🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) – 5 Positions

National Consultant, National Action Plan for the Blue Economy Strategic Framework

Location : Freetown, SIERRA LEONE

Application Deadline : 27-Oct-22 (Midnight New York, USA)

Additional Category : Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : National Consultant

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

07-Nov-2022

Duration of Initial Contract : 30 working days (to be completed within a period of 1 and half months)

Expected Duration of Assignment : 30 working days (to be completed within a period of 1 and half months)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Harnessing the potentials of the oceanic economy, also known as blue economy, has emerged as a crucial development opportunity for optimum use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Accordingly, the Government of Sierra Leone has embraced the emerging concept of the Blue Economy as a mechanism to diversify its economy and realize ocean-based sustainable economic development. However, to date, the country has explored only a few Blue Economy sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and port facilities, using traditional methods. This, thus presents opportunities as well as challenges for exploring these blue economy sectors, including the fishery, maritime trade and shipping, energy, tourism, coastal protection, aquaculture, mining, maritime safety, and surveillance, addressing environmental changes and managing carbon discharge, and introducing innovative technology for further development to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

Considering the above, the UNDP through its Natural Resource Management (NRM) portfolio, supported the Government of Sierra Leone to develop a Blue Economy Strategic Framework (BESF) for harnessing the country’s oceanic resources, through a national consultative process, including desk reviews. The final draft strategy reflects an inclusive and integrated approach to the Blue Economy management that would guide policies going forward. With the recent validation of the BESF, it is critical that an implementation strategy which will include the overall timeline, a breakdown of priorities for each year along with the criteria for prioritization. The strategy should also consider potential collaboration and partnership beyond government institutions i.e. UN APF, NGOs and IFIs.

In view of the above, the services of a National Consultant are required for a minimum of 30 working days to develop a National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of the Blue Economy Strategic Framework, including working with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development to consolidate the various inputs and produce the final strategy document.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of the consultancy

The main objective of the consultancy is to develop a NAP for the implementation of the BESF through a national consultative process.

Scope of work

Liaising with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in relation to the development of the NAP, the National consultant will be expected to:

•  Consolidate all technical inputs from sector experts, Universities and Research Institutions, and development partners
•  Facilitate regional stakeholder consultative sessions and discussions
•  Review and update the proposed action plan into short, medium and long-term
•  Lead the review and editing of the Draft NAP
•  Lead the National Validation of the Final Draft NAP

Frequency of reporting

The consultant shall be directly supervised by the UNDP SLED Programme Specialist/focal point for Harnessing the Blue Economy, with oversight provided by the SLED Cluster Lead.

Institutional arrangement

Submission of the reports shall be to the UNDP Resident Representative. Thereafter, the consultant will be required to present a draft report to the Technical Committee on the Blue Economy at MoPED. Upon confirmation of acceptable reports, authorization for disbursement of payments and evaluation of performance shall be undertaken by the focal point for the blue economy.

Expected Outcomes

Based on the scope of work outlined above, the consultant will be expected to deliver the following outputs by the completion date.

•  Inception Report
•  Report on technical and regional consultation process and submit draft NAP highlighting short. Medium- and long-term interventions
•  Final validated NAP

Deliverables Estimated time Related payments

•  Inception Report TBD 20%
•  Report on the regional consultative TBD 40%

process and first draft of the NAP

•  Submission of final validated BESF NAP TBD 40%

Competencies

•  Highly motivated, with drive and commitment.
•  Professionalism and integrity.
•  Promotes knowledge sharing and learning.
•  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
•  Builds strong relationships with partners, focus on impact and results for the partner and responds positively to feedback.
•  Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
•  Ability to work with recipient counterparts in building individual and institutional capacity

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Background

The consultants should have relevant academic qualifications and track record in developing strategies in the key sectors of the blue economy (or related disciplines).

•  Masters degree or equivalent degree in Oceanography, Maritime Administration, Economics, Project Management, International Relations, Business or Public administration or related field.
•  A first-level university degree in combination with ten additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience

•  A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of oceanography, maritime administration, development planning, public administration, agriculture, environment, financial management, budget, or related field is required.
•  Experience in policy and strategy formulation, planning or programme management is desirable.
•  Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices of the global multilateral processes related to the blue economy.
•  Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues

Language Requirements

Fluent in English

Evaluation Criteria:

•  Academic qualification relevant to tasks with 7 years’ work experience – 20%
•  Experience in handling similar assignments including evidence of proof (certification/recommendation from previous employers) – 25%
•  Demonstrate knowledge, professional competence, and mastery of subject matter – 25%
•  Financial Proposal – 30%

Application Modalities: Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

•  Technical proposals – explaining among other things methodology and approach to the assignment suitable to the requirement of the ToRs. The tentative work plan relating to the scope of the ToRs should be included as per of the technical proposal.
•  In addition, and as part of technical proposals, prospective consultants are expected to update CV and P 11 and submit as an attachment to the technical proposal. The P11 Form can be obtained from the link below: http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc

Financial proposal.

