Programme (JP) to support governments in BIH (state, entity and Brcko District BIH) in creating the architecture for systemic SDG financing.

The JP will include support to instigating a country wide dialogue on informed and targeted investment of public funds and mobilisation of additional financing for sustainable development, particularly from the private sector. More specifically, the JP will support the BIH governments to: (i) conduct a comprehensive SDG development finance assessment (DFA) through a gender lens across different government levels in BIH for a total and disaggregated perspective in order to get a picture of financial landscape and financial flows, in total and per government levels; (ii) undertake rapid SDG-related gender responsive public expenditure reviews (SDG-PER) to assess current and planned allocations for SDG implementation from government sources at different levels in BIH); (iii) make a rapid estimation of financing needs/costs necessary for implementation of the SDG Framework in BIH until 2030, along with a more detailed costing of implementation in the priority sectors. This will also include a review of financing instruments currently in place that could be optimised or strengthened as well as of new and innovative instruments that could be applicable to the BIH context with minor regulatory adjustments; and, (iv) support inclusive elaboration of an SDG Financing Framework that will provide long term strategic directions to national partners and other stakeholders for integrated sustainable development financing (i.e. integrating funds from different sources such as the public and public sector, donor community and other stakeholders).

SDG Financing Working Group that is responsible for the preparation of the SDG Financing Framework in BIH will provide overall guidance over the preparatory process, while implementation of the preparatory activities will be supported by the sub-groups and thematic groups (hereinafter: “the working structures”), which will consist of the inter-governmental SDG Council, representatives of ministries of finance and other relevant institutions from the state, entity and BD BIH level, private sector, and other relevant actors). After the formal working structure was established, the orientation training was organised for the SDG Finance working group equipping them with the required understanding of the envisaged process.

The preparation process of the SDG Financing Framework in BIH is defined by brief methodological guidelines (hereinafter: “the Guidelines”) prepared in line with the standardised methodologies for SDG financing recommended by the UN SDG Joint Task Force and adjusted to the socio-political context of BIH. As such, the Guidelines will serve as main methodological tool for institutional partners and engaged experts in all envisaged processes, including: (i) conducting the comprehensive DFA (Phase 1) and (ii) preparing the SDG financing Framework (Phase 2). In essence, these processes will result in a comprehensive DFA report, as the first product that will offer a Road Map for the preparation of the second product – the SDG Financing Framework (including an SDG financing strategy).

Although the SDG Financing Working group will oversee and steer the entire process of preparing the SDG Financing Framework, it will be expanded with the two sub-groups, namely the sub-group for preparation of the DFA in Phase 1 and the sub-group for preparation of SDG Financing Framework in Phase 2. Furthermore, additional ad hoc thematic working group(s) will be set in place to ensure participation of institutional partners relevant for specific SDG financing themes/policies.

While the processes in Phase 1 are to be led by the SDG Financing Working Group and supported by SDG DFA sub-group, a number of international and national experts will be engaged to provide guidance and technical support in conducting the envisaged diagnostic as well as to prepare assessments reports (intermediate and final product) as inputs for a final comprehensive DFA report. As all processes and products in all phases are to be gender responsive, the entire exercise will be supported by international and national gender experts to be engaged by UN Women in BIH.

The Expert that will be hired under the separate ToR (hereinafter: “the Lead Expert”) will be responsible for overall guidance, coordination and quality assurance over all activities related to data collection and analyses and final drafting of the comprehensive DFA report, including a Road Map (as the main deliverable in Phase 1.). These will serve as critical inputs into the further preparation of SDG Financing Framework, to be developed Phase 2, which will be defined by the separate ToRs. To support the Lead Expert, National SDG Finance Expert, as well as other experts including the national gender expert that will assist the process of preparation of the comprehensive gender responsive DFA report, including a gender responsive Road Map, one (1) International Consultant on Gender Responsive Sustainable Financing (hereafter the Consultant) will be hired under this ToR.

OBJECTIVES OF ASSIGNEMENT

The Consultant is expected to work in close cooperation with the above-mentioned Lead Expert and other experts to provide technical support to the SDG-FWG on behalf of the UN Joint Program in implementing the BiH gender responsive SDG Framework. Coordination Tasks with the Lead Expert and other experts The Expert will propose and agree the distribution of tasks and responsibilities with the National Gender SDG Financing Consultant. Prior to launch of envisaged activities within each task, the Expert, together with the National Gender SDG Financing Consultant, will organise a preparatory e-meeting with the Lead Expert and other experts involved in implementation of the Task. Moreover, in the work plan, the Expert will reflect the proposed way how interim products will be shared /discussed and finally presented to the DFA sub-group after being discussed with the Lead Expert and other experts. The role of Expert is to ensure that the interim products shared /discussed and finally presented to the DFA sub-groupfinal products such as the DFA report and the Road Map are gender responsive. Before commencement of each task the detailed work plan prepared by Expert in close cooperation with the Lead Expert and the National Gender SDG Financing Consultant will be jointly submitted to UN Women for validation. The direct objective of this assignment is to support the technical work in developing the gender responsive Development Finance Assessment (DFA) and gender responsive rapid SDG-PER as well as the gender responsive Road Map.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks:

1. Conduct a preparatory review of SDG Financing Framework Guideline and prepare a detailed work plan for preparation of comprehensive DFA applying a gender lens. Prior to initiating this task, the Expert will undertake several preparatory steps. The Expert will get acquainted with the TOR of other international and national experts that will be engaged in the Phase 1 of preparation of the SDF Financing Framework in order to integrate and mainstream gender perspective in all activities and at all stages of the process. The Consultant will familiarise him/herself with the SDG Framework in BIH and the development planning and management system in BIH (state, entities and Brcko District BIH) . The Consultant will familiarise him/herself with the aforementioned Guidelines and the standardised methodologies for the SDG financing that are recommended by the UN SDG Joint Task Force (e.g. Integrated National Financing Frameworks for Sustainable Development ; Integrated National Financing Frameworks: Inception Phase ; Development Finance Assessment Guidebook ; UNDP Guidance Note on Budgeting for SDGs , and other methodologies relevant for SDGs financing in the BIH socio-economic context ) and ensure gender mainstreaming in all stages of the process and deliverables. Based on these efforts, the Consultant will support the Lead Expert and the national gender expert in developing a general work plan for conducting all envisaged diagnostics, including consultations within the process of preparation of the comprehensive DFA Report, in line with the parameters stipulated in Guidelines Phase 1. The general work plan will serve as common ground for further detailed and more consultative planning with JP team, other involved experts and DFA sub-group.

2. Contribute to the entry assessments for preparation of the comprehensive DFA and present findings to DFA sub-group along with first set of recommendations for gender responsive planned allocations for SDG implementation from government sources In particular, the Consultant will undertake a rapid SDG-related gender responsive public expenditure reviews (SDG-PER) to assess current and planned allocations for SDG implementation from government sources.

3. Contribute to gender responsive assessment of SDGs integration in planning and financing processes, public private collaboration, and monitoring system implications and presenting of findings to DFA sub-group along with first set of recommendations for gender responsive identification of priority sectors and financing instruments The assessments under this task will be conducted through the thematic groups’ meeting and/or specific meetings with the representatives of relevant target groups from the public and private sector (e.g ministries of finance; line ministries; audit institutions; other government institutions and associations; private sector and its associations, financial institutions, banks, international financial organisation and donors present in BIH, etc,). To prepare the specific target groups for productive assessments / discussions envisaged within this task, the Consultant will contribute to the efforts of the Lead Expert and other experts ensuring a gender perspective.

• Make a rapid estimation of costs necessary for implementation of the SDG Framework in BIH with more detailed costing of implementation in the priority sectors, with a review of financing instruments currently in place applying a gender lens.

4. Conduct the assessments of SDG financing trends, long-term financing needs / gaps at the BIH macro level and support the DFA sub-group in defining / costing priority areas for accelerated SDGs achievements More specifically, under this task the Consultant will perform the following activities:

• Undertake a gender analysis of financial resources required to meet the key priorities in relation to the accelerated SDGs outlined in the SDG Framework.
• Review existing financing instruments specifically targeting women.
• Provide technical support to Lead Expert and other experts in mapping of potential partners (government, private and NGOs) and their roles in delivering gender responsive sustainable development finance for BiH.
• Assess existing institutional capacity to access finance in a gender responsive manner.
• Review existing governance frameworks and capacity to monitor, report and verify finance flows, with specific focus on gender.
• Identify potential 2-3 areas in need for targeted gender responsive financing for accelerated SDGs achievements (including its detailed finance needs/gaps assessment) and prepare the detailed report, with recommendations / solutions;
• Review existing governance frameworks and capacity to monitor, report and verify gender responsive finance flows.

