Procurement Notices

Post Title: Consultant for Vanuatu SDGs VNR

Languages required: English

Contract Type: Individual Contract

Duration: 18 March 2019 to 21 June 2019

Duty Station: Port Vila, Vanuatu

Number of working days: 30

Consultancy Proposal should be mailed to C/- UNDP Fiji MCO, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji or sent via email to etenderbox.pacific@undp.org no later than 8th March, 2019 (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.

If the selected/successful Candidate is over 65 years of age and required to travel outside his home country; He/She will be required to provide a full medical report at their expense prior to issuance of the contract. Contract will only be issued when proposed candidate is deemed medically fit to undertake the assignment.

1. Introduction and Background

1. a         Country Situation

The focus of the national sustainable development plan, Vanuatu 2013: The People’s Plan (commonly known as the NSDP for the period 2016 -2030) is to promote better education, better health and inclusive sustainable economic growth and development through the implementation of higher education standards, the delivery of safe, quality health services and the application of sound economic policies.

Vanuatu 2030 is the National Sustainable Development Plan for the period 2016 to 2030, and serves as the country’s highest level policy framework. It is founded on culture, traditional knowledge and Christian principles, and builds on the country’s development journey since Independence in 1980. The country has already achieved a great deal, despite many difficulties and setbacks, some from natural disasters. The most recent national plan, the Priorities and Action Agenda 2006-2015 sought to deliver a just, educated, healthy and wealthy Vanuatu. It was the first concerted attempt to link policy and planning to the limited resources of government. As Vanuatu looks ahead to the next 15 years, the focus is to now seek to further extend the linkages between resources, policy and planning to the people and place they exist to serve. In effect our development journey remains on the same course, but we are upgrading the vehicle to get us there in a more holistic and inclusive way. The Plan contains 3 major pillars; Social, Environment, and Economic, all underpinned on Culture as a foundation for how the country sees its development. Under these three pillars, there are key policy areas: Human Resources Development, Productive Sector development, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction, Health, Environment and Climate Adaptation and Resilience, Social inclusion, Rural Development, Governance, and Infrastructure. Included in the Plan is a summary of how the Plan is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.

Ministry and Government Agency Strategic Plans are aligned to the NSDP with comprehensive consultations between Government ministries and agencies, civil society and the private sector as part of the NSDP preparation process.  The NSDP was also prepared after a detailed review was undertaken of the achievements of the previous Plan and lessons learned in endeavouring to meet the MDGs.  Vanuatu recorded very mixed results under the MDGs, with the targets set for reducing poverty; providing universal primary education; ensuring adequate access to HIV testing and treatment; reducing TB prevalence; providing access to clean water; and addressing issues of squatter settlements not achieved.  The targets for gender, child health and maternal health were considered to have been partially achieved.

As part of the NSDP preparation process, all SDG targets and indicators were reviewed and assessed for relevance to the Vanuatu context.  The NSDP also refers to the adoption of a pathway approach to progress achievement of the SDGs.  The NSDP also highlights that the means of implementation is a critical challenge in Vanuatu and as a consequence it is recognised that significant attention is needed to mobilise the necessary technical capacity, funding and tailoring of institutional arrangements. 

1. b        The 2030 Agenda and SDGs

1. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015 in which member states pledged their commitment to implement 17 goals and 169 targets. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) and targets encompass the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. The 2030 Agenda and SDGs also incorporates the “unfinished business” of the Millennium Development Goals and provides a common basis for addressing some of the key challenges such as poverty, climate change and conflict to ensure people enjoy peace and prosperity.

    

2. The 17 SDGs and 169 targets will be monitored and reviewed using a set of global indicators under a framework agreed to by UN Statistical Commission and adopted by the Economic and Social Council in June 2017.The global indicator framework, includes a set of 230 indicators which are designed to act as the basis for monitoring and reviewing the progress made in implementing SDGs. Given that progress on the achievement of SDGs will primarily be focused at national level it is recognised that for each country situation there will be a need to localise and priorities the targets and indicators to reflect the local context, national priorities and capacity to collect and analyse data.In the case of Vanuatu and given that the NSDP has integrated the SDGS, it is envisaged that the process for producing the Voluntary National Review (VNR) will be closely aligned to the process for reviewing progress under the NSDP, with the VNR helping reinforce the strong connection between the priorities of the NSDP and the underlying themes of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

3. It has also been anticipated that complementary monitoring will transpire at regional and global level.In the case of the Pacific, it has been agreed that a four-yearly sustainable development progress report will be produced to complement voluntary national review reporting.At the Asia- Pacific regional level, annual reporting will be produced to coincide with the meetings of the High Level Political Panel.

   Overall objective:

1.    The overall objective of the consultancy service is to facilitate the formulation of the first country SDG report/Voluntary National Review in line with UNDG guidelines on VNR and Country SDG reporting. The process should be inclusive and consultative using mechanisms for multi-stakeholder consultations and inclusive of left-behind groups to raise their voice. The consultant will develop and coordinate a process for the delivery of the VNR report for Vanuatu that ensures the production of a credible, high-quality and well-supported VNR report, to be shared and presented at the meeting of the High Level Political Forum on sustainable development in 2019 convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council will be held from Monday, 8 July, to Friday, 18 July 2019; including the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum.

2.    In particular the service will be provided based on the following key principles:  (i) helping Vanuatu’s first VNR Report meet the international requirements and standards; (ii) strengthening the national ownership, providing add values and aligned to the national review/reporting process and quality of Vanuatu’s first SDG report and (iii) maximising UNDP’s comparative advantages and past experiences in supporting Vanuatu in achieving, monitoring and reporting on MDGs and preparing the SDG Action Plan and in close cooperation with other development partners, especially within the UN Delivering as One and joint framework of UN support on SDGs in Vanuatu.

