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National Consultant for Action Planning and Reporting (3 positions)

Anderson

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Anderson
  • Grade: Consultancy - National Consultant - Locally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Documentation and Information Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to strengthening the development management system in the cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), via supporting three years operational planning (2018-2020) and annual reporting (2017). For this consultancy assignment, three (3) Consultants will be selected.

Objective

The consultancy’s objective is to provide high-quality expert support to partner cantons in the process of strengthening their development management systems, by providing technical assistance to relevant cantonal government counterparts in preparation of the 3-years action plan 2018-2010 for implementation of their development strategy and annual development report for 2017. The consultancy support will be aligned with the ILDP guidelines for the 3-years action planning and annual development reporting, based on FBiH Law on Development Planning and Management and its emerging by-laws. 

Background Information

Integrated Local Development Project (ILDP) is a joint initiative of the Government of Switzerland and UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) launched in 2008 with the aim to harmonise integrated and inclusive strategic planning at the local level. Through its previous two phases, the ILDP made significant contribution in standardisation of planning approaches at local and cantonal level and supported 40 local and 10 cantonal governments in designing and implementing their development strategies. Furthermore, the Project helped creation of foundations for establishment of strategic planning systems at the entity level, including financing mechanisms that provide targeted support to implementation of local development priorities country-wide.The Project’s third, 4-year consolidation phase, was launched in March 2017 and seeks to further place efforts to scale up and consolidate knowledge and systems whose creation has been initiated back in 2008. To that end, the Project will provide assistance to a wide range of domestic partners to affirm a functional development planning and management sub-national system, which reinforces effective delivery of public policies – including those related to integration to the European Union – and thus contributes to better development results.The project is implemented in coordination with the BiH Ministry for Human Rights and Refugee, the FBiH Ministry of Justice, the RS Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government and both Associations of Municipalities and Cities.Strategic planning and development management in the cantonsThe ILDP supported the participatory creation of a standardised development planning methodology. The planning methodology defines the guiding principles of the planning process, the general structure of cantonal strategies, the planning process and planning bodies, including minimum consultation requirements and engagement of constituent local governments and socio-economic partners within the canton. The standardised planning methodology was successfully applied in all 10 cantons that have designed their integrated development strategies by 2020. Following the adoption of their development strategies, the ILDP partner cantons received support aimed at preparing and adopting three-year strategy implementation plans 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 as well as development report for 2016.Technical support under this consultancy will build upon existing experiences of cantons that have already conducted two cycles of planning and reporting. Technical support will focus on the 2017/2018 planning and reporting cycle and will target practitioners from 9 cantons, namely cantonal development management units and cantonal development board members. Technical support will be implemented via support in preparation of cantonal development board meetings, coaching sessions for development management units and quality assuring of the action plans and development reports. In conducting the tasks, the Consultant will closely coordinate with the ILDP team and target cantons, as well as other ILDP consultants. The ultimate responsibility for preparation of plans and reports will remain at the cantonal side.Importantly, at the FBiH level the Law on Development Planning and Management in FBiH came into force in May 2017 and represents the general framework for the consultancy. In the upcoming period, by the end of 2017, a number of by-laws are to be designed, including the by-law on three-year annual planning and reporting.

The ILDP developing the Guidelines for the 3-years action planning and annual development reporting, to serve in transition period for planning and reporting cycle 2017-2019. 

Duties and Responsibilities

In order to facilitate provision of technical support, target cantons will be organized in 3 geographical clusters as follows:

  • Cluster 1: Tuzla Canton, Posavina Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton;
  • Cluster 2: Sarajevo Canton, Central-Bosnia Canton, Bosnia-Podrinje Canton Goražde;
  • Cluster 3: Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Canton 10, Western Herzegovina Canton.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Consultants must apply for each cluster separately, indicating consultant fee and travel costs. However, the consultants can apply for provision of technical support to more than one cluster, however, maximum number of clusters to be assigned to one Consultant is one (1).

Scope of work

Based on the adopted cantonal development strategies and their previous implementation plans and reports, the existing and emerging regulatory framework for three years planning and annual reporting, as well as the ILDP Guidelines and templates of three years action plans and annual reports, the consultancy is expected to result in a tailored made assistance towards partner cantons, aimed at supporting preparation process of 3-years action plans and annual development reports, via technical assistance, coaching sessions and drafting and quality assuring of the 2018-2020 strategy implementation action plans and 2017 annual development reports.Against the previously described background, the Consultant will have the following specific tasks:

Task 1: Support to preparation of 2018-2020 strategy implementation plans in targeted cantons   

To perform the assignments under this consultancy, the Consultant will need to undertake several preparatory steps.