APPLY

Individual National Consultancy Evaluation Title: Final Evaluation of Strengthening Domestic Resources Mobilisation for SDGs Financing

Location : Freetown, SIERRA LEONE

Application Deadline : 27-Oct-22 (Midnight New York, USA)

Additional Category : Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : National Consultant

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

07-Nov-2022

Duration of Initial Contract : 30 days from commencement (counting Mondays to Fridays)

Expected Duration of Assignment : 30 days from commencement (counting Mondays to Fridays)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Sierra Leone launched its fourth Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) in 2019 to accelerate the country’s development. This plan set an ambitious vision for the country’s sustainable development path and targets stable economic growth, alongside progress in poverty reduction, education, health, and peace and cohesiveness. Plan realization is an important step in the country’s journey out of fragility towards its vision of becoming an inclusive, green, middle-income country by 2035, but a key bottleneck is lack of financial resources. The total estimated cost of the MTNDP is US$8.15 billion for the period 2019 to 2023. According to the Ministry of Finance fiscal projections for this period, discretionary and non-discretionary expenditures including direct development (domestic and foreign), totaled US$6.60 billion, there remains a financing gap of US$1.55 billion. Bridging this gap requires a wide range of resources that go beyond public finance, as well as policy reforms for equal participation of women, especially from rural communities.

In view of the above, UNDP commissioned Development Finance Assessment (DFA) to support the realization of the MTNDP. The DFA scanned the financing landscape, analysed financing trends and opportunities, and assessed the potential for various forms of public and private financing to contribute towards the objectives of the MTNDP. It produced 18 recommendations adopted in the plan implementation chapter of the MTNDP including the establishment of an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF). INFFs are the architecture used within government to bring together a coherent approach to financing national sustainable development that incorporates public and private forms of financing. As such, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development undertook the preparation of an INFF strategy supported by UNDP to operationalise DFA recommendations. The INFF prescribes several instruments and policies that government can use to promote growth through resource mobilisation and job creation in the economy in line with the overall objectives of the MTNDP. As part of the operationalisation, a new secretariat was established at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) supported by the Joint SDGs Fund (UNDP and UNCDF) to support institutions strengthen domestic resource mobilisation to support SDGs financing in the country. A national coordinator superintends the activities of the secretariat in line with the INFF strategy.

Implementing partners such as the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Fiscal Decentralisation Division of the Ministry of Finance, National Revenue Authority, Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce and National Social Security and Insurance Trust have been implementing Joint SDG Fund project activities for almost two years now towards enhancing domestic resource mobilisation for development.

Contributing outcome and output

United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2020-2023 Outcome 2: By 2023, people in Sierra Leone benefit from more gender- and youth-responsive institutions that are innovative, accountable, and transparent at all levels and can better advance respect for human rights and the rule of law, equity, peaceful coexistence, and protection of children, girls, and persons with disability

Output 2.6: Government has strengthened Public Financial Management

Output 2.7: Government-wide national M&E system of development results strengthened

Outcome 4: By 2023, the most vulnerable, particularly women, youth,

adolescents and children (especially girls), and persons living with disabilities are empowered and benefit from increased social protection

services, economic and social opportunities

Output 4.5: Vulnerable groups have improved entrepreneurial and, financial literacy, and employability

Country Programme Document (CPD) Output 2.4: Capacities of targeted local councils improved to deliver on devolved functions and manage resources

The Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) for 2019-2023

Pillar-I: Domestic Public Finance

Pillar-II: Private Sector Investment and Financial Services, and

Pillar III: Development Cooperation

Implementing Partners

Ministry of Planning & Economic Development; Ministry of Finance

Bank of Sierra Leone; Directorate of Science; NASSIT National Pension Fund; SLANGO; FAMBUL TOK; Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks; Sierra Leone Association of Microfinance institutions; and Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce

The project theory of change relies on several interventions that work in tandem with activities planned or underway to improve domestic resource mobilization through improved policies, systems, and outreach. Increasing government revenues for enhanced social service spending (Activity 1) and more lending to the private sector, as well as financial inclusion (Activity 2), are mutually reinforcing to ensure that both economic and social development advance in tandem, as neither will be as successful without progress on the other.

