Terms of Reference:
Request for QUOTATION
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of Centre for Poverty Analysis (BCPA)
I. Introduction
The
University
of
Botswana
, Faculty of Social Sciences is exploring the possibility of establishing a structure within the
University
of
Botswana
dedicated to measuring, monitoring and analysing poverty as well as providing policy and advisory services on poverty. The structure may assume the form of a Centre for Poverty Analysis
II. Context and Justification
has pursued poverty reduction/eradication as one of its top development priorities since independence. This objective features, to varying degrees of clarity and emphasis, on several national strategy, planning and policy documents e.g., Vision 2016, Rural Development Policy, National Development Plans, and the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction.
Though the Poverty headcount rate has fallen sharply since independence, poverty remains a pervasive problem. According to 2003 HIES, 30.3% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2002/03. Whilst this figure represents a significant improvement from 47% in 1993/94 and 59% in 1985/86, it still very high and is inconsistent with Botswana’s growth performance, high and sustained for most of the post independence period, and its position as an upper middle income country.
III. Objectives
The main objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and sustainability of a proposed Botswana Centre for Poverty Analysis (BCPA). To this end, the study shall:
a) Identify, in consultation with the
University
of
Botswana
(Faculty of Social Sciences), and potential users, the core products and services to be provided by the BCPA and based on this, propose a key mandate for the BCPA
b) Identify the potential key sources of demand for the outputs of the BCPA, and the nature of such demand.
c) Identify, through consultation with stakeholders, including donors, the likely sources of funding for the BCPA, and propose a funding strategy.
d) Sensitize potential stakeholders about the initiative, get their views thereof and generate the necessary interest and momentum for the creation of the Centre for Poverty Analysis.
IV. Expected results
a) A report detailing the findings of the study respect of II(a-d) above and in particular outlining:
· Potential services to be provided by the Centre and potential clients clearly identified and briefed and sensitized.
· Key users of the services of the BCPA.
· Potential funding sources for the BCPA.
· Position of the BCPA in the context of ongoing national and regional (SADC) discourses on poverty and relations thereof.
· A draft organizational structure for the BCPA, outlining links with other institutions.
b) A stakeholder workshop on the BCPA, the outcome of which shall be incorporated in the report described in III(a).
c) A draft project document for supporting the establishment of the BCPA.
V. Functions and tasks:
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Director and direct supervision of the National Economist and in collaboration of the promoters of the Centre for Poverty Analysis, the consultant will perform the following functions:
a) Identify the type of services the proposed Centre for Poverty Analysis could provide.
b) Provide an analysis of the comparative advantage vis-à-vis other centres that already provide or may provide this type of services. Identify these other institutions, including a listing of their services.
c) Provide a clear justification for the creation of the Centre, including an identification of the “niche”, with a clear positioning and partnering strategy.
d) Determine the level of demand for the type of services that the centre for poverty analysis would provide, as identified above, as well as the potential consumers of those services.
e) Determine the level of political will of UB in actually creating and sustaining such a centre, including specific measures UB could take to ensure that the Centre is institutionally anchored and sustainable.
f) Provide an estimation of resource needs and formulate a project document to support the creation of the Centre.
g) Provide an organizational chart and provide guidance on other institutional and organizational aspects.
h) Organize and facilitate a workshop to present the initiative and the Report.
VI. Necessary qualifications
· At least a Masters degree in the social sciences
· At least 10 years of professional experience in poverty analysis and policy-making
· Familiarity with market research as well as organizational development
· Excellent writing and oral skills
VII. Methodology
The successful completion of the assignment will require a combination of desk research and stakeholder consultations. It is proposed, though not prescribed, that the consultant:
a) Meets the University and UNDP for briefing session at the commencement of the assignment to clarify client expectations and any other issues regarding the assignment.
b) Identifies and consults stakeholders, understood herein to mean potential users of the BCPA’s services as well as potential sources of funding.
c) Reviews similar initiatives in other countries with a view to identifying a model could follow.
d) Arranges regular briefing meetings with UB and UNDP to provide progress updates.
A final meeting will also be held after the workshop to review the final report that integrates comments received during the workshop.
VIII. Duration
1.5 months.
Application Procedure
Interested parties should send their quotation, CVs enclosed, to the following address, no later than Monday 16 November 2009 at 10:00 hrs ( Time). Applications should clearly state “Feasibility Study on the Establishment of Botswana Centre for Poverty Analysis (BCPA)” on the envelopes. Email to ndapiwa.semausu@undp.org, fax +267 3956093 or call 3952121 ext 228
