Terms of Reference. UNICEF s High Potential Leadership Development Programme

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1 Terms of Reference UNICEF s High Potential Leadership Development Programme Objective UNICEF is seeking a vendor to design, develop and deliver a customized, skills-based development programme for a population of mid to senior level managers who have been identified as high potential for senior leadership. This programme will be one important component of a new orientation to develop the skill set of emerging UNICEF leaders to help meet the challenges of Agenda Overview The LEAD team within the Department of Human Resources at UNICEF provides relevant, innovative and cutting-edge programmes that are tailored to meet the specific needs of our senior most organisational leaders. We provide our senior managers with an opportunity to gain new perspectives on critical ways to address the development Agenda 2030, by providing insight into the latest thinking and most effective practice. We would like to partner with a learning organisation that will leverage our resources and provide the opportunity to learn from best practices, and to establish a peer network with successful global experts in the field of leadership development. In order for UNICEF to achieve its priorities in its new strategic plan, as well as consistently deliver results for children, there needs to be an enhanced focus on a more innovative, hands on approach at developing the leadership competencies of its staff. This is particularly timely as the broader UN system is rethinking its leadership competency framework in order to more effectively and efficiently help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its specific targets in the 21st century. To that end, UNICEF is in the process of re-designing its Leadership Development Toolkit. The toolkit designed to prepare UNICEF s future leaders for both the new and emerging challenges that the organisation is facing, which includes (but is not limited to) the need for more cross-cutting approaches to delivering results, managing an increasingly diverse staff, and incorporate a principled, norm-based, accountable and multi-dimensional orientation that works beyond pillars and functions (The United Nations Leadership Framework - draft 2017). The terms of reference for this particular programme will involve the design and creation of 3-4 virtual modules and participation in an online learning community over the duration of 4-6 months. These 3-4 modules, designed in collaboration with the UNICEF Leadership Development Focal Point, will focus on developing competencies such as self-awareness, effective communication, impact and partnerships, and managing complexity. The initiative is targeted at approximately identified staff members (P-4/P-5) with demonstrated leadership potential; top performers with UNICEF who will be able to lead change and help shape the future of the organisation. It is expected that the virtual sessions will be interactive, comprising a mixture of presentations, 1 Page

2 activities and group discussions, with an opportunity for individuals to consider their current work challenges and development needs. All participants should have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) throughout the duration of the programme. UNICEF would like to include webinars, group discussions, and other online collaborative tools to keep participants connected and engaged throughout the learning programme. This Terms of Reference is an invitation to present a proposal for provision of services as set out in this RFP, and its Appendices, responding to UNICEF s requirements and according to the procedures defined for the establishment of the eventual contract that may result from your offer. Please acknowledge that those conditions are acceptable to your company or indicate with specificity any reservations(s) you may have in respect to any of the conditions. Such reservations, however, may be prejudicial to the evaluation of your proposal. The award of a contract will require compliance with all the factual statements and representations made in the proposal with regard to the provision of the services, subject to any modifications to the proposal agreed to by UNICEF in the context of negotiations. 2. The Mission of UNICEF UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children s rights and enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children. UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress. UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a first call for children and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families. UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities. UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children, in coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies. UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care. Most of UNICEF s work is in the field, with staff in over 190 countries and territories. More than 200 country offices carry out UNICEF s mission through programmes developed with host governments. Seven regional offices provide technical assistance to country offices as need. 2 Page

3 The capacity and dedication of our staff is critical to operationalising UNICEF s mission. UNICEF is committed to the professional development of its senior leaders, and are currently expanding our leadership development offerings across the globe. 3. Expected Deliverables Design and develop a customized, multi-module Leadership Development Programme for professionals identified as high potential for senior leadership positions. Work collaboratively with the UNICEF focal point for leadership development to create a detailed agenda of each module prior to start date for approval. Provide participants with select pre-reading to help them contextualize the topic prior to each session, as well as an action-oriented follow up plan to help them immediately apply the skills/concepts to a current pressing issue in their scope of work. Deliver trainings/topical discussions virtually to this high potential cohort via an online platform, such as but not limited to Skype, as per agreement with UNICEF. Provide a follow up report at the completion of the training. The parameters of the report will be agreed upon between UNICEF and the successful bidder. 4. Expected Organizational Expertise The successful organisation should possess the following profile: Internationally recognized accreditation and academically held in high regard. A strong track record in specialized global executive programming. Specific experience educating senior staff in both the public and private sectors is preferred. Proven record of designing and delivering development programme to high potential senior staff members, with an understanding of the international development/humanitarian context. The trainings will be delivered in English via Skype or web based platform. Faculty proficiency in French and/or Spanish is desirable. Previous experience working with non-governmental or humanitarian organizations is an advantage. Experience working with the United Nations system, or an UNaffiliated organization, is strongly preferred. Strong financial stability 5. Roles and Responsibilities The roles and responsibilities of representatives from the Vendor and UNICEF are outlined below. Role and responsibilities may be defined in more details following the selection of the final Venor(s). Vendor will be responsible for: Providing a single point of contact for overall management and/or for each staff member completing the programme. 3 Page