Activity 1 – Improved Government Revenue Collection

If Public-Private Dialogue occurs under this JP between NRA and businesses, particularly those businesses currently operating in the informal sector, to build trust and better understand obstacles to tax payment by businesses;

If awareness is raised among the public on how taxes are used to benefit the country through Public-Private Dialogue under this JP and events like annual Taxpayers Day planned initially for 2020 (AfDB support);

If more Tax Preparers are trained to support SME tax filings through an ongoing program (AfDB support);

If NRA improves its overall tax administration capability through data management improvements (IMF support);

If NRA adopts an integrated tax administration system (ITAS) consolidating different accounts for the same taxpayer into a single account for a more simplified and transparent system (World Bank support);

If NRA enhances collection of the existing Goods and Services Tax though an ongoing program that includes expanding the use of electronic cash registers (AfDB support);

If NRA has improved capacity for tax collection and auditing of businesses and individuals due to the digitization of tax filing and collection systems and support on compliance by Tax Inspectors Without Borders under this Joint Programme (JP);

Then, GoSL will increase revenues and increase spending on SDG social programs, while and other parties, such as donors, the private sector, and the diaspora, will recognize this commitment and the improved fiscal environment and increase financial flows to Sierra Leone for SDG realization,

Because the culture will transition from one of tax avoidance to responsible tax payment, SMEs will have the support and tools necessary to be tax compliant, NRA will increase its capacity and efficiency for tax collection and auditing, and the country will demonstrate its full commitment to funding the SDGs and stabilizing the fiscal environment

Activity 2 – Increased Domestic Capital Accumulation

If Public-Private Dialogue occurs under this JP among the Ministries of Finance, Planning, Trade and other state institutions, financial institutions, and civil society groups representing consumers to identify types of savings products that would encourage more privately held savings to be deposited in the formal banking sector;

If financial institutions design savings products that respond to the needs of individuals and SMEs and market these products throughout the country;

If those lacking financial literacy skills are well trained to improve their confidence is dealing with money matters and the formal banking sector (ongoing UNCDF project);

If consumer confidence in the banking system is enhanced by the development and publicizing of legal protections for banking consumers (ongoing UNCDF project);

If Public-Private Dialogue occurs under this JP between Bank of Sierra Leone, financial institutions, and potential third-party banking agents to develop a plan to reach areas of the country not currently served by commercial banks;

If Bank of Sierra Leone continues to develop its agent banking guidelines with technical assistance under this JP and support is provided for implementation systems;

If ongoing initiatives with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone and mobile phone service providers to develop mobile banking services throughout the country are accelerated under this JP;

If the national pension fund (NASSIT) is provided with technical assistance under this JP to digitize contributions from businesses and promote use of the fund, thus making it easier for businesses of all sizes to contribute to the fund;

If NASSIT is provided with technical assistance under this JP to improve its governance and assess the composition of its investment program and consider modifications to better channel investments towards SDG realization;

Then participation in the formal banking sector will increase along with use of savings products; groups currently lacking financial literacy and access to banking services, including women in rural areas, will have improved skills and access; and, more funds will be available for SDG investment,

Because increased funds accumulated in savings products by individuals and SMEs, and the increased capital in the national pension fund, would be available for lending to the private sector, and a re-oriented investment program of the national pension fund could direct more funds to large-scale SDG investment projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

The project will end in December 2022, as such an assessment of project intervention in relation to strengthening domestic resource mobilisation is planned to carry out particularly with reference to relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of the intervention.

1.Purpose of the evaluation

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the assess the progress, achievements and lessons learned, as well as challenges faced by the projects. The evaluation will review the impact of project interventions at local, regional and national levels within the wider context of the technical and financial assistance provided by UNDP and its partners. Specifically, the evaluation will assess the impact of UNDP’s support towards enhancing government revenue collection and increasing domestic capital accumulation with expanded financial inclusion. The evaluation will further assess the project contribution to promoting women’s economic participation through development of a gender responsive fiscal strategy.

2.Scope and objectives of evaluation

The evaluation will focus mainly on assessing the achievements of project against set target outlined in the project document. It will focus on assessing the impact of project intervention on institutional capacities strengthening for promotion of domestic ownership of development finance.

The evaluation will assess how well the project contributed to raising more revenue and capital accumulation in Sierra Leone. Assessing the project effectiveness, this evaluation will guide future programming in similar areas.

Specific objectives of the evaluation include:

•  Review the performance of the project in achieving the outputs stated in the programme document and their contributions to SDGs goals, and UNSDCF and CPD outcomes.
•  Review of project approach and coherence in delivering programme results.
•  Assess the factors that have been influenced community and national ownership of project results and its sustainability.
•  Assess the knowledge, visibility and communication approaches used by both project and government counterparts around the project results.
•  Assess the appropriateness of the project strategy, implementation approach, and programme institutional/management arrangements.
•  Document best practices and lessons learned from the project to feed into knowledge generation and the next level of programming.
•  Proffer concrete recommendations that may be required for enhancing the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of a future programme.

3.Evaluation criteria and key questions

The evaluation will follow the Organization of Economic Cooperation Development (OECD), Development Assistance Committee (DAC)’s evaluation criteria – relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact

and sustainability. Partnership, Gender Empowerment and Social Inclusion (GESI) and human rights will

be added as cross cutting criteria. The guiding questions outlined below should be further refined by the

consultant and agreed with UNDP prior to the commencement of the evaluation: The assessment on the contribution of the projects to development results through its activities will be made in accordance with the following evaluation criteria:

•  Relevance of projects outputs.
•  Effectiveness of project interventions in terms of achieving stated goals.
•  Efficiency of project interventions in terms of use of human and financial resources.
•  Sustainability of the results to which the project contributes to.

