TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A ECONOMIST CONSULTANT

Transcription

1 A. Project Title TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A ECONOMIST CONSULTANT Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Localization Project B. Project Description: The Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO) in the Pacific Sub-Region covers the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau. Of these, Samoa is an independent state, Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing in free association with New Zealand, and Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand. The four-small island developing states (SIDS), however, share similar development challenges such as smallness of work force, remoteness from main trading ports, vulnerability to climate change impacts and natural disasters, and weak in the delivery of basic social services. Cook Islands: The Cook Islands population of approximately 17,000 is still declining despite the high performance of its tourism sector and its graduation out of ODA by December The criteria for graduation to Net Contributor Country (NCC) status however is based on GDP figures generated for Rarotonga, the capital city and not the rest of the 15 outer-islands so the impacts of NCC needs to be closely monitored. A 2-day consultation between the United Nations and the Cook Islands government and stakeholders on the United Nations Pacific Strategy in October 2016, led to a consensus on possible innovative partnerships and increased collaboration between UN agencies and the Government of the Cook Islands alongside their civil society and private sector towards achievement of the Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Plan and the SDGs. Specifically, in the development of an evidence-based information platform of action, which examines the role that evidence based statistics play in policy development and decision making related to sustainable development programs. A key message that resonated from the consultation is that it is about the SDGs working for the betterment of the Cook Islands and not Cook Islands striving solely to achieve the universal SDGs irrespective of the country s priorities and needs. (Cook Islands UNPS Consultation Report, October UN RC Office, Apia). The Initiation Plan will explore possible pathways to provide assistance to the Cook Island government in this area Niue: Niue has a population of around 1400 people with most of its indigenous population living in New Zealand. Remittance flows however is different compared to Samoa and other PICs in that Niueans in Niue remit funds to their families living in New Zealand. Their small population may have led to all MDGs targets and indicators being met particularly for Goals 4 and 5, however, for Niue the goal, it added as MDG 10 on de-population remains a challenge. The Niuean government have approached UNDP for assistance in the road mapping process and establishment of the National SDGs Task Force to coordinate and guide the process in Niue. Samoa: The population of Samoa is 190,000 (2016 Population Census) with a significant number living overseas and sending remittances back to their families living in Samoa. Goals 1-6, including SDG 10 of its SDS remain as un-finished business for Samoa (Samoa s report to the HLPF, July 2016), and remain as priorities under the new 1

2 Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS), Under the SDS, all 17 SDGs are prioritized by the Government of Samoa: Goals. A National SDGs Task Force has been established to monitor progress and undertake reporting tasks. From assessments that had been undertaken so far, it has been seen that there is a strong alignment of the SDS to the SDGs. The process followed a standard review of the SDS targets and indicators and sector plans and a mapping undertaken against the SDS targets and indicators. Tokelau: Tokelau is a Trust Territory of New Zealand and has a population of 1,499 (2016 Population Census). All of its productive-aged population is engaged in the public service. At its own volition, the Tokelau government asked UNDP s assistance in preparing a MDGs progress report in This showed many challenges mainly in relation to MDG 7, on safeguarding of their environment and climate change. Efforts are currently at the planning stages to assess the alignment of the Tokelau National Sustainable Plan to the SDGs however, it is unknown what the status is of this. Assistance from UNDP has already been provided in production of some SDGs advocacy materials (in Tokelaun language) and an opportunity to provide further assistance to the road mapping and M&E framework is open. In meeting the promise of the global 2030 Agenda to leave no-one behind, UNDP is in the process of developing its next Pacific Sub-Regional Programme Document (SRPD), , and in so doing is determining appropriate indicators and targets to adopt, under the overall framework of the UN Pacific Strategy (UNPS), UNDP is also seeking to revitalize and develop new partnerships, that will enhance the SDG localisation and deliver coherent results. The key objectives of the SDG Localisation project are: 1. Localization of the 17 SDGS and its 169 targets against the 3 national development plans of Niue, Samoa and Tokelau are seamless and well-coordinated using a sector-wide approach; and 2. Enhanced national planning processes that are well aligned to budgetary allocations support sectoral priorities which benefit the vulnerable populations and reduce poverty. The SDG localisation fundamentally will entail: a) data gap assessments and data ecosystem mapping, b) integrated M&E framework, and c) a roadmap for implementation. UNDP is also cognisant of the future potentials of the South Pacific. The Youth Employment Programme in Samoa (YEP) is one of the milestone projects of the UN family targeted to build economic resilience of the marginalized Samoan youths. A second phase of the project is under preparation. UNDP is also leading the GCF-Green Climate Funded USD 58 million integrated flood management project in Samoa,that includes a major livelihood component, engaging communities in the water catchment area. In such given context, an in-depth technical viewpoint on the regional macro and micro economic context of a well-qualified Economist is in high demand in the MCO. The aim is to assist in developing a portfolio of projects and programmes that addresses key macro and micro economic issues, and that enable vulnerable populations 2

