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Senior Consultant - research and drafting of studies for the EC-UNDP Electoral Conflict Prevention Toolbox

Brussels

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Brussels
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
    • International Relations
    • Democratic Governance
    • Conflict prevention
    • Elections
    • Scientist and Researcher
    • Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding
    • Peace and Development
    • Documentation and Information Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

Conflict not only tears countries apart but also leads to divided societies plagued by political and social tensions and grievances. Violence and armed conflicts undermine efforts to foster inclusive, peaceful societies and prevent countries from establishing robust and stable democratic institutions needed for peace and development. Indeed, if not tackled adequately and quickly, initial societal unrest and tensions can degenerate into prolonged conflict causing many victims and widespread devastation. Moreover, the socio-economic costs related to post-conflict reconstruction are often enormous, making the investment in prevention a far better option.

Credible electoral processes are essential for conferring legitimacy to the national and local governments. When successful, electoral processes offer the means of channelling social conflict into respectful and constructive debate and provide the opportunity to citizens to voice their preference and elect their representatives. They can offer a safe, predictable, rule-bound method for arbitrating political and social conflict through the selection of representatives and confer the legitimacy garnered by the consent of the people for programs and policies. On the other hand, precisely because the elections are about the competition for political power, they can be catalysts of existing conflict in society.

While there are different sources and types of conflicts, political events such as elections, particularly in fragile states, have the potential to trigger conflicts and violence. Indeed, all stages of the electoral cycle pose a risk of sparking violence, including political intimidation before and during voting, escalation of social tensions when approaching the election day, or political crises that may emerge after the elections. Experiences from around the world show that elections, which are simultaneously exercises of human rights, freedom of expression, and a key element of democratic governance, can be a catalyst or accelerator of conflict. Therefore, there is a clear urgency to understand the complicated nexus between elections and conflict prevention.

Organizational Context

While the EC-UNDP Joint Task Force on Electoral Assistance will lead the overall coordination and support, the entire process (studies/toolbox/workshops/pilot) is expected to be driven in equal parts by all relevant EU and UN entities, including UNDP, European External Action Service (EEAS), European Commission, European Parliament and other relevant EU and UN entities. They will provide input and expertise at all stages of the development and review of the toolbox. Moreover, their experience, analysis and expectations will be the main driving force behind the process. As such, this project is envisaged and designed to be a close collaborative effort at the institutional level between the EU and the UN.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Senior Electoral Advisor, and in line with the Concept Note (available here https://goo.gl/HRQq4X), the Senior Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

  • Conduct a policy research study of the existing UN/UNDP and EU policy framework, outlining relevant documents, experiences and best practices regarding electoral conflict. The review should include, but not be limited to: UN’s Policy Directive on Preventing and Mitigating Election Related Violence; High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations review; relevant input from the EU’s Prevention of conflicts, Rule of law/SSR, Integrated approach, Stabilisation and Mediation division (PRISM), a division of the European External Action Service (EEAS); documents outlining EU priorities at the United Nations and the 72nd United Nations General Assembly and others;
  • Review and analyse the existing architecture of conflict prevention and elections within the EU (DEVCO/EEAS) and UN (secretariat)/UNDP, examining in particular the relationship and cooperation between various departments/divisions, units within each organization and the opportunities for synergy;
  • Provide an overview of other actors (governments, international organizations, NGOs, media, etc.) in the electoral conflict prevention, with the view of examining the gaps and areas where the EU and UN/UNDP are uniquely positioned to intervene;
  • Based on the above, draft a research paper for presentation at the conference, presenting the tools at the disposal of EU and UN for electoral conflict prevention and mitigation;  
  • Conduct research and draft a thematic research study to provide an insight on various key areas linked to conflict prevention and mitigation, such as the role of civil society organisations, media, political parties, dialogue, electoral dispute resolution, early warning mechanisms;
  • Develop a detailed methodology for the research and drafting of the regional studies based on the Concept Note (available here : https://goo.gl/HRQq4X);
  • In close cooperation with other consultant(s), lead the drafting of five regional studies (Europe/CIS, Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America), ensuring that all of the case studies and the overview paper are mutually reinforcing and present a coherent strategy;
  • Based on the research studies and feedback from the Country Offices, EU Delegations, conference conclusions and relevant experts, develop a toolbox of options for the use by UNDP projects, EU Delegations, Election Management Bodies and other stakeholders in preventing and mitigating electoral conflict;
  • Attend and deliver the findings of the research papers and the draft toolbox at the conference and participate in the discussions;
  • Upon completion and approval of the toolbox, develop a publication to be published on a dedicated website/webpage.
  • Upon completion and approval of the toolbox, develop an accompanying e-Learning.

Deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Policy research study – The study will be in a form of an academic paper ready for distribution among senior management of the EU and UN/UNDP and presentation at the workshop in June 2018. The study will outline the UN/UNDP and EU policy framework and architecture on electoral conflict prevention and mitigation. Approximately 20 working days.

Deliverable 2: Thematic research study (as an Annex to the Deliverable 1) – The study will provide an insight of the relevant thematic areas related to conflict prevention such as the role of civil society organisations, the media, legal reforms, political parties, dialogue, early warning mechanisms. The paper will be presented at the June 2018 conference.

Approximately 20 working days.

Deliverable 3: Coordinate five regional studies -- Lead, coordinate, review and edit five regional studies (Europe/CIS, Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America). Regional studies will be drafted by individual consultants and the role of the Senior Consultant will be to: 1) develop a detailed methodology for each case study, based on the Concept Note (available here : https://goo.gl/HRQq4X); 2) lead the five studies by reviewing the outlines and, in close consultations with the consultants and the JTF, develop a common approach; 3) review the studies for clarity and accuracy of content; and 4) ensure coherency between the studies and the policy/thematic research study (Deliverables 1 and 2).

Approximately 20 working days.

Deliverable 4: Draft a Toolbox – Based on the policy study and the case studies, the consultant will develop a toolbox in a form of a publication which will explore the ways in which the UN and the EU can join forces and better integrate electoral conflict prevention actions into programmes and projects activities. The purpose of the toolbox will be to:

1) identify different options for strategic programming that can help to anticipate and prevent conflicts; 2) identify different options to conduct analysis in country;

3) serve as a source of knowledge for the stakeholders including election practitioners, justice and security institutions, civil society, political parties, media and others to improve design, planning and implementation of electoral conflict prevention measures; and

4) present concrete examples (potential or actually used in the past projects) of project strategies and activities for the use by EU and UN/UNDP in the conceptualization, formulation and implementation of the actual projects.

Approximately 20 working days.

Deliverable 5: Assist in the organisation of a conference on electoral conflict prevention– A workshop will be organised in June 2018 to discuss the five regional papers amongst the election practitioners (EMBs), CSOs, international experts, EU and UN/UNDP experts. The Senior Consultant will present the papers and main findings at the workshop, as well as provide overall support to the JTF in the drafting of the agenda of the workshop, identifying key speakers, and ensuring overall coherence with key speaker’s content. Moreover, the Consultant is expected to lead some of the discussions and summarize the key findings, to be incorporated in the final version of the toolbox.

Approximately 10 working days

Deliverable 6: Develop a final version of the Toolbox (publication)Based on the field studies and on the recommendations of the toolkit, the Senior Consultant will finalize the toolbox, in a form of a publication, outlining the key outcomes of the studies and showcase the most efficient tools to be applied by the international community but also local partners in electoral assistance projects and programmes.

Approximately 20 working days.

Deliverable 7: Develop content for the website – The Senior consultant will be responsible for drafting and developing content for a website dedicated to the Toolbox. As a wide and easy-to-access communication tool, the website will be designed and launched once the toolbox is completed to showcase the key recommendations and lessons learned that had been previously identified.  The senior consultant will be in charge of developing the content ready to be uploaded by the IT technicians. 

Approximately 10 working days.

Deliverable 8: Draft content for the corresponding e-Learning – Based on the Toolbox, the Senior Consultant will develop a corresponding e-Learning and draft the content ready for upload. All technical (IT) elements of the e-Learnings will be developed by an IT expert.