Relevance

•  To what extent does the project respond to the priorities of the Government of Sierra Leone National Development Plan (2019-2023) and similar strategies, the UNDP Country Programme Document (2020-2023), SDG Fund and the Sustainable Development Goals?
•  How does the support for project interventions contribute to the longer-term development results in terms of approaches, capacities, policies and strategies?
•  How relevant have project interventions been in leveraging support sustainable development?
•  Do the interventions meet the practical and strategic needs of all genders, persons with disability, and other disadvantaged and marginalized groups?

Coherence

•  To what extent the project intervention is coherent with Government’s policies?
•  To what extent does the intervention support national legislation and initiatives that aim to improve gender equality and human rights? What lessons can be learned?
•  To what extent the UNDP Strengthening Democratic Institutions Project addressed the synergies and interlinkages with other interventions carried out by UN and other development partners?

Efficiency

•  Has the project been implemented within its stated timeframe and cost estimates?
•  Did the project interventions focus on the set of activities that were expected to produce significant results?
•  Were there sufficient (human and financial) resources allocated towards achievement of the programme objectives?
•  Were different resources allocated in ways that considered promoting gender equality, and inclusion of person with disability and youth? If so, how were they allocated?
•  Was there any identified synergy between UNDP-funded interventions and other similar interventions that contributed to reducing costs while supporting results?
•  Has there been over expenditure or under expenditure in project interventions?
•  What measures were taken to assure the quality of development results and management practices, both in relation to process and products, and to partnership strategies?
•  What monitoring and evaluation procedures were applied by UNDP and partners to ensure greater accountability and transparency?

Effectiveness

•  Have the expected programme (quantitative and qualitative) results been achieved and what were the supporting or impeding factors?
•  Were the approaches, resources and conceptual frameworks relevant to achieve intended outputs?
•  To what extent have interventions’ objectives and results contributed to gender equality, women and youth empowerment and human rights?
•  Which aspects of the interventions had the greatest achievements? What have been the supporting factors? How can UNDP build upon or replicate these achievements?
•  In which areas does the programme component have the least achievements? What have been the constraining factors and why? What could be done to overcome?
•  Were the approaches, resources and conceptual frameworks used relevant to the achievement of planned outcomes/outputs?

Impact

•  Are the project interventions causing a significant change in the policies and lives of the intended beneficiaries?
•  How did the project interventions cause higher-level effects (such as changes in social norms or systems)? To what extent have impacts contributed to equal power relations between people of different genders and social groups?
•  Are all the intended target groups, including the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, benefiting equally from the project interventions?
•  What were the unintended impacts (positive/negative) of project interventions?
•  How will the interventions contribute to changing society for the better?

Sustainability

•  To what extent were sustainability considerations taken into account in the design and implementation of interventions?
•  Were exit strategies programme interventions appropriately defined and implemented, and what steps have been taken to ensure sustainability of results?
•  How did the development of partnerships at local and national level contribute to sustainability of the results?
•  How were different stakeholders engaged in the design and implementation? Have interventions been implemented with appropriate and effective partnership strategies? What has been the nature and added value of these partnerships?
•  To what extent do mechanisms, procedures and policies exist to carry forward the results attained on gender equality, empowerment of women, human rights, and human development by primary stakeholders?

Human right, Gender equality and disability inclusion

•  To what extent have poor, indigenous and persons with disability, women, men and other disadvantaged and marginalized groups benefited from the project?
•  To what extent has the project integrated Human Rights Based Approach in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the project? Have the resources been used in an efficient way to address Human Rights in the implementation?
•  Is the gender marker assigned to this project representative of reality?
•  To what extent has the project promoted positive changes in gender equality and the promoting the rights of women and persons with disability? Did any unintended effects emerge for women, men or vulnerable groups? What lesson can be drawn?

4.Evaluation methodology

The methodology mentioned in this section is indicative. The evaluator should propose a final detail methodological framework in the inception report based on the systematic review of the project documents. Evaluator should adopt both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The qualitative data assessment should include the secondary project data to be collected and developed for more insight into the project's accomplishments and lessons learned. The evaluation stages include (i) desk review, (ii) prepare inception report, (iii) field visits to project’s provinces and districts, (iv) data analysis and interpretation, and (v) evaluation report writing and finalization.

The consultant will be responsible for designing appropriate theory-based evaluation methodology including designing tools, developing questionnaire and other instruments for data collection and analysis based on programme theory of change. A kick-off meeting will be organized with UNDP and evaluation partners to discuss on data collection plan, expectations, and tools and techniques to be adhered for collection of primary information. The consultant should use, but not limited, the following methods for data collection: Desk review

The evaluator should review project documents which includes project proposals, progress reports, consolidated quarterly and annual reports, minutes of project board meetings, project modification document, knowledge products, research, monitoring reports and legal review reports, communication and visibility reports, case stories, IEC Materials etc. Please see annex -1 for relevant project documents. In addition, the evaluator will review literatures, relevant research, and donors’ and government’s reports.

