Consultant to Support Implementation of SDG Philanthropy, Istanbul, Turkey

Closing date: Friday, 22 April 2016

Consultant to Support Implementation of SDG Philanthropy

Location : Istanbul, TURKEY

Application Deadline : 22-Apr-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Time left : 11d 22h 49m

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-May-2016

Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year (app. 220 working days)

Background

SDG Philanthropy Platform (The Platform or SDG PP) a vehicle for catalyzing multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance the global sustainable development agenda - a project that is implemented by UNDP jointly with Foundation Center and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The Platform is fostering a multi-stakeholder approach at country and global levels, as well as creating an interactive website www.SDGfunders.org, which captures philanthropic data and guides users through national development priorities and the SDGs. The Platform is incubating and deepening collective, innovative and transformative solutions to achieving the SDGs.

Spurred by the advocacy work of The Platform at key sectoral and UN led discussions, the philanthropic sector has emerged as an active stakeholder in the global conversation around the Post-2015 Development Agenda. At the Addis Ababa Financing for Development Conference, efforts focused on ensuring endorsement in the official text the recognition of philanthropy's role and its 'flexibility and capacity for innovation and taking risks and its ability to leverage additional funds'. Overall, SDG Philanthropy Platform reached out to more than 2000 organizations, more than 900foundations globally and in four pilot countries and facilitated greater awareness of philanthropy's role in promoting the new SDGs by organizing cross-sectoral convenings and participating in strategic events.

In four countries: Kenya, Colombia, Indonesia and Ghana, The Platform has been piloting the processes needed to create a systematic track towards the engagement of foundations in national planning and emerging models of SDGs planning. The Platform accelerates specific thematic collaboration for SDGs and bilaterally connects UN agencies and governments with foundations to explore synergies and access potential for joint programming and policy-making.In 2016 the SDG Philanthropy Platform is planning to start a process of strategic expansion and scalability to new countries as well deepening and structuring the service/value proposition of the Platform.. In the inaugural year of SDGs 2016 Platform is launching operations in three more countries: Zambia, India and Brazil. The Platform is designing pathways to collective engagement of philanthropy in the national SDG processes, including building local SDG commitment platforms, institutionalizing the mechanisms for collaboration in countries.

The expansion & scalability processes of the Platform build on the experiences from the first launching phase commenced in July 2014, which was centered on organizing multi-stakeholder dialogues, consolidating research about foundations and stakeholders operating in the countries and engaging in the initial policy discussions with governments. Based on the strong results from the first year, SDG Philanthropy Platform work ahead before SDG Philanthropy Platform reaches a point of scale. The recent team assessment set the vision for expansion and scalability.

SDG Philanthropy Platform is seeking International Consultant to support the implementation of scalability model for SDG Philanthropy Platform, which includes, but not limited to

• Documenting the process of launching the Platform in countries;
• Coordination of development/design of the diagnostic tools and guides capturing the experiences in pilot countries;
• Strategies that will drive scaling of the SDG PP beyond pilot countries, including resource mobilization;
• Using the SDG framework, including indicators as tools and strategies for deeper collaboration between governments philanthropy in SDG implementation in countries.

Duties and Responsibilities

Details of assignment

The consultancy will require a full-time presence in the UNDP premises, office space will be provided accordingly. No equipment will be provided on this consultancy. Only occasional travel is anticipated.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will be reporting to the SDG Philanthropy Platform Project Manager providing technical advice, coordinating and conducting research, synthesizing knowledge among the countries and partners and providing technical help with testing new approaches, supporting in organizing SDG PP events.

Consultant will report to the Project Manager monthly on the following key work streams

• Research and operational and administrative support with launching the catalytic fund facility, which test new ways of collaborating and engagement philanthropy in SDGs, in three countries: Kenya, Ghana, Zambia;
• Providing of technical advice and facilitation of knowledge building and learning environment, with focus on the following themes and objective: consolidating knowledge and information from the field regarding philanthropy government engagement for SDG implementation; philanthropic approaches to SDG implementation; using the SDG indicators for measuring progress and collaboration philanthropy-government- other stakeholders; guides and diagnostic tools to support the engagement of philanthropy in SDGs in multi-stakeholder collaboration;
• Research and proposing options for mechanisms for 'SDG commitment platform' for philanthropy in countries, which will be coordinated with government efforts, offer collaboration entry points and common review process for all countries where Platform operates. Research and technical advice concerning setting up an outreach strategies and community space for the commitment based platforms in countries.

