National Consultant to Assess Training Needs of All Staff Categories of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka(HRCSL)

Background

BACKGROUND

Following many changes in context in Sri Lanka since 2015, and the universal commitment made in September 2015 to ensure the achievement of sustainable development by 2030, UNDP embarked on a process of re-defining the alignment and strengthening the design of its access to justice/ rule of law, human rights, Parliamentary support and peacebuilding portfolio.

UNDP from 2017 will support Sri Lanka with innovative programmatic and operational design and implementation of priority actions identified in key policy frameworks and plans. To this end, UNDP will work in collaboration with several stakeholders, including government, semi-government, civil society, private sector, UN agency and development partners and through increased engagement with the people of Sri Lanka, on the above mentioned inter-linked and complementary thematic areas of focus, to provide integrated and high quality technical advisory and support services.

Against the above-mentioned backdrop, UNDP Sri Lanka seeks to recruit a Consultant  to assist in its support to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES   

• The objective of this assignment is to assess the training needs of all categories of staff of the different divisions of the HRCSL (administration, inquiry and investigation, education, research & monitoring and media & communications) in order to strengthen the HRCSL’s ability to provide effective and efficient service to the public.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

The consultant shall be expected to;

i. Review organogram, existing laws, rules, regulations and other documentation applicable to the functions of the HRCSL and obtain a thorough understanding of the tasks carried out by the HRCSL;

ii. Conduct local analysis of existing capacity and training curricula;

iii. Conduct interviews with local staff/senior management to identify existing training gaps and desired capacities to be included in the HRCSL training curricula;

iv. Liaise with officers involved in development of automated case management system to identify training needs to strengthen staff capacity and enable efficient and effective use of the system;  

v. Make necessary arrangements on his/her own to visit 10 Regional Offices of the HRCSL to understand operational mechanism at regional level;                                                                                                                                                                                            

vi. Carryout a close analysis of roles and functions of staff (task analysis/operational analysis) and propose training requirements and desired capacity development for respective staff.

Expected Output/Deliverables

The following deliverables and outputs are expected from the Consultant:

1. Analysis of local capacity and current HRCSL training activities and curriculum - based on interviews with staff at Colombo and Regional level;
2. Identification of existing gaps in training after gaining a thorough understanding of the role and work processes/functions of the Commission;
3. Proposition of required training plan for each staff category aligned with expected outcomes and recommendations where appropriate;
4. Present the draft report (including the above 1- 3) to the HRCSL for review and feedback;
5. Incorporate any suggestions made by the HRCSL into the report and finalize report with definite recommendations for training of respective officer categories;
6. Present the finalized report to the HRCSL.

TIMEFRAME

• The assignment’s duration is three months.  The final report shall be presented to the HRCSL prior to one week of contract expiration.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE    

• The consultants will be identified based on relevant experience in a similar prior capacity of work, analytical skills and educational qualifications and familiarity with the work, scope and legal mandate of the HRCSL;
• 7-10 years of experience in similar assignments;
• Fluency in English and Sinhala/Tamil both oral and written, is a necessary requirement.

COMPETENCIES

  a  Technical competencies

• Knowledge on mandate of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Human Rights and related issues and analytical knowledge in the area of training and capacity building needs.

b.  Partnerships

• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national institutions;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Excellent coordination skills and result oriented collaboration with colleagues.

c.  Results

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in Human Rights or Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies with a strong practical knowledge of Human Rights a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the Masters degree;
• Experience in training needs assessment of similar nature along with the above qualifications will be an added advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combimation of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: procurement.lk@undp.org  stating the vacancy number/position  in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL  

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR

Or

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR

Amount in words: Rs.

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts. 

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

The selected Consultant shall receive payment in three installments from UNDP as follows, upon HRCSLs acceptance of the deliverables and UNDP certification of deliverables: 

20% - upon completion of  no.(01) – no.(02) deliverables and submission of a summary report for HRCSL;

45% - upon completion of deliverable no. (04);

35%-  upon completion of deliverable no. (06).