Firstly, the Consultant will familiarise him/herself with legal and other documents relevant for development planning and management in FBiH, including the ILDP Guidelines for multiannual planning and annual reporting that should be finalized soon (the consultant may be asked to participate in final discussions and training prior to formalization and application of the Guidelines).

Secondly, the Consultant is expected to review existing strategic frameworks and relevant regulatory, operational and institutional frameworks in target partner cantons. Thus, the Consultant will get familiar with the already existing relevant materials and concepts and obtain initial overview of the situation in target cantons in terms of development planning and management. This will include, but will not be limited, to adopted strategies, current action plans and existing implementation reports. 

Thirdly, the Consultant will organise preliminary orientation meetings with key representatives of the target cantons so as to validate the information and obtain specific data and views that might be taken into consideration. 

Based on the Guidelines, fully aligned with the existing and emerging legal framework, the Consultant is expected to support cantonal institutional stakeholders in preparation of a draft 2018 – 2020 strategy implementation plan comprising priorities from all development sectors as well as their financial perspective; ii) ensuring linkage between the draft 2018 - 2020 implementation plan and its financial framework and the cantonal government budget and cantonal public investment plan as well as realistic projection of the scope of funding from external sources; iii) offering capacity development of relevant government staff in the area of cantonal 3-year operational planning. 

To this end, the envisaged type of assistance under this task includes: expert advice, facilitation and training, as well as quality assurance of the products and processes.

Process inputs (responsibility of ILDP and partner cantonal governments):

  • The Law on Development Planning and Management in FBiH and relevant draft by-laws;
  • The ILDP Guidelines and tools for strategic multiannual planning and annual reporting, aligned with the emerging legal framework and the best cantonal practices;
  • Cantonal development strategies, their implementation plans and 2016 annual reports.

Process outputs (responsibility of the Consultant):

  • Based on received process inputs and in close communication with key cantonal counterparts, the Consultant will prepare tailored templates and tools for each target canton;
  • Based on received process inputs and in close coordination with the ILDP, the Consultant will prepare and deliver an initial coaching session for 3-years annual planning in each target canton, involving staff from cantonal development units (up to 5 participants). The comprehensive coaching package that the Consultant will develop will include: agreed tailored action plan templates process steps, timeframes and responsibilities, etc. Prior to delivery, the materials are to be approved by the ILDP. The logistic arrangements will be made by the target cantons and ILDP. In addition, the Consultant will support preparation and implementation of minimum one formal session of the cantonal development board in each target canton, aimed at explaining the process, collect relevant data and validate draft document;
  • The Draft 3-years plans from targeted cantons reviewed and commented, ensuring the required quality of products. In performing this sub-task, the Consultant is expected to organise a minimum one brief question and answers coaching sessions (up to 3 hours) in each target canton;

The Consultant will ensure that all documents that result from the consultancy (upgraded and adjusted guidelines and subsequent tools) are aligned with the provisions of the FBiH Law on Development Planning and Management and future by-laws as well as the existing good practices.  

The ILDP will approve all products prior to their further distribution. The guidelines will serve as a platform in transition period, prior to adoption of the upcoming by-laws.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by end of January 2018. The level of effort for Task 1 will not exceed 15 expert days per Consultant.

Task 2: Support preparation of development reports for 2017 in targeted cantons   

Review of annual progress and level of implementation of cantonal development strategies in 2017 is another main pillar of assistance under the ToR.

Experience comes to show that at present monitoring and evaluation of strategies` progress is basically conducted by comparing the number of planned projects/measures against those that have been implemented. This situation was significantly changed via the ILDP Guidelines and tools for 3-years operational planning and annual reporting, that has been applied in the previous annual planning and reporting cycle. Still, cantonal institutional stakeholders need to acquire additional knowledge and skills necessary for effective monitoring of implementation of cantonal strategies, which will enable accurate assessment of cantonal governments` achievements against their development objectives and help them move progressively towards the social and economic advancement for the benefits of their citizens.

In that regard, based on the revised Guidelines fully aligned with the existing and emerging legal framework, the Consultant is expected to support cantonal institutional stakeholders in conducting the following tasks: i) formulation of a clear and concise report on the implementation of the cantonal development strategies in 2017; ii) offering capacity development of relevant government staff in the area of annual monitoring. To this end, the envisaged type of assistance under this task includes: expert advice, facilitation and training, as well as co-drafting and quality assurance of drafting the pilot products and processes.

Process inputs:

  • The ILDP guidelines and tools for strategic multiannual planning and annual reporting, aligned with the emerging legal framework and the best cantonal practices;
  • Cantonal development strategies and their implementation plans;
  • 2016 Annual Reports.

