Explosive Оrdnance Risk Education (EORE) Consultant

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)  FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT

https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=98134

1. BACKGROUND

The current armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a direct and extremely negative impact on social cohesion, community security and the rule of law. While accepting the urgent need to address the challenges of restoration, economic recovery and peacebuilding in the areas directly and indirectly affected by the conflict in late 2014, the Government of Ukraine requested the international community to provide technical assistance and financial support to assess priority recovery needs. At the end of 2014, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union assessed the recovery and peacebuilding later approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in mid-2015.

Before the conflict over the last decade, UNDP had been actively represented in eastern Ukraine, with a focus on community development, civil society development and environmental protection. The work of addressing the specific development challenges occurring from the conflict and the above-mentioned is based on previous work and established partnership relations. It was initiated in 2015 through the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme, which is a multilateral donor framework program jointly implemented by four UN partner agencies in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.

Four United Nations agencies are implementing the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP): the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Twelve international partners support the Programme: the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden & Switzerland.

The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme is implemented to address and mitigate the causes and effects of the conflict. It is based on the results of the Assessment of Recovery and Peacebuilding and is consistent with the State Target Reconstruction and Peacebuilding Programme in the Eastern Regions of Ukraine, as well as with two regional development strategies until 2020. The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP) provides for three main areas of activity: (i) supporting economic recovery in conflict-affected communities; (ii) promoting decentralization and health care reform; (iii) strengthening public safety and social cohesion. The Programme is strongly consistent with the Framework Programme for Partnership between the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations. The Programme is closely associated with the Democratic Governance and Reform Programme which is implemented nationwide in all regions of Ukraine and complies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

As a territorial programme designed specifically for conflict-affected areas in eastern Ukraine, the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme is focused on the main priority needs for stabilization, peace development, economy and governance in eastern Ukraine after the outbreak of the conflict. It takes into account the opportunities provided by the Minsk Protocol dated September 2014 and revival of its cease-fire provisions and is fully adapted to create a link between humanitarian and developmental needs.

The Programme activities are grouped according to the following key components of the Programme, which reflect the priority needs of the region:

Component I: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure;

Component II: Local Governance and Decentralization Reform;

Component III: Community Security and Social Cohesion.

The Government of Ukraine is undertaking a reform of its mine action response in line with the International Mine Action Standards that include gender dimensions and the National Action Plan to implement the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security” (2016-2020). A new legislation was passed in January 2019, which calls for the development of mine action national standards and envisages the set-up of respective authorities. Established National Mine Action Authority and Mine Action Centers have to ensure coordination of measures for the management and regulation of all mine action activities in Ukraine.

UNDP Project “Capacity Development Support for Integrated Mine Action in Eastern Ukraine” is aimed at supporting the Government of Ukraine in establishing a comprehensive, coordinated and gender-responsive mine action. The project will provide strategic capacity development support for mine action to enhance integrated planning, coordination, and operational efficiencies amongst the different mine action stakeholders presently active at national level and regionally in eastern Ukraine (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts).

A central part of the UNDP Mine Action project is to enhance effort to mitigate Explosive Ordnance (EO) risks thorough an improved EORE framework. EORE activities have been implemented in Ukraine by different actors, including several national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, UNDP and other members of the EORE working group within Mine Action Sub-cluster has identified a need to establish a baseline for measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of ongoing EORE efforts. As such, in October 2020 UNDP’s Mine Action Project initiated a Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Survey in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts – the first one to be conducted in these oblasts since 2017 – with the aim of taking a renewed look at the levels of knowledge around EO and how prevailing attitudes and stated behavior may put communities at risk of EO accidents. Based on findings of KAP Survey, a number of aspects in risk prevention have been identified, which require urgent improvements to ensure that EORE efforts in the Donbass and beyond are in line with the minimum standards outlined in IMAS 12.10 EORE. It concerns the centralized coordination system of EORE at the state level and the national mine action strategy where EORE is supposed to be an integral part of planning and implementation.

The Project now seeks to identify and recruit a qualified and experienced national consultant who will provide technical advisory and support in the enhancing mine risks prevention through an improved education framework.

2. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The main objectives of the assignment are to:

• Based on results of KAP Survey, provide support of the further development/enhancement of the state framework for EORE, ensuring it is gender responsive;
• Assess current Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices regarding landmine and explosive ordnance hazards for people crossing Entry Exit Check Points (EECP);
• Improve Information Management System for Mine Action related EORE activities.

The Consultant will work during the period of May – December 2021 with travel to the field locations in Donetsk (GCA), Luhansk (GCA) oblasts for external quality monitoring and check of EORE activities, carried out by a contracting company hired by UNDP.

3. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES /SCOPE OF WORK

Under the overall management of Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Lead and daily supervision of Mine Action Specialist the consultant is expected to:

• Review current ongoing EORE Programme in Ukraine through communication with National Mine Action Authorities (NMAA) and other stakeholders who actively take part in relevant risk education campaign.
• Review the results of recently conducted KAP Survey, with all issues to be taken into account in the planning of the EORE activities within UNDP Mine Action Project.
• Identify settlements in the GCA in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts where EORE campaign has to be carried out in the first instance.
• Support UNDP Project Team to identify and employ Organizations/Companies that would be able to: 

                  – Conduct KAP Survey about mines and explosive ordnance and EORE informational campaign at the EECPs.

                 – Conduct risk education sessions at the settlements that are heavily contaminated by mines and explosive ordnance on the GCA in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

               – Create publicly available online-platform for EORE training of trainers (TOT) and administer this platform till the end of 2021.

• Coordinate timely deployment of the resources of the local Organizations/Companies employed under UNDP contract and conduct daily monitoring of their progress on the relevant EORE activities.
• Conduct external quality inspections of EORE activities on a routine basis and to undertake all necessary actions to avoid critical non-conformities. The consultant should plan at least 3 (three) field trips a month to conduct quality inspections of EORE activities within UNDP Projects in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.
• Identify, analyze and manage all risks within the area of EORE activities and keep Mine Action Specialist updated in timely manner with providing the necessary recommendations.
• Provide technical advisory and expertise to Mine Action Specialist in revising National Technical Standards and Guidance on EORE bringing them in line with IMAS 12.10.
• Support UNDP Project Team in developing information management system on EORE.
• Develop and submit interim reports upon the completion of each deliverable and a final report as per agreed format with Mine Action Specialist, UN RPP.

Expected Outputs:

The following outputs are expected under this contract, namely:

1. Completed KAP Survey at the EECPs.
2. Established EORE informational campaign at the EECPs.
3. Organizations/Companies contracted by UNDP for EORE services achieved the declared output indicators.

 4. DELIVERABLES

It’s expected that the Consultant will achieve the outputs providing deliverables, as 

5. MONITORING/REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant will report to the UNDP Mine Action Specialist and Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Lead. Reports (interim reports and final report), plans, quality assurance evaluation forms on activities to be submitted in English in a format agreed with the Mine Action Specialist.

The payment will be arranged in stages according to the proposed payment schedule below and upon acceptance of the deliverables based on quality control and recommendations of the Mine Action Specialist.

The Contractor shall comply with the system of monitoring, evaluation and quality control, implemented by the UN RPP, and provide the necessary information, reports and statistics according to a preliminary determined schedule.

The reports, plans, forms developed under this contract remain the property of the UN RPP.

The Consultant should strictly adhere all the key UNDP Security arrangements.

6. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The UN RPP will pay the negotiated amount in several tranches as per deliverables outlined above:

• 10% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverables №1 and №2
• 10% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverables №3 and №4
• 10% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverables №5
• 20% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverables №6
• 20% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverables №7
• 30% of the total payment upon completion of Deliverables №8 and №9

The payment is made by UNDP within 30 (thirty) calendar days from the date of respective deliverable acceptance by UNDP and submission of originals of invoice, act of acceptance and tax invoice (if applicable).

7. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

Professional Experience of the Consultant:

• Higher education certification, but preferably in such fields as Social Science, International Affairs, Development, Education or relevant.
• At least 1 (one) year of proven experience in EORE Projects within Humanitarian Mine Action Programme.
• Good knowledge of risk education methodology around mines and explosive ordnance for different groups of population with proven experience of EORE sessions delivery.
• Good knowledge of EORE TOT subject matters with proven experience of trainings delivery.
• Good knowledge of KAP Survey for EORE.
• Good knowledge of gender-responsive policy in Mine Action.
• Good knowledge of relevant International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
• Computer literacy with good knowledge of MS Office (Word/Power Point/Excel).
• Fluency both written and spoken in the following languages: English, Ukrainian and Russian, including the knowledge of mine action terminology.
• Certification in Mine Action/ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Subject Matter Interpreter Course (MASMIC) is considered as an additional asset.
• Certifications in any other related mine action fields, issued by internationally recognized entities are considered as an additional asset.    
• Relevant work experience with UN or International NGO is considered as an additional asset.

Competencies:

• Communication: Excellent communication skills.
• Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling UNDP’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; must comply with national laws and are subject to UNDP’s Code of Conduct.
• Professionalism: Significant experience in implementing; strong analytical skills and knowledge of research methodologies and internationals standards on data collections.
• Planning and management: Ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Teamwork: Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective work relations with people of different national and multi-cultural backgrounds; strong interpersonal skills.

8. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

9. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

 Lump sum contract

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

The Consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Consultant should budget at least 3 (three) field trips a month to travel to Donetsk and Luhansk oblast. The key locations for overnight stops should be considered: Sloviansk, Sievierodonetsk, Kramatorsk, Konstiantynivka, Volnovakha, Mariupol. The choice of the settlements is based on the field travel zone that should secure a return on the same day before dark. 

Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel.  In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. In case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

  10. EVALUATION CRITERIA

11. EVALUATION METHOD

Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative 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%

Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements and obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.

https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=98134