| Overview : TERMS OF REFERENCE Reference No. | PN/FJI/020/22 | Location | Suva, Fiji | Consultancy Title | UNPS Fund Mid Term Review Consultancy | Application deadline | 10th March 2022 | Type of Contract | Individual Contractor | Post Level | International Consultant | Languages required: | English | Duration of Initial Contract: | 30 working days |
BACKGROUND The UN Pacific Strategy Fund The UN Pacific Strategy Fund is a collaboration between the United Nations working in the Pacific led by the UN Resident Coordinators in Fiji, Micronesia and Samoa Multi-Country Offices (MCOs), the Government of New Zealand as the initial donor to the Fund and the Participating UN Organizations, namely UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNW. The UNPSF provides funds to deliver the UN Pacific Strategy (UNPS) and support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. The Fund is intended to complement other financial resources available to Pacific countries and supports activities agreed by the respective Governments and the UN as outlined in the UNPS. The Fund contributes to the implementation of UN resolution 72/279 on the UN Development System Reform (as mandated by the UN General Assembly) and is intended to enhance coordination and coherence within the UN system and to facilitate new partnerships. The intention is for the Fund through the UNPS to become a mechanism for donors to invest effectively and efficiently in delivering development results for the Pacific. Functions of the UN Pacific Strategy Fund The Fund aims to ensure: - Development impact: to facilitate investment in priority development needs, as agreed with Pacific governments, and to enable demonstrable development impact.
- Coherence: to support coherent implementation of the UNPS, ensuring alignment with Delivering as One standards.
- Cooperation: to enhance cooperation and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders (including Pacific Regional organizations) and to maximise complementary expertise and mandates to deliver the UNPS, including leveraging of resources.
- Cost and risk reduction: to enhance efficiency and reduce transaction costs, including information, coordination and administrative costs, through joint activities, partnerships and resource mobilisation.
Programmatic Scope The UNPSF was established to support the implementation of the UN Pacific Strategy for the period 2018-22. In particular, the Fund aims to support the implementation of the UNPS on six outcome areas which address strategic priorities that promote mutual accountability for development results in the Pacific, further Pacific-to-Pacific cooperation, and enable the targeting of valuable UN resources to areas where they are most needed. The outcome areas and intended results of the UNPSF which aligns to the UNPS are: Outcome 1: Climate Change, Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Protection By 2022, people and ecosystems in the Pacific are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, climate variability and disasters; and environmental protection is strengthened. Outcome 2: Gender Equality By 2022, gender equality is advanced in the Pacific, where more women and girls are empowered and enjoy equal opportunities and rights in social, economic, and political spheres, contribute to and benefit from national development, and live a life free from violence and discrimination. Outcome 3: Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Empowerment By 2022, people in the Pacific, in particular youth, women, and vulnerable groups, benefit from inclusive and sustainable economic development that creates decent jobs, reduces multi–dimensional poverty and inequalities, and promotes economic empowerment. Outcome 4: Equitable Basic Services By 2022, more people in the Pacific, particularly the most vulnerable, have increased equitable access to and utilization of inclusive, resilient, and quality basic services. Outcome 5: Governance and Community Engagement By 2022, people and communities in the Pacific will contribute to and benefit from inclusive, informed, and transparent decision-making processes; accountable and responsive institutions; and improved access to justice. Outcome 6: Human Rights By 2022, people in the Pacific effectively enjoy a strengthened legal framework and institutions that deliver human rights protection in accordance with international commitments under relevant treaties, and the Universal Periodic Review. |
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Scope of Work UNPSF Mid Term Review (MTR) As per the Terms of Reference of the UNPSF, under the Governance and Management Arrangements, the UNPSF Steering Committee is expected to “Commission a review by an independent evaluator on the performance of the Fund, with findings to be available in early 2022”. The Evaluation is not only necessary to fulfill the requirement of the Fund TOR but vital to provide key recommendations to improve the performance of the Fund, including where needed to undertake course-correction during the final year of implementation. Objectives of the Evaluation - The principal objective of the evaluation is to provide insights to the UNPSF Steering Committee members, in particular the Chairs, the Donor and UN agencies implementing the various programmes funded by the UNSPF on how it supported the delivery of key elements of the UN Reform.
- The evaluation is designed to provide insights into the following key overarching questions.
- What is working well and why in respect of the objectives of the UNPSF?
- What is not working so well and why?
- What are some key areas of improvement for those areas “not working well”?
The Evaluation will also aim to conduct research and interviews to provide recommendations on expansion of the UNPSF over the remaining period of implementation and on alignment with future Cooperation Framework(s) financial needs or aspirations. Scope of Evaluation - The Mid Term Evaluation will focus on the performance of the UNPSF since it commenced to the end of 2021.
- The evaluation will allow consultations with member state governments, implementing agencies, community and CSO partners and other development partners in the region on the relevance and effectiveness of the UNPSF as a pooled financing instrument compared to other forms of financing arrangements.
- The evaluation will not constitute a financial, compliance or other audit of the Fund including any programmes, projects or activities as stipulated in the Fund Memorandum of Understanding signed by all parties.
- The Evaluation will be carried out by an independent evaluator(s) on the recommendations of the donor and approval of the Steering Committee Chairs.
- The Evaluation will review the various M&E, communications, resource mobilisation and other operational instruments of the UNPSF and provide recommendations based on interviews conducted, research and empiral evidences to further improve these respective instruments.
