Consultant for analysis of the existing practices, capacities and needs of local governments for cooperation with diaspora, Sarajevo, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Closing date: Friday, 11 August 2017

Consultant for analysis of the existing practices, capacities and needs of local governments for cooperation with diaspora, 
Sarajevo, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA  
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
Closing date: Friday, 11 August 2017

Apply

Background

Purpose The purpose of this consultancy is to analyze the existing practices, capacities and needs of partner local governments (LGs) in the field of diaspora engagement and provide recommendations to inform future capacity development efforts within the Diaspora for Development Project. Objective The main objective of the consultancy is to analyse findings collected through a survey of the existing diaspora engagement practices, capacities and needs within four (4) LGs: Zenica, Zepce, Bijeljina and Bratunac. The consultancy will result in comprehensive report for all municipalities including a summary capturing trends for all 4 LGs, along with a two-page summary for each LG. Background Information Official estimates show that the total number of people originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) in the world (including their offspring) is approximately 2 million. Most of them retain a strong emotional, financial, and familial connection with BIH. They are also well integrated and better off than other migrant communities in their host countries, with potential and willingness to contribute to development of their homeland. However, the interaction with them is sporadic and unstructured. Diaspora is rarely included or consulted in the design of policies or decision-making processes. Hence, the valuable intellectual capital and other potential contribution of diaspora, which can help addressing country challenges or promoting BIH globally, remains largely untapped. Against this background, the overall goal of the newly-launched Diaspora for Development Project is to increase socio-economic opportunities and perspectives for women and men in BIH, and to improve their livelihoods through increased diaspora engagement. This will be attained through achieving three specific outcomes: Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BIH, in cooperation with government institutions at different levels, use and further develop their instruments to actively connect, exchange, and engage with diaspora members and organizations; Municipalities align their development strategies to the BIH Diaspora Strategy, provide more and better services to diaspora members, and encourage community initiatives to attract diaspora know-how and investment; Diaspora partners transfer know-how and skills and make joint investments with private sector actors in BIH, thus creating new jobs. The Diaspora for Development Project (2016-2020) is a joint initiative of the BIH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, the Government of Switzerland, UNDP and IOM in BIH. The Project currently works with 11 municipalities throughout BIH on creation of development initiatives harnessing potentials of diaspora for local development. This consultancy will contribute to the successful implementation of the second project component: Municipalities provide services and engage diaspora members in knowledge and skills transfer and implementation of local development priorities, contributing to job creation and income generation.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project conducted an online survey in the four partner LGs assessing the existing practices, capacities and needs for cooperation with diaspora in relation to local development. Following the LGs response to the survey, the Consultant`s scope of work is the preparation of comprehensive report – including four summary reports (one per each LG) with analytics, priority timeframes and overall recommendations, as well as comprehensive report that systemically analyses processes, capacities and needs of all involved LGs, resulting in activity matrix/needs planning support. The report will include detailed analyses and recommendations for strengthening capacities of local officials related to diaspora engagement in local development – systematically grouped by type of assistance needed, in line with specific sections of the administered questionnaire. If there is a need, the Consultant may reach out to the partner LGs for additional inputs and clarifications necessary for the report preparation. The language of the report is one of the local languages. Deliverables and timelines The Consultant is responsible for the following deliverables: Deliverables (outputs) Schedule and level of effort Based on submitted questionnaire, and in consultations with Project team, report structure/content defined; Analysis summary for each of 4 LGs related to practices, capacities and needs for leveraging diaspora for the purpose of local development created; this is based on submitted questionnaire, potential communication with LGs, and in consultations with Project Team; Comprehensive report providing systemic analysis of all processes, capacities and needs for 4 LGs (along with priority action plan) created; this is based on submitted questionnaire, potential communication with LGs, and in consultations with Project Team. The report will contain comprehensive findings for all 4 LGs including the summary of trends, as well as 4 separate summary reports created through previous task (as an annex); Continuous communication with D4D Project Team, including the necessary report updates resulting from the feedback ensured. 18 Aug 2017 to 31 Aug 2017, (5 expert days)

Competencies

Core values Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Core competencies Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Results-Orientation: Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals, generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations; Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences; Team work: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team; Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners’ needs, and matching them to appropriate solutions.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:  Advanced university degree in social sciences, economics or similar. Experience:  Proven ability to plan and undertake analysis and research, relying on both quantitative and qualitative methods; Experience in assessing institutional capacities, and translating capacity building needs in concrete program initiatives with defined priority and timeframe; Experience in analysis of the capacities and needs of local governments for cooperation with diaspora; Familiarity with BIH policy, institutional and legal frameworks related to economic development at local level – at least 4 years of experience; Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualise and write concisely and clearly. Language requirements:  Fluency in the official languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and English is required. Other:  Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource. EVALUATION Individual consultants 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 individual consultant 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% Applicants are required to submit an application including: Completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (downloadable from http://www.ba.undp.org/content/bosnia_and_herzegovina/en/home/operations/jobs.html); Financial proposal which will separately specify professional fee, indicating number of anticipated working days, travel costs (air-ticket or use of private vehicle), living allowance, and all other applicable costs.. Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website. Note: For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 62 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. Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for technical criteria assessment would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Financial criteria: Weight: 30%, Maximum points: 30;