Interview/Consultation

The consultant will conduct in-depth key informant interviews to gather primary data from the key stakeholders and beneficiaries. For this, evaluator should develop checklist and evaluation questions. This includes interviewing representatives of donors and partners. The evaluator also conducts group interview, Focus Group discussion, with project stakeholders and beneficiaries. Interview should also include relevant UN agencies and other implementing partners. While organizing interviews and consultations with beneficiaries, the evaluator should ensure the participation of women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups as appropriate.

Field observation

Evaluator is expected to directly observe project interventions in provinces and districts. This also includes observing the project contribution in strengthening sub-national governance. The evaluator will follow the COVID-19 protocols during the mission. If field mission is not possible due to COVID-19 crisis, it will be discussed and mutually agreed with UNDP.

Case story

Using thematic case stories, evaluator may assess the impact of the project on sub-national governance and project’s stakeholders and the beneficiaries. The gender and social inclusion should be well considered while capturing and documenting the stories in the report.

5.Evaluation management and institutional arrangement

Role (Who)

Evaluation Advisory Group

Responsibilities (What)

The senior management will provide advisory role throughout the evaluation implantation. This group includes Resident Representative as Evaluation Commissioner, Deputy Resident Representative, Team Lead of Programme Management Unit and Team Lead. The key roles include:

•  Ensure the timely implementation of the evaluation plan through monitoring and advising the process
•  Safeguard the independence of the evaluation exercise and ensure quality of evaluations
•  Ensure that all steps in the evaluation process are applied as defined in the UNDP evaluation guidelines
•  Ensure that gender equality and woman’s empowerment and other cross-cutting issues are considered in all steps of the evaluation process
•  Ensure management responses are prepared for evaluation with time-bound key actions for their implementation
•  Approval of final terms of reference (TORs), final evaluation reports and management responses before final submission to the Evaluation Resource Centre (ERC

Role (Who)

Evaluation Manager

Responsibilities (What)

The principal responsibility for managing this evaluation resides with the UNDP CO in Sierra Leone. The UNDP CO will contract the consultant and ensure the timely implementation of the evaluation. The evaluator will directly report to the Evaluation Manager i.e., M&E Specialist in this case. The Evaluation Manager will assure smooth, quality and independent implementation of the evaluation with needful guidance from UNDP’s Senior Management.

•  Review ToR ensuring that they meet UNDP guidance requirements.
•  Assure smooth, quality, and independent implementation of the evaluation with needful guidance from UNDP’s Senior Management.
•  Participate in hiring consultant by reviewing proposals and complete the recruitment process.
•  Organize a kick-off meeting/briefing with evaluation team.
•  Provide UNDP evaluation policies and guidelines to the evaluation team.
•  Ensure that the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) evaluation standards are adhered to, including safeguarding of transparency and independence.
•  Supervise, guide, and provide feedback and comments to the evaluation consultants.
•  Ensure quality of the evaluation.
•  Review the evaluation inception report, ensuring that it meets UNDP requirements.
•  Review management response and action plan.
•  Report to the senior management on compliance with the evaluation plan, completion of management responses and key actions and results of the quality assessment.
•  Upload the ToR, report and management response and action plan to ERC.
•  Monitor implementation of evaluation action plan and update the progress at ERC.

Role (Who)

Project Team

Responsibilities (What)

The project team led by Economic Advisor consists of project and support staff. Their key roles include:

•  Provide required project documents.
•  Provide preliminary partner, stakeholder and beneficiary information.
•  Arrange all the field visits, stakeholder consultations and interviews as needed.
•  With evaluation manager, the project team will further provide briefing to evaluation team
•  Provide comments and clarification on the ToR, inception report and draft evaluation reports.
•  Assist in circulating and getting the feedback on ToR, inception and evaluation report from stakeholders.
•  Respond to evaluation recommendations by providing management responses and key actions to all recommendations addressed to UNDP.
•  Ensure dissemination of the evaluation report to all the stakeholders including the project board.
•  Implement relevant key actions on evaluation recommendations.
•  Contact regional focal points to seek advice when dispute arises.

Role (Who)

Evaluation Reference Group

Responsibilities (What)

Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) includes key partners and stakeholder including representatives from programme and project management board. The primary roles of reference group are to support the evaluation process, provide feedback and direction in key stages. The key roles of ERG include:

•  Perform advisory role throughout the evaluation process providing inputs into and review of ToR, inception reports and draft evaluation reports.
•  Ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment and other cross-cutting issues are considered in all steps of the evaluation process.
•  Ensure that the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) evaluation standards are adhered to, including safeguarding of transparency and independence.
•  Provide advice on the evaluation relevance, the appropriateness of evaluation questions and methodology, and the extent to which conclusions are credible, considering the evidence presented, and recommendations action oriented.
•  Support and provide input to the development of the management responses and key actions.

