International Expert as Security Sector Reform Sub- Working Group Coordinator (Arabic Proficient)

Background

UNDP has a global mandate to support governments in the area of good governance and Security Sector Reform (SSR), and has significant experience in producing policy advice and support to governments. At the request of the Government of Iraq (GoI), UNDP has been engaging with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to support the government’s SSR efforts. Among others, the ongoing work focuses specifically in supporting the implementation of the GoI Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP). In this regard UNDP maintains strong partnerships with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and relevant Government Ministries/Agencies and, also plays a central coordination role between GoI and International Partners engaged in this long- term reform process.

 

 

Looking forward, it is expected that ONSA will continue to work with UNDP and a range of International Partners (IP) to take forward the Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP), UNDP expects to continue to play a lead role in advising and assisting ONSA and relevant GoI institutions in the successful implementation of the SSRP. Overall SSRP implementation will take place under '8 systems' - National Security Architecture; National Security Legislation, Democratic/ institutional Oversight and Accountability; Critical Infrastructure Protection; Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement, Intelligence Community, Defense and Internal Security Strategy and, Broader Management of which each system has a sub- working group (SWG) representative of the relevant ministries and agencies (institutions) responsible for taking forward the implementation of the 8 systems.

As part of UNDP's on- going support to GoI SSR efforts and implementation of the SSRP, UNDP has identified the requirement to further strengthen its collaboration and coordination on a regular basis with each of the SWG of the SSRP '8 system' priorities and also the soon to be appointed National Security Strategy (NSS) Review SWG.  It will ensure timely advice and assistance from UNDP to the SWG where needed and, also assist with timely referrals to other IP engaged in the sectors to provide necessary advice and expertise where appropriate.

In view of the above UNDP has identified the need to hire a consultant to engage with and, further strengthen information sharing and coordination within and among the  '8 system' SWG and the soon to be established NSS Review SWG. Thereby to ensure timely advice and assistance on necessary technical expertise to be provided directly by UNDP experts as well as areas where assistance from other IP is sought  in an effective and efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

The consultancy will be Baghdad-based. The consultant will be required to engage closely with all relevant government institutions/ministries representative of the SSRP '8 system' SWG and NSS Review SWG on a regular basis including assisting the relevant working groups to develop meeting/ working group agendas, policy papers and, work plans in close coordination with UNDP SSR Technical Specialist and IP active in the SSR sphere in Iraq.

The consultancy will be for a period of 12 months with 10 working days in Baghdad each month.  

The assignment will be conducted under the auspices of UNDP’s 'Support to Security and Justice Sector Governance' Programme and the consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Assist SSRP '8 system' SWG in taking forward their identified priorities through timely coordination and collaboration with UNDP and, other relevant IP.
• Assist GoI NSS Review SWG in undertaking the proposed NSS review ensuring timely coordination and collaboration with UNDP to ensure the provision of technical advice and assistance in the review exercise.
• Organize and facilitate structured consultations and meetings with '8 system' SWG to ensure regular information sharing on work in progress, challenges and planned work under each working group in order to coordinate the provision of advice and assistance on request with UNDP technical experts and other relevant IP.
• Organize and facilitate structured consultations and meetings with NSS Review SWG to ensure regular information sharing on work in progress, challenges and planned work of the review exercise in order to coordinate the provision of advice and advice on request with UNDP technical experts,
• Any other task advised by the Security Sector Reform/ Rule of Law (SSR/RoL) Programme Manager.

 

Deliverables and timelines:

Under the supervision of the SSR/RoL Programme Manager, the consultant is expected to achieve the following deliverables:

Deliverables/Milestones	Location	Timelines	Payment Due Date/ Percentage
Conduct consultations/ meetings with each of the SWG / or assigned representative from each working group on a monthly basis and, submit a short a report noting key progress made by each of the SSRP '8 -systems', key challenges/ delays and specific requests for advice and assistance from UNDP and, other relevant IP where appropriate.                (Overall it will include 8 consultations / meetings with each working group or its assigned representative per month, followed by a short report of the key findings from the meetings- the reporting template will be agreed in advance between the consultant and SSR/RoL Programme Manager)	Baghdad - Iraq.	February -2020 to January 2021	As described in Section 11. Payment Method
Conduct a monthly consultation/ meeting with NSS Review SWG chair or his assigned representative to discuss and identify key progress made on the review exercise, challenges and potential delays as well as specific advice and assistance required from UNDP to advance the NSS review exercise on schedule. (Overall it will include 1 consultation/ meeting each month and short report of key findings of the meetings in the same update report mentioned under Deliverable 1 above)	Baghdad - Iraq.	February -2020 to January 2021
Participate in the NSS Review SWG meetings when requested to do so by the working group chair and, provide advice and assistance requested by the chair in pursuance of this exercise in a timely manner.	Baghdad- Iraq and home base.	February -2020 to January 2021
Participate in the SSRP '8 system' SWG as much as possible in consultation and agreement with the respective  working group chairs and, provide advice and assistance requested in pursuance of implementation of their identified tasks in a timely manner.	Baghdad - Iraq.	February -2020 to January 2021
Any other task advised by the SSR/RoL Programme Manager.	Baghdad - Iraq.	February -2020 to January 2021