Process outputs: (responsibility of the Consultant):

  • Based on received process inputs and in close communication with key cantonal counterparts, the Consultant will draft and consult tailored templates and tools for each target canton;
  • Based on received process inputs and in close coordination with the ILDP, the Consultant will prepare and deliver an initial coaching session for 2017 annual reporting, targeting staff from cantonal development units (up to 5 participants in each canton). The comprehensive coaching package that the Consultant will develop will include: agreed tailored 2017 template, process steps, timeframes and responsibilities, etc. Prior to delivery, the materials are to be approved by the ILDP. The organisation and logistic arrangements will be made by the target cantons and ILDP. In addition, the Consultant will support preparation and implementation of minimum one formal session of the cantonal development board in each targeted canton, aimed to explain the process, collect relevant data and validate draft document;
  • The Draft 2017 development report (including benchmark/target performance indicators) from target cantons co-drafted, reviewed and commented, ensuring the required quality of products. In performing this sub-task, the Consultant is expected to organise a minimum one brief question and answers coaching sessions (up to 3 hours) in each targeted canton.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by end of June 2018. The level of effort for Task 2 will not exceed 17 expert days per Consultant.The entire service will be delivered in the languages of peoples of BiH.

Deliverables and timelines

The consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

Task 1: Support to preparation of 2018-2020 strategy implementation plans in targeted cantons:

  • Work plan approved by ILDP; Tailored templates and tools for each target canton prepared; The comprehensive coaching package (agreed tailored action plan templates, process steps, timeframes and responsibilities, etc.) approved by ILDP; Preparation and implementation of initial coaching session for 3-years annual planning delivered in all target cantons; Preparation and implementation of minimum one formal session of the cantonal development board in each target canton; A minimum one brief question and answers coaching sessions (up to 3 hours) in each target canton delivered; Draft 3-years plans from targeted cantons, reviewed and commented, ensuring the required quality of products; Task 1 report approved by ILDP - November 2017- end-January 2018, (15 expert days each consultant);

Task 2: Support preparation of development reports for 2017 in targeted cantons:   

  • Tailored template and tools for each target canton; Comprehensive coaching package (agreed tailored annual report templates, process steps, timeframes and responsibilities, etc.) approved by ILDP; Preparation and implementation of initial coaching session for annual reporting delivered in each canton; Preparation and implementation of minimum one formal session of the cantonal development board in each target canton; A minimum one brief question and answers coaching sessions (up to 3 hours) in each target canton delivered; Draft 2017 annual reports from target cantons co-drafted, reviewed and commented, ensuring the required quality of products; Final report approved by ILDP - December 2017- end - June 2018, (17 expert days each consultant);

Competencies

Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time;
  • Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually;
  • Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
  • Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives.

People Skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;
  • Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
  • Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behaviour;
  • Respects individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
  • Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

Partnering and Networking:

  • Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
  • Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously.

Results-Orientation:

  • Plans and procedures quality results to meet established goals.

Communication:

  • Technical writing skills, formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
  • Strong communication skills;
  • Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
  • Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

  • Strong analytical skills;
  • Knowledge in strategic planning and methodology development;
  • Demonstrates substantive knowledge on security issues and activities with an emphasis on local communities;
  • Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
  • Initiative and sound judgment. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

  • University degree in public administration, economics, law, or related field;
  • Advanced degree will be considered an asset.

Experience: 

  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in the field of development planning and management in BiH or European Union countries;
  • Previous experience in provision of technical assistance and training to public institutions in BiH or European Union countries in the area of strategic planning and/or implementation of strategies is required;
  • Previous experience in work with cantons is an asset;
  • Previous experience in working as part of public administration in BiH is a distinct asset;
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills;
  • Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualise and write concisely and clearly.

Language Requirements: 

  • Fluency in languages of peoples of BiH and command of English.

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysisWhen using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, andb) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

  • * Technical Criteria weight-70%
  • * Financial Criteria weight- 30%

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

  • For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 62 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
  • Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 50 points for technical criteria assessment would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical criteria:

  • Previous experience in provision of technical assistance and training to public institutions in BiH or European Union countries in the area of strategic planning and/or implementation of strategies; Weight: 25%, Maximum points: 25;
  • Proposed Basic Methodology; Weight: 25%, Maximum points: 25;
  • Previous experience in support to cantons; Weight: 10%, Maximum points:10;
  • Previous experience in working as part of public administration in BiH; Weight:10%, Maximum points: 10;

Financial criteria: Weight:30%, Maximum points: 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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