Firms to Design and Publish Local Government Studies

One of the key result areas of the UNDP RSC is the development of knowledge products and enhancing availability of policy information through publications on local governance and development in the form of guides/manuals, policy briefs, technical reports and banners tailored to different target end users. These products enhance the quality of stakeholder dialogue and dissemination platforms, stakeholder meetings, policy round tables, workshops and seminars. Along these lines, the UNDP Regional Service Centre in partnership with the UNCDF and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) commissioned some studies on the state of local government in Eastern and Southern Africa. The studies were commissioned in response to regional realities and emerging priorities, as articulated in various fora and communiqué by groupings of African Ministers for Local Government at regional and continental levels i.e. African Ministerial Conference of Ministers of Local Government and Decentralization (AMCOD), East African Ministers of Local Government, SADC Ