Location :
Kampala, UGANDA
Application Deadline :
30-Oct-13
Additional Category
Environment and Energy
Type of Contract :
Individual Contract
Post Level :
National Consultant
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)
04-Nov-2013
Duration of Initial Contract :
20 Working days
Expected Duration of Assignment :
20 Working days
Background
The Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in activities of six cattle corridor districts of Uganda project is being implemented in Nakaseke, Lyantonde, Nakasongola, Kamuli, Sembabule, and Kaliro districts. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and benefits from financial support provided by the Royal Norwegian Government through the UNDP Drylands Development Centre.
The programme in Uganda was stated in 2003. During this phase the programme supported Sembabule District to mainstream/integrate drylands issues into its District Development Plan (DDP). This was achieved through supporting District Environment Action Planning (DEAP) processes. Using the lessons learnt from this experience, a second phase was developed in 2008 to support the above 6 cattle corridor districts also known as the drylands to mainstream SLM activities into their District Development Plans. The project (PRODOC) covering the period 2009-2011 was signed by Government and UNDP in late 2009 and full project implementation began in 2010.
The project was scheduled to end on 31 December 2012, however various challenges and constraints derailed the implementation process and led to delays in the full delivery of all intended outputs of the project. UNDP therefore requested a further no cost extension from the donor to enable Uganda to conclude the on-going project activities under implementation as well as to carry out final project evaluations and reporting by 31 December 2013.
The project to mainstream SLM activities in the six cattle corridor districts of Uganda was developed to contribute to the UNDP Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) outcome 'Enterprises and communities, particularly women, are able to access alternative energy, adapt to climate change and sustainably use natural resources for productive purposes'.
The main project objectives are to:
- Support mainstreaming of SLM issues into District Development Plans (DDPs) and budgets;
- Support adoption of sustainable livelihood and land management practices by local communities in the cattle corridor districts; and
- Strengthen the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and National Action Plan (NAP) Focal Point Office in the Ministry of Agriculture animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in implementation of the National SLM Investment Framework.
The programme component targeted 3 outputs including:
- Priority SLM interventions integrated in the DDPs and budgets of 6 districts;
- Priority SLM interventions implemented by rural communities in the 6 target districts;
- Capacity of the UNCCD/NAP focal point strengthened to support SLM country program;
- Lessons learned and best practices synthesised and disseminated.
A Mid-Term Review was carried out from January to March 2013. The MTR was aimed at assessing the implementation of the Project as well as the extent to which it had achieved its intended objectives and results, and generating lessons learnt to guide the implementation of the remaining activities of Project. MTR findings highlighted that the Project is very relevant for both the communities , the district and Uganda as a nation in their needs to alleviate poverty through improved land productivity, and relevant for the implementation of the UNCCD. The MTR highlighted that the project had significant impacts at the community and district levels and its institutional framework was good enough to ensure sustainability of results at the national, at sector level, at district and community levels. The project built capacity of districts to mainstream SLM into their development plans and budgets, trained established CBOs in resource mobilisation and carried out activities that addressed long term environmental challenges and addressed all risks that would deter sustainability. As a way forward the MTR recommended that the current project is finalized through a no-cost extension and further phases of the project are followed to ensure full implementation of UNCCD issues in Uganda.
Objectives and scope
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) policy at the project level in UNDP has four key objectives namely to:
- Monitor and evaluate results and impacts;
- Provide a basis for decision making on necessary amendments and improvements;
- Promote accountability for resource use; and iv) to document, provide feedback on, and disseminate lessons learned. A mix of tools is used to ensure effective project M&E. These might be applied continuously throughout the lifetime of the project, e.g, periodic monitoring of indicators, or as specific time-bound exercises such as mid-term reviews, audit reports and independent evaluations.