4 Collaborating with UNICEF subject matter experts to gain better insight into the technical dynamics of organisation and evaluation of leadership competencies. Ensuring that the programme remains within the agreed budget of alert UNICEF s LEAD team before any scope adjustment. Submitting overall project plan. Informing UNICEF of any changes in the team during the contract. Providing UNICEF with at least three clear opportunities to review and comment on intermediary customizations of the project. Submitting outputs in the format specified for the relevant service and/or project. UNICEF is responsible for: Providing 1-2 points of contact for overall contract management. Reviewing and signing off on agreed deliverables of each project, with regards to content, platform, and timeframe. Providing background information; virtually introducing program participants as available. Reviewing and providing feedback on the syllabus drafted for every participant. Providing feedback on deliverables of the Vendor. 6. Topics The focus of the curriculum should be based on the following newly established leadership competencies: Delivering Results Engaging and Nurturing Self-awareness Managing Complexity and Change Impact and Partnership Innovation and Risk Taking 7. Timeframe UNICEF expects that the Vendor (or groups of Vendors) will be identified, and a contract (or contracts) finalized by late Spring A timetable for launch will be customized shortly after, in consultation with the LEAD team. Programme launch and individual customization will follow for a period of 6 months from the initial date of contract. 8. Evaluation of Submissions The technical evaluation will comprise 70% and the financial evaluation will comprise 30% of the final evaluation. The technical evaluations will focus on the submission details below. In order for your proposal to be technically compliant, it must receive a score of at least 70/100. We will only open the financial bids of organizations that are technically compliant. Please refer to Table 1 below to see how the scores are calculated. 4 Page

5 The total amount of points allocated for the financial component is 100. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest priced proposal that is opened and compared among those invited firms/institutions which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price; e.g.: A sample is shown below in Table 1 with fictitious consultant names & scores for technical and financial proposals. This is for illustration purpose only. TABLE 1 Sample Evaluation Matrix PROPOSAL TYPE TECHNICAL FINANCIAL Total Combine WEIGHT (%) 70% 30% d Score VENDOR S NAME Total Technical Score for each proposal out of 100 points % Price % Total Financial Score for each proposal out of maximum 100 points 100% Vendor A % 156, % % Vendor B % 121, % % Vendor C % 88, % % The price/cost of each of the technically compliant proposals shall be considered only upon evaluation of the above technical criteria. The bidders should ensure that all pricing information is provided in accordance with the instructions provided in this RFP. 9. Submission Details Vendors are required to submit their proposal by close of business (16:00 EST) on 00 Month 2017 the following as electronic submissions: A profile of the organisation, where it is located, and how many years it has been in operation, and any other relevant information you see fit. Evidence of past successful experiences providing a similar type of service to other organizations (one page summary) Sample: A sample of what a programme may look like. 5 Page

6 Clients: a sampling of whom you have worked with, particularly those with a global reach and/or similar to UNICEF. References: 2 references from previous clients who you have provided similar services for. A pricing list (in US dollars); please indicate of special pricing is available for not-for-profit organizations. Additionally: o Please include a daily rate for the services requested in this RFP. o Please clearly break out any additional costs (standard system set up, site hosting, reporting). o Please submit this financial document separately, as detailed in the RFP. Appendix 1: Key Features of the Programme Before responding to the RFPS, please review below: 1. Ability to provide appropriate virtual platform and foster online learning community. 2. English as the primary language in which the programme is delivered, with options for French and Spanish preferred. 3. Successful delivery of the program to every participating staff member. 4. Ability to create on-the-job exercises for participants to apply in-real-time. 5. Ability to provide participants with thought-provoking, ideas, concepts etc. outside the UNICEF environment via external speakers and recognised leaders. 6. Ability to synthesize participant feedback. Appendix 2: Evaluation Criteria: Category Points 1. Credentials 40 Expertise of the institution. Range and depth of experience with similar projects at the global/regional level. 25 Ability to conduct virtual training sessions via an online platform. 10 Ability to provide faculty for training services. 5 2&3 Approach & Delivery 60 Understanding of, and responsiveness to UNICEF s requirements. 15 Experience with development and humanitarian 6 Page

7 organizations/un system. Design and facilitation methods, practices, and pedagogies that guide the tendering institution s overall approach. Proven experience in designing and implementing leadership development programmes for high potential participants identified for senior positions Administration of the project. 10 Total Points Possible Page