TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EXTERNAL REVIEW OF
MEDIUM TERM SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICY FRAMEWORK 2012-2015 (NATIONAL/LOCAL
CONSULTANT)
A. BACKGROUND
1.1
The country’s first long-term strategic plan, Vision 2030 Jamaica - National Development
Plan and the Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2009 – 2012 were
tabled in Parliament on May 5, 2009 by the former Prime Minister, the Honourable Bruce
Golding during his contribution to the 2009/2010 Budget Debate. The development of
these strategic documents was preceded by two and a half years of planning,
consultations and preparation led by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and included
broad based participation from all sectors of society — government, private sector,
community-based organizations, academia, individual citizens of Jamaica and the
international development community.
1.2
Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan provides a comprehensive planning
framework in which the economic, social, environmental and governance aspects of
national development are integrated. The Plan is expected to put Jamaica in a position to
achieve developed country status by 2030 and is based on the vision: “Jamaica, the place
of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business”.
1.3
The Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) is the main mechanism for
translating Vision 2030 Jamaica’s long-term national goals and outcomes into action.
Vision 2030 Jamaica will be implemented through a series of seven consecutive 3-yearly
MTFs from fiscal year 2009-2010 to fiscal year 2029/2030. The first in the series was MTF
2009-2012. The second in the series is the MTF 2012 – 2015. Additionally, the sector plans
developed during the planning process, provide opportunities for linkages to existing
national and sectoral level planning, budgeting, prioritising and monitoring mechanisms
and processes.
1.4
As a fundamental component of the national planning framework, MTF 2012-2015
outlines a prioritized package of policies, strategies and programmes aligned to the
budget at the macro level that will be implemented primarily by Ministries, Departments
and Agencies (MDAs). The medium-term priorities for the MTF 2012 – 2015 are identified
at two levels: i) National; and ii) Sectoral. The priorities at the national level represent the
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most important areas for the country to focus its efforts and resources over the medium
term from 2012 to 2015, to address the greatest challenges to national development at
this stage of implementation. The priorities at the sector level represent the most
important strategies and actions to be implemented within each sector over the medium
term, based on the key issues and challenges identified for each sector. The Medium
Term Themes, priority national outcomes and priority areas of focus for the Medium Term
Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2012 – 2015 are set out below.
National Goals
National Goal # 1:
Jamaicans Are
Empowered To
Achieve Their
Fullest Potential
Medium
Term Theme
Priority
National
Outcomes
A Healthy and
Stable Population
Development
and Protection
of Human
Capital
World Class
Education and
Training
Priority Areas
Primary Health Care
Health Promotion Approach
Disease Surveillance and HIV/AIDS
International Migration and Development
Early Childhood Development
Educational System Reforms
Labour Force Training
Effective Social
Protection
Social Welfare and Social Security
Poverty Reduction
Persons with Disabilities
National Goal # 2:
The Jamaican
Society Is Secure,
Cohesive and Just
Security and Safety
Anti-Crime Strategy
National
Security and
Justice
National Goal # 3:
Jamaica’s Economy
Is Prosperous
Economic
Stability,
Competitiveness
and
Employment
National Goal # 4:
Jamaica Constabulary Force Reform
Environmental
Resilience and
Community Renewal Programme
Protection and Care for Children and Youth
Effective
Governance
Justice System Reform
A Stable
Macroeconomy
Fiscal Consolidation
Debt Management
Tax Reform
An Enabling
Business
Environment
Priority Economic
Projects
Competitive Business Environment
Labour Market Reform
Targeted Employment Programmes
Major Development Projects:
 Road Infrastructure Development
 Agroparks
 ICT Parks
 Logistics Hub
 Tourism Product Development
 Creative Industries and Sport
 Urban Renewal
 LNG Project
Hazard Risk Reduction
Environmental Resilience and Sustainable
Planning
Hazard Risk
Reduction and
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Local Governance
National Goals
Jamaica Has a
Healthy Natural
Environment
Medium
Term Theme
Priority
National
Outcomes
Climate Change
Response
Adaptation to
Climate Change
Priority Areas
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
1.5
MTF 2012-2015 also presents the medium term development priorities, strategies and
actions to be pursued under each of the 15 national outcomes under Vision 2030 Jamaica,
including the nine (9) goods- and services-producing industries under National Outcome
#12. It sets out the timeframe for implementation of the priority strategies and actions
for each of the 15 national outcomes, as well as the main agencies and stakeholders
responsible for implementation of each priority strategy and action. In addition, it
presents the key national indicators and targets that will provide a quantitative
framework for measuring the progress toward achievement of MTF 2012-2015 and the
long-term goals and outcomes of Vision 2030 Jamaica.
