Consultants Jobs Vacancy at UNDP in Uganda

Job Title: CONSULTANT TO PREPARE A LESSONS LEARNED DOCUMENT ON THE DDPIII AND UN JOINT PROGRAMME ON LIVELIHOODS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY (UNJP3) IMPLEMENTATION(UGANDAN NATIONAL)
Location :     Kampala (with field travel to selected districts), UGANDA
Application Deadline :    03-Aug-12
Additional Category    Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract :    Individual Contract
Post Level :    National Consultant
Languages Required :
    English 
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)    20-Aug-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :    45 working days
Expected Duration of Assignment :    45 working days
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Background

Introduction:

The Government of Uganda, under the auspices of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has embarked on the implementation of the Third District Development Programme (DDP-III), whose main focus is to stimulate Local Economic Development (LED). LED is a process in which tripartite partnerships between LG, the private sector and the community are established to manage and utilize resources at the local level in order to stimulate the economy of a well defined territory which functions within a national economic, policy, regulatory and institutional context. The programme comes against a backdrop of over ten years of implementing the Uganda Decentralization Policy and the implementation of a number of economic and legislative reforms in the country.

The development objective of the DDP III is to contribute to poverty reduction and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Uganda. The immediate objective is to build systems and methodologies that enhance the role of local governments (LGs) in promoting local economic development (LED) for poverty reduction and attainment of MDGs.

The programme will aim at the following six outputs:

    Output 1: Local Government capacity for effective LED governance (local economic  governance) built
    Output 2: Local business environment enhanced (locality development.
    Output 3: Stimulating demand for business and market development support services by LGs.
    Output 4: Enhancing LED at national level.
    Output 5: Improving gender equity in local development improved.
    Output 6: Strengthening the system for accessing local Justice for commercial disputes.

Background:

Uganda’s population was estimated to be about 30.7 million and about half of it was aged below 15 years with slightly more females than males (Uganda National Household survey report-2009/10). The number of households has been increasing over the survey periods and the majority live in the rural areas (85%). Eighty two percent of the household population comprised of the nuclear family members. There were more persons aged 18 years and above who have never been married in urban than in rural areas.
The literacy rate, for persons aged 10 years and above was estimated at 73 percent which was an increase from 69 percent reported in 2005/06.
The Annual labour force growth rate in Uganda was 4.7 percent and the majority of workers (82%) were in rural areas. Seventeen percent of the labour force did not have any formal education while 66 percent of working persons are employed in agriculture.

In terms of household consumption, the period 2005/06-2009/10 was marked, on average, with positive growth in per adult equivalent consumption though the growth was not as strong as that observed in 2002/03-2005/06 period. Though the proportion of people living in poverty significantly declined, the reduction in the number of poor persons in absolute terms was not significant and income inequality worsened. During the period 2002/03-2005/06, the distribution of income improved whereas the period 2005/06-2009/10 was marked with worsening income inequality
Forty two percent of households mainly got their earnings from subsistence farming while 25 percent earned their living from wage employment. The proportion of adults aged 18 years and above who applied for a loan increased from 10 percent in 2005/06 to 17 percent in 2009/10. Overall, people largely applied for loans from informal sources (24%) as compared to two and five percent for formal and semi-formal sources respectively.

A number of reasons are responsible for the high poverty levels and they include among others; the un-conducive local governance environment for local economic growth involving planning systems that emphasize social services, inadequate basic economic infrastructure services, deteriorating natural resource base and inhibiting regulatory environment; slowing growth of sustainable businesses, employment and incomes due to, among others, production problems (low levels of private investment, un competitive businesses, low productivity, inadequate skills, lack of innovation), market problems (poor functioning business development services, commodity and financial markets), weak private sector organizations and limited decision making power for women; weak local economic partnerships due to lack of a policy framework, inappropriate role definition of private and public sectors, and weak democratic accountability.

