National Consultant – Analysis of the legislative framework and existing practices for provision of social protection services at the local level by Centres for Social Welfare (CSWs) in cooperation and with support of Local communities/Mjesne Zajednice

Background

In 2015, UNDP launched the implementation of the Strengthening the Role of Local Communities/Mjesne zajednice in Bosnia and Herzegovina Project, which is financed jointly by the Government of Switzerland and the Government of Sweden. The project goal is to improve quality of life of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) through improving local infrastructure and services, increasing democratic accountability and social inclusion. The chosen means to achieve this goal is through encouraging community-led local development and revitalising of mjesne zajednice (MZs) as the places where government comes closest to the people and as grass-roots organisations that serve communities, with the possibility for real participation and joint action.The Project's implementing strategy is to support and drive forward change from bottom-up by engaging citizens and communities and giving them a voice in local governance processes, and by revitalising MZs as spaces where citizens come together to interact and involve, to identify and solve problems, to transmit their concerns to the local government and participate in the ways it makes its plans, spends their money and takes decisions that affect people’s lives. In doing so, the Project places MZs and their communities at the centre of its work, while also relying on a broad range of relevant stakeholders to sustain and expand Project results and increase democratic accountability. The Project works with 24 LGs and 136 MZs country-wide.Purpose of the ConsultancyThe purpose of the comprehensive analysis is identification of sectors and areas in which services could be provided in cooperation and with support of local communities LCs/MZs and performed within existing legislation on local, cantonal and entity level taking into consideration the role of the LCs/MZs proposed in the New Vision of Local Communities (MZs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additional purpose of this comprehensive analysis is to identify gaps and opportunities as well as needs for capacity building of CSWs and LCs/MZs representatives for qualitative service provision based on these principles.Objective of the ConsultancyThe main objective of the consultancy is to analyse and provide clear review highlighting limitations, opportunities and recommendations for potential service provision by CSWs in cooperation and with the support of LCs/MZs within partner local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina aligned with existing legislation. The Study is expected to combine desk review of existing documents from various resources (official, civil society data, reports, media reporting etc.) and reports made by other national consultants engaged by the Project with qualitative and quantitative field research. Selected national consultant is expected to collect relevant data through interviews, group discussions and eventual polls undertaken with the targeted CSWs and LCs/MZs. The service should describe, in details, specificities for at least 7 partner local governments (LGs, 3 in each entity and Brcko District) in terms of current social protection service provision situation, possibilities and alignment with the current local, cantonal and entity laws, as well as potential opportunities. The opportunities should also specify if any legislative changes need to be made.Moreover, the Study should incorporate the following:

• General information within social protection sector (local, cantonal and entity level) and more particular and comprehensive information and data on existing practices regarding provision of social protection services for marginalised populations in the at least 7 targeted LGs (LCs/MZs) with the specific focus on cooperation of CSWs and LCs/MZs in the field;
• Mapping of stakeholders involved in social protection service provision, information on local institutions, stakeholders (including LCs/MZs) and status of services;
• Information around the current (strategic) plans for development of targeted CSWs and their expressed needs in capacity building as well as capacity building needs of LCs/LCs in this sector. Also, overview of legal and technical preconditions for LCs/MZs to be able to get involved in cooperation and support in the provision of such services;
• Conclusions on gaps in capacities of targeted CSWs/LCs for the provision of the required services with recommendations for improvement of cooperation and support provided by LCs/MZs with aim to provide better quality and efficient services to their citizens and make LCs/MZs a place available to everyone;
• Analysis of the current service provision practices/involvement and identification of potentials for implementation of new services or service methodologies.

Duties and Responsibilities

This consultancy will contribute in defining services that could be provided by CSWs in cooperation and with the support of LCs/MZs within current legislation on local, cantonal and entity level. It will provide review of existing good practices in the field and background documents that are defining current and potential future CSWs and LCs/MZs cooperation in this specific service provision. Furthermore, the analysis will support further planning process of capacity development in the areas of quality service provision. The service should also ensure aspect of financial obligations/costs for provision of such services based on the above-mentioned principles. Moreover, it is necessary to identify and provide findings and recommendations on cost efficiency of services provided in cooperation and with the support of LCs/MZs in comparison to the same services provided only by CSWs.In this context, the scope of work for this consultancy will target analysis of entity, cantonal and local legislation that define social protection services which could be provided by CSWs in cooperation and support of LCs/MZs in different areas of social welfare (administrative services such as help desk for socially vulnerable population, educational services, advocacy, promotion etc.). Based on that analyses, consultant will examine legislation/decisions/statutes and existing practices in at least 7 partner LGs related to CSWs/LCs cooperation as service providers. This will become a significant segment in the process of implementation of the new role, functions and responsibilities of LCs/MZs in the country.

More specifically, the Consultant/s will undertake:

Task 1: Analyse legislation (existing laws, CSWs statutes/work plans, reports, and other relevant documentation) at entities, BD, cantonal level and if relevant local level: desk review of the legislation relevant for providing of social welfare services including reports produced by other national consultants engaged by the Project as well as close cooperation with them. Expected duration of the assignment of selected consultant should not exceed 7 days.