1.6
Past planning exercises have been negatively impacted by factors including an inadequate
monitoring and evaluation framework and the weak synergies between targets,
indicators and the budget. A distinguishing feature of Vision 2030 Jamaica is its focus on
implementation and accountability. To that end a monitoring and evaluation system
based on a results-based management platform has been established. The Vision 2030
Jamaica Monitoring and Evaluation System calls for quarterly and annual monitoring of
implementation progress and for periodic independent evaluations which will, inter alia,
contribute to informed decision-making, foster an environment of learning by doing and
promote greater accountability for performance. The M&E system foresees these
processes as integral for introducing modifications and revalidation of the MTF as an
effective mechanism to achieve Vision 2030 Jamaica goals and outcomes.
1.7
March 2015 marks the end of the three year cycle for MTF 2012-2015. A review of MTF
2012-2015 is timely to assess the performance of the MTF to date – both in terms of its
policy relevance and effectiveness in light of rapidly changing local and global
environment and emerging opportunities in Jamaica, and in terms of the quality and
utility of the measures used to measure progress. This review will also generate lessons
for informing the strategic prioritization process for Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy
Framework (MTF) 2015 – 2018.
1.8
B. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The primary purpose of this review is to assess the progress of the Medium Term SocioEconomic Policy Framework 2012-2015 during its period of implementation in effectively
and sustainably contributing towards the achievement of the national vision, goals and
outcomes as articulated in the Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan.
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1.9
The specific objectives are as follows:
a. Determine how effective the Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework 20122015 has been as an instrument of prioritisation and accountability towards the
achievement of the national goals and outcomes of Vision 2030 Jamaica – National
Development Plan.
b. Determine the extent to which the 3-year MTF is the appropriate vehicle to guide
national planning and the implementation of prioritised programmes and activities
towards the achievement of national goals and outcomes in the future.
c. Identify lessons learnt from experiences, and issues and opportunities emerging from
the implementation of the current MTF, and thereby inform the design and
prioritization of the next MTF 2015-2018, through a participative and formative
review process.
1.10
It is also expected that the review process will contribute to the strengthening of national
evaluation capacity.
C. SCOPE OF WORK AND KEY QUESTIONS
1.11 The consultant will seek to address the following:
a. Assess the role and relevance of the MTF in relation to the issues and challenges identified
by the various analyses undertaken in the preparation of the MTF and in the context of
national policies and strategies:
i. Did the MTF outcomes sufficiently address key issues, their underlying causes, and
challenges identified?
ii. Was the MTF results matrix flexible and relevant to respond to new issues and their
causes as well as challenges that arose during the MTF cycle?
iii. Have the MTF priority and supporting outcomes been relevant in terms of
internationally agreed goals and commitments, such as the MDGs, human rights
treaties (including the CEDAW, CRC, etc.) and other high priority international or
regional commitments?
b. Assess design and focus of the MTF, i.e. the quality of the formulation of results at
different levels, i.e. the results chain:
i. To what extent was the MTF designed as a results-oriented, coherent, and focused
framework?
ii. Were the selection criteria for priority and supporting outcomes justified?
iii. Did the design of the MTF results framework allow for easy monitoring?
iv. To what extent and in what ways has the MTF placed special emphasis on the
promotion of gender equity, protection of vulnerable groups and social inclusion
during its implementation?
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c. To the extent possible, assess how efficiently inputs and resources were utilized to
produce the results or outputs?
i. Were inputs provided and outputs met on a timely basis?
ii. Has the MTF contributed to a reduction of transaction costs for the government?
iii. How efficiently has result based management been applied in achieving the MTF
results?
d. Assess the effectiveness of the MTF in terms of progress towards achievement of the
National Goals and Outcomes of Vision 2030 Jamaica:
i. How far the country has progressed against the national/sector strategies and key
actions; indicators and associated targets in the MTF?
ii. Were there any major changes in national indicators to which the implementation of
MTF strategies contributed?
iii. What were the primary factors and conditions that contributed to these results?
iv. What were the key positive developments/changes that occurred during the
implementation of key strategies and actions, and what will be the implications for
them during the next MTF cycle?
v. To what extent have the national/sector strategies and key actions; and indicators
been utilized as a basis for performance monitoring, with lessons identified and
internalized to improve performance?
vi. What are the perceptions of the different stakeholders, especially the Government
officials, implementing agencies, private sector, civil society, individuals, and
international development partners (IDPs) about the overall impact of the MTF?
e. Assess the effectiveness of the MTF as a coordination and partnership framework:
i. How effective have the institutional arrangements for the coordination of
implementation and monitoring and evaluation of Vision 2030 Jamaica been?
ii. To what extent and in what ways have the institutional arrangements of the MTF
contributed to achieving better synergies and joined-up approaches to national
development?
iii. How effective have the thematic working groups been as a basis for representing and
coordinating the collective strategic interests of government, civil society and
international development partners in achieving stated goals and outcomes?
iv. To what extent has the MTF been used by MDAs, Civil Society, IDPs as a key
mechanism for planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation and overall goal
setting and prioritization?
v. Has the MTF promoted effective partnerships and strategic alliances around the main
MTF priority outcome areas (e.g. within Government, with civil society partners, the
private sector, and IDPs?
f. Analyse to what extent results achieved under the MTF are sustainable:
i. Have coordination, collaborations and/or synergies fostered by the MTF contributed
to greater sustainability of results of the programmes and activities by MDAs, IDPs,
private sector, civil society, etc?
