National Governance Consultant

The Country office’s (CO) governance program  focuses on strengthening public institutions oversight function and supporting  effort of the Government of Eswatini to deliver efficient quality services to its citizens; increase citizens voice and participation in public accountability and promotion of transparency; strengthen knowledge based research for informed evidence based advocacy; support the implementation of National Development Strategy and policies especially those aimed at decentralisation of services to citizens and support national and local authority elections. Following the endorsement of the UNDP’s Country Program Document (CPD) 2021 -2025 in September this year, efforts aimed at facilitating a smooth transition between the two cycles to facilitate UNDP’s delivery against its commitments. The effective implementation of the 2020 plans were affected by the COVID-19, but efforts were made to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and enhance business continuity despite the bottlenecks. The CPD roll out sessions aimed at discussing lessons learnt in the previous cycle and, aligning the CPD with national priorities and emerging issues especially mitigation of impact of Covid have been convened with partners. The process of prioritization of activities for the new CPD is ongoing, and agreement was reached with CPD Outcome Committee that it is best to extend the current programmes for the first quarter of 2021 to facilitate a better transition between these two cycles. UNDP has engaged with the sector to define priorities and modalities of engagement in the new program, with emphasis on building on the milestones of the previous cycle. While working on aligning  the current office structure with the identified priorities,  it is imperative to urgently engage the services of a governance consultant, to support UNDP to deliver its Governance related activities within the first quarter and to support the process of transitioning efficiently to the next cycle. Within the framework of the UNDP Good Governance and Citizen Participation programme, UNDP CO intends to benefit from the services of an experienced consultant to support the  transition process, the closing of the outgoing cycle and facilitate the planning process for the upcoming year and new CPD.  The Country office’s (CO) governance program  focuses on strengthening public institutions oversight function and supporting  effort of the Government of Eswatini to deliver efficient quality services to its citizens; increase citizens voice and participation in public accountability and promotion of transparency; strengthen knowledge based research for informed evidence based advocacy; support the implementation of National Development Strategy and policies especially those aimed at decentralisation of services to citizens and support national and local authority elections.

Following the endorsement of the UNDP’s Country Program Document (CPD) 2021 -2025 in September this year, efforts aimed at facilitating a smooth transition between the two cycles to facilitate UNDP’s delivery against its commitments. The effective implementation of the 2020 plans were affected by the COVID-19, but efforts were made to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and enhance business continuity despite the bottlenecks.

The CPD roll out sessions aimed at discussing lessons learnt in the previous cycle and, aligning the CPD with national priorities and emerging issues especially mitigation of impact of Covid have been convened with partners. The process of prioritization of activities for the new CPD is ongoing, and agreement was reached with CPD Outcome Committee that it is best to extend the current programmes for the first quarter of 2021 to facilitate a better transition between these two cycles.

UNDP has engaged with the sector to define priorities and modalities of engagement in the new program, with emphasis on building on the milestones of the previous cycle. While working on aligning  the current office structure with the identified priorities,  it is imperative to urgently engage the services of a governance consultant, to support UNDP to deliver its Governance related activities within the first quarter and to support the process of transitioning efficiently to the next cycle.  Within the framework of the UNDP Good Governance and Citizen Participation programme, UNDP CO intends to benefit from the services of an experienced consultant to support the  transition process, the closing of the outgoing cycle and facilitate the planning process for the upcoming year and new CPD.

Objective of the Assignment:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support delivery of the governance related activities for the 2021 first quarter, while ensuring that these effectively contribute to the Country’s Economic and Covid 19 recovery agenda. This assignment also seeks facilitate an efficient transition between the two CPD cycles while ensuring synergies with other focus areas. The objective will be to also mobilize the current engagements and opportunities to increase resources and sustainability of governance work for the country office.  The key results of the Governance consultant will have an impact on the overall contribution and success of the governance country programme portfolio. The consultancy will assist in delivering the governance programme as well as ensure its sustainability and impact. The governance consultant is expected to assist in strengthening strategic partnerships for the country office on governance-related activities.

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and close supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the consultant is expected to deliver on the following tasks in close collaboration with other program team members, such as the team leaders, the monitoring and evaluation expert, the communication focal point and the Programme management support unit (PMSU). The consultant will specifically focus on achieving the following key deliverable:

• Support transition activities between the two CPD cycles, including providing input to strategic documents towards this process.
• Facilitate the execution of the first quarter deliverables for the governance program in collaboration with other programs.
• Support the planning and prioritization activities for the new CPD
• Support capacity building activities for the partners to enhance efficiency in delivery.
• Support policy dialogues and advocacy activities in key strategic areas for the CO.
• Assist in resource mobilization and increased partnerships in the governance sector.

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

Deliverables:

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Finalize the Governance Project Design.
• Submit the final annual workplan for 2021– support and guidance provided to implementation partners.
• Submit final procurement and recruitment plans for the governance portfolio.
• Analyze policy papers developed by previous consultants and develop an action plan, in consultation with the government.
• Organize key training sessions and workshops as per prescribed in the governance portfolio -with dedicated focus on legal aid, law reform and NMRF mechanism.
• Set up the governance working group in collaboration with MOJCA and other key partners.
• Deliver the needed information, data, reports for UNDP’s M&E platforms
• Deliver the needed input to develop the communication package for the CPD roll out.

Duration:   18, January 2021 – May 31, 2021 

Duty Station: Mbabane, Eswatini

The consultant will be expected to work from their own space and their presence in the UNDP offices will be guided by the national Regulations and UN rules during the time of the assignment.

Travel: Consultant will be expected to travel within the area or the duty station and to places where Governance activities are conducted within the country.

• Excellent written communication skills in English, including editing;
• Excellent time management and ability to produce outputs as per agreed deadlines.
• Ability to work seamlessly in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to launch UNDP projects according to UNDP’s rules and regulations

Education: Work Experience:

• LLB degree in Law, or BA degree in Social Sciences or related field
• An Advanced university degree in any of the above fields is an added advantage

Work Experience:

• At least 4 years of relevant experience working on Access Justice, Rule of Law or Human Rights.
• Relevant experience working on justice sector, access to justice and human rights at high level state institutions, including working with other UN entities in Eswatini is desired;
• Proven experience of working with high-level national counterparts and capacity to deliver strategic advice;
• Proven record and experience in drafting of analytical research reports and think pieces.
• Experience in working with the United Nations.

Language Requirement:

• Proficient in written and spoken English and SiSwati.

How to Apply: 

Interested and qualifying consultants are requested to apply online by sending the following information in one file. 

• Detailed CV include three references contact details;
• Letter of application;
• Financial proposal for the assignment;  https://www.dropbox.com/s/789q1hvdrdgwqqc/PPG_Cons_Letter%20of%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx?dl=0
• P11 form  –  link:  https://un.org.sz/p11/P11.docx