6.Deliverables and timelines

Under the direct supervision of the Evaluation Manager and in coordination with the UNDP Program Management Unit (PMU), project team and collaboration with relevant partners, the Consultant will accomplish the following deliverables in accordance with the stipulated timelines covering a total period of Thirty (30) working days.

Deliverable (all timelines will be determined with the consultant)

Inception report: An inception report detailing the evaluator’s understanding of the assignment and why, showing how each evaluation question will be answered in line with proposed methods, proposed sources of data and data collection procedures. The inception report should include evaluation matrix, a proposed schedule of tasks with activities and deliverables. Inception report is mandatory before going into full-fledged evaluation exercise (20% payment upon successful completion).

Draft report: The draft report should include desk review and data collection methodology used, analysis and interpretation with discussion in the prescribed report outline. The consultant should also present the draft report in debriefing session to discuss on initial findings and recommendations (40% payment upon successful completion).

Second draft report: A revised report based on the comments from the stakeholder or validation workshop.

A PowerPoint Presentation for evaluation dissemination

Final MTE report: A final report in prescribed format with annexes including the response in the evaluation audit trail form. The evaluation audit trial form can be sent separately to show that comments from the UNDP and its stakeholders are addressed properly (40% payment upon successful completion).

Competencies

1.Evaluator competencies

This final evaluation will be conducted by an external consultant who will work closely with the Country Office M&E Specialist, the SAU team and government counterpart to carry out the evaluation. The consultant should have core competencies and professional experience to conduct the evaluation effectively on time.

Corporate Competencies

•  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
•  Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situations.
•  Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards.
•  Respect the diversity and treats everyone fairly.
•  Strong communication, team building, interpersonal and analysis skills.

Functional

•  Ability to conduct data analysis using various quantitative and qualitative methods
•  Thoroughly and methodically collects, verifies and records data, demonstrating attention to detail and identifying and correcting errors of his/her own initiative
•  Informed, sound, and transparent decision-making skills
•  Ability to work under pressure and according to tight deadlines
•  Essential computer skills in particular competency in the use of Windows MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.)
•  Knowledge of the SDGs
•  Data analysis expertise, ideally with extensive expertise in research and an understanding of statistics
•  Excellent analytical skills
•  Ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder sessions and meetings.
•  Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and to communicate sensitively across different constituencies and awareness of political sensitivities. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, partners, and beneficiaries to achieve the planned results.
•  Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
•  Strong communication skills, including ability to produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products in English

Professionalism

•  Effective oral and written communication skills.
•  Problem solving skills.
•  Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment.
•  Shows pride in work and in achievements.
•  Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
•  Superior leadership and strategic management skills with an excellent understanding of international development issues and knowledge of the UN system.
•  Good understanding of gender and human right based approach, and skills, experience and commitment to gender issues including experience of conducting inclusive evaluation.
•  Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse.

Planning & Organizing

•  Ability to plan and organize work and establish priorities. Organizes and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources, and multiple reporting relationships.
•  Plan, coordinate and organize workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and meeting deadlines.
•  Experience working collaboratively in small teams with tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Required qualification and experience

Education: Master’s degree in economics, development, finance, accounting, business administration, data science or related field

Experience:

•  Minimum 3 years professional experience in research, monitoring and evaluation in emerging or low-income countries.
•  Relevant professional experience in carrying out research and evaluation of SDG funds, UN agencies projects and programme.
•  Strong monitoring and evaluation background, sound methodological skills and knowledge of evaluation methods and techniques.
•  Experience in liaising with public and private sector stakeholders and organising and facilitating public and private sector stakeholder dialogue activities (workshops, roundtable, discussions, etc.)
•  Demonstrate experience in working with a variety of stakeholders.
•  Technical knowledge and experience of inclusive evaluation and other cross-cutting areas such gender equality, disability issues, rights-based approach, and capacity development.

Language Requirements: Excellent command of written and verbal communication in English including communicating clearly and concisely.

Ethical considerations

This evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the UNEG ‘Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation. The contractor must safeguard the rights and confidentiality of information providers, interviewees, and stakeholders through measures to ensure compliance with legal and other relevant codes governing collection of data and reporting on data. The contractor must also ensure security of collected information before and after the evaluation and protocols to ensure anonymity and confidentiality of sources of information where that is expected. The information knowledge and data gathered in the evaluation process must also be solely used for the evaluation and not for other uses without the express authorization of UNDP and partners.

The contractor will be held to the highest ethical standards and are required to sign a Code of Conduct upon acceptance of the assignment.

Submission of application

Qualified applicants are required to submit both technical and financial proposals through the link provided.