In addition to the key work streams Consultant will

• Monthly updating the project CRM platform with names of new foundations, partners mapped in the project countries and globally;
• Support Project Manager with communicating results to key partners and preparing of donor reports;
• Support general outreach and resource mobilization for the project;
• Support the launching of Platform in Zambia, Brazil, India.

Detailed duties

Providing technical support in organizing philanthropy side event at the upcoming World Humanitarian Forum on 25 May 2016 in Istanbul.

• Updating and managing the invitation list;
• Coordinating communication with other similar UN efforts;
• Updating inputs from the partners on the agenda, key messages from the event;
• Preparing report from the event, with updated participates list, key messages and agreements reached by 30 May 2016.

Research and launching catalytic fund facility, to test new ways of collaborating and engagement philanthropy in SDGs, in three countries: Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, focusing on achievement of the following results and deliverables

• Conduct research and offer options for mechanisms driving and operating the catalytic fund facility, including identification of possible areas for support and interventions for the catalytic fund facility, criteria for participation, selection, monitoring and evaluation progress. Communication of the methodologies and processes to the Country Offices. Timeframe: concept note by 30 June 2016;
• Providing support with rolling out the Catalytic Fund focus on responding to questions to involved country offices, partners and donors regarding day to day running of the Fund, communication and monitoring and logging progress into CRM. Timeframe: Progress report monthly between July - December 2016;
• Coordinating inputs from partners to assess and review the Catalytic Fund, providing concept note with summarized inputs and suggestions to review the course by 30 January 2017.

Providing of technical advice and facilitation of knowledge building and learning environment, with focus on the following themes and objective

• Analysis and research of the opportunities for enhanced collaboration between philanthropy, the UN and governments in implementing the SDGs and national development plans. Identification and synthesis of best practices of models of collaboration, and lessons learnt which have impact on policies. By end of June 2016;
• Analysis and research consolidated into a concept note how philanthropy can use SDG in daily operations, specifically application of targets and indicators, collaborative approaches for philanthropy which are framed in SDGs. The research should build on global experiences as well as lessons learnt from the pilot countries. Concept note by end of July 2016;
• Research and analysis of innovative approaches of multistakeholder collaboration driven by SDG PP in the pilot countries. Concept note by 31 August 2016;
• Providing technical support in organizing UNGA side event for UN-philanthropy collaboration in SDGs, co-organized with Ford Foundation on 23 September 2016. Managing invitation list, coordinating agenda and tracking inputs from partners and preparing an event report, by 30 September.

Research and proposing mechanisms for 'SDG commitment platform' for philanthropy to share investments in SDG. Research and technical advice concerning setting up an outreach strategies and mechanisms of the philanthropic commitments, focusing on achievement of the following results/deliverables

• Research about various emerging commitment platforms, with focus on those which integrate SDG and are best fit for philanthropy and a mechanism such as the SDG Philanthropy Platform, including options of outreach strategies, operating principles and mechanisms of the commitment platform. Concept note by October 2016;
• Inputs from partners comments regarding the concept note in a summarized format by 15 December 2016;
• Providing support to roll out of the Commitment Platform in January 2017, with focus on responding to questions from the involved country offices, partners and donors, monitoring and logging in progress, spotting and troubleshooting with coordinating response with inputs from the project manager. A monthly progress report between January and April 2017.

Providing support in outreach to foundations to create strategic partnerships and resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results

• Analysis and research of information on potential donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization. Mapping by 30 May;
• Working with the Project Manager, support in preparing an outreach strategy to philanthropic foundations, UN Agencies, government institutions, as well as bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, following specific SDGPP project goals and involved countries' needs and donor's priorities. Bimonthly progress report between June - December 2016;
• Managing database of philanthropic partner using a CRM methodology, updating and generating reports for the project users in countries where the project is active. Bimonthly progress report between May 2016-April 2017.

