National Consultant for Gender Mainstreaming in Water Utilities

Background

NOTE

Application procedure:

Application with a CV must be submitted online via this website. Please click on “Apply Now” Tab and complete required fields and upload CV. Please note that website accepts only one document therefore, if you would like to upload more than one document, please make sure to combine it into a single one.

 

Financial offer (for national consultants only in BAM) in a form of completed and Signed Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and availability - https://tinyurl.com/Offeror-Letter - Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability.docx - to be sent to e-mail ba.shared.hr@undp.org with Subject: Job ID 110469.

 

Financed by the Government of Switzerland, Sweden, European Union and Government of Czech Republic and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Municipal Environmental Governance (MEG) Project is a 12-year intervention in the domain of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Project overall goal is to contribute to the democratization of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina and more equitable, effective, and efficient public services for the citizens, particularly water supply and wastewater management services. Good local governance policy dialogue and policy changes, together with regulatory improvements in the area of water supply and wastewater management services, will provide for more effective, fair and sustainable delivery of essential local services. The intervention envisages three outcomes: 

• Outcome 1: State, entity and cantonal governments set in place a more conducive policy and regulatory environment that affirms result-oriented local governance and improved water supply and wastewater management services.
• Outcome 2: Local governments (LGs) improve their performance, are more accountable, inclusive and gender-responsive, and provide high quality services, in particular in the water sector.
• Outcome 3: Citizens, including the most vulnerable, benefit from water supply and wastewater management services provided in a more efficient, accountable, and sustainable manner.

The Project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federal Ministry of Justice of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government of Republika Srpska, Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska, both Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMC) and Associations and networks of professionals in the water sector. 

The main objective of this consultancy will be to design, develop and deliver training on gender mainstreaming, prepared specifically for MEG partner local governments (LGs) and their water utility companies (WUCs). The training will focus on appropriate approaches to increase the gender responsiveness of the key policies and practices within WUCs. Participants from WUCs and LGs will be introduced to the gender equality concept, learn about gender sensitivity, get an understanding of the basic gender responsive budgeting concepts and rationale behind it, legal and strategic framework on gender equality in BiH in order to be able to work on bringing the gender perspective in WUCs’ short and medium-term activities. For this purpose, a National Consultant for Gender Mainstreaming in Water Utilities (the Consultant) will be hired. 

In preparation for this activity, the Consultant will conduct detailed desk-review analyses of certain important segments of WUC work processes. These processes may include, but should not be limited to, the recruitment process, systematization of jobs, work environment and representation of women and men in management positions of respective WUCs. Findings of these analyses will be used for creating a general baseline for the preparation of training sessions and the preparation of a set of recommendations for potential improvements in mainstreaming gender in MEG partner WUCs. 

The Consultant will focus on working with the following four (4) partner LGs and their WUCs: Bihac, Prnjavor, Prijedor, and Tešanj.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Desk review analyses of certain important segments of WUC work processes.
2. Design and develop a Gender Mainstreaming Training for representatives from 31 MEG partner WUCs and representatives of partner LGs department for communal affairs.
3. Deliver three regional training sessions for representatives of MEG partner WUCs and LGs, one in each of three LOT of MEG project (it is foreseen that training locations will be as follows: LOT 1 – Banja Luka, LOT 2 – Sarajevo, LOT 3 Mostar).
4. Prepare a final Report that will reflect on training delivery and lessons learned, including the specific chapters on recommendations for improvements regarding gender perspective and gender equality and the process of water service subsidies for vulnerable groups.

The consultancy will be provided in line with the specific needs of each LG/WUC and will include the following tasks.

Task 1 – Design training material for a Gender Mainstreaming Training specifically designed for MEG partner WUCs

After an initial meeting with the MEG Project team and after mutual understanding of the purpose of the engagement, expected results and deadlines, the Consultant will, collect and conduct a desk review of the documentation from three MEG partner water utility companies – Bihac, Prnjavor, Prijedor and Tešanj, and design and develop training materials specifically prepared for WUCs.

During desk review, the Consultant will collect and analyse procedures for preparation and implementation of WUC internal documents related to the organization and systematization of jobs, with a focus on the implementation of provisions of the Law on Gender Equality, and other gender-related legal regulations, i.e. employment procedures, procedures for the selection of the candidates for the positions within the WUC, performance measurement, work conditions in WUCs, etc.

The training materials will be prepared with a focus on Gender Mainstreaming and on appropriate approaches to increase the gender responsiveness programs, projects and employment in WUCs, as well as to tackle gender-sensitive issues in everyday work including, but not limited to:

• Targeting candidates/job advertisements,
• Hiring process removing barriers to female employment,
• Family-friendly policies,
• Fair wages,
• Work environment,
• Sexual harassment,
• Work facilities and amenities,
• Training, mentorship, and networking opportunities,
• Opportunities for leadership.

Training material will be presented to MEG for approval. The Consultant will have the full support of the MEG Project Team in this consultation process.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by January 15th, 2023, and the level of effort will not exceed 15 expert days.