Technical proposal comprising of the following:

•  Personal CV or P11, indicating all experience from similar consultancy, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and three (3) professional references.
•  Brief description (max. 1 page) of why you consider yourself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology (max. 1 page) for how you will approach and complete the assignment.
•  Proposal containing a summary description of proposed strategy and how the strategy will ensure the achievement of the required tasks, proposed methodology, draft agenda for half-day session on discussing the findings of the evaluation (max 2-3 pages).
•  Example of works demonstrating the individual past experiences working on evaluations for the UN system (document’s links)

Financial proposal: Financial proposals are expected to be realistic indicating the all-inclusive, fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs. No adjustment thereafter would be allowed.

For any further clarification, you may contact the Head of Procurement ([email protected]).

4. Evaluation criteria

Offers received will be evaluated using a combined scoring method, where the qualifications and proposed methodology will be weighted 70%, and combined with the price offer, which will be weighted 30%.

Criteria to be used for rating the qualifications and methodology

Technical evaluation criteria (total 70 points)

•  Proposed methodology of approach to the consultancy [25 marks].
•  Demonstrated experience in similar research and consultancy work especially in evaluation of SDG financing, SDG, economic sector in developing countries especially working within the UN system particularly in low income or developing countries. [25 marks].
•  Relevant education such as master’s degree in economics, development, finance, accounting, business administration, data science or related field. [20 marks].

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Evaluation will be only considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Financial evaluation (total 30 points)

All technically qualified proposals will be rated out of 30 points. The maximum points (30) will be assigned to the lowest financial proposal.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Annexes

Relevant documents and annexes will be shared with the evaluator after selection process is completed and the evaluator is on board. The relevant annexes include the following: Annex 1: Documents to be reviewed and consulted

•  UNSDCF 2020-2023
•  UNDP Sierra Leone CPD (2020-2023)
•  Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023)
•  Project proposal and documents
•  Theory of change and Result Framework
•  Project reports
•  Annual workplans
•  Activity designs
•  Consolidated quarterly, annual and donor reports
•  Results-oriented monitoring reports and Back to Office Report (BTOR)
•  Project reviews and meetings minutes
•  Project board meetings minutes
•  Technical/Financial monitoring reports
•  Project quality assessment report
•  Other relevant communication materials and knowledge products such as research studies, policy brief, blogs, etc.

Annex 2: List of key agencies, stakeholders and partners for evaluation

UN Agencies:

•  UNDP
•  UNCDF

Stakeholders:

•  World Bank
•  International Monetary Fund
•  African Development Bank (AfDB)
•  European Union
•  DFID
•  SIDA
•  USAID
•  Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) – UNDP-OECD
•  Ministry of Planning & Economic Development
•  Ministry of Finance
•  National Revenue Authority
•  Bank of Sierra Leone
•  Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation
•  NASSIT National Pension Fund
•  FAMBUL TOK community groups and other
•  Commercial banks
•  Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks
•  Sierra Leone Association of Microfinance Institutions
•  Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce
•  Mobile Phone Companies and other consumer - linked groups such as Post Office

Annex 3: Inception report template

Annex 4: Evaluation matrix template

Annex 5: IEO’s guidance on structure and content of report

Annex 6: UNEG Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation-Pledge

Annex 7: Evaluation Audit Trial Form

Click on the link below to retrieve the annexes.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18qSwYSKUE15RCLXswmv6As4xBjUxuwFZ?usp=sharing

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SLE/ICPN/SLED/2022/021 ICPN for Procurement of National Consultant: Environmental Health and Social Impact Assessment (EHSIA) for storage infrastructural facilitiesProcurement Process : IC - Individual contractor

Office : UNDP SIERRA LEONE - SIERRA LEONE

Deadline : 27-Oct-22

Posted on : 14-Oct-22

Development Area : CONSULTANTS

Reference Number : 96426

Link to Atlas Project : Non-UNDP Project

Documents : National Consultant Environmental Health and Social Impact Assessment (EHSIA) for storage infrastr

Overview : Dear Madam / Sir,

We kindly request you to submit your proposal for ref: SLE/ICPN/SLED/2022/021 ICPN for Procurement of National Consultant: Environmental Health and Social Impact Assessment (EHSIA) for storage infrastructural facilities. when preparing your proposal, please be guided by the terms of reference, and general terms and conditions.

LOCATION: FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

Description of the assignment: National Consultant: Environmental Health and Social Impact Assessment

Period of assignment: 12 weeks from commencement of the contract

Sealed Proposal MUST be submitted at the following address, UNDP, Fourah Close, Off Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, Freetown, Sierra Leone or by email to [email protected] no later than 17:00 hours, on Wednesday October 27, 2022.

Please send your queries to [email protected] which will be answered within 48 hours through the UNDP Procurement website https://procurement-notices.undp.org/ accessible to all potential vendors.

