National Consultant- Project Implementation Support (for Sri Lankans only) – Reference No. IC/CDLG/2021/64

Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) is part of larger efforts, supported by development partners including the European Union, The World Bank, and the British Council. CDLG project is fully supported by the European Union and implemented in 134 local authorities in four provinces – North, North Central, Eastern and Uva, covering almost half the geographic area of the country. CDLG is being implemented alongside the Local Development Support Project (LDSP) of Government of Sri Lanka.

CDLG Project focuses on strengthening the capacities of local authorities to be inclusive, responsive, and accountable and enables them to plan, enhance resilience and deliver better services. The key aim of the project is to improve local governance systems, making local governments “fit for future.” It will focus on improving institutional, organizational, and individual capacities of LAs. Additionally, the project is committed to encouraging improved public engagement in local decision-making processes, and to enhance downward accountability of elected officials and local governments, by building capacities of society to hold LAs to account. Throughout the project, peer to peer learning and learning by doing will be facilitated.

The project seeks to achieve the below goals:

1. Local planning, budgeting cycles, and local service delivery are improved and responsive to gender and marginalization issues;
2. Local governance system is innovative and provides services that address multidimensional challenges;
3. Legal and policy framework facilitate systems change and strengthen the process of decentralization.

The project will also focus on enhancing the capacities of women officials to participate in decision making processes, which currently remains low. The project will also work to enhance accountability of local government by improving skills of CBOs and CSOs to participate in local government processes.

With regard to making local governments “fit for future,” CDLG is keen on making partnerships with stakeholders who are able to provide innovative and homegrown solutions to local issues. CDLG works closely with the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) in Sri Lanka and the State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Affairs (SMPCLGA) to develop sustainable IT solutions for local authorities to achieve its objectives.

ICTA in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Affairs (SMPCLGA) has identified the e-Local Government 2.0 (eLG 2.0) project as a priority since the impact of the project enables the services of Local Government to be more effective and efficient. In line with the e-Local Government 2.0 project implementation, UNDP decided to collaborate with ICTA of Sri Lanka in order to support the development and deployment of eLG 2.0 system successfully.

The proposed eLG 2.0 system will be developed with the support of 3 pilot sites and implemented at 100 Local Authorities by December 2023.

To this end, UNDP intends to obtain the services of an Individual Consultant to provide technical and project management support for eLG 2.0 project implementation on fulltime basis as an external consultant for a period of 20 months.

Scope & Objectives

The Consultant is required to engage and facilitate the overall implementation of eLG 2.0 project including active engagement in requirement re-validation process and system design, develop, deploy and maintenance activities.

Main objective of this assignment is to provide technical and project management assistance to the eLG 2.0 project team located at ICTA and ensure the smooth implementation of the project and the achievement of the expected outcomes of the project.

The Consultant is required to:

1. Provide project implementation support to the eLG team throughout the contract period (minimum 40 hours per week);
2. Engage in coordination and facilitation of eLG 2.0 project management activities in close collaboration with assigned personnel from ICTA and other stakeholders;
3. Ensure the procurement activities, and contract management are duly adhered to the standard guidelines approved by ICTA;
4. Provide support in Requirements Re-validation Process;
5. Liaise with software development team (vendors) and ensure that each module is developed exactly matches with the business requirements of Local Authorities as identified;
6. Liaise with selected community groups with the support of UNDP CDLG Provincial offices to understand the service demand from Las;
7. Constantly Liaise with selected LAs to prepare for the implementation of eLG 2.0 system with the support of SMPCLGA;
8. Take preventive and corrective actions as and when required;
9. Ensure the eLG 2.0 project is implemented as per the plan and maintain constant contact with stakeholders for their feedback for the purpose of future updates to the system and foreseeing potential problems in the system and implementation process;
10. Collaborate with the Director LoB, Senior Manager LoB, Technical teams, procurement division, and any other stakeholders to understand and plan tasks, determine proposed schedule and approach to scope;
11. Develop and maintain project documentation and key artifacts;
12. Any other tasks assigned by Team Lead related to eLG 2.0 Project.

Expected Output/Deliverables & Milestones

• A consultative LA/community platform is created to understand the service supply and demand and to have back and forth communication to reach the expected outcomes;
• Preparation of Procurement Plan and other documentation and timely completion of procurements;
• Completion of Requirement Revalidation Process ;
• Timely Development of eLG 2.0. system and implementing it at 3 Pilot sites;
• Preparation of selection criteria and selection of 97 Local Authorities for the implementation of eLG 2.0;
• Implementing the eLG 2.0 at the selected 97 Las;
• Produce monthly reports on eLG 2.0 implementation progress and effective verbal and written communication with project stakeholders;
• Consolidated final Report.