 

Task 2 - Develop a Gender Mainstreaming Training module specifically designed for MEG partner WUCs

The Consultant will develop a Gender Mainstreaming Training module specifically designed for MEG partner WUCs. The training should introduce participants to the gender mainstreaming concept, legal and strategic framework on gender equality in BiH, processes of gender mainstreaming of projects and programs, the status of both gender representation in the employment process (ad hoc and regular), and the importance of usage of gender-sensitive language (immediate). The training modules should provide participants with a set of recommendations to be used as a baseline in future activities in order to improve gender responsiveness in the everyday work of WUCs.

Defined recommendations, training scope and design will be presented to MEG for approval. The Consultant will have the full support of the MEG Project Team in this consultation process.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by January 25th, 2023, and the level of effort will not exceed 5 expert days.

 

Task 3 – Deliver three onsite training for 31 MEG partner WUCs, one per each LOT of the MEG Project

The Consultant will deliver three (3) onsite Gender Mainstreaming Training sessions specifically designed for managers, company management and all other persons involved in the employment process in WUCs and LG representatives responsible for the WUC operations (representatives of the LG department for communal affairs). It is envisaged to have three (3) one-day training, one per each LOT at the following locations:

1. Training for LOT 1 will be organised in Banja Luka,
2. Training for LOT 2 will be organised in Sarajevo,
3. Training for LOT 3 will be organised in Mostar.

The MEG Project team will provide support for the organisation of training sessions.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by February 15th, 2023, and the level of effort will not exceed 9 expert days.

 

Task 4 – Report on training delivery, report on lessons learned and final version of the “Recommendations for improvements regarding gender perspective and gender equality in the WUC”

The Consultant will prepare a final Report that will include all the relevant information on the training, feedback from participants and lessons learned during the training sessions. Training and communication with participants will allow the Consultant to get feedback on the proposed recommendations regarding gender perspective and equality improvements in WUC operations. On these bases, the Consultant will build on existing recommendations and embed lessons learned during the training process into the final version of the recommendations.  

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by February 28th, 2023, and the level of effort will not exceed 5 expert days.

The entire service will be delivered in the languages of BiH peoples. 

Deliverables/outputs

Deliverables / outputs	# of days per task	Due date	Percentage
Task 1 – Design training material for a Gender Mainstreaming Training specifically designed for MEG partner WUCs Finalised desk review analyses of certain important segments of WUC work processes (4) WUCs. Defined a set of recommendations for improvements. Developed materials for the one-day Gender Mainstreaming Training for 31 WUCs. All materials endorsed by the MEG Project team.	15 days	January 15, 2023	44.12 %
Task 2 – Develop a Gender Mainstreaming Training specifically designed for MEG partner WUCs Developed training module for three sessions of one-day Gender Mainstreaming Training (for 31 WUCs) Training modules endorsed by the MEG Project team.	5 days	January 25, 2023	14.70 %
Task 3 – Deliver three onsite training for 31 MEG partner WUCs, one per each LOT of the MEG Project Delivered 3 (three) training sessions on Gender Mainstreaming, one for each LOT of MEG Project (Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Mostar)	9 days	February 15, 2023	26.47 %
Task 4 – Report on training delivery, report on lessons learned and final version of the “Recommendations for improvements regarding gender perspective and gender equality in the WUC” The Final report which includes all the relevant information on the training, feedback from participants and lessons learned during the training sessions, is prepared by the consultant and approved by the MEG Project team.	5 days	February 28, 2023	14.70 %

Competencies

Core values

a. Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time;
• Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually;
• Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives.

b. People Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
• Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behavior;
• Respects individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
• Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

c. Partnering and Networking:

• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
• Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously.

 d. Results-Orientation:

• Plans and ensures quality results to meet established goals.

e. Communication:

• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
• Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

f. Job Knowledge and Expertise:

• Strong analytical skills;
• Understanding of LG responsibilities, Council/Assembly functioning and citizen participation mechanisms at local level of government;
• Understanding budget calendars and budget management process in both entities.
• Strong presentation skills;
• Experience in analysis, definition and implementation of local development policies, programs and budgets particularly relevant for the local level;
• Advanced writing skills,
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
• Initiative and sound judgment;

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education

• University degree in gender studies, sociology, economics, public administration, development studies or a related field. Master’s degree in gender studies will be considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in gender mainstreaming at any government level.
• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in training development and training delivery for government employees.
• Experience in facilitation and coaching of small groups of participants (proven by providing list of events/Training facilitated).
• Proven presentation skills.

Languages Requirements

• Fluency in English and in languages of peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Other Requirements

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

Longlisting/Shortlisting Criteria

Qualifications as stated in the ToR

Criteria:	Points
Relevant Education	max 10 points8 points allocated for BA/BSc degree+ up to 2 points for MSc/MA
Relevant professional experience	max 15 points
Fluency in English and in languages of peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina	max 5 points - will be assessed as:5 points for fluency and the points decrease as per the level mentioned in the CV:good - 4 points;fair/upper intermediate – 3 points;intermediate - 2 points;beginner - 1 point.

 

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Criteria:	Points
Rating based on Qualifications	30
Minimum 3 years of proven experience in training development and training delivery for government employees	40
Experience in facilitation and coaching of small groups of participants (proven by providing list of events/Training facilitated)	30

 

Evaluation

Individual  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 candidate 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.

* Technical Criteria weight-70%

* Financial Criteria weight- 30%

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

• Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work
• Personal CV/P11, including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references. 

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.