Procurement Notices

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background

UNDP Philippines will commence implementation of a new Country Programme Document (CPD) 2019-2023 in January 2019.  UNDP Philippines’ work will be structured around three outcomes that are aligned with and contribute to the achievement of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the UNDP Strategic Plan 2018-2021, and the draft Philippine Framework for Sustainable Development 2019-2023. The three integrated programme work areas are the following:

1. strengthening capacity to plan, manage and deliver quality social and economic services for the most marginalized and at-risk people;
2. supporting the effective transition towards low carbon and climate resilient development; and
3. support towards addressing the key drivers of conflict and risks to stability

To support the Philippines transformation to an inclusive, high growth society, the Country Office has identified five inter-related, cross-cutting approaches to underpin its work, namely: focusing on financing  to deliver results, applying innovations to provide new solutions to old development problems, deepening partnerships to ensure no one is left behind, re-conceptualizing the human rights-based approach and providing platforms for SDGs integration and acceleration. 

As part of its new way of working, UNDP Philippines will strengthen evidence-based programme design and strengthen internal and partners’ capacities and systems to ensure data generation, collection, analysis and reporting for quality planning, monitoring and reporting. For this reason, a Senior Advisor has been engaged and to further strengthen the effectiveness and impact of UNDP’s support to Agenda 2030 in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific Region through the provision of high-quality analysis. The advisor will work on key areas which includes: lead the development of a multi-year policy research and programme development agenda; provide technical advisory support to a partnership with NEDA on strategic monitoring and evaluation; explore linkages between the mentioned areas and the broader UNDP engagement on the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs; and provide intellectual and strategic advise to the UNDP Philippines’ Management Team to enhance its programme impact and ensure an effective transition  to its new Country Programme 2019-2023.

Under the supervision of the Senior Advisor, the services of a Junior Consultant is required to support the Country Office and national and private sector counterparts on engagements relating to SDGs localization, support to strategic M&E project and effective support to the development  of research agenda.  

Scope of Work

1. Provide effective support to the development of a multi-year research and programme development agenda, with focus on reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive development. The Junior Consultant will also support the following:
   1. Providing effective evidence-based research and analyses and administrative support for programmatic options specifically in project development of SDG Localization programme, i.e., application of innovative approaches and digital technology to improve service delivery
2. Assist the senior advisor in supporting the engagement on National Development Agenda and the SDGs through development of research agenda discussion papers and policy briefs, academic research partnerships, and Policy research on Leaving no one behind.
3. Other project initiatives coordinated by the Senior Advisor:
   1. Administrative and logistical support in organizing and coordinating meetings, workshops, missions, and events;
   2. Support to travel and logistical arrangements for the Senior Advisor; and
   3. Development of activity designs, Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) Terms of References (TORs) and concept notes.
4. Provide effective technical and research support to the “Using Strategic Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) to Accelerate the Implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 (Strategic M&E Project)” of the National Economic and Development Authority, particularly to provide technical and administrative assistance to the Senior Advisor, including but not limited to:
   1. Conduct initial research and data gathering, coordination and consultation with stakeholders, and other preparatory activities with respect to potential evaluation studies to be included in the pipeline;
5. Participate in stakeholder consultations, reference group meetings, coordination with NEDA, and other such activities of the Strategic M&E Project when required;
6. Provide other technical and administrative assistance required by the Senior Advisor with respect to the latter’s activities with the Strategic M&E Project.
7. Assist the Senior Advisor in exploring linkages of UNDP engagement to the SDGs with focus on development and implementation of UNDP private sector engagement strategy and contribution to the Better Business Better World: Philippines Report.
   1. Provide research support in the formulation and development of the Better Business Better World: Philippines Report; and
   2. Provide effective logistical and administrative support to the BBBW: Philippines  consulting team and working groups, particularly in the conduct of events/activities.
8. Undertake any additional tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The Junior Consultant must send a financial proposal based on a lump sum amount.

The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fees, living allowance, and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the consultant in completing the assignment. The contract price will be a fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Travel, as deemed relevant by UNDP, will be approved and arranged by UNDP, following UNDP Financial Rules and Regulations.

Monthly Progress Reports are expected to be submitted to the Senior Advisor/Economist and the Team Leader of the Management Support Unit, for approval and certification.

Payments will be done upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables/outputs by target due dates and as per below percentages:

Implementation Arrangements

The Junior Consultant will report to the Senior Advisor/Economist through the Team Leader of the Management Support Unit on a regular basis and will work in close collaboration with UNDP Programme Teams, Government, Private Sector, Academia, and Civil Society.

The Junior Consultant is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Duration of Work

The work shall be undertaken in 6 months, which may be extended subject to availability of funds. The Junior Consultant shall commence services on 15 August 2018, and shall conclude upon satisfactory completion of the services described in Section B above, not later than end February 2019. The schedule of deliverables and duration of work may be revised based on a mutually agreed timetable through an exchange of letters.

Duty Station

The Junior Consultant is expected to be present at the Country Office on a daily basis, unless a flexible  work schedule is mutually agreed upon.. Some local travel may be expected and all attendant costs will be covered by UNDP Philippines.

Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Education Qualification

• Preferably Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Development Studies, and/or related fields of study, with very satisfactory academic standing.

Experience and Demonstrable Skills

• At least two (2) years of relevant work experience after university graduation;
• Experience in development research, drafting and designing documents and other similar materials in related fields with international organizations;
• Experience in providing administrative and logistical assistance for local and international forums and in using web-based platforms;
• Familiarity with 2030 Agenda/SDGs and integrated approaches to planning, programming and monitoring and evaluation;
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills with experience in data management; and
• Background and interest in the analysis of socio-economic issues and related policy matters.                           

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of and fluency in English, including excellent writing, speaking and presentation skills.

Desirable Competencies:

• Experience with international development partners, private sector and Government

Computer Skills

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and other Microsoft applications

Functional Competencies:

• Organizes and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, deadlines, and multiple reporting relationships;
• Plans, coordinates and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines; and
• Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration.
• Participates in the formulation of project proposals.
• Innovation and marketing new approaches: Generating new ideas, approaches, researches, best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things; Documents and analyze innovative strategies and new approaches.
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Demonstrates corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative taking
• Acting as a team play and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Conflict management
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management.
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Criteria for Evaluation

The offer will be evaluated based on a Combined Scoring Method where the qualifications will be weighted a maximum of 70% (with a minimum passing score of 55%), and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a maximum of 30%.

Recommended Presentation of Offer

Interested applicants must submit the following to procurement.ph@undp.org:

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
2. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
3. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. 

Top shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.