Rationale:

Uganda has been implementing the policy of decentralization as a means of democratization and improved service delivery since 1992. During the period, a number of achievements and outputs have been realized. There are notable improvements in governance aspects at the local level. There are also significant increases in physical social investments in health, education, roads, and water sectors leading to improved quantity of service delivery, especially because of the unprecedented increase in volumes of central government financial transfers to local governments.

The above attainments notwithstanding, the local governments encounter difficulties in raising funds to co-fund construction of physical investments, meet post construction operation and maintenance, cost council operation costs and statutory obligations as local government generated revenues are low and declining awaiting the implementation of new local revenue sources because of the limited household income,. The situation is attributed to among others; poor tax collection and administration and high poverty levels at household level.

The local government institution on the other hand still operates as a provider of public goods and services. This interventionist approach does not directly tackle the income poverty at the individual and household level. As a result, there are very low household incomes, low savings and a narrow taxable base for the LGs. The need for supporting wealth creation as strategy of government becomes a pertinent undertaking especially at the local government level. This would involve supporting local investments as a mechanism for stimulating sustainable development.

Therefore, UNDP on behalf of Ministry of Local Government through is soliciting bids from a competent Ugandan National  consultant to prepare a lessons learned document on the DDPIII and UNJP-3.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment:

The objective of the study is to collect and analyse lessons learned from Local Economic Development interventions under DDP-III and UNJP-3 and to give recommendations to MoLG on how experiences gained can be used to promote the understanding of complex processes and improve efficiency of interventions.

More specifically, in particular with regard to Local Economic Development interventions, the purpose of the study is:

    To promote institutional learning in the field of Local Economic Development. In particular, to document lessons learned from UNCDF and UNDP support to Local Economic Development initiatives.
    To provide pointers policy improvement and methodology in the area of Local Economic Development within Uganda and in international fora;
    To facilitate MoLG’s assessment and analysis in decision making on Local Economic Development interventions based on documented experiences.

In order to build resident LLE knowledge in the LGs, the consultant shall ensure the full engagement of qualified District LG officials throughout the methodology development processes as well as the phases for carrying out the exercise in the field.

If suitable LG personnel happen to be unavailable or critically under qualified for engaging in this task, the Provider shall work with the Programme Support Team (PST) and the concerned LG to identify personnel from other relevant local institutions as an interim solution and until qualified LG personnel are made available.

This engagement will be critical for ensuring the adaptability of the methodologies to local/LG needs and capacities and for planting sustainable long-term competence for performing such tasks by LG (and its local partners) in the future.
      
Scope of Work:

The exercise shall include:

    A review ,analysis and documentation of the achievements and the lessons learned as well as individual case studies/success stories in the implementing LGs;
    Recommendations to MoLG based on the analysis on how to improve assessment and decision making within management and peace building; and
    A validation workshop to present findings of the study.

The scope of the Lessons learned documentation shall be based upon the DDP-III and UNJP-3 inventory of interventions available.

The study design and selection of interventions shall be decided in connection with the preparation of the commissioned consultant's inception report to MoLG.

Study design and methodology:

Prior to starting work, the consultant is expected to prepare a detailed work plan and methodology to be reviewed by MoLG. The Lessons Learned Exercise (LLE) will involve fieldwork and is expected to employ a mix of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Some of the suggested approaches are provided below; however it should be clear that the consultant is responsible for revising the approach as necessary with approval from MoLG.

    Desk review: Extensive background reading, literature review and desk research into existing project documentation. A number of documents that should be reviewed will include the following: the DDP-III project document, work plans, project profiles, LED Facilitators reports, LED Strategy, and other relevant documents.
    Primary Data Collection: Primary data collection will be through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant interviews, meetings with LG officials and relevant line ministry offices, and field visits to the selected project sites, in the following districts: Kayunga, Busia, Isingiro, Nwoya, Amuru, Lamwo, Kitgum and Arua.
    Case Study: The exercise will also follow a case study approach to enable an in-depth review from project formulation, decision making, and implementation to results. At least one case study under each allocations/rounds will be expected.
    Evidence based information: The LLE must provide evidence-based information that is credible, reliable and useful.  It must be easily understood by stakeholders and applicable. The exercise is also expected to follow a participatory and consultative approach ensuring close engagement with government counterparts, PUNOs, Implementing Partners and other key stakeholders.

