Вакансія: National Individual Consultant on Locаl Innovatiоn

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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CОNSULTANT

 I. Background Information on the Project:

The current armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a direct and extremely negative impact on social cohesion, community security and the rule of law. While accepting the urgent need to address the challenges of restoration, economic recovery and peacebuilding in the areas directly and indirectly affected by the conflict in late 2014, the Government of Ukraine requested the international community to provide technical assistance and financial support to assess priority recovery needs. At the end of 2014, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union assessed the recovery and peacebuilding later approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in mid-2015.

Before the conflict over the last decade, UNDP had been actively represented in eastern Ukraine, with a focus on community development, civil society development and environmental protection. The work to address the specific development challenges occurring from the conflict and the above-mentioned is based on previous work and established partnership relations. It was initiated in 2015 through the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme, which is a multilateral donor framework program jointly implemented by four UN partner agencies in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.

 Four United Nations agencies are implementing the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP): the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

 Twelve international partners support the Programme: the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB),  and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden & Switzerland.

The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme is implemented to address and mitigate the causes and effects of the conflict. It is based on the results of the Assessment of Recovery and Peacebuilding and is consistent with the State Target Reconstruction and Peacebuilding Programme in the Eastern Regions of Ukraine, as well as with two regional development strategies until 2020. The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP) provides for three main areas of activity: (i) supporting economic recovery in conflict-affected communities; (ii) promoting decentralisation and health care reform; (iii) strengthening public safety and social cohesion. The Programme is strongly consistent with the Framework Programme for Partnership between the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations. The Programme is closely associated with the Democratic Governance and Reform Programme which is implemented nationwide in all regions of Ukraine and complies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

 As a territorial programme designed specifically for conflict-affected areas in eastern Ukraine, the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme is focused on the main priority needs for stabilisation, peace development, economy and governance in eastern Ukraine after the outbreak of the conflict. It takes into account the opportunities provided by the Minsk Protocol dated September 2014 and revival of its cease-fire provisions and is fully adapted to create a link between humanitarian and developmental needs.

 The Programme activities are grouped according to the following key components of the Programme, which reflect the priority needs of the region:

Component I: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure;

Component II: Local Governance and Decentralisation Reform;

Component III: Community Security and Social Cohesion.

 Component ІІІ of UN RPP “Community Security and Social Cohesion” aims to reach some of its goals through implementation support of the projects strengthening community security and social cohesion via testing innovative legal aid, access to justice, conflict resolution and peacebuilding mechanisms at the local level.

 UN RPP recognizes the importance of increasing the capacities of citizens’ groups, CSOs and Community Security and Social Cohesion Working Groups (CSSCWGs) and engaging active citizens to effectively initiate, plan and implement Human Rights-Based community development and community security strategies and projects.

 This specific assignment will focus on awareness raising and capacity building of public activists to effectively use the innovative methodologies and tools, such as design thinking, user research, crowdsourcing and experimentation to implement innovative and practical ideas for community development based on the concept of CSSCWGs established in the UN RPP target communities. This activity will support local NGOs and  CSSCWGs in finding new solutions to address the security and development issues faced by their communities through active people’s engagement and co-creation.

II. Main objectives of the assignment

Thus, UN RPP is looking to contract a Consultant who will: 1) develop the curriculum and establish the “Laboratory of Local Innovations” to facilitate the innovative projects development processes in 8 target communities of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (Soledar TC, Dobropillia TC, Pokrovsk TC, Mariinka MCA, Sievierodonetsk MCA, Kreminna TC, Milove TC, Bilovodsk TC); 2) improve partners’ (local NGOs, local authorities, members of CSSCWGs) capacity to initiate, develop and implement local innovative projects through training sessions, online consultations and mentoring in 8 target communities. 

IC will ensure the inclusion of at least one innovative solution that responds to the different needs of women and men from diverse groups.  The incumbent will promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance to any kind of discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. 

The consultant will be logistically supported by the Community Mobilization Officers (training sessions, events, workshops, pitching sessions, etc.) to assure awareness raising on the programme to make the successful reach out to the target audience.

III. Description of Responsibilities/Scope of work

Under the overall supervision of Community Security and Social Cohesion Coordinator and direct coordination of Community Mobilization Officer and RPP M&E and Innovation Specialist, the Consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks: 