5. Draft key elements of the gender responsive DFA report and the gender responsive Road Map as required including editing into a final version and actively suggesgender-responsive actions and next steps. In particular, the Expert will be required to determine the urging new gender responsive approaches, operational modalities, and instruments applicable for accelerated gender responsive SDG financing in BiH.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME

Tasks

Indicative Days

Due date

tentative

Consultancy work plan that includes timeline of activities, proposed methodology, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

2

27 September 2021

Revised Guidelines and the standardized methodologies for the SDG financing that are recommended by the UN SDG Joint Task Force as detailed in Task 1 applying a gender lens, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

6

11 October 2021

Gender analysis of relevant sustainable development landscape examples worldwide and recommendation on its applicability in BiH, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

10

01 November 2021

Gender analysis of financial resources required to meet the key priorities in relation to the accelerated SDGs outlined in the SDG Framework, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

10

25 November 2021

Review of existing financing instruments specifically targeting women worldwide and recommendation on its applicability in BiH, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

5

10 December 2021

Assessment of existing institutional capacity to access finance in a gender responsive manner, including relevant worldwide examples which can be implemented in BiH, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

6

07 February 2022

Review existing governance frameworks and capacity to monitor, report and verify finance flows, with specific focus on gender, with recommendations for improvement, based on worldwide examples, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

6

01 March 2022

Visual presentation of key findings, through infographics and/or another visual tools, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

2

21 March 2022

List of key messages for social media content and final report, in English, on findings, conclusions and suggestions for follow-up, to be submitted to and approved by UN Women

3

21 March 2022

Total

50

REPORTING

All deliverables should be submitted to UN Women in English.

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: http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-employment-values-and-competencies-definitions-en.pdf

Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UN Women
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to address challenging situation
• Development and Operational Effectiveness
• Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills. Communicates sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Ability to write high quality reports, make impactful presentations, design and deliver audience-focused reports, etc.
• Demonstrates very good understanding of and experience in communications and outreach/advocacy
• Ability to perform a variety of standard specialized and non-specialized tasks and work processes that are fully documented, researched, recorded and reported
• Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust discrepancies, identify and resolve operational problems
• Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Proven networking skills and ability to generate interest in UN Women’s mandate
• Identifies opportunities and builds strong partnerships with clients and partners

Required Skills and Experience

I. Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, social studies, gender studies or similar field. PhD would be considered as an asset

II. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with development research and policy advisory;
• Proven experience in providing technical support to governments and other relevant actors in the area of UN SDG Financing Approach and Guidelines
• Proven experience in providing technical assistance or advisory services to BiH and/or WB or EU new member countries governments / institutions.
• Specific expertise related to gender responsive government public finance policies and processes;
• Working/consulting experience with strategic partners (UN Agencies, government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector, civil society)
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment.;
• Ability to write high quality reports, make impactful presentations, design and deliver audience-focused reports, etc.
• Ability to anticipate and understand client needs, formulate clear strategic plans, prioritise interventions and propose allocation of resources according to priorities.
• Excellent knowledge and skills on design and implementation of gender responsive impact assessment methodologies;
• Strong understanding of BiH economic development, policy history, and strategic plans will be considered an asset
• Strong understanding of BiH development finance, relevant national and international agreements and commitments will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of key BiH and SDG Agenda 2030 thematic areas of support will be considered an asset;
• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in gender work;

III. Languages Requirements:

• Fluency in English.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents:

1. Expression of interest
2. Detailed financial proposal (which includes consultancy fees, travel, accommodation, subsistence etc in a form of a lump-sum)
3. UN Women Personal History (P11) form http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered (all documents indicated above need to be uploaded).

For any additional information, please contact unwomen.bih@unwomen.org.

How to Submit the Application: To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Download and complete the UN Women Personal History Form (P11)- http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
• Merge your UN Women Personal History Form (P11), the Financial Proposal, and Expression of Interest into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
• Click 'Apply Now' button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click 'Submit Application;'
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

EVALUATION OF OFFERS

UN Women applies a fair and transparent selection process that takes into account both the technical qualification of potential consultants as well as the financial proposals submitted in support of consultant applications. Candidate applications will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of applicant experience, qualifications and a financial proposal. The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
• having received the highest score out of technical and financial criteria defined below.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 50 points in the technical evaluation will be considered for an interview. Criteria: Technical Evaluation – documents based (70%) Out of which: Master’s degree in economics, social studies, gender studies or similar field. – yes/no A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with development research and policy advisory; – 15 points

Proven experience in providing technical support to governments and other relevant actors in the area of UN SDG Financing (at least 2 consultancies) – 15 points Specific expertise related to gender responsive government public finance policies and processes (at least 2 assessments or reports conducted); – 15 points At least 2 gender impact assessments undertaken; - 15 points

Knowledge of key BiH and SDG Agenda 2030 thematic areas of support will be considered an asset: yes/no; At least 2 working/consulting experience with government institutions and/or international organizations/projects – 10 points

Financial Evaluation (30%) Evaluation of submitted financial offers will be done based on the following formula: S = Fmin / F * 20 S - score received on financial evaluation; Fmin - the lowest financial offer out of all the submitted offers qualified over the technical evaluation round; F - financial offer under the consideration.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply. UN Women applies fair and transparent selection process that would consider the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org