The UNDP M & E policy stipulates that projects undergo a Terminal Evaluation (TE). TE is beneficial for project performance assessment as it provides an independent in-depth review of project outcomes and impact. TEs are intended to identify unforeseen project design problems and implementation challenges, assess progress towards the achievement of objectives, identify and document lessons learned (including lessons that might improve design and implementation of other UNDP projects), and to make recommendations regarding specific actions that might be taken if a follow up project is to be designed.
The proposed TE will cover the project period up to the end. The TE will be conducted according to the guidance, rules and procedures established by UNDP in the UNDP Evaluation guidelines.
Overall Objective of the TE:
The main objective is to: assess the extent of achievement of the intended results defined in the PRODOC, and identify opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt during implementation, and determine relevance of a next phase.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of work
The Consultant will deliver on the following:
- Assess the validity of assumptions used in the development of the SLM mainstreaming programme;
- Appraise the innovativeness of the SLM programme as a delivery mechanism for the implementation of the UNCCD;
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in the Programme design and implementation
- Ascertain achievements to date; to what extent the Programme has moved towards achievement of the objectives and outputs under the three outcomes in the results framework and the need for continued focus;
- Assessachievemnst likely sustainability of results;
- Examine the significance of un-expected effects, whether beneficial or detrimental in character;
- Assess to what extent the Programme has contributed to building capacity at national, district and community levels to formulate, implement and monitor actions/activities for sustainable land management;
- Identify and assess lessons learnt and best practices in relation to achievement of the programme objectives and outputs;
- Assess how the SLM programme has adapted to emerging issues and trends such as climate change, energy and other emerging issues, etc.;
- Determine the relevance of continuing the support of the Government of Norway beyond this phase of the Programme (end of current agreement), including possible financial and institutional arrangements to pursue cooperation.
Evaluation questions are suggested in Annex A and Annex C
In addition to the above, the consultant (Technical Expert) will support other Stakeholders (like the Lead Consultant and others) to:
- Review documentation to be provided by the project (list in Annex B);
- Conduct fieldwork together with the Lead consultant and interview stakeholders, national and local Government officials, and communities (especially private forest owners) to generate authentic information and opinions;
- Write and compile information and reports as needed;
- Present key findings highlighting achievements and constraints, and making practical recommendations to decision makers and stakeholders;
- Finalize the Terminal evaluation report using the format in Annex G.
Products Expected from the TE
- An Inception Report (within 3 working days of signing the contract), this should provide details of the methodological approach to be used by the consultants to undertake the study;
- A Draft evaluation report of approximately 40 pages, excluding annexes, according to the attached detailed breakdown; The report will be in English and will be prepared and submitted in MS Word, with tables in Excel where necessary;
- A PowerPoint presentation (10 – 15 slides) covering the key points of the TE with the main findings and recommendations will also be provided;
- A Final TE Report submitted within a week of receiving written comments on the drafts from UNDP and partners.
Reporting Arrangements
The consultants will report to the Lead Consultant on all technical obligations and to UNDP on all contractual obligations
Deliverables
- Desk review of documents and preparation of inception Report (home-based) - 2 days;
- Presentation of Inception Report- half day;
- Presentation of Inception Report -12 days;
- Prepare and submit Draft Report to UNDP for review by Regional Technical Advisor, Project Coordination Unit, GEF Operational Focal Points- 3.5 days;
- Draft report presentation to stakeholders workshop to validate draft report findings- half day;
- Preparation and submission of Final Terminal Evaluation Report- 1 and half days.
N.B: If there are any significant discrepancies between the impressions and findings of the evaluation team and stakeholders these should be explained in any Annex attached to the final report.