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ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
To what extent were clear M&E mechanisms defined in the MTF?
Were those mechanisms feasible given country capacity?
Were provisions for capacity enhancement made?
Was sufficient information generated to allow for effective M&E?
How useful have the progress reports (quarterly reports and APRs) and M&E tools
been in tracking implementation of the MTF?
To what extent have progress reports been able to identify gaps in implementation?
To what extent and in what ways has the MTF contributed to enhanced national
capacities in results based management monitoring and evaluation in government,
civil society?
To what extent does the MTF promote ownership of strategies/programmes by the
key stakeholders?
g. Distil lessons learned and prepare practical and realistic recommendations, as
appropriate on all of the above, and to draw conclusions on opportunities for greater
progress towards achievement of the national goals and outcomes of Vision 2030
Jamaica.
D. METHODOLOGY
1.12 The MTF review will apply, as far as possible, the following criteria which assess relevance,
effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of results.
1.13
The consultant will develop a detailed methodological proposal as part of the Inception
Report, which should take into consideration:
a.
Multiple methods and triangulation of information of both quantitative and
qualitative nature.
b.
All findings, conclusions, recommendations and lessons should be based on verifiable
and credible information and evidence, and should reflect the results chain or theory
of change that underpins the MTF (i.e. links between goals, outcomes, outputs).
c.
Whenever possible and if available, maximize the use of disaggregated data by gender
and other relevant groups. Ideally, this should be done not only by using the existing
indicators, but also through the design of information collection methods (interview
questionnaires, surveys, focus groups) that allow the extraction of disaggregated
information of perceptions and opinions by gender and/or other groups.1
d.
Design the methodology based on an actively participative and inclusive process with
relevant actors and stakeholders during all phases of information collection and
validation of results, so as to foster a process that is: geared towards accountability;
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This should ideally be done only with a small sample of stakeholders when assessing particularly the criteria of relevance and
effectiveness.
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yields information produced through collective reflection and useful for decisionmaking; and, generates a ‘learning-though-the-process’ dynamic.
1.14
As a minimum, the review should include the following components:
a.
Undertake a comprehensive desk review of existing progress reports, studies/papers,
newspaper reports related to the MTF/Vision 2030 Jamaica as well as other
documents from the government on national policies and strategies.
The available literature to be reviewed includes:
 Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan
 Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2009-2012 and 2012-2015
 Vision 2030 Jamaica Progress Reports (2009/2010-2011/2012 and 2012/20132013/2014)
 Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework Quarterly Reports
 A Growth Inducement Strategy for Jamaica in the Short and Medium Term
 Public Sector Modernization Vision and Strategy 2002-2012
 Revised Medium Term Action Plan (MTAP) 2008 - 2012
 Medium Term Action Plan (MTAP) Progress Reports
 Medium Term Expenditure Framework
 Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System: Final Report on the Design
Framework and Implementation Plan
 Whole of Government Performance Report (Draft) 2015/2016
 Public Sector Master Rationalization Plan: Recommendations for the Restructuring
of Ministries, Departments and Agencies
 GOJ Management Accountability Framework
 GOJ Prioritization Framework Draft Document
 Jamstats Database
b.
Conduct interviews and focus groups discussions with selected MDAs; civil society
organizations; private sector and international development partner representatives;
chairs/co-chairs of Vision 2030 Jamaica Thematic Working Groups (TWGs).
c.
Undertake and analysis as to how the MTF can lead to greater development
effectiveness and coherence amongst international development partners.
d.
Make field visits to selected programmes where required and facilitate participative
consultations when necessary.
e.
Undertake other analysis, including comparison with best practices, as required.
f.
Organize a presentation of the draft report with all involved parties to extract
feedback, validate results and foster a learning and collective reflection process.
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1.15
Wherever any complementary review or evaluation is already taking place in the public
sector and/or IDP programmes in Jamaica, it is expected that there will be adequate
consultation and collaboration with such evaluation(s) to maximize synergies and
avoid duplication of effort.
E. EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES
1.16
The consultant will submit for the approval of the PIOJ, the following deliverables:
a.
