National Consultant, to develop a policy and operational framework for Local Government Resource Centre/Good Governance Resource Centre (LGRC/GGRC) for Sri Lankans only – Reference No. IC/CDLG/2021/56

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 will implement 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. Specifically, LDSP will focus on developing Local Area Participatory Development Plans (LAPDP) at the LA level, based on aggregated plans from the ward level, and synergized with sector plans of ministries.

The overall objective of the CDLG project 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. UNDP is seeking the services of a Consultant to develop policy and operational framework for Local Governance Resource Centre (LGRC/GGRC).

Local Governance Resource Centre

Local Governance Resource Centre (LGRC), also known as Good Governance Resource Centre (GGRC) have been established under the NELSIP project during 2010-2014 to promote and support improvements in local governance. As set out in Sri Lanka’s national policy declaration for local government, local authorities have a central role to play in physical and socio-economic development, equity promotion, and poverty reduction.

The GGRCs is expected to provide a venue for local authorities and other local government stakeholders to share information and ideas about local governance issues and leading practices. Further they are expected to support local authority council members and staff to create and share knowledge, build linkages and networks, and jointly find solutions to their problems.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES   

The overall objective of this consultancy is to assess the current status of LGRC and develop a policy and operation framework to capacitate LGRC, considering the following aspects in consultation with key stakeholders:

1. Position LGRC as a district training arm of Local Authorities and Repository;
2. Position LGRC as a district data analysis cell;
3. Integration with SLILG and Management Developmenet & Training Unit.

Expected Output/Deliverables

1. Inception Report comprising detailed methodology, tools and timeframe (05 days);
2. Progress Report with draft findings and recommendations (10 days);
3. Policy and Operational Framework with recommendations to key stakeholders (05 days).

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is 20 days 03 months starting from 20 Sep 2021.

a.  Technical competencies

• Strategic planning and management;
• Capacity Development;
• Institutional and  Performance Review ;
• Policy Development ;
• Excellent writing skills and Effective report writing.

b. General

• Strong analytical skills, and an ability to distill key messages;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treat all people fairly without favouritism.

b.  Partnerships

• Good team player who has the ability to maintain good relationships;
• Provides constructive and helpful inputs and feedback to the overall process;
• Demonstrated ability to engage with government and non-government actors at the highest levels.

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 on tight and conflicting deadlines.

Academic Qualifications

• Minimum master’s degree in a relevant field in areas of planning, public policy, development studies (200 Points)

Experience

• Minimum five years professional experience in strategic planning and management (200 points);
• Minimum 2 years of Prior working experience on decentralization issues is an added advantage (100 points);
• Minimum 2 years of demonstrated experience in working with government partners and other stakeholders in public sector development programs especially in the area of capacity development (100 points);
• Experience in research, policy development, management and programming-related work (minimum 4 similar assignment) (100 points) .

Languages:

• Excellent written English and Sinhala/Tamil language skills;
• Tri-lingual would be a great asset.

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 as to 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, description of approach and a brief interview (optional), and the offer giving the best value for money for UNDP;
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: [email protected]  stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL   

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._____________________________________________________)

Please refer the below link to access the template

• 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 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 , 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 perdium 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. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts. 

Payment for Services

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Project Manager, CDLG Project.

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

1. Inception Report comprising detailed methodology, tools and timeframe-  30%- 2 weeks;
2. Progress Report with draft findings and recommendations-30%-8 weeks ;
3. Policy and Operational Framework with recommendations to key stakeholders-40%-12 weeks .

Evaluation

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.

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.