National Consultant: Humanitarian Response Research Mapping in the Philippines (For Philippine nationals only)

Background

Individual Consultant, Localized Humanitarian Response Research Mapping in the Philippines

 

Project Title: Localized Humanitarian Response in the Philippines --- Moving forward the localization agenda

 

Project Description

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs-Philippines (UNOCHA- Philippines) is commissioned by the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to oversee the conduct of a study that will examine the current state of play in advancing the localization agenda in humanitarian action (natural disasters, armed-conflict and the recent pandemic) in the Philippines.

 

The study will delve into good practice examples within the country as far as implementation of localized humanitarian response is concerned. This applies to various aspects of localization, including partnerships, capacities and resources, access to funding and financing, coordination arrangements, agreements/commitments and most importantly, the actual practice. The study will also review the challenges that continue to hinder achieving a more inclusive and effective localized action in the country and will look into what opportunities exist to leverage local expertise and capacities in the context of humanitarian assistance.

 

Objectives of the study

 

1. To move forward the localisation movement in the Philippines by learning from the initiatives already undertaken and harnessing commitments of actors already demonstrating concrete localisation actions on the ground.
2. To create a greater sense of momentum on the localisation in the country– exploring synergies and linkages with existing humanitarian coordination mechanisms (within t h e Humanitarian Country Team, Mindanao Humanitarian Team), donor coordination mechanisms and platforms, Philippine INGO networks, private sector and civil society networks.
3. To identify opportunities, challenges and specificities when it comes to localisation and develop country-level plans of action.
4. To come up with recommendations in relation to the next phase of the Grand Bargain beyond June 2021.

 

Target Outputs

 

1. Shared contextual analysis of the status of localisation implementation in the Philippines by civil society, UN agencies, INGOs, private sector and donors present in the country – including identified facilitating factors and constraints to localisation.
2. Specific recommendations from various humanitarian stakeholders on how to effectively move forward the localisation and locally-led humanitarian actions in the country.
3. Country-level Plan of Action to promote implementation of Grand Bargain Commitments on localization in the Philippines.
4. Recommendations for the next phase of Grand Bargain Beyond 2021

 

To achieve this task, UNOCHA Philippines requires the services of a qualified, competent, highly experienced consultant with localization trends in the Philippines and with impeccable writing skills that will work with RC/HC, OCHA and other partners in the conduct of an extensive and inclusive mapping on localization.

 

Localization Overview

Over the last decade, support for local action within the disaster risk management (DRM) in the Philippines has been a high-profile topic not least due to the role local actors are envisaged to play in the ‘whole-of-society’ approach in responding to natural calamities, as envisaged under the Republic Act 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Law). Localization in DRM is a widely accepted agenda, underscoring how national and local actors are closer to the affected population and at-risk communities and often better able to provide contextualized humanitarian assistance, protection and support in the recovery as well as rehabilitation.

On a global level, the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 solidified this agenda within the so-called Grand Bargain1, establishment of the Charter for Change2, endorsement of the Agenda for Humanity3, creation of the Network for Empower Aid Response (NEAR)4, and launch of the Connecting Business initiative (CBi)5, among others. It also elevated the discussion centering on maximizing direct financial support to local actors, ensuring that the perspectives and participation of the local populations strongly influence program design, challenging entrenched power relationships and privileged access to resources within the international humanitarian system, and improving the connections between humanitarian response, recovery and resilience-building through stronger partnerships with local actors.

However, progress towards concrete implementation of localization has not been as inclusive, cost- effective, simple, swift, less bureaucratic or financially equitable as many local actors would have hoped for. Not least, achieving the target set in the Grand Bargain of 25 per cent direct funding to local actors remains elusive.

 

As local as possible, needs to become more than just a cliché. Responding to various emergencies in the Philippines (natural disasters, armed-conflicts and outbreaks as well as the recent pandemic)

 

1    The Grand Bargain, launched during the WHS in Istanbul in May 2016, is a unique agreement between some of the largest  donors and humanitarian organizations who have committed to get more means into the hands of people in need and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the humanitarian action.

2 The Charter for Change is an initiative that aims to transform the way the humanitarian system operates to enable local and national actors to play an increased and more prominent role in humanitarian response. The 8-point Charter for Change outlines a number of commitments intended to strengthen the capacity of local actors, increase transparency within the sector and emphasize the importance of national actors in humanitarian response.

3 The Agenda for Humanity sets out five major areas for action and change, the 5 Core Responsibilities, that are needed to address and reduce humanitarian need, risk and vulnerability, and 24 key transformations that will help achieve them.