3.    Key responsibilities - Vanuatu SDGs VNR Consultant

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Monitoring & Evaluation Unit (M&E Unit), within the Department of Strategic Planning, Policy, and Aid Coordination (DSPPAC) at the Office of the Prime Minister and in consultation with UN agencies and CROP development partners, and relevant government ministries, agencies, and the Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO), the consultant will:

1. Work within the guidance of the Vanuatu VNR Work Plan and using the UN guidelines on VNR and SDG the NSDP M&E Framework, and the Annual Development Report (ADR), the NSDP Indicator Database, as well as other administrative data and reporting mechanisms including identification of main policy messages to focus on, in cooperation with the Vanuatu VNR Team at M&E Unit, DSPPAC, and VNSO and in consultation with Government and civil society organisations (CSOs) and private sector representatives. Identify the inputs, resources and perspectives needed for each section and coordinating with the Government and VNR Focal point to secure the necessary resources and leadership/involvement of the appropriate entities. Deliverable: Formulate zero draft of the Vanuatu’s VNR report and related materials. Timeline: 19 April 2018

2. Work with M&E Unit and facilitate consultations on the zero draft VNR report with inputs from relevant stakeholders through a comprehensive and participatory consultation process to finalise the next draft with Key Messages for Vanuatu VNR drafted and ready to be presented to the UN by 17 May 2019. Deliverable: Final draft of the Vanuatu’s VNR report. Timeline: 3 May 2019

3. Facilitate and develop consultation program and content with stakeholders on the draft VNR in consultation with M&E Unit, DSPPAC and use the comments and feedback on the draft VNR from the consultation process with Government and CSOs to revise the draft VNR. Timeline: 31 May 2019 (final date of all consultations)

4. Facilitate the submission final draft version of the Vanuatu VNR for Council of Ministers (COM) approval with a view to have the final report finalised and completed to be sent to UN by 14 June 2019. Timeline: 7 June  2019

5. Facilitate and assist the Head of M&E Unit with development of the content, inputs, and drafting of the Vanuatu VNR ministerial address for the HLPF presentation from 16-18 July 2019. Timeline: 21 June 2019

6. Facilitate and assist with the development of the layout, design and publication of the Vanuatu VNR including assistance with developing the documentary video for the HLPF presentation. Timeline: 21 June 2019

4.Multi-stakeholder approach

Multiple stakeholders in Vanuatu, namely: parliament, academia and experts, business community, civil society and faith –based organisations and media.  It is envisioned that proper stakeholder engagement should enable all to be actively involved in developing the VNR, which will be guided by taskforce to formulate the Vanuatu VNR for 2019.

The involvement of all stakeholders should be consistent with principles, such as:

1. Trust building

2. Equal partnership

3. < >< >

   Mutual benefit

The implementation of inclusive and participatory approach on SDGs implementation follows the open government guidance, which is reflected in the timeline to develop this VNR in Vanuatu:

1. Inclusive development of timeline;
2. Initial announcement of the activity and timeline to public;
3. Campaign to increase public participation;
4. Utilise various consultation channel (online & offline);
5. Public consultation involving all stakeholders;
6. Documentation of the public consultation result.

V. DOCUMENTS AND SUPPORT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, UNDP and UN system

UNDP will provide following relevant background documents:

• Overview report to guide the preparation of the VNR

• Concept note of UNDP support to the VNR/SDG reporting process (in appendix)

• Other documents that are relevant and available.

   

All documents and data provided to the consultants are confidential and cannot be used for any other purposes or shared with a third party without any written approval from UNDP and other development partners.

Government of Vanuatu and UNDP are not required to provide any physical facility for the work of the consultants, however venues for some technical meetings/consultations can be provided, at the discretion of the Office of the Prime Minister and UNDP and as necessary. The consultant is expected to make arrangements for consultation meetings with stakeholders, however, where necessary, Ministry of Prime Minister and development partners will arrange meetings with relevant government agencies and experts.  

VI. Qualification and experience requirements, for the consultant, unless otherwise specified:

• Master Degree in development, economics or social science and/or related fields.

• Sound knowledge and understanding of the Vanuatu 2030: The People’s Plan, the NSDP M&E Framework, Agenda 2030, SDGs, both processes and contents, sound knowledge of UN guidelines on VNR/SDG reporting processes and contents/technical requirements.

• Good knowledge of Vanuatu’s NSDP and SDG processes is an advantage; Action Plan and MDG experiences, knowledge on international experiences in VNR/SDG reporting processes and SDG reports is an advantage.

• Good knowledge about Vanuatu’s stakeholders on SDGs and have contacts with development partners/NGOs that are working with/facilitating the engagement of vulnerable groups in SDG reporting/monitoring/VNR process.

• Minimum 4 years of working experiences in designing process for and facilitating engagement of stakeholders/vulnerable groups through an inclusive and consultative process (on SDGs/MDG is an asset).

• Knowledge of Vanuatu’s development context and coordination mechanisms is an advantage.

• Excellent reporting analysis, research, and writing skills is required

• Strong facilitation skills, good command of writing and making presentations in English and Bislama

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall 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 set of weighted technical criteria (70%) and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Shortlisted candidates shall be called for an interview which will be used to confirm and/or adjust the technical scores awarded based on documentation submitted.

Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

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 consultants 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.

Proposal Submission Documents

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications.

• Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in Annex II.

• Signed detailed CV , 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.

• Technical proposal, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;

• Financial proposal, as per template provided in Annex II.

   

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.

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

Women candidates are encouraged to apply