Procurement Notices

Private Sector Engagement consultant to undertake an assessment of Private Sector Engagement for the Implementation of the SDGs in the Pacific

Regional SDG Project

Duty Station: Suva, Fiji

Duration of the Contract:

• 60 days
• September 2018 to December 2018

Consultancy Proposal should be sent via email to etenderbox.pacific@undp.org no later than 6th September , 2018 (Fiji Time) clearly stating the title of consultancy applied for. Any proposals received after this date/time will not be accepted. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to procurement.fj@undp.org. UNDP will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Incomplete, late and joint proposals will not be considered and only offers for which there is further interest will be contacted. Failure to submit your application as stated as per the application submission guide (Procurement Notice) on the above link will be considered incomplete and therefore application will not be considered.

NOTE: Proposals must  be sent to the designated email (etenderbox.pacific@undp.org)  

              Please do NOT copy or directly email applications to UNDP staff.

Objectives:

In order to define the role that the private sector can play in meeting the SDG targets and improve the lives of all citizens including the poorest in the community and those described as the most vulnerable it is necessary to examine how businesses can be more ‘inclusive’ by providing employment, goods, services and livelihoods in a commercially viable manner to people living at the base of the economic pyramid.  This should be seen as good business, because with fewer people at the base of the pyramid this increases the size of the market and as a consequence increases opportunities for business.  

 In partnership with the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organization (PIPSO), a technical consultant for business and SDGs will be contracted by UNDP Pacific Office to ensure a strategic and integrated approach to engaging with the private sector.  The Consultant will undertake consultations with companies and business associations in at least three countries (Fiji, PNG and Samoa) to establish what can be done to promote knowledge exchange and learning on the SDGs and the SAMOA Pathway and to identify business opportunities relating to the SDGs and where the private sector can infuse capital.

Background

Along with the rest of the world, the Pacific adopted the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. There are 17 ambitious SDGs with accompanying targets and indicators designed to help countries end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.  Achieving the SDGs will be a truly global effort, requiring new approaches, increased financing and partnerships promoting cooperation and participation by all sectors of the community.  

The private sector’s ability to create sustainable, innovative, and scalable market solutions to address the world’s problems is fundamental to SDG achievement and attainment globally, and in the Pacific region.

While there is an increasing awareness on SDGs within the private sector, there is a demand for practical and tailored guidance and directions highlighting how they can contribute to and benefit from SDGs. The G20 Framework succinctly summarizes this idea: “For private capital and innovation to flow towards advancing the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), societies will have to structure incentives that simultaneously advance business and development.” 

In order to define the role that the private sector can play in meeting the SDG targets and improve the lives of all citizens including the poorest in the community and those described as the most vulnerable it is necessary to examine how businesses can be more ‘inclusive’ by providing employment, goods, services and livelihoods in a commercially viable manner to people living at the base of the economic pyramid.  This should be seen as good business, because with fewer people at the base of the pyramid this increases the size of the market and as a consequence increases opportunities for business.  

A key first step will be to examine how the private sector in these three countries has already been engaged in the implementation of activities or initiatives designed to support the achievement of the SDGs.  For example:

• What steps has the government taken to engage the private sector in the design of national plans and strategies to achieve the SDGs or relevant national priorities – what more can be done?
• What steps can be taken by the Government to promote a more vibrant business sector and encourage economic growth?
• How has the tourism industry contributed to employment, education and health care in communities adjacent to hotels/resorts – what more can be done?
• How has the banking sector supported informal and micro-business opportunities, improving the opportunities for women and youth – what more can be done?
• How has the construction industry benefited local employment – what more can be done?

Scope of work/Output Areas

The Consultant will be required to work closely with the UNDP Pacific Office Programmes, PIPSO as well as the BCtA Secretariat in Istanbul. The Consultant will also work with the national government, i.e. MITT, MoE, among others, and business associations such as, but not limited to, the Chamber of Commerce,  higher education institutes such as the University of the South Pacific, development partners, and other regional and local stakeholders. As may be necessary, the Consultant will collaborate with the Regional Partnerships Specialist and the Chief for Innovation and Private Sector Business Development based in the Bangkok Regional Hub, and the Global Programme Advisor- Private Sector, Bureau of Policy and Programme Support in UNDP in Istanbul.

The consultant will undertake the following key activities:

• Undertake a stock take of how private companies in major industries are implementing their Corporate Social Responsibility; including a set of 10 case-studies outlining approaches, partners and outcomes
• Develop a database of private sector partners outlining expertise, and focal points that UNDP can engage with over a sustained period in support of the SDGs.
• Consult with leading private companies in major industries to gauge interest on aligning their corporate social responsibility programmes with the implementation of the SDGs and achievement of the global 2030 development agenda;
• Consult with government and donors on how UNDP, Government and the Private sector can engage and develop partnerships, projects, strategies, mechanisms for the implementation and achievement of national and global sustainable development goals and targets. This would include discussing the possibility of establishing co-working spaces and innovation hubs as well as virtual spaces or platforms for knowledge exchange and dialogue on the development of commercially viable social impact business models and private sector contribution to the implementation of the SDGs;   
• As part of the consultations with the private sector and government, identify commercially-viable business ventures that identify opportunities for engaging low income people and vulnerable groups as consumers, producers, suppliers, and distributors of goods and services; 
• As part of the consultation process, design and organise a private sector consultation workshop to introduce the concept of private sector engagement on the implementation of the SDGs and achievement of the Global 2030 Agenda and identify opportunities for private sector partnerships in social enterprise, blue/green economy and SDG implementation. The overall deliverable will be an outcomes document with a record of the deliberations and recommendations on how to further develop the engagement/partnership with private sector, government and other stakeholders;
• Prepare a report the on findings of consultations with private companies and Government and other main stakeholders with recommendations on how to engage the private sector;
• Formulate a strategy[1] and work plan for the UNDP Pacific Office, Inclusive Growth Team on how to engage the private sector to dialogue and to develop partnerships, projects, strategies and mechanisms for the implementation and achievement of national and global sustainable development goals and targets; the Strategy must present concepts for at least five initiatives or activities that can be taken forward to increase private sector engagement/involvement in the SDGs in the Pacific
• As part of the private sector engagement strategy a section on how to communicate these partnerships for local, regional and global recognitions of their commitment towards achieving the 2030 agenda i.e. Prime Minister’s Awards for best CSR programme towards sustainable development, etc.; and
• As part of the strategy identify solutions for creating a conducive or incentivized environment for private sector to invest as services providers in social impact enterprises/businesses.

KEY OUTPUT / DELIVERABLES

• An overview/environment map of current engagement and activity by the private sector in support of SDG implementation in the Pacific region (capturing key CSR programmes and private/public partnerships
• Strategy and action plan for UNDP PO engagement with private sector companies, major foundations, high-net worth individuals and other key development partners in support of the SDGs;
• Report the on findings of consultations with private companies and Government with recommendations for UNDP on how to engage the private sector;
• Concept note and draft programme agenda for a private sector engagement workshop to introduce the concept of private sector engagement on the implementation of the SDGs and achievement of the Global 2030 Agenda and to conceptualize an engagement program for private companies and high-net worth individuals;
• Report on the deliberations of the private sector engagement workshop with recommendations on how to further develop the engagement/partnership.

Resources Provided

• Workstation and Internet access are provided at the UNDP Office, Kadavu House, Suva (Consultant is expected to provide his/her own laptop)

Supervision/Reporting

• Deputy Team Leader Inclusive Growth; Team Leader Inclusive Growth

Requirement for Qualifications & Experience

Educational Qualifications:

• Minimum Masters Degree in development economics, and/or commerce, and/or trade and/or social and economic sciences or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience at the national or international level on engaging with the Private Sector on Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes;
• Knowledge on the SDGs and practical experience on working in the Pacific with government and the private sector on public private partnerships, social service delivery and promotion of social enterprise and green growth business models.
• Prior experience in the Asia-Pacific region required. Experience in the Pacific Island Countries or other SIDS.
• Capacity to work in a multicultural work environment and engage with a diverse set of partners including Government, development and communities.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Deliverable:

Percent of contract amount

Signing of contract

20%

Report the on findings of consultations with private companies and Government with recommendations for UNDP on how to engage the private sector. The report would include:

• An overview/environment map of current engagement and activity by the private sector in support of SDG implementation in the Pacific region (capturing key CSR programmes and private/public partnerships
• Strategy and action plan for UNDP PO engagement with private sector companies, major foundations, high-net worth individuals and other key development partners in support of the SDGs;

50%

Concept note and draft programme agenda for a private sector engagement workshop to introduce the concept of private sector engagement on the implementation of the SDGs and achievement of the Global 2030 Agenda and to conceptualize an engagement program for private companies and high-net worth individuals;

15%

Report on the deliberations of the private sector engagement workshop with recommendations on how to further develop the engagement/partnership.

15%

Evaluation

Cumulative analysis

The proposals will be evaluated using the cumulative analysis method with a split 70% technical and 30% financial scoring. The proposal with the highest cumulative scoring will be awarded the contract. Applications will be evaluated technically and points are attributed based on how well the proposal meets the requirements of the Terms of Reference using the guidelines detailed in the table below:

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract may be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weighting; 70%

* Financial Criteria weighting; 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Interviews may be conducted as part of technical assessment for shortlisted proposals.

Evaluation Criteria

Weighting

Masters Degree in development economics, and/or commerce, and/or trade and/or social and economic sciences or related fields.

5%

Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience at the national or international level on engaging with the Private Sector on Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes;

20%

Knowledge on the SDGs and practical experience on working in the Pacific with government and the private sector on public private partnerships, social service delivery and promotion of social enterprise and green growth business models.

25%

Experience in the Pacific Island Countries or other SIDS

15%

Capacity to work in a multicultural work environment and engage with a diverse set of partners including Government, development and communities.

5%

Proposal Submission

Offerors must send the following documents.

1. Signed  CV  including names of at least 3 referees
2. Cover letter setting out:

How the proposer meets the qualifications and experience required.

Please find an innovative product, project, idea, piece of research and write (no more than one page) telling us about the innovation and how it might be utilised in a Pacific and/or SIDS context

1. Completed template for confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal

Interested Candidates must accept UNDP General Terms and Conditions for Individual Consultants

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 fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the IC´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs.

In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources

In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

The P11 form and Template for confirmation of interest and Submission of Financial Proposal is available under the procurement section of UNDP Fiji website (www.pacific.undp.org)