Approximately 10 working days.

Target Audience: The main goal of the publication and e-Learning is to provide concrete strategies, examples and inspiration for projects and activities preventing and mitigating electoral conflict. As such, the target audience includes EU and UN/UNDP experts and staff formulating and implementing electoral assistance strategies, projects and activities. Moreover, the materials are expected to be used by a wide array of additional stakeholders, including Election Management Bodies (EMBs), civil society, government agencies, media and others. It must be noted that the objective of this activity is not to create new policy for either EU or UN; rather, the goal is to extrapolate concrete ideas for action from the existing policy frameworks. 

Institutional Arrangements

  • This assignment is Brussels-based. The consultant must have a legal right to live and work in Belgium. Please note that the office unfortunately cannot provide any assistance in obtaining a work or residency permit.
  • Payments will be made upon submission of a detailed time sheet, respective deliverables and certificate of payment form, and approval and confirmation by the Senior Electoral Advisor. 

Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the UN system;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

  • Expertise in electoral conflict analysis;
  • Experience in designing, evaluating or implementing projects/activities dealing with the electoral conflict;
  • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, detailed research in the form of reports and publications;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to foster networks and partnerships;
  • Ability to set and meet deadlines;
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a dynamic, multi-tasking team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

Advanced university degree (MA) in the field of International relations, Law, Political Science or related subject. Significant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience: 

  • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the field of elections or related topic;
  • Specific experience in designing, implementing or evaluation projects dealing with prevention or mitigation of electoral conflict;
  • Proven experience with research and/or report writing (sample required);
  • Familiarity with EU and/or UN/UNDP electoral assistance project and inter-agency coordination an asset.

Requirements: 

  • Fluency in English, written and oral;
  • Knowledge of other UN languages an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application submission is a two-step process. Failing to comply with the submission process may result in disqualifying the applications:

Step 1: Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications in UNDP job shop (Please note that only 1 (one) file can be uploaded therefore please include all docs in one file):

  • Personal History Form (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 (the template can be downloaded from this link: http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc)
  • Draft outline and methodology – A single document (max. 2 pages) explaining your approach to the research and development of the deliverables, including a draft outline of the handbook and a draft methodology for regional studies. Please note that the Policy Research Study and Regional Studies will identify the best practices and successful examples of conflict prevention and as such, are NOT meant to be a historical review of the electoral violence of the different countries but rather an in-depth analysis of the various tools (e.g.: technology, early warning mechanisms, dialogue, electoral dispute resolution, observations, etc.) used by national and international stakeholders to prevent electoral conflict.
  • Example of a report/study or other relevant document drafted by the applicant and dealing with a relevant electoral topic;

 Step 2: Submission of Financial Proposal

Applicants are instructed to submit their financial proposals in US Dollars for this consultancy to procurement.be@undp.org using the financial proposal template available here: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=45780. The proposals should be sent via email with the following subject heading: Financial Proposal/Senior Consultant - Electoral Conflict Prevention Toolbox" by latest COB Brussels on Monday January 22, 2018. Proposals to be received after the deadline will be rejected.

 IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the financial proposal should include only the daily fee and travel to/from Brussels (if the applicant is not based in Brussels). No other costs (per diem, insurance, communications, utilities, any other expenses related to the performance of services...) shall be taken into account.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.

Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org

General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://on.undp.org/t7fJs.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

APPLICATION EVALUATION PROCESS:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only the highest ranked candidates based on the Technical Criteria will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria – 70 points total:

Criteria A: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the field of elections or related topic (max 25 points);

Criteria B: Specific experience in designing, implementing or evaluation projects dealing with prevention or mitigation of electoral conflict (max 20 points);

Criteria C: Proven experience with research and/or report writing (sample required) (max 20 points);

Criteria D: Familiarity with EU and/or UN/UNDP electoral assistance project and inter-agency coordination an asset (max 5 points);

Financial Criteria – 30 points

TOTAL – 100 points

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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