Although the team, upon conduct of the review, should feel free to discuss with the authorities concerned, all matters relevant to the assignment, it is not authorized to make any commitment or statement on behalf of the MoLG, UNCDF, UNDP or other Implementing Partners.

Reporting and timing:

The key deliverables expected from this exercise include:

    Inception report on the feasibility of the exercise, with suggested changes to TOR and methodology to facilitate the implementation of the LLE in accordance with the agreed TOR;
    Detailed work plan with timeline, case study reports following agreed upon table of contents and methodology including questionnaires for primary data collection;
    ‘Zero’ draft submission to share with MoLG for comments. The draft submission should include; a report documenting Lessons learned, electronic and hard copy;
    Final draft submission and presentation to MoLG; The final draft submission should include; a report documenting Lessons learned ,in both electronic and hard copy;
    Final LLE submission for dissemination. The draft submission should include; a report documenting Lessons learned,  in both electronic and hard copy.

The outline for the Final LLE Report shall be presented in English in line with the following proposed outline:

1. Title
2. Acronyms, table of contents
3. Executive Summary
4. Introduction
4.1 Background
4.2 Purpose
5. Methodology
6. The Context (past and present situation, strengths and challenges)
7. Findings (Lessons Learned):
7.1 Development Effectiveness
7.2 Operational Effectiveness
8. Recommendations (based on Lessons Learned)
9. Summary and Conclusion
10. Annexes (Case study reports, list of persons interviewed and sites visited; data collection instruments; TOR for the exercise; and other relevant documents)

Duration of assignment:

The assignment will be carried out in a period of 45 working days from the date of signing of contract.

Competencies

Competencies, skills and experience:

 The following competencies and skills are required:

    The consultant should have extensive experience in conducting lessons learned review and evaluations, strong working knowledge of , MoLG, UN Coordination and UN Agencies, the civil society and working with government authorities.
    Excellent practical and theoretical understanding of humanitarian, recovery and development work in developing countries. Experience in Uganda and/or regional experiences is an added value.
    Strong knowledge of Results Based Management and Logical Framework analysis.
    Strong knowledge in data collection, analysis and presentation.
    Well developed interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible in demanding situations.
    Strong analytical, presentation and interpersonal skills.
    Demonstrated understanding of integrating gender and diversity issues in multi-sector programmes.
    Excellent written and spoken English.

Experience:

     At least 10 years of professional experiences in development work, especially in post-conflict countries, in programme evaluation, impact assessment including strong reporting skills.








Required Skills and Experience

The assignment will require experienced person with a Masters Degree in Economic (Micro) analysis, Local Economic Development, Public administration and particularly, Local Economic and Business assessment.

Application Process:

Preparation of Proposals:

Language: Proposals prepared by the Bidder and all correspondence and documents relating to the proposal exchanged by the bidder and the procuring UNDP entity shall be in English.

Documents comprising as proposals:

Proposal shall comprise of the following documents:

    Proposal submission – online application at the following address: http://jobs.undp.org
    Technical Proposal – suggested outline for technical proposal:
    a. The offerers interpretation of the assignment;
    b. Clarifications and or suggestions on scope of assignment;
    c. Approach and Methodology for undertaking the assignment along with timelines;
    Any additional information that demonstrates individual capacity to undertake the proposed assignment. 

Proposal Price:

The financial proposal will indicate the price which will be in Uganda Shillings.

Payment Schedule:

The payment will be made in three installments:

    20 % of total costs upon the reception and approval of the inception report
    50 % of total costs  upon the reception of the approved first draft report
    30 % of total costs upon the reception of the final report


How to Apply:
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=31607

Deadline: 3rd Aug 2012