4 Network for Empowered Aid Response (NEAR), has been created from the desire by local and national NGOs from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America to promote a more equitable and dignified humanitarian and development system. NEAR wants to see communities and local and national capacities at the center of all aid efforts. It also provides a much-needed forum for local and national NGOs to influence the wider policies and practices that affect their capacities and operations and the wellbeing of communities.

5   The OCHA-UNDP led Connecting Business initiative was launched at the World Humanitarian Summit in May 2016 and it takes forward the Summit outcomes, as well as the 2030 Development Agenda and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. While governments maintain the overall responsibility for responding to humanitarian emergencies, local communities and private sector networks also play crucial roles in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. The Connecting Business initiative strengthens and supports those private sector networks.

consistently highlights the critical role of local responders such as volunteers, community-based groups, people’s organizations, local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs) and other local non-government organizations (L/NGOs) in taking the lead in immediately providing lifesaving aid as well as conducting assessments, working in partnership with the national and local authorities and providing accountability to affected people.

Well before the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 and the earlier passage of RA 10121 in 2010, the fundamental tenets of localization had been embraced by various networks and consortiums of humanitarian-development organizations in the Philippines. Working at the community level to build resilience and ensure local ownership, such organizations focused on accountability, inclusive coordination and partnership, community engagement and enhanced participation, power sharing, access to funding/financing, capacity building and knowledge transfer.

Practice in the Philippines has since evolved to encompass inclusion of humanitarian leadership, a focus on community preparedness and first response actions, the use of cash transfer assistance as an inclusive lifesaving modality, empowerment of local actors and facilitating access to direct funding and new financing models.

As direct as possible. The Grand Bargain calls for committing at least 25 per cent of global humanitarian funding directly to local actors in any major emergencies, a target that has yet to be achieved. The latest iteration of the Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP) for COVID-19 echoed this commitment, calling on the donor community to recognize the importance of working in direct partnership with local and national responders, but the funding has fallen short of this target.

In both cases this is not an easy feat, primarily because the localization process in terms of access to funding or financing takes time and requires major re-engineering of well-entrenched funding practices and administrative mechanisms, which remain heavily invested in a top-down cascading of funding channeled through established international organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work and Outputs

The Individual Consultant shall perform the following:

1. Conduct  of  FGD  to  hear  the  perspective  of  the  affected  population  of  crisis  on localisation and Interview with Government representatives.
2. Conduct of intra-network dialogues: CSO networks at sub-national levels (3 major islands); national CSO networks; HCT; MCT; PINGON and Business Humanitarian Groups.
3. Conduct of Inter-network dialogue.
4. Conduct of planning workshop with Key stakeholders.
5. Report writing and sharing to Grand Bargain, HCT, MCT, concerned Government agencies, CSO networks and all other stakeholders.

Timetable of Deliverables

The Consultant shall implement the following activities and/or deliver on the following outputs:

 

Deliverables / Outputs Expected Level of Effort Review and Approvals Required Conduct of Focus Group Discussions 7 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners Conduct intra-network dialogues 7 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners Conduct of Inter-network dialogue. 7 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners Planning workshop with Key stakeholders 2 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners First draft report and consultation with key stakeholders 7 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners Revision of the report based on received comments 3 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners Submission of final report 2 person-days OCHA Head of Office and localization partners TOTAL ESTIMATED LEVEL OF EFFORT 35         person-days

The estimated levels of effort, which also includes preparation of the detailed workplan, desk review, conduct of interviews and writing and submission of written report identified above may be adjusted based on the situation and needs, but with prior decision or approval by UNOCHA and the localization partners.

 

Institutional Arrangement

1.) Overall direction and guidance shall be provided by the HCT and RC/HC while regular supervision and monitoring shall be performed by the Head of UNOCHA.

2.) Though the Consultant’s outputs and deliverables shall be reviewed, quality-assured, and accepted in consultation with UNOCHA and the localization partners, this contract is executed and managed under the operations policies and procedures of UNDP. UNOCHA shall formally accept outputs and help facilitate the processing of payments.

3.) Considering all work is expected to be conducted remotely, the project will not provide any facilities, support personnel, support service or logistical support at any stage of the work.

 

Expected Duration of the Contract

The consultant will be hired for an estimated 35 person-days for about 3 months. The target start of work date is 01 June 2021 and the maximum end date is 01 September 2021.

The estimated lead time for UNDP or Project Implementing Partners to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs, etc. is two weeks.