Supporting Project Manager with communicating results to key partners and preparing of donor reports

• Tracking results in the annual action plan, integrating progress from countries. Bi-monthtly reports between May 2016-April 2017;
• Preparing donors reports, quarterly between May 2016-April 2017.

The results of the Consultants work will contribute to overall work of the Platform, specifically

• Increased number of foundations' goals and strategies are aligned with the SDGs in the target countries through commitment mechanisms;
• Increased number of local foundations share data and knowledge aiming enhanced program impact;
• Closer collaboration between foundations, the UN and governments in addressing SDG implementation - globally and in countries of operations;
• Governments more aware about positive development impact of philanthropic contributions to national development plans and SDG implementation;
• SDG Philanthropy Platform's enhanced Project management.

Payments will be made in monthly installments based upon the agreed daily rate that is expected to be all inclusive and also on the reports submitted as per the timelines dictated above.

Competencies

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.

Functional competencies

• Strategic vision, strong technical and analytical capabilities;
• Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations with country offices, advisors and partners;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, and negotiating skills, and the ability to cope with situations which may pose conflict;
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
• Ability to communicate the vision and strategies concisely and clearly;
• Excellent presentation skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent MS Office skills are required;
• Ability to accommodate additional demands on short notice;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• A proactive approach to achieving key results and a high level of thoroughness in a complex multitasking and matrix management environment;
• Ability to manage heavy workload and solve complex problems with minimum supervision.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master's Degree in International Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience

• Minimum five years of professional experience in one from the following: the private sector, philanthropy or the development sector;
• Minimum one year of experience of working with multi-stakeholder approaches in development and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships;
• Demonstrated management advisory experience;
• Demonstrated experience of project management, including track record of working with due diligence/risk management methodologies, managing databases (CRM) and reporting;
• Demonstrated experience working in/with developing countries.

Language skills

• Fluency in English is required (written and verbal);
• Working knowledge of other UN official language(s) is desirable.

Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' qualifications and financial proposal.The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (P11 desk reviews and interviews) and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job based on the P11 desk review will be invited for an interview.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

• Minimum five years of professional experience in one from the following: the private sector, philanthropy or the development sector- 10 points;
• Minimum one year of experience of working with multi-stakeholder approaches in development and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships-10 points;
• Demonstrated management advisory experience - 10 points;
• Demonstrated experience of project management, including track record of working with due diligence/risk management methodologies, managing databases (CRM) and reporting - 10 points;
• Demonstrated experience working in/with developing countries - 10 points;
• Interview - 20 points (Demonstrated experience of working in multistakeholder initiatives in complex development projects, Demonstrated familiarity with the Agenda2030 and Sustainable Development Goals and their application by the private sector, civil society or philanthropy.).

Only highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job based on the CV desk review will be invited for an interview.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

UNDP is applying fair and transparent selection process that would take into account both the technical qualification of Individual Consultants as well as their price proposals. The contract will be awarded to the candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores.

UNDP retains the right to contact references directly.

Application Procedure

The application submission is a two-step process. Failing to comply with the submission process may result in disqualifying the applications.

Step 1: Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications in UNDP job shop (Please note that only 1 (one) file can be uploaded therefore please include all docs in one file)

• Personal History Form (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 (the template can be downloaded from this link: http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc);
• Cover letter, including an explanation of why you are the most suitable for the work and how you would approach the opportunity and deliver on the stated priority areas.

Step 2: Submission of Financial Proposal Applicants are instructed to submit their financial proposals in US Dollars for this consultancy to bpps.procurement@undp.org using the financial proposal template available here: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=45780.

The proposals should be sent via email with the following subject heading: 'International Consultant to support implementation of SDG Philanthropy Platform' by the deadline for this vacancy. Proposals to be received after the deadline will be rejected. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal should be all-inclusive and include a breakdown. The term 'all-inclusive' implies that all costs (professional fees, travel to/from the duty station, communications, utilities, consumables, insurance, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the financial proposal. Mission related costs must not be included in the price offer as they will be covered separately as per UNDP rules and regulations.

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of project manager on delivering on the obligations of reports and deliverables in a satisfactory manner. Detailed work plan will be discussed and agreed with the selected candidate.

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.