 

Payment Method

• Payment shall be provided upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables outlined in section 2. Scope of Work and 3. Deliverables and timelines and, upon submission and acceptance of a quarterly progress report mentioned above.
• Payment requests submitted by the Consultant must be certified by the supervisor ( SSR/RoL Programme Manager) and, accompanying payment invoices.
• Payments are to be made within 30 days from receipt of invoice.
• For each payment a certification of payment needs to be signed and approved by the direct supervisor attached to it explaining the accomplishment of the tasks.
• The payments will be made in four installments subject to UNDP procurement procedures.

1. First payment – 25.00% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 1st quarterly progress report in April 2020.
2. Second payment – 25.00% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 2nd quarterly progress report in July 2020.
3. Third payment – 25.00% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 3rd quarterly progress report in October 2020.
4. Fourth payment- 25.00% of the total amount upon submission and acceptance of the 4th and final quarterly progress report in January 2021.

• Reimbursement costs/ travel costs will be paid on the basis of actual expenditure and should not exceed the approved amount in the contract calculation sheet.

Reimbursable cost will be paid on quarterly basis along with the consultancy fees upon submitting an approved time sheet.

• The consultant will be reimbursed for the daily living allowance in Iraq based on the actual days spent in Baghdad and, where necessary for the other locations in Iraq.
• A written approval from SSR/RoL Programme Manage will be required to facilitate consultant's travel outside Baghdad on official mission where necessary.
• For each payment related to scope of work a certification of payment needs to be signed and approved by the SSR/Rule of Law Programme Manager attached to it explaining the accomplishment of the deliverables corresponding to the respective quarterly progress report.  

Reporting

The consultant will directly report to SSR/RoL Programme Manager.

1. Key Performance Indicators During implementation of Services

Overall, the Consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

• Planning and Organizing Skills: Identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
• Communication Skills: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style & format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information & keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation Skills: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Meets time line for delivery of product or services to client.
• Quality of Deliveries: Professional skill required for delivering outputs will be assessed.
• Satisfactory and timely completion of tasks and submission of the deliverables within the provision of above explained deliverables and outputs.

Upon signing of the contract, a detailed work plan will be prepared by the experts with activities, outputs and performance indicators and to be agreed with the supervisor as implementation follow ups and performance yardsticks.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the mission, vision and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly and with impartiality.

 

Functional Competencies:

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines;
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Self-reliant and able to work as a part of a multi-cultural team in a stressful.

 

Professionalism:

• Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments; observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.

 

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing:

• Identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust, respect; Meets time line for delivery of product or services to client.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

Technological awareness:

• Keeps abreast of available technology; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• University degree in Management, Sciences, International Relations or a recognized discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum 07 years professional experience working in Security Sector Reform (SSR) and related issues in post-conflict environments and,  related experience in Iraq which will be an asset;
• In-depth understanding of and experience working on SSR and related issues in Iraq or similar contexts with senior government officials and security sector government institutions and agencies is essential;
• Minimum 07 years strong track record in working in SSR and related issues with relevant security sector government agencies/ institutions at senior level in post conflict environments is essential and related experience in Iraq will be an asset;
• Experience in providing policy and strategic level guidance on SSR issues to governments in a multi-lateral setting with specific focus on SSR or related strategy implementation is essential;
• Proven expertise in the field of SSR strategy implementation at the government level in complex emergency settings in post- conflict contexts is highly desirable;
• Proven capacity to engage with government and international stakeholders with strong liaison capacities and experience is highly desirable;
•  Previous experience with UN/ international missions would be an asset.

 

Language:

• Fluency in English language (spoken and written) is a must.
• Fluency in Arabic language (spoken and written) is a must.

Total consultancy period:

The Total Contract / Consultancy period will be 120 Working Days (10 days per month), over a period of 12 Months with a commencement date of 1 February 2020 till the 31 January 2021.

No	Country/ City - No of Travels	Duration (Working Days)
1	Baghdad/Iraq / 12 Trips	120 Working Days ( 10 working days per month)
2	Home Based	N/A
Total	12 Trips/ Missions	120 Working Days

 

Any change to the preliminary travel plan/schedule hereunder, in such cases, UNDP will cover travel costs in accordance with corporate regulations and rules.

• Consultant shall provide the Reimbursable Lump Sum of travel cost. UNDP will process the payment upon actual receipts provided for ticket (should not exceed the unit price provided in the financial offer) and boarding passes/passport stamps (entry and exit) for each travel;

• Unit price for tickets should be provided on most direct economic class (business and first-class airfare are not permitted as per UNDP rules and regulations);

• Payments will be made upon confirmation of UNDP of satisfactory performance;

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

If unforeseen travel outside the consultant home based city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).

 

Note: A written approval from the Programme Manager will be required to facilitate consultant's travel outside Baghdad to other locations within Iraq on official missions where necessary.