An Inception Report two weeks after the signing of the contract, which includes: 1)
methodological proposal, 2) Review Matrix which detail how the review questions
(expanded by the consultant if necessary) will be answered, given the data collection
methods and information sources, 3) a detailed Work Plan for the execution of
consultancy, 4) a preliminary Table of Content of the Review Report, and 5) mapping
of relevant actors, questionnaires, surveys, etc.
b.
Draft MTF Review Report, with preliminary findings, conclusions, recommendation
and lessons, to be presented and consulted with all relevant actors and stakeholders.
c.
Presentation of the Draft MTF Review Report (Consultative Workshop)
d.
Final Review Report
Key Deliverables
Performance Standards for Delivery
Inception Report
Two weeks after the signing of the contract.
Draft MTF Review Report
Electronic copy and 2 hard copies submitted in accordance with agreed
work plan and the scope of work.
Presentation of the Draft MTF
Review Report (Consultative
Workshop)
Final MTF Review Report
In accordance with agreed work plan, present draft MTF review report to
key stakeholders to ensure feedback/inputs.
Electronic copy and 3 hard copies submitted at least 2 days before end of
contract. Final payment will be based on acceptance of this Report.
F. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
1.1
The consultant will report to the Deputy Director General, Economic Planning and Policy
Logistics of the PIOJ. Weekly meetings (face to face or via Skype or other interfaces) will
take place to provide updates on progress with respect to key elements of the work
plan. UNDP may be invited to some of these meetings and will be kept informed of the
progress.
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1.2
The consultant will work from his/her own office; however, the Planning Institute of
Jamaica, through the Plan Development Unit will provide secretariat and logistical
support for key aspects of the review including interviews and workshops.
1.3
The Planning Institute of Jamaica will be responsible for providing, in a timely manner,
all relevant key documents and access to necessary information databases at the
beginning of the consultancy.
1.4
While maintaining independence, the review will be carried out based on a
participatory approach, which seeks the views and assessments of key stakeholders.
These include representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), UNDP,
private sector, academia, civil society, and IDPS; and these meetings will be facilitated
by the PIOJ.
1.5
The UNDP CO with support from the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the
Caribbean will provide quality assurance oversight.
G. TIMEFRAME AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
1.6
The duration of the assignment will be for a period of two months for a total of 53 days.
The deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultancy contract.
Exact dates of beginning and completion stages as well as scope of works for each
phase can be corrected in consultation with the Planning Institute of Jamaica and by
the Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP based on reasonable justification by the
Consultant. The project reserves the right, if necessary, to amend the terms of
reference of a Consultant on a written agreement. The final schedule will be agreed
upon at the beginning of consultancy assignment. All deliverables should be submitted
to the PIOJ by the consultant in English.
This is a lump sum contract valued at USD 25,000 that should include costs of
consultancy, and other relevant costs, if any, required for producing the above
deliverables. Payments will be made according to the following schedule:
Payment
No.
Activity
Payment Condition
%
1
Inception Report
Upon submission and acceptance of Inception
Report
10%
2
Draft MTF Review Report
Upon submission and acceptance of the Draft
MTF Review Report
35%
3
Presentation of the Draft MTF
Review Report (Consultative
Workshop)
Final MTF Review Report
Upon completion of the Workshop
4
15%
Upon submission and acceptance of the Final MTF
Review Report
30%
Total
100%
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H. DUTY STATION
Duty station of the expert will be home based and Kingston, Jamaica.
I. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Competencies of Consultant(s) should include but not be limited to the following:
Education
 Postgraduate qualification in Management, Public Administration, Economics or
the Social Sciences;
Experience
 Demonstrated experience in current results-based management and results-based
evaluation theory and practice;
 5-10 years’ experience in evaluating development projects;
 In-depth knowledge of International development and PRSPs/national
development plans processes
 a good understanding of the Caribbean Region and gender approach;
 Excellent writing and communicative skills in English is a requirement; and
 Experience working with teams and team processes.
J. EVALUATION
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to
demonstrate their qualifications:

Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template
provided by UNDP;

Updated CV or P-11 form indicating all past experience from similar projects or
assignments, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the
Candidate and at least three (3) professional references

A full proposal outlining the approach and methodology of the consultancy, including
proposed schedule for deliverables

Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by
a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. If an Offeror is employed by an
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organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a
management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan
Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs
are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.
Individual consultant 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 the following weighted technical and financial
criteria specific to the solicitation. Technical Criteria weight:70%.Financial Criteria weight:
30%]
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points would be considered for the Financial
Evaluation.
K. APPROVAL
This TOR is approved by:
Signature:
__________________________________
Name and designation:
__________________________________
Date:
__________________________________
May 2015
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