1. Establish the “Laboratory of Local Innovations” for representatives of 8 target communities of Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts (GCA):
2. develop the program of “Laboratory of Local Innovations” for the period of 6 months including: a training program, online consultations, idea-pitching session and mentoring support in preparing innovative project proposals and agree with UN RPP. The consultant shall review and adapt the existing innovative metholodogies and tools developed by the UN RPP within its “Co-Create with Locals” programme;
3. develop 2 forms: a) capacities and needs assessment form to be used as assessment tool before the training program; b) feedback form to assess participants’ progress at the end of the program. Assessment forms should include at least 15 questions and be approved by the UN RPP;
4. ensuring information dissemination of the program through all the possible channels (incl. social media, resource websites and platforms, networks) to target the audience. This process will be supported by the UN RPP through the network of Community Security Working Groups in 8 target locations of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts;
5. based on online selection identify 35 participants from 8 target communities (Soledar TC, Dobropillia TC, Pokrovsk TC, Mariinka MCA, Sievierodonetsk MCA, Kreminna TC, Milove TC, Bilovodsk TC). The team from each community should consist of 3 participants from local NGOs, 1-2 participants of local authorities.
6. Stakeholders’ Capacity Building and Supporting the Process of Micro-project Initiatives Development:
7. prepare and conduct two (2-days) training sessions /or webinars (one per oblast) on “Innovative approaches to the community development processes – projects and current activities ” for selected participants of the “Laboratory of Local Innovations” for Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts separately (no less than 20 people each);
8. develop the program and conduct eight (1-day) online/ in person workshops (depending on COVID-19 restrictions) in each target community for initiative groups, NGOs, members of CSSCWGs, active citizens “Key features of successful innovative project proposal” (no less than 10 participants from each community);
9. provide mentoring support for innovative project development process for eight teams from local communities (at least two online consultations for each community) of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (GCA);
10. provide assistance in the preparation of pitching presentations for innovative projects developed by eight (at least) selected teams (at least one project proposal developed by each team);
11. prepare a scenario, invite experts and conduct one (1-day) idea–pitching regional session (online) for innovative projects presentations (no less than 25 participants);
12. Develop a knowledge product (incl. best practices and challenges) with the working title “Laboratory of Local Innovations” (approx. 30 pages, in Ukrainian, *.docs and/or *.xlsx formats, Times New Roman, 12 pt., lines space – 1.15, Annexes are followed if necessary and include: diagrams, tables, recommendations, analytical information, project proposals, best practices, success stories, training agenda, photos, etc). The knowledge product should be approved by the UN RPP.
13. Prepare the report on main results and achievements of “Laboratory of Local Innovations” (approx. 10 pages, in Ukrainian, *.docs and/or *.xlsx formats, Times New Roman, 12 pt., lines space – 1.15, Annexes are followed if necessary and include: diagrams, tables, recommendations, analytical information, project proposals, best practices, success stories, templates, training agenda, programe of idea-pitсhing session, photos, etc).

Please pay attention: the cost of arranging the training sessions and workshops, for renting premises, organizing coffee breaks and reimbursement of travel expenses for participants will be covered by the UN RPP. These costs should NOT be included in the financial proposal.

IV. Deliverables

The timeframe is spanning about 7 months, from June 2021 to December 2021. The requested services will be provided according to the agreed work plan and paid in lump sums according to the following schedule.

 V. Proposed payment schedule

Payments will be made in three tranches as per delivery of the outputs:

35% – upon submission and approval of prepared forms and documents according to Deliverables 1 and 2

45% – upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverables 3 and 4

20% – upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverables 5 and 6

 The payments will be paid out upon the full completion and acceptance of deliverables in accordance with certificate of payments provided by the Community Mobilization Officer.

 VI. Administrative Arrangements

Travel connected with training, workshops and follow up meetings within Ukraine will be covered by the UN RPP. Consultations regarding travel options will be held with the direct supervisor prior to the planning of the trips and relevant logistics.

 VII. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Consultant will work under overall supervision of Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Lead and directly report to the Community Mobilization Officer and M&E and Innovation Specialist on a monthly basis through meetings\calls\mails. The Consultant should clearly and concisely identify the work that has been carried out during this period, list major accomplishments, and difficulties/problems encountered during the process.

All reports and materials shall be prepared and transmitted electronically (Formats of: * .docx, * .xlsx, * .pptx, * .pdf, etc.) to the electronic device or in the form of electronic communication with the final product. The materials/reports should be prepared in Ukrainian. No reports or documents should be published or distributed to a third part without approval of the UN RPP.

 VIII. Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Administration, Journalism, Economics, Social Science or other related fields;
• Proven experience in development and / or implementation of innovative projects in the field of community mobilization, community security and social cohesion in the communities across Ukraine – at least 3 projects;
• Experience in development and/or implementation of innovative tools in the field of community mobilization, community security and social cohesion in the communities of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts – at least 1 tool;
• At least 1 year of proven experience in conducting trainings/focus-groups, facilitating meetings/activities for local authorities, NGOs and initiative groups;
• Proven experience in implementing projects in the field of Community Security and Social Cohesion with involvement and coordination of key local stakeholders (at least 1 project implemented);
• Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required; working knowledge of English would be an advantage.

 Competencies

• Excellent communication and organization skills;
• Excellent computer skills (including, MS Word);
• Ability to set priorities and meet specific objectives;
• Excellent team and networking skills;
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

 IX. Documents to be Included when Submitting the Proposals

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

 X. Financial Proposal

 Lump sum contract.

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR, according to the abovementioned schedule. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including the number of anticipated working hours, logistical expenses, etc).  

The IC will be responsible for all administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationery, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

 XI. Evaluation criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Administration, Journalism, Economics, Social Science or other related fields – 10 pts max;

{5 pts. – Master/Specialist degree in Public Administration, Journalism, Economics, Social Science or other related fields; 10pts. – Ph.D. in one of the relevant areas};

• Proven experience in development and / or implementation of innovative projects in the field of community mobilization, community security and social cohesion in the communities across Ukraine – at least 1 project – 20 pts max;

{15 pts. – 1-2 innovative projects; 20pts. – 3 or more innovative projects};

• Experience in development and/or implementation of innovative tools in the field of community mobilization, community security and social cohesion in the communities of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts – at least 1 tool – 15 pts max;

{12 pts. – 1 innovative tool was developed and/or implemented; 15pts. – 2 or more innovative tools were developed and/or implemented};

• At least 1 year of proven experience in conducting trainings/focus-groups, facilitating meetings/activities for local authorities, NGOs and initiative groups – 10 pts max;

{7 pts. – 1-2 years of proven experience; 10pts. – 3 or more years of proven experience };

• At least 1 project in the field of Community Security and Social Cohesion implemented with involvement and coordination of key local stakeholders – 10 pts max;

{7 pts. – 1-2 projects in the field of Community Security and Social Cohesion; 10pts. – 3 or more projects in the field of Community Security and Social Cohesion};

• Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required; working knowledge of English would be an advantage – 5 pts max;

{3 pts. – Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian; 5 pts. – Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian and working knowledge of English}

 XII Evaluation method:

 Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

1. a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
2. b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

 Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

 The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.

https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=99748