National Consultant – Researcher on improving revenue generation at local level – Sri Lankans only

The Capacity Development for Local Government (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country. These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank. The Government of Sri Lanka implements the Local Development Support Project (LDSP) in four provinces – North, North Central, Eastern, and Uva – to strengthen local service delivery and local economic infrastructure and enhance bottom-up approaches to support public engagement in local decision-making processes, including through participatory planning and feedback mechanisms for service delivery.

The overall objective of the CDLG project, implemented by UNDP, is to strengthen the capacities of LAs to be inclusive, responsive, and accountable and be able to plan, enhance resilience, and deliver better services. The capacity development support, coupled with the fiscal support (through Basic Transfers and Performance Transfers provided through LDSP project) for inclusive service delivery and economic investment, is aimed at strengthening the role of elected representatives at the local level. It is about improving local governance systems and making local governments “fit for future”, as well as increase downward accountability of elected officials and local governments. The project also aims to strengthening mechanisms for public engagement in local decision-making processes.

The project pays special attention in strengthening local governance systems and building resilient local economy, through evidence based research that will assist these structures to make informed decisions. To this end, CDLG Project under UNDP is looking to hire a Researcher to conduct a  study on improving revenue generation at local authority level in the provinces that the CDLG is currently in operation, namely Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva provinces. The Researcher is to work closely with and in consultation with the Local Governance Specialist and the Research, Reporting and Communication Specialist of CDLG Project in this exercise.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES   

The scope of services associated with this assignment can be broadly categorized into three components as follows.

• Component 1: Situational assessment of 134 local authorities in Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva provinces Sri Lanka, identifying revenue generation avenues available for Local Authorities.
• Component 2: The report containing the findings including recommendations (short, medium and long term) that can implemented at local level to improve revenue generation, identifying the levels of authority that has the authority to implement these recommendation and/or to take decisions that will enable implementation of the recommendations.
• Component 3: Brief summary of the findings and key recommendations  

The main objective of this assignment is to understand evidence based recommendations, based on a thorough analysis of the existing situation in the 134 LAs, that can be supported to be implemented during the project cycle, so that revenue generation capacity and the revenue generation itself of these LAs are improved. The research will inform the policy level discussions on this subject matter and will be utilized for advocacy around strengthening revenue generation at local level.

The consultant is expected to closely engage with the State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government affairs (SMPCLGA), Provincial Councils of the 4 provinces, 134 local authorities in these four provinces and the CDLG field units set up in Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva Provinces.

The consultant will have to undertake tasks under three major components as described below.

Component 1: Situational assessment identifying revenue generation avenues

This consultant needs to conduct this assessment in order to understand the status quo of the LAs in terms of their revenue generating capacities.The baseline studies and information gathered on local authorities by CDLG in identifying the capacity gaps in the project implementation provinces will be shared with the consultant as additional information on the LAs. The consultant needs to conduct this assessment through desk research, surveys and, individual and focused group discussions with the local level authorities.

The consultant is required to map the   revenue generation avenues of the 134 LAs. These avenues need to be in line with the their mandate, and powers, granted through laws, regulations and by-laws. Clear linkeages need to made to the proposed recommendations, highlighting best practices they might be following (if available).

Component 2: The report containing the findings including recommendations (short, medium and long term)

The final report need to contain the situational assessment, and revenue generation avenues with recommendations. The draft report need to be submitted for comment to CDLG and these need to be addressed at the final report.

The consultant is expected to do a presentation to the CDLG team and local government authorities showcasing the findings of the study.

Component 3: Summarized report on the findings and recommendations

The Consultant is expected to prepare a brief (5-10 page long) summary of the report for easy reference. A draft needs to be shared for comment with CDLG. 

Expected Output/Deliverables & Milestones

1. Inception report with details on the methodological approach-20% by 30/08/2021;
2. Draft  situational assessment of the134 LAs, mapping revenue generation avenues of the 134 Las-30% by 30/11/2021;
3. Final report incorporating the findings and recommendations-  30% by 30/01/2021;
4. Summary of the report and the presentations to CDLG and local authorities on the findings-20% by 07/02/2021.

TIMEFRAME

The assignment should be completed within six months. CDLG field teams will assist in making the introductions to the relevant authorities and liaising with the respective officials to facilitate this assignment.

The data collected is required to be shared with CDLG so that any cross references can be made if required.

The prospective consultant should have the following competencies and qualifications.

A. Technical competency

• Competence: Consultant should possess the abilities, skills, and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed.
• Respect for people: Consultant 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.

B. Behavioural Competencies:

• 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.

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.

Following are the minimum qualifications required for the selected consultant;

a) Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree or above in the relevant field obtained from recognized University

b) Experience

• At least five years professional experience in local government or similar field.
• Strong experience in conducting evidence based research studies and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience in working with government partners and other stakeholders in public sector development programs.
• Prior experience in working with the Provincial Councils and Local Authorities.

c) Language required                        :  Sinhala/Tamil and English

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 700 points)

Overall technical evaluation criteria:

Summary of Technical Proposal – Maximum Total Points (700)

Part 1: Relevance of Education – 100

Part 2: Relevance of experience in area of specialization – 400

Part 3: Methodology – 200

Details of evaluation criteria and marking scheme:

Criteria & Maximum Points

Part 1: Academic  Education:

• Master’s degree or above in the relevant field obtained from recognized University – 100

Part 2: Experience

• At least five years professional experience in local government or similar field – 100
• Strong experience in conducting evidence based research studies and report writing – 100
• Demonstrated experience in working with government partners and other stakeholders in public sector development programs – 100
• Prior experience in working with the Provincial Councils and Local Authorities  – 100

Part 3: Methodology

• Quality of the methodology submitted  – 200

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 490 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

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 past 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 combimation 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 following 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 (_______________________________________)

Please use the below link to submit the Financial Proposal

Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability

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, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, 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 perdiums 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 in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts. 

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on the submission of written reports specifying the tasks accomplished and corresponding number of work days put in towards achieving the deliverables outlined above.