 

Duty Station

This task does not require or expect the consultant to work at the UN-Country House based in Sheridan Tower, Mandaluyong City, NCR for the duration of his/her contract but to work within the Philippines time zone on a remote basis or be home-based.

Competencies

Competencies

Corporate Competencies Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN mission, vision, values, and ethical standards Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability Promotes UNDP's agenda in meetings   Other Competencies Ability to work in close collaboration with a group of national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities; Demonstrates capacity to plan, organize, and execute effectively; The initiative, good analytical skills, mature judgment, and ability to work under tight schedule while respecting deadlines achievement, ethics, and honesty; Ability to establish effective working relations in a diverse environment Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Builds strong relationships with internal and external clients; Demonstrated ability to function in a team environment and to deal with a complex multi-stakeholder environment Good ability to use information and communication technologies as tools and resources; Excellent written communication and presentation/public speaking skills focus on results, ability to interact productively in a teamwork environment

Required Skills and Experience

Qualification of the Successful Individual Contractor

The successful Individual Contractor should meet the following minimum qualification

 

Education

• Master’s degree on any of the related disciplines or closely related fields: disaster risk management, climate change, environmental management, community development, social development, mass media communication, development communication, sociology and data science.

 

Experience

• At least five (5) years or above of professional experience in the conduct of research, data collection and writing of reports in English, policy briefs and peer-reviewed articles in various sectors; previous experience with the UN, any international non-profit organization, national civil society organization (CSO) and the academe would be an advantage.
• At least five (5) years or above of relevant experience in humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, peace building, or development.

 

Language

• Proficiency in English and Filipino

 

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payment

• The Consultant should send the financial proposal based on a lump-sum amount for the delivery of the outputs stated in Section D. The total amount quoted shall include all costs components required to deliver the services identified above, including professional fees (must be translated to daily fee X number of person-days) and health insurance.
• Medical/health insurance must be purchased by the individual at his/her own expense, and upon award of contract, the contractor must be ready to submit proof of insurance valid during the contract duration.
• The contract price will be a fixed output-based price. Any deviations from the output and timelines will be agreed upon between the Contractor and UNOCHA.
• Payments will be done upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables by target due dates. Outputs will be reviewed and certified by UNOCHA and UNDP prior to the release of payments as follows:

 

Deliverables / Outputs	Expected Due Date	Tranche Payment (% of Total Contract Amount)
Initial analysis from the conduct of desk review, summary of key findings from interviews and FGD; including draft outline of the report	15 June 2021	50
First draft report upon receiving initial feedback from key stakeholders	15 July 2021	30
Final edited report with key recommendations	15 August 2021	20

 

Recommended Presentation of the Offer

The Consultant shall be jointly selected and agreed upon by UNDP. The prospective Consultant(s) shall provide the following:

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
2. Personal CV or 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; and
3. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs as per template provided. If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

 

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Assessment of best offer will be via Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications will be weighed 70%, combined with the price offer which will be weighed 30%.

Only those who will obtain 70 out of 100 obtainable points will be considered qualified and shortlisted for the post. Please make sure your CV indicates compliance with EACH of the following minimum criteria.

 

Criteria	Maximum Points Obtainable (100 points)
Education Master’s degree on any of the related disciplines or closely related fields: disaster risk management, climate change, environmental management, community development, social development, mass media communication, development communication, sociology, and data science. 20 points for the master’s degree in relevant field Additional 3 points for additional degrees Additional 2 points for relevant certifications (special course/training)	25
Experience
At least five (5) years or above of professional experience in the conduct of research, data collection and writing of reports in English, policy briefs and peer- reviewed articles in various sectors; previous experience with the UN, any international non-profit organization, national civil society organization (CSO) and the academe would be an advantage.   Minimum 28 points for 5 years of work experiences, additional points for additional years, maximum of 40 points   Additional 5 points for previous experience with the UN or international non-profit organization, national CSO or the academe based in the Philippines.	40
At least five (5) years or above of relevant experience in humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding, or development.	35

Minimum 24.5 points 5 years work experience, additional points for additional years, maximum of 40 points
Language Minimum: fluency in spoken and written English, Filipino	pass / fail

 

Offerors must upload in one (1) file the aforementioned documents.

Templates for a) P11 Personal History Form and b)  Offeror's Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal (Annex 2) are available through the link below. UNDP General Terms and Conditions for Individual Contractors  are also available: http://gofile.me/6xdJm/bE9TCw8fU

 

Incomplete submission of required documents may result in disqualification.

Please see the deadline of submissions above.

In view of the volume of applications, UNDP receives, only shortlisted offerors will be notified.