ANNEX I ETHIOPIA TERM OF REFERENCE (ToR) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT (IC) GENERAL INFORMAION Services/Work Description: Project/Program Title: Post Title: Consultant Level: Duty Station: Expected Places of Travel: Dolo Ado or Gambella) Duration: Expected Start Date: Legal Expert Resident Coordinator’s Office National Consultant At least Level B (Specialist) Addis Ababa Limited travel within Ethiopia (up to 20-25 days to a location such as Jijiga, 225 calendar days (until 31 December 2014) 15 May 2014 / Immediately after Concluding Contract Agreement I. BACKGROUND / PROJECT DESCRIPTION Under the overall leadership and guidance of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Operations Management Team (OMT) endeavors to facilitate the implementation of the UN Delivering as One (DaO) by harmonizing operational policies of UN bodies, agencies, funds and programmes in Ethiopia. Moreover, the OMT proposes and implements inter-agency initiatives to ensure quality of support to programme delivery, while utilizing resources effectively. In this context, the OMT has been supporting the UNCT in identifying and resolving the legal issues pertaining to the privileges and immunities of the UN agencies, assets and staff. Currently, each UN agency working in Ethiopia has an individual host country agreement, a legal document governing the relationship between the respective agency and the host government. However, most of these agreements are outdated, and there is a pressing need to improve the working relations with the host government through better linkages and flow of information. To this end, a double-track strategy will be adopted by the OMT: Support the UNCT in drafting a new agreement, and negotiating it with the government. This agreement is meant to supplement the existing host country agreements of the UN agencies. While drafting this supplemental agreement, compliance to international agreements and conventions on UN’s privileges and immunities will be observed, as well as treatment received by other similar international organizations including the Africa Union. This supplemental agreement is expected to offer improvements in the fields of customs, VAT, visa issues, and import and use of IT equipment. 1 Provide sensitization to relevant federal and regional officials and government agencies (including customs and immigration, law enforcement and judiciary) on the UN’s mandate, working methods and existing privileges and immunities to prevent infringements. This activity will involve the preparation of the relevant background documents based on the UN’s host country agreements, and their translation for distribution to local authorities. To facilitate the implementation of these activities, the OMT will hire a legal expert as a consultant. II. SCOPE OF THE WORK The Operations Management Team (OMT) will engage the services of a national service provider (referred to as “consultant” hereafter) with experience in legal affairs (particularly pertaining to the UN’s privileges and immunities), to undertake the following tasks. Promotion of a better understanding among government counterparts of the UN’s objectives and work, Creation of a framework of cooperation between UN agencies and the host government to resolve identified operational and legal issues, Identification of areas of improvement and legal challenges, together with recommendations for their effective resolution, including better linkages between UN agencies and federal and regional government(s), and relevant government agencies (customs, revenue and immigration departments, etc.), and Liaise with relevant UNCT and OMT working groups to ensure that legal concerns on the areas of infrastructure and technology and human resources are included in the discussions with the government. III. EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES The detailed duties and responsibilities of the Consultant are as follows: Work with UN agencies working in Ethiopia to identify operational issues and legal challenges faced during delivery of assistance, draw recommendations for better delivery of services, and provide the OMT and UNCT with proposals on resolving identified issues. Support the OMT Legal Working Group with taking stock of pending legal issues and infringements of existing host country agreements. Work with the OMT to identify the disparities between existing host country agreements of UN agencies, and finalize a draft/template supplemental host country agreement, addressing the priorities and issues identified by the UN agencies. Provide updates and reports on the activities undertaken on regular basis, and participate in relevant OMT and OMT Working Group meetings. Work with the OMT Working Group on Host Country Agreement in seeking ways to sustain and further improve the relationship and information sharing with the host government. Support organization of forums to sensitize government officials on the UN’s mandate, working methods and privileges and immunities. Provide administrative and technical support for the organization of any forums, meetings and discussions with the host government. On behalf of OMT, follow up with the host government on meetings and discussions to ensure sensitization of relevant government officials and finalization of UN agencies’ supplemental host 2 country agreements. Support preparation of relevant background documents, and their translation to to local languages. No. Deliverables / Outputs 1 The consultant will engage the OMT and UN agencies to identify the pertinent host country issues, including legal and operational challenges to the delivery of the UN’s development and humanitarian assistance. Estimated Duration to Complete May and June 2014 Review and Approvals Required OMT Chairperson The consultant will prepare a report on identified issues and recommendations, and a draft supplemental agreement for the UN agencies, and provide to the OMT and UNCT for discussion. 