3 to have access to the required opportunities, access to resources and technologies, for either gainful employment or the start-up of SMEs, within its cultural and natural resource setting. Specifically, the Senior Economist will provide strategic advisory and innovative approaches to the Head of Office for the alignment of MCO projects towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SAMOA Pathway through genuine and durable partnerships that take the country s context and culture into consideration. C. Scope of Work: The duties and responsibilities of the incumbent will be to provide: Advice and technical support to UNDP senior management on economic and development issues; Advise Government counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building on economic and development issues; Develop analytical papers (concept notes) on public finance, economic resilience, growth, national planning; The scope of the technical and advisory support will be specifically in areas of (but not exclusively): SDGs localization in the MCO supported countries aligned to their respective national strategies/plans and regional framework; Long-term economic planning & financial assessment, particularly for Samoa and Tokelau as envisaged necessary by the respective Governments; Economic engagement of youth through scaled up Public Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly in agricultural sector; Streamlining livelihoods in Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded programme; Expected Outputs and Deliverables The final deliverables of the incumbent are subject to change, depending on priority and consultation with respective government counterpart. The consultant is expected to provide a workplan with timeline, in consultation and agreement with the hiring unit, prior to the signing of the contract. D. Expected Outcomes and Deliverables: Financial assessment of Samoa Long term national plan for Samoa Financial assessment of Tokelau Long term national plan for Tokelau Modelling (including feasibility) of economic engagement of youth through PPPs Reviewed GCF programme for streamlining livelihood component SDG monitoring reports 3

4 E. Institutional Arrangement: The Senior Economist will be part of the Governance and Poverty Reduction Unit (GPRU), reporting directly to the Assistant Resident Representative (ARR), GPRU, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR). This position will be funded under the SDG Localization project. F. Duration of the Work: The assignment is based on deliverables, that is expected to covered within 55 days, spread over a 12 monthtime period. G. Duty Station: The position will involve a combination of home based work (consultant s home based residence, if different from Samoa) Competencies: Corporate Competencies Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Functional Competencies Knowledge Management and Learning Creative ideas and ability to think outside the box while maintaining cultural integrity Shares knowledge and experience Excellent project management, leadership and team coordination skills Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Ability to work at the local community level with family operated tourism businesses Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to administrative supports, including project data management support, reporting, and logistics for project implementation. Good understanding of the evolving 2030 Agenda related to the data and indicator process and monitoring issues is an asset. A good understanding of the general reporting needs and process for Multilateral Agreements that Samoa has signed/ratified. Leadership and Self-Management Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities 4

5 Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in multicultural environment H. Qualifications and experience of the Successful Contractor (showing assessment value): Education: Masters Degree (or equivalent degree/experience) in international development, economy, international relations or a related field is mandatory. Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in international development policy-making and support; Experience in provision of policy advice and technical assistance on data, statistics and indicators for monitoring and accountability of development goals; Knowledge and experience of UN policies on data and statistics for sustainable development; Demonstrated excellent analytical, writing and editing skills; Prior working experience with agencies of the UN system would be an asset. I. Scope of Bid Price & Deliverables Deliverables/ Outputs Financial assessment of Samoa Long term national plan for Samoa Financial assessment of Tokelau Long term national plan for Tokelau Modelling (including feasibility) of economic engagement of youth through PPPs Reviewed GCF programme for streamlining livelihood component Target Due Dates Amount in USD or TALA to be paid after certification by UNDP of satisfactory performance of performances 5

6 SDG monitoring reports J. Recommended Presentation of Proposal: Given below is the recommended format for submitting your proposal. The following headings with the required details are important. Please use the template available (Letter of Offer to complete financial proposal) P11s with a proposed methodology addressing the elements mentioned under deliverables must be submitted by 17 th October 2017, electronically via procurement.ws@undp.org or apply online attaching all the required documents on Incomplete applications will not be considered and only candidates for whom there is further interest will be contacted. Proposals must include: Letter of interest and availability (template attached) P11 of the individual addressing the academic qualifications and experience required and demonstrating understanding of the requirements (template attached) 3 professional referees for the consultant A brief methodology on how the requirements will be addressed Financial Proposal specifying the professional rate all inclusive of travel, per diem and other expenses (template attached) Queries about the consultancy can be directed to procurement.ws@undp.org UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that will take into account the competencies / skills of the applications as well their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply. 6