Institutional Arrangement
- With overall reporting to the UNDP Country Director, the Consultant will work on day to day basis with SLM Project Manager and the Project Coordinator MAAIF, and shall be supervised by the Team Leader, Energy and Environment Unit. The UNDP-CO will ensure the timely provision of travel (including per diems) arrangements within the country for the evaluation team;
- The Project Implementing partner will be responsible for liaising with the Evaluation team to set up stakeholder interviews, arrange field visits and coordinate with Government. The planning and the administrative arrangements for the TE will be done in collaboration with the UNDP Head Quarters. UNDP will support organization of stakeholder workshops to review the report;
- The Consultant will liaise, interact, and collaborate/meet with Officials from District Local Governments Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Kamuli, Kaliro, Lyantonde and Sembabule as well as relevant Central Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
UNDP will support the Consultant in the following areas:
- Access to required information (copy of project document, copy of Mid Term Review Report, Annual Work plans, Progress reports and other project related reports);
- Access to UNDP Office and its infrastructure (e.g conference room and internet while at UNDP);
- Support and assistance to gain access to relevant stakeholders for consultations;
- Transport for visits both within Kampala and in the field (for Official purposes only);
- UNDP Kampala and the Project Office will coordinate the study and keep abreast of the mission's activities during the consultants stay.
Duration of the Work
The assignment will be executed in a period of 20 working days staggered between November 4, 2013 and December 5, 2013. The Consultant is expected to adhere to the specific dates due to the urgency to commence implementation of this planned assignment. Any delays or deferment of the assignment may hamper budget allocations for the interventions. UNDP / Other designated authority will approve each deliverable within a maximum of 3 days following the submission of the product by the Consultant.
Notes:
- The term "All inclusive" implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the proposal;
- Individuals on IC are not UN staff and are therefore not entitled to DSAs. All living allowances required to perform the demands of the TOR must be incorporated in the financial proposal, whether the fees are expressed as daily fees or lump sum amount. Duty Station: Kampala; no additional reporting requirements
Price Proposal and schedule of payments
Payment to the Consultant will be made in two instalments upon satisfactory completion of the following deliverables:
- 30% of the contract amount upon submission of an acceptable inception report;
- 70% of the contract amount upon submission, presentation and approval of draft report and upon submission, presentation and approval of final terminal evaluation report.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
- Excellent English writing and communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations in order to analyse critical issues succinctly and clearly and draw forward-looking conclusions;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Positive, constructive attitude towards work;
- Ability to act professionally;
- Flexibility in engaging with stakeholders;
- Creative and innovative;
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN'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
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
- Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Technical Expert must possess a Master of Science degree.
- At least 10 years of experience in natural resources management, socio-economic development or related fields;
- Substantive knowledge of participatory M&E processes is essential, and experience with CBOs/community development processes; design, implementation and/or management of community and local level sustainable livelihoods initiatives and country experience in Uganda are advantages;
- Familiarity with sustainable land management related projects in Uganda and particularly the cattle corridor Region, either through managing or evaluating donor-funded projects.
- Experience in the evaluation of technical assistance projects, if possible with UNDP or other UN development agencies and major donors, is required. A demonstrated understanding of UNDP principles and expected impacts in terms of poverty reduction and sustainable development is essential.
- Familiarity and knowledge of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, integrated approaches to drylands development and capacity development projects would be an asset
- Experience in working with local communities and small multi-disciplinary teams to deliver quality products in high stress, short deadline situations.
Language Requirement:
- Fluency in English is required.
Evaluation: Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:
Cumulative analysis
The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
- Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
- Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation 70%-30%;
- Technical Criteria weight- 70%;
- Financial Criteria weight- 30%.
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Technical Criteria – Maximum 100 points
- Expertise of the Individual – 30 Points;
- Description of approach/methodology to assignment – 70 Points.
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications in one single PDF document:
- Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP (Annex F).
- Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
Technical proposal:
- Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
- A methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.
Financial proposal:
Must indicate the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided (Annex G).
Financial Assessment
Lump Sum Amount approach shall be used with the following expectations:
- The lump sum amount must be 'all-inclusive';
- The contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components.
Applicants are requested to apply online at http://jobs.undp.org by 30th October 2013. Individual consultants are invited to submit applications together with their CVs for these positions.
UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that will take into account the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should make inquiries through: justine.naiga-bagonza@undp.org and copy agnes.kintu@undp.org.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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