2 3 The consultant will prepare draft background documents for the federal and regional government agencies on the UN’s mandate, working methods and privileges and immunities. These will be shared with the OMT for review and endorsement. The consultant will finalize the draft supplemental agreement as well as the background documents for the government agencies and officials based on the feedback from the UN agencies. The consultant will support translation of these documents to Amharic. The consultant will prepare for the sensitization session(s) for federal and regional government agencies, including handling the administrative and logistics arrangements. The consultant will organize, together with the OMT, a sensitization session for the relevant federal and regional government agencies. The consultant will provide the RCO with a back-up of all the relevant documents, presentations and training materials for archive purposes. June to November 2014 OMT Chairperson June to December 2014 OMT Chairperson IV. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT / REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS The consultant will report to the OMT Chairpersons through the Common Operations Specialist in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. UNECA and UNOCHA, as the OMT Host Country Agreement Working Group Chairpersons, will assume the responsibility of supervising the work of the consultant in implementing the deliverables included in this Terms of Reference (ToR). The consultant will not provide any substantive or operational information regarding UN’s operations activities to third parties without the written consent of UNCT. This consultancy will be administrated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and all relevant UNDP rules, policies and procedures will apply. 3 V. LOGISTICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO PROSPECT IC (if any) UNDP/RCO will ensure that the consultant receives access to the UN premises in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When required, the consultant will be provided with workspace and phone/internet access within UNDP and/or UNECA. VI. DURATION OF THE WORK1 As per this Terms of Reference, the consultancy should conclude by end of 2014. However, a short extension may be provided in extra-ordinary cases at no additional cost to allow the consultant to finalize certain reports and documents with agencies’ feedback. VII. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUCCESSFUL INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR (IC) EDUCATION: Master’s degree in law or a relevant field, with experience in Ethiopian law. WORK EXPERIENCE: o Minimum of 5 years of experience working on legal issues in Ethiopia, including familiarity with the UN’s mandate, working methods, and privileges and immunities. o Experience working with various government agencies on legal issues, including federal departments such as customs and immigration, as well as federal and regional law enforcement and judiciary authorities. Familiarity with holding capacity development courses for such entities preferred. o Experience working in Ethiopia or in a similar country for an international organization such as a UN agency. LANGUAGES: Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of Amharic. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES: o Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of UN’s operational context in Ethiopia, particularly in the fields of common services, joint premises and UN’s privileges and immunities. Ability to identify key procedures and issues, conduct data collection, operational analyses and discussions with decision-makers to propose solutions to these issues. Ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments given, and work under pressure. Shows persistence and remains calm in stressful situations. Shows pride in work and achievements, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter. Responds positively to feedback and different points of view. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. o Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with the terms defined here. Identifies priority activities and assignments, and adjusts them as required. Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work by foreseeing risks and developing contingency plans accordingly. Monitors and adjusts plans as necessary, and uses time effectively. o Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest 1 The IC modality is expected to be used only for short-term consultancy engagements. If the duration of the IC for the same TOR exceeds twelve (12) months, the duration must be justified and be subjected to the approval of the Director of the Regional Bureau, or a different contract modality must be considered. This policy applies regardless of the delegated procurement authority of the Head of the Business Unit. 4 in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience. Keeps confidential information undisclosed. o Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers assigned tasks within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Takes personal responsibility for his/her shortcomings. FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: o Expertise in operational and legal activities required to ensure high-quality and cost-effective delivery of UN’s development and humanitarian assistance, particularly within the context of Ethiopia. o Knowledge of UN’s context in Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian law, particularly to facilitate better linkages and communications with the host government. COMPLIANCE WITH UN CORE VALUES: o Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards ; o Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP ; o Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; o Treats all people fairly without favouritism; o Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment. Important Note: The Consultant is required to have the above professional and technical qualifications. Only the applicants who hold these qualifications will be shortlisted and contacted. VIII. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THE BEST OFFER Upon the advertisement of the Procurement Notice, qualified Individual Consultant is expected to submit both the Technical and Financial Proposals. Accordingly; Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on Cumulative Analysis as per the following scenario: 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. In this regard, the respective weight of the proposals are: a. Technical Criteria weight is 70% b. Financial Criteria weight is 30% Criteria Technical Competence (based on CV, Proposal and interview (if required) Criteria a. Master’s degree in law or a relevant field. Knowledge of privileges and immunities of international organizations an advantage. Weight 70% Max. Point 100 15% 15 Criteria b. At least 5 years of experience working with various government agencies on legal issues, including federal departments such as customs and immigration, as well as federal and regional law enforcement and judiciary authorities. Familiarity with holding capacity development courses for such entities preferred. 15% 15 Criteria c. Experience working in Ethiopia or in a similar country for an international organization such as a UN agency, particularly in a capacity development related area. 15% 15 5 Criteria d. Understanding of the work and methodology 30% 30 Criteria e. Individual Competencies (if interview is needed) 25% 25 Financial (Lower Offer/Offer*100) 30% Total Score Technical Score * 70% + Financial Score * 30% 30 IX. PAYMENT MILESTONES AND AUTHORITY The qualified consultant shall receive his/her lump sum service fees upon certification of the completed tasks satisfactorily, as per the following payment schedule: Installment of Payment/ Period 1st Installment Deliverables or Documents to be Delivered The consultant will engage the OMT and UN agencies to identify the pertinent host country issues, including legal and operational challenges to the delivery of the UN’s development and humanitarian assistance. Approval should be obtained OMT Chairpersons Percentage of Payment 40% OMT Chairpersons 20% The consultant will prepare a report on identified issues and recommendations, and a draft supplemental agreement for the UN agencies, and provide to the OMT and UNCT for discussion. The consultant will prepare draft background documents for the federal and regional government agencies on the UN’s mandate, working methods and privileges and immunities. These will be shared with the OMT for review and endorsement. 2nd Installment The consultant will finalize the draft supplemental agreement as well as the background documents for the government agencies and officials based on the feedback from the UN agencies. The consultant will support translation of these documents to Amharic. The consultant will prepare for the sensitization session(s) for federal and regional government agencies, including handling the administrative and logistics arrangements. 6 Installment of Payment/ Period 3rd Installment Deliverables or Documents to be Delivered The consultant will organize, together with the OMT, a sensitization session for the relevant federal and regional government agencies. The consultant will provide the RCO with a back-up of all the relevant documents, presentations and training materials for archive purposes. Approval should be obtained OMT Chairpersons Percentage of Payment 40% X. RECOMMENDED PRESENTATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL For purposes of generating proposals whose contents are uniformly presented and to facilitate their comparative review, you are hereby given a template of the Table of Content. Accordingly; your Technical Proposal document must have at least the following preferred content and shall follow its respective format/sequencing as follows. Proposed Table of Contents Page TECHNICAL PROPOSAL COVER PAGES Cover Page (use the template hereto) Cover Letter (use the template hereto) Statement of Declaration (use the template hereto) SECTION I. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM 1.1 Letter of Motivation 1.2 Proposed Methodology 1.3 Past Experience in Similar Consultancy and/or Projects 1.4 Implementation Timelines 1.5 List of Personal Referees 1.6 Bank Reference SECTION II. ANNEXES Annex a. Duly Signed Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability (use the template hereto) Annex b. Duly Signed Personal CV’s Documentation Checklist (please refer to the checklist attached hereto) XI. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROPRIETARY INTERESTS The Individual Consultant shall not either during the term or after termination of the assignment, disclose any proprietary or confidential information related to the consultancy service without prior written consent. Proprietary interests on all materials and documents prepared by the consultants under the assignment shall become and remain properties of UNDP. This TOR is approved by: [indicate name of Approving Manager] Signature: ________________________ Name and Designation: ________________________ Date of Signing: ________________________ 7