INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT PROCUREMENT NOTICE Terms of Reference Ref: PN/FJI-058-17 Title Location Type of Contract Post Level Languages required: Duration of Initial Contract: Kiribati SDG Voluntary National Review to High Level Political Forum Tarawa, Kiribati Individual Contractor Local or International consultant English!5 th Jan to 31 st July 18 (80 working days) 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 31 st December, 17 (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. Background and Introduction Country Situation The focus of Kiribati s tenth Development Plan (KDP for period 16-19) 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. The Plan focuses on the following six key priority areas (KPAs): Human Resources Development, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction, Health, Environment, Governance, and Infrastructure which are in line with the Government s Motinnano (political manifesto). Included in the Plan is a summary of how the Plan is aligned with the 30 Agenda and SDGs, Istanbul Plan of Action, SAMOA Pathway and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism. Ministry and Government Agency Strategic Plans are aligned to the KDP with comprehensive consultations between Government ministries and agencies, civil society and the private sector a part of the KDP preparation process. The KDP was also prepared after a detailed review was undertaken of the achievements of the previous Plan and lessons 1
learned in endeavoring to meet the MDGs. Kiribati 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 while only two MDG targets: number of HIV cases and protected land and marine areas recorded as having been achieved. As part of the KDP preparation process, all SDG targets and indicators were reviewed and assessed for relevance to the Kiribati context. The KDP also refers to the adoption of a pathway approach to progress achievement of the SDGs. However, it is not clear whether the review of the SDG targets and indicators also involved a review of data availability to establish 16 baselines from which appropriate targets and indicators could be established. The KDP also highlights that the means of implementation is a critical challenge in Kiribati and as a consequence it is recognized that significant attention is needed to mobilize the necessary technical capacity, funding and tailoring of institutional arrangements. The 30 Agenda and SDGs The 30 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in September 15 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 30 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. 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 17. 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 recognized that for each country situation there will be a need to localize and priorities the targets and indicators to reflect the local context, national priorities and capacity to collect and analyze data. In the case of Kiribati and given that the KDP has embraced 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 KDP, with the VNR helping reinforce the strong connection between the priorities of the KDP and the underlying themes of the 30 Agenda and the SDGs. 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. Objective 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 leftbehind groups to raise their voice. The consultant will develop and coordinate a process for the delivery of the VNR report for Kiribati 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 18 convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council will be held from Monday, 9 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 18; including the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from Monday, 16 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 18. In particular 2
The service will be provided based on the following key principles: (i) helping Kiribati 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 Kiribati s first SDG report and (iii) maximizing UNDP s comparative advantages and past experiences in supporting Kiribati s 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 Kiribati. Scope & Method The scope and method of the formulation of the VNR will be through a multiple stakeholder approach. Multiple stakeholders in Kiribati, namely: parliament, academia and experts, business community, civil society and faith based organizations and media. A stakeholder engagement plan should enable all to be actively involved in developing the VNR, which will be guided by taskforce to formulate the VNR of Kiribati 18. The involvement of all stakeholders should be consistent with principles, such as: 1. Trust building 2. Equal partnership 3. Participation 4. Accountable 5. 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 Kiribati: 1. Initial announcement of the activity and timeline to public; 2. Campaign to increase public participation; 3. Utilize various consultation channel (online & offline); 4. Public consultation involving all stakeholders; 5. Documentation of the public consultation result. Activity, deliverables and Timeframe Deliverable Timeframe Payment 1. VNR formulation plan and multistakeholder 31 January 17 % engagement plan and outline of the VNR 2. Multi-stakeholder consultation 28 February 17 % workshop report 3. First draft of the VNR 31 March 17 % 4. Draft VNR key messages and submit 30 April 17 % final draft of the VNR 5. Prepare VNR presentation for Kiribati delegation to HLPF 31 May 17 % Institutional Arrangement: The Consultant will report to the Team Leader, a.i. Inclusive Growth Team. The Team Leader, i.e. Inclusive Growth and the Regional Programme Coordinator, who is also UNDP s Gender Focal Person will review the performance of the consultant and approve their deliverables. COMPETENCIES Strong interpersonal and communication skills; 3
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. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Educational Qualifications: Experience Master Degree in development studies, economics, social science, human development related fields. Sound knowledge and understanding of the Agenda 30, SDGs, both processes and contents, sound knowledge of UN guidelines on VNR/SDG reporting processes and contents/technical requirements. Good knowledge of international experiences in VNR/SDG reporting processes and SDG reports, knowledge on Kiribati s SDG process 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 Kiribati 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 2 years of working experiences in designing process for and facilitating engagement of stakeholders/vulnerable groups in consultative process (on SDGs/MDG is an asset). Knowledge of Kiribati s development context and coordination mechanisms is an advantage. Strong facilitation skills, good command of writing and making presentations in English. Language requirements Very good command of spoken and written English is required. Command of Ikiribati is an advantage Demonstrated work in a multicultural environment is an asset Evaluation: The evaluation will be conducted using the UNDP technical evaluation matrix, with set evaluation criteria. The evaluation will be conducted by an independent panel from UNDP. Criteria Points Percentage Qualifications 70% Minimum Master s Degree in International Affairs, Development Studies, 5 Economics, Political or Social Science. Experience Good knowledge of Kiribati s development context and coordination mechanisms. 4
Sound knowledge and understanding of the Agenda 30, SDGs, both processes and contents, sound knowledge of UN guidelines on VNR/SDG reporting processes and contents/technical requirements. Minimum 2 years of working experiences in designing process for and facilitating engagement of stakeholders/vulnerable groups in consultative process for national or sub-national or sector development reports.(on SDGs/MDG is an asset). Extent of working knowledge of English. 5 Technical Criteria 70% Financial Criteria Lowest Price 30% Total 100%. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING CONSULTANCY PROPOSALS Offerors must send the following documents. i) Signed P11 form including names of at least 2 referees ii) Cover letter setting out: How the proposer meets the qualifications and experience required. iii) Completed template for confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal 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. The P11 form and Template for confirmation of interest and Submission of Financial Proposal is available under the procurement section of UNDP Fiji website (www.pacific.undp.org) 5