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Junior Research Consultant (International Consultant)

Amman

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Amman
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Crisis Response
    • Scientist and Researcher
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

The conflict in Syria has caused the largest displacement of people in recent times, and has severely strained economic and social systems and related institutions in neighboring countries. The absence of any prospect for a positive solution to the Syrian crisis, combined with an unprecedented influx of refugees, has brought with it substantial burdens for host communities.

The multi-faceted nature of the conflict has challenged standard conflict resolution mechanisms as well as traditional responses to protracted crises. How countries in the region can cope with the ongoing conflict in Syria and the unprecedented demographic shock and what can be done to improve international burden sharing are therefore questions of regional and international concern.

Host communities and host countries are faced with many challenges and questions about how best to cope with the situations they face. Whether living in formal or informal shelters and housing, or hosted by the community, many refugees are suffering from loss of income, loss of productive means and disrupted livelihoods. Host communities and other affected communities may be facing pressure on services, the local economy and rule of law. Given the signs that refugee populations are unlikely to be able to return safely to their homes or new settlement areas in Syria in the near future, national and international partners have started exploring alternative scenarios to effectively address the long-term impact of the unprecedented demographic shock.

There is a general recognition that prevailing policies on refugee’s status in host communities were developed under the assumption of an early solution to the conflict in Syria, which implied a rapid voluntary repatriation to their home country. The reality has shown the opposite. One area where improvements are possible is in regulatory frameworks and practices regarding residency, access to employment and services, and access to national and local social safety-nets. The legal status of refugees, local regulations and other formal and informal practices can all act as bottlenecks to refugees’ access to assistance, especially those residing in host-communities (which is the large majority). More importantly, some approaches and practice can limit the opportunities of refugees to access livelihood opportunities and to benefit from basic public services. In general, addressing such bottlenecks can reduce the longer-term financial costs and burdens of crisis response. However, circumstances vary from country to country and what would produce the best improvements in one location may be quite different from another.

Project Description

The main outcome of the project is to contribute to an effective response for the unprecedented demographic shock generated by the Syria crisis on neighboring countries in the development of evidence-based policy options and frameworks to address the refugee impact on their fiscal space, social fabric and economies. Based on lessons from similar displacement crisis, refugees can greatly contribute to economic growth and development if required resources, policy instruments and necessary economic conditions are created.

Policy options and frameworks will be developed through a comprehensive and inclusive process for examining different approaches used in the region to cope with the impact of refugees, and the issues of resilience and longer-term development. The project will include analysis of: regulatory frameworks and existing and/or planned, formal and informal practices regarding the accommodation of refugees; economic impact assessments and reported spending on responses; impacts in local and regional economies; and consequences for social cohesion, peace and stability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the Supervision of the Policy and Crisis-Coordination Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for providing research support for UNDP SRF’s research study on “Development of evidence-based policy options and frameworks for the accommodation of refugees in countries affected by the Syria crisis”.

Deliverables and results:

  • Produce report on the takeaways of the project Inception Workshop;
  • Produce thematic reports mapping data and analysis related to legal frameworks, aid effectiveness, and economic costing analysis for Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq (KRI);
  • Conduct in-person and skype interviews with regional and international research institutions to provide inputs to senior researchers’ analysis;
  • Synthesize and summarize senior researchers’ outputs to brief project management staff;
  • Monitor international press and research publications, providing regular updates to the project team on issues related to the UNDP-RDPP Partnership, provide updates and proposals for the Communications Consultant’s outputs;
  • Draft and review analysis and policy documents;
  • Draft communications material;
  • Produce written materials to prepare stakeholders for country and cross-regional consultations.

Competencies

Corporate competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the United Nations
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies

  • Strong knowledge of development and humanitarian issues;
  • Excellent organizational, general administration, time management skills;
  • Ability to work in a high pressure work environment with frequent urgent deadlines;
  • High level logical and methodical organizational skills;
  • Interacts effectively with a diversity of stakeholders;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Management and Leadership

  • Focuses on impact and result for the client
  • Interacts effectively with all levels of the organization
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
  • Demonstrates exceptional ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Demonstrates openness to change
  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master's Degree in development studies, international affairs, economics, social sciences, or another relevant discipline.

 Professional Experience:

  • At least 3 years of relevant work conducting policy-related research; including conducting interviews, desk reviews, and drafting reports for multiple audiences;
  • Experience working in a development/humanitarian environment;
  • Experience working in the Middle East;

 Language Skills:

  • Fluency in English, Arabic language is an advantage

TRAVEL PLAN

Part of this assignment will require the expert to travel to Jordan for 60 days with the preliminary travel plan/schedule in Procurement notice. Any change to the preliminary travel plan/schedule hereunder, in such cases, UNDP will cover travel costs in accordance with corporate regulations and rules. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. In general, UNDP should 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 case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Candidates that fail to submit the required information will not be considered.

  • Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
  • Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
  • Sample piece of work that demonstrates ability to conduct and draft research focusing on policy options, and quality of work;
  • Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the table given in section D. template provided. 

All necessary information including: Complete Procurement Notice, The Selection Criteria, and Annexes are found on the following link under Procurement http://procurement-notices.undp.org/

Interested candidate shall apply the CV/P11 to Job advertisement website, hence consultant should submit to email:  Proc.contract.rscjo@undp.org : not later than Wednesday 21 September the following documents:

  • CV/P11
  • Confirm availability and financial proposal
  • Sample piece of work
  • Brief description of why you consider yourself as the most suitable for the assignment

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Interested candidates should provide lump sum fees for requested services with detailed breakdown (consultancy fees, round travel tickets, travel cost, living allowances during the missions., etc.) as per travel plan found on Procurement notice.

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Step I: Screening and desk review:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the following minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting:

  • Master's Degree in development studies, international affairs, economics, social sciences, or another relevant discipline;
  • At least 3 years of relevant work conducting policy-related research; including conducting interviews, desk reviews, and drafting reports for multiple audiences.

Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria.

Evaluation of Candidates (max 100 points):

  • At least 3 years of relevant work conducting policy-related research; including conducting interviews, desk reviews, and drafting reports for multiple audiences; 25%
  • Experience working in a development/humanitarian environment; 25%
  • Experience working in the Middle East; 25%
  • Fluency in English, Arabic language is an advantage; 25%

Step II: Final evaluation

The final evaluation will combine the scores of desk review and financial proposal with the following weights assigned to each:

  • Shortlisting: 70%;
  • Financial proposal: 30%
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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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