The Consultant is expected to generate the following deliverables during the period of this assignment:

1. Submission of

• Requirement revalidation report on Revenue collection module;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 31st Dec 2021;

2. Submission of

• Readiness report of the pilot sites on eLG 2.0 implementation;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 28th  Feb. 2022;

3. Submission of

• Requirement verification report on Detail System Requirement Specification (DSRS) document / product backlog submitted by the vendor;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 30 March 2022;

4. Submission of

• Status report on Revenue collection module development (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 30th June 2022;

5. Submission of

• Status report on Revenue collection module implementation at pilot sites (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By  31st August 2022;

6. Submission of

• Status report on Application module development (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 31st October 2022;

7. Submission of

• Status report on Citizen portal and the mobile application implementation at pilot sites (including the challenges and remedial actions taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 30th November 2022;

8. Submission of

• Status report on Application module implementation at pilot sites (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 31st  December 2022;

9. Submission of

• eLG 2.0 rollout plan in CDLG Project provinces;
• Report on readiness of 97 sites on eLG 2.0 implementation;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA- By 30 March 2023.

Liaison and Reporting Requirements

The selected Consultant will directly work with the Senior Manager of ICTA and technical team of ICTA, heads of government organizations, Local Authorities, vendors and other related Stakeholders. However, the contract is managed by UNDP and the consultant will report to the Project Manager- CDLG Project, UNDP.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is 20 months on fulltime basis.

A. Technical competencies

• Proficiency in project / agile management tools (JIRA, Redmine, etc.) ;
• Understanding of cloud-based product development practices and the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC);
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and creditability, and act with complete integrity;
• Strong time management and organizational skills;
• Sound Judgment and team problem solving skills;
• Excellent written and communication and leadership skills;
• Analytical problem-solving skills;
• Proactive and the ability to work with little supervision;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
• Sound knowledge in Government Procurement Processes.

B. Behavioural Competencies

• Respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants Consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age and ethnicity;
• Ability to be flexible and respond to changes to text/layout as part of the review and feedback process;
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate and work with diverse people.
• Participate effectively in team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• People Management, maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of government institutions;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Willingness to travel to project implementation locations if required.

C.  Results

• Proven delivery of high-quality results, in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan own work and use time efficiently, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT or equivalent qualifications related to the field from a recognized University / Institution- (Max. 150 points) ;
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience as an Assistant Project Manager / Scrum Master / Agile Coach (Max. 150 points) ;
• Project management Certifications (PMP / PRINCE2) will be highly advantageous (Max. 150 points) ;
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certifications will be highly advantageous (Max. 100 points);
• Experience in eGovernment projects in Sri Lanka is an added advantage. (Max. 150 points) .

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the e-mail address: [email protected]  stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.  Failing to provide correct vacancy number & Position would be a disqualification.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL   

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs.______________________________________________________)

Please refer the below link to access the template for Financial Proposal

Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e., upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per diem and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the minimum criteria will progress to the pool for short listing. Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria noting that an interview will be conducted to the shortlisted candidates, if required.

1. Technical Criteria weight: [70%]
2. Financial Criteria weight: [30%]

Only Individual Consultants obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) on the Technical Evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Project Manager- Capacity Development of Local Government Project (CDLG) of UNDP Sri Lanka.

Payment Milestones will be as follows:.

1. Submission of

• Requirement revalidation report on Revenue collection module;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 31st Dec 2021 – 10%;

2. Submission of

• Readiness report of the pilot sites on eLG 2.0 implementation;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 28th  Feb. 2022 – 10%;

3. Submission of

• Requirement verification report on Detail System Requirement Specification (DSRS) document / product backlog submitted by the vendor;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 30 March 2022 – 10%;

4. Submission of

• Status report on Revenue collection module development (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 30th June 2022 – 10%;

5. Submission of

• Status report on Revenue collection module implementation at pilot sites (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 31st August 2022 – 10%;

6. Submission of

• Status report on Application module development (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 31st October 2022 – 10%;

7. Submission of

• Status report on Citizen portal and the mobile application implementation at pilot sites (including the challenges and remedial actions taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 30th November 2022 – 10%;

8. Submission of

• Status report on Application module implementation at pilot sites (including the challenges and remedial action taken);
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 31st December 2022 – 10%;

9. Submission of

• eLG 2.0 rollout plan in CDLG Project provinces;
• Report on readiness of 97 sites on eLG 2.0 implementation;
• Advance plan and Time sheet with the task performed during the period on providing project implementation support to the eLG team at ICTA – By 30 March 2023 – 20%.

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence and qualified women are encorarge to apply.