P. O. Box 1011, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Attn: Procurement Unit

For queries, E-mail: [email protected]

For bid submission, E-mail: [email protected]

Please ensure that your proposals (Technical and Financial) in separate sealed envelopes and placed in one big enveloped also sealed, reached UNDP Reception Area or the designated email: [email protected] on or before the deadline. For proposals submitted in hardcopy, please register your submission, indicating among other things, the name of the Consultant submitting proposals, the name and telephone number of the bearer submitting the proposal at Receptionist Desk and further ensure you deposits the envelop into the Tender Box located at the Reception Area.

NOTE:

Quotations submitted by email must be limited to a maximum of 10 MB, virus-free and no more than two (2) email transmissions. They must be free from any form of virus or corrupted contents, or the quotations shall be rejected.

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SLE/ICPN/SAU/2022/022 ICPN for Procurement of National Consultant: Final Evaluation of Strengthening Domestic Resources Mobilization for SDGs Financing.Procurement Process : IC - Individual contractor

Office : UNDP SIERRA LEONE - SIERRA LEONE

Deadline : 27-Oct-22

Posted on : 14-Oct-22

Development Area : CONSULTANTS

Reference Number : 96427

Link to Atlas Project : Non-UNDP Project

Documents : National Consultant Final Evaluation of Strengthening Domestic Resources Mobilization for SDGs Finan

Overview : Dear Madam / Sir,

We kindly request you to submit your proposal for ref: SLE/ICPN/SAU/2022/022 ICPN for Procurement of National Consultant: Final Evaluation of Strengthening Domestic Resources Mobilization for SDGs Financing. when preparing your proposal, please be guided by the terms of reference, and general terms and conditions.

LOCATION: FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

Description of the assignment: National Consultant: SDGs Financing

Period of assignment: 30 days from commencement of the contract

Sealed Proposal MUST be submitted at the following address, UNDP, Fourah Close, Off Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, Freetown, Sierra Leone or by email to [email protected] no later than 17:00 hours, on Wednesday October 27, 2022.

Please send your queries to [email protected] which will be answered within 48 hours through the UNDP Procurement website https://procurement-notices.undp.org/ accessible to all potential vendors.

P. O. Box 1011, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Attn: Procurement Unit

For queries, E-mail: [email protected]

For bid submission, E-mail: [email protected]

Please ensure that your proposals (Technical and Financial) in separate sealed envelopes and placed in one big enveloped also sealed, reached UNDP Reception Area or the designated email: [email protected] on or before the deadline. For proposals submitted in hardcopy, please register your submission, indicating among other things, the name of the Consultant submitting proposals, the name and telephone number of the bearer submitting the proposal at Receptionist Desk and further ensure you deposits the envelop into the Tender Box located at the Reception Area.

NOTE:

Quotations submitted by email must be limited to a maximum of 10 MB, virus-free and no more than two (2) email transmissions. They must be free from any form of virus or corrupted contents, or the quotations shall be rejected.

SLE/ICPN/SLED/2022/020 ICPN for Procurement of National Consultant: National Action Plan for the Blue Economy Strategic FrameworkProcurement Process : IC - Individual contractor

Office : UNDP SIERRA LEONE - SIERRA LEONE

Deadline : 27-Oct-22

Posted on : 14-Oct-22

Development Area : CONSULTANTS

Reference Number : 96425

Link to Atlas Project : Non-UNDP Project

Documents : National Consultant National Action Plan for the Blue Economy Strategic Framework

Overview : Dear Madam / Sir,

We kindly request you to submit your proposal for ref: SLE/ICPN/SLED/2022/020 ICPN for Procurement of National Consultant: National Action Plan for the Blue Economy Strategic Framework. when preparing your proposal, please be guided by the terms of reference, and general terms and conditions.

LOCATION: FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

Description of the assignment: National Consultant: Blue Economy Strategic Framework

Period of assignment: 30 days from commencement of the contract

Sealed Proposal MUST be submitted at the following address, UNDP, Fourah Close, Off Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, Freetown, Sierra Leone or by email to [email protected] no later than 17:00 hours, on Wednesday October 27, 2022.

Please send your queries to [email protected] which will be answered within 48 hours through the UNDP Procurement website https://procurement-notices.undp.org/ accessible to all potential vendors.

P. O. Box 1011, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Attn: Procurement Unit

For queries, E-mail: [email protected]

For bid submission, E-mail: [email protected]

Please ensure that your proposals (Technical and Financial) in separate sealed envelopes and placed in one big enveloped also sealed, reached UNDP Reception Area or the designated email: [email protected] on or before the deadline. For proposals submitted in hardcopy, please register your submission, indicating among other things, the name of the Consultant submitting proposals, the name and telephone number of the bearer submitting the proposal at Receptionist Desk and further ensure you deposits the envelop into the Tender Box located at the Reception Area.

NOTE:

Quotations submitted by email must be limited to a maximum of 10 MB, virus-free and no more than two (2) email transmissions. They must be free from any form of virus or corrupted contents, or the quotations shall be rejected.

APPLY