Task 2: Analyse legislation/regulations, decisions and existing practices on local level in at least 7 partner LGs (three in each entity and BD): In consultation with UNDP project staff, upon conclusion of the first task selected consultant will analyse legislation/decisions/statutes and practices in at least seven (7) partner LGs related to providing of social welfare services that are currently provided by CSWs, as well as  those provided by CSWs in cooperation and with the support of LCs/MZs, and the one that could be provided based on same principles.

The selected consultant should also include the following:

• Mapping of stakeholders involved in provision of social welfare services at local level including LCs/MZs,
• Analyse current technical and human recourse capacities of selected CSWs for service provision and identify potential requirements for further capacity building and upgrading of technical capacities both at CSWs and LCs/MZs levels,
• Analyse and identify potential gaps in social protection service provision at the local level,
• Analyse knowledge on CSWs services among citizens, as well as satisfaction with the current situation, and needs for additional services and
• Analysis of the current service provision practices/involvement and identification of potential for implementation of new services or service methodologies.

Expected duration of the assignment of selected consultant should not exceed 14 days.

Task 3: Develop review on findings and final report: Selected consultant will be obliged to develop document with clear findings of cross cutting analyses for at least 7 partner LGs, as well as to develop recommendations for further capacity building of CSWs and LCs/MZs (including existing gaps and needs for development of required regulations/decisions/instructions on local level).Expected duration of the assignment of selected consultant should not exceed 4 days.

Deliverables and timelinesThe Consultant is responsible to provide the comprehensive analysis, while the Project Team will provide support in communication and coordination with the partner LGs.In addition to comprehensive analysis, the Consultant will submit the final report on conducted activities using standardised format provided by Project Team.The Consultant is expected to provide the following three key deliverables:

Deliverables/outputs

#	Deliverables / outputs	# of days per task	Due date	Percentage
1	Deliverable 1: Desk review of the legislation relevant for providing of social protection services.	7	May 2019 (7 expert days)	28.00%
2	Deliverable 2: Assessment of legislation/decisions/statutes and practices in at least seven (7) partner LGs related to providing of social protection services that are currently provided by CSWs, provided by CSWs in cooperation and with the support of MZs and that could be provided based on same principles: Findings should be captured in the report containing catalog of available services. It should provide recommendations for future activities of relevant actors at the local level to promote development and accessibility of services taking into account the LC/MZ role envisaged in the New Vision of Local Communities in BiH.	14	July 2019 (14 expert days)	56.00%
	Deliverable 3: Final report with findings and recommendations (the report should be structured around following topics): Overview of the legislative framework with the focus on social protection services. Assessment with clear findings of cross cutting analyse for at least 7 partner LGs. Current capacities of LCs/MZs in terms of its organizational structure, availability of equipment and technical preconditions, human and financial resources to facilitate/provide services to citizens in cooperation with CSWs. Developed recommendations for further capacity building of CSWs and LCs/MZs (including existing gaps and needs for development of required regulations / decisions / instructions on local level)	4	August 2019 (4 expert days)	16.00%

It is envisaged that the level of effort will not exceed 25 expert days.

Competencies

Core values

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Core competences

• Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Results-Orientation: Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals, generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations;
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences;
• Team work: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team;
• Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners’ needs and matching them to appropriate solutions.
• Strong analytical and reporting abilities; Excellent organizational and facilitation skills; Excellent public presentation and moderation skills. 

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education

• Advanced University degree in public administration and social studies or relevant field.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the field of social protection analyses in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Proven ability to undertake professional research using both quantitative and qualitative methods;
• Proven skills and previous experience in facilitation of public consultative policy development processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, engaging a diverse set of public, non-governmental and civic participants;
• Proven communication and advocacy skills, and ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors including government representatives, donors and other stakeholders;
• Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly;
• Previous work for UN agencies or concrete work at local government level in the country is considered as unique asset.

Languages Requirements

• Fluency in languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina (excellent writing, editing and communication skills). Fluency in English is an asset.

Other Requirements

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

Award Criteria: The consultancy will be awarded to the highest qualified applicant through the combination of technical qualifications and financial offer.

Evaluation

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When 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%

Documents to Be Included When Submitting the Proposals

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• Personal CV; Completed and signed the Offeror’s template Confirming Interest and Availability (please follow the link: https://popp.undp.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/UNDP_POPP_DOCUMENT_LIBRARY/Public/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx&action=default);
• Reference to past experience in similar projects
• Brief methodology for this assignment, with the focus on research methods to be used and approach to stakeholder engagement
• Financial offer

Financial Proposal

Contracts based on the lump sum

The financial proposal will specify total lump sum amount for the assignment with the breakdown of the costs per deliverable and travel costsTravel:All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal.

Long/Shortlisting CriteriaCriteria Weight  Max Points

• University degree in public administration, social sciences or related field, 30% 30;
• Relevant experience in similar assignments  30% 30;
• Methodological approach to the assignment and stakeholder’s involvement 30% 30;
• Previous experience with UNDP or international UN Agencies 10% 10

Total 100% 100Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points would be considered for an interview

Technical Evaluation CriteriaCriteria Weight  Max. Point

• Qualification Score 50% 50
• Interview 50% 50
• Total 100% 100

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points would be considered for the Final Evaluation

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

Note:

• For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 65 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.