Evaluation Methodology The Evaluation as much as possible will adhere to a deductive methodology, that is, extrapolation from existing frameworks and reports such as UNPSF M&E documents; UNPSF governance arrangements/ agreements; individual agency reports, media articles, UNPSF annual report and other reports and findings that already exist in relation to the implementation of the UNPSF. The evaluator(s) may also apply the use of empiral evidence to reflect lessons learnt from other similar pooled financing instruments as possible and available. The Evaluator(s) will carry out the evaluation with full fairness and without biasness using robust data collection tools; interviews and other research. The Evaluator(s) is expected to present a more detailed evaluation methodology including evaluation timelines, list of interviewers that will need to be approved by the Evaluation Manager prior to commencing with the full evaluation exercise. Expected Outputs and Deliverables The Evaluator(s) are expected to deliver the following: - Brief Inception Report (max 8-10 pages), outlining the proposed methodology, key issues to be covered, timelines, list of interview questions and participants.
- Two-pager on key findings at the end of the Mission to be presented to the UNPSF Steering Committee.
- Draft Evaluation Report (to be less than 55 pages) and should include:
- Executive Summary
- Performance Assessment of the UNPSF with respect to the objectives and criteria of the Evaluation;
- Recommendations addressing the key issues, objectives and criteria of the evaluation (applying SMART)
Evaluation Report: is expected to be a public document and hence should be developed in such a manner that its easily read, understood and informs a wide range of audiences in the Pacific member states. Institutional Arrangement The Consultant will physically work from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and will report directly to the Resident Coordinator in Fiji MCO with indirect reporting to the Resident Coordinator(s) in FSM and Samoa MCOs (matrix reporting). The Consultant will also maintain a close working relationship with the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leaders in all three RCOs mentioned above. The Consultant is expected to work under the supervision of the RCO Team Leader in Fiji and in close consultation with the UN Partnerships Specialist. Duration of the Work 30 working days Duty Station Suva, Fiji |
COMPETENCIES - Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
- Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
- Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
- Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
- Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
- Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
- Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
- Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
- Positive, constructive attitude to work;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
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REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Selection of the Evaluator(s) The selection of the evaluator(s) will be done via an open bidding process with full transparency and accountability to the UNPSF Steering Committee on selection process and selections made prior to commencement of the evaluation. Skills and Experience of the Evaluator(s) An international evaluator(s) with extensive experience in undertaking evaluation of multicountry and multi-agency development programmes, preferably in the Pacific or generally in SIDS context. Required Skills and Experience of the International Evaluator: - At least a master’s degree in economics, sociology, international development,
public policy; project management or related areas. A specialized training in Monitoring and Results Based Management or Evaluation will be considered as an asset. - 10 years of working experience in evaluation, and at least 5 in evaluation of development
projects, preferably in SIDS. - Fluency in English and ability to produce well written reports demonstrating analytical ability and communication skill. Proven ability to undertake self-directed research.
- Experience in participatory approach is a must as well as facilitation skills and ability to
manage diversity of views in different cultural contexts. - Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Familiarity with the political, economic and social situation of Pacific Island Countries and communities.
Language requirements - Fluency of English both written and spoken English is required.
Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments Consultant must send a financial proposal based on 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 fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs and as per below percentages: Deliverable 1 [Inception Report]: 20% of total contract amount Deliverable 2 [Two-pager on key findings]: 10% of total contract amount Deliverable 3 [Draft Evaluation Report]: 50% of total contract amount Deliverable 4 [Finalized Evaluation Report based on all comments received]: 20% of total contract amount Evaluation Method and Criteria Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis methodology. 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 a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation: Technical Criteria 70% (as indicated above in Experience and Qualifications section) and Financial Criteria 30%. Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Technical Criteria – Maximum 70 points - Criteria 1 - 10 years of working experience in monitoring & evaluation as a Senior International Evaluator, and at least 5 in evaluation of development projects, preferably in SIDS. 25%
- Criteria 2 - Substantive experience in undertaking programmatic analysis, providing high-level policy advice and in programme management in a senior role. 10%
- Criteria 3 - At least a master’s degree in economics, sociology, international development,
public policy; project management or related areas. A specialized training in Monitoring and Results Based Management or Evaluation will be considered as an asset. 15% - Criteria 4 - Excellent writing, planning, research, communication and reporting skills and demonstrated ability to perform well in a multi-cultural environment. 10%
- Criteria 5 - Fluency in English, excellent oral and written communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills. 10%
Documentation required Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document: - Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in Annex II.
- 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.
- Technical proposal, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment; and b) a methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.
- Financial proposal, as per template provided in Annex II. Note: National consultants must quote prices in United States Dollars (USD).
Incomplete and joint proposals may not be considered. Consultants with whom there is further interest will be contacted. The successful consultant shall opt to sign an Individual Contract or a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) through its company/employer with UNDP. Annexes Proposal Submission All applications must be clearly marked with the title of consultancy and submitted by 5:00pm, 10th March 2022, 5pm (Fiji Time) online via UN Jobs website https://jobs.undp.org/ or etenderbox.pacific@undp.org For further information concerning this Terms of Reference, please contact Jan Nemececk, Team Leader, Resident Coordinator’s Office, Fiji Multi-Country Office on email jan.nemecek@un.org |
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