1. Documents to be included when submitting the Proposal:

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

 

1. Technical Proposal: (which will include the following):

• Signed Template Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal –Annex 1 attached.
• A letter explaining why he/she considers him/herself the most suitable candidate for the work.
• Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.
• A language assessment will be conducted [if needed] for verifying influence in English;
• Sample reports of previous work in English.

 

 

 

B.Financial proposal:

The financial proposal will specify the daily fee, travel expenses and per diems quoted in separate line items, and payments are made to the Individual Consultant based on the number of days worked. Annex 1 attached

Important note: the consultant is required to specify the daily fee in his proposal.

 

PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS (Standard text - do not change)

The contractor shall submit a price proposal as below:

Daily Fee – The contractor shall propose a daily fee, which should be inclusive of his professional fee, local communication cost and insurance (inclusive of medical health insurance and evacuation). The number of working days for which the daily fee shall be payable under the contract is 40 working days.

The contractor shall propose a Living allowance at Baghdad not to exceed applicable rate of USD 218 per night for his/her stay at the duty station. The number of nights for which the Living allowance shall be payable under the contract is # nights in Baghdad. The contractor is NOT allowed to stay in a place of his choice other than the UNDSS approved places. UNDP will provide MORSS compliant accommodation in Green Zone (GZ) to the contractor. The payment of GV accommodation shall be made directly to GZ by the contractor.

Travel & Visa – The contractor shall propose an estimated lump-sum for home-Baghdad-home travel (economy most direct route) and Iraq visa expenses.

The total professional fee shall be converted into a lump-sum contract and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the schedule of payment linked with deliverables

 

 

 

C.Travel:

All envisaged travel must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/ repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does 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 his or her own resources.

Furthermore, Individual Consultant who is at the duty station at the time of hire is ineligible for travel to join, and who remain at the duty station after contract completion is ineligible for repatriation travel

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.

 

Selection Criteria:

The award of contract will be made to one individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as being:

1. Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
2. Achieving the highest combined score (financial and technical).

 

The Offer will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

 

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points will be considered for the Financial Evaluation

 

Evaluation, selection criteria and process

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Step I: Screening:

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:

The received applications shall be screened against the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in Management, Sciences, International Relations or a recognized discipline with minimum 7 years’ experience.
• Submission of filled in and signed application Form.
• Submission of filled in CV/P11 Form
• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Only applicants passing the screening stage shall be considered for further evaluation.

Step Two: Evaluation

The evaluation of each application will be based on a set of selection criteria as listed in the below table and on the basis of the information submitted by each candidate. Only candidates fulfilling the minimum expertise, experience and qualifications required will be considered. For each of the categories applied for.

Having reviewed applications received, UNDP will invite the top three to five shortlisted candidates for interview. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the technical criteria (70 points) shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

 

Criteria		Max. Point 100	Weight
Technical	Relevance and responsiveness of candidate’s qualification and experience based on submitted documents Minimum 07 years professional experience working on SSR and related issues in post-conflict environments. (25 points) Minimum 07 years strong track record in working on SSR and related issues with relevant security sector government agencies/ institutions at senior level in post conflict environments, preferably in Iraq is essential. (10 points) Experience in providing policy and strategic level guidance on SSR  issues to governments in a multi-lateral setting with specific focus on SSR or related strategy implementation is essential, preferably in Iraq or post- conflict settings will be an asset;  (15 points) Methodology on how the consultant will conduct the required tasks. To be submitted in English. (20 points) Previous experience with UN/ international missions. (10 points) Fluency in English- Arabic Language skills evidenced by two written samples. (10 points) Previous experience working with UNDP, UN agencies and or other multilateral agencies would be an added advantage. (10 points)	100 Points	70%
	Lowest Offer / Offer*100		30%
Total Score = (Technical Score * 0.7 + Financial Score * 0.3)

 

Weight Per Technical Competence
5 (outstanding): 96% - 100%	The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated an OUTSTANDING capacity for the analyzed competence.
4 (Very good): 86% - 95%	The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a VERY GOOD capacity for the analyzed competence.
3 (Good): 76% - 85%	The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a GOOD capacity for the analyzed competence.
2 (Satisfactory): 70% - 75%	The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a SATISFACTORY capacity for the analyzed competence.
1 (Weak): Below 70%	The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a WEAK capacity for the analyzed competence.

 

UNDP may conduct an interview round with applicants for purpose of determining fulfilment of language and competencies related requirements.

A review of the daily fees proposed by technically qualified experts will follow, to determine adherence to maximum allowed UNDP daily fees for consultant. In cases where daily fees submitted by the consultant exceed maximum allowed UNDP daily fees for each band, the consultant will be invited to review his/her quoted daily fee downwards accordingly.

 

Financial evaluation - Total 30% (30 points)

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

p = y (µ/z), where

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated

y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal

µ = price of the lowest priced proposal

z = price of the proposal being evaluated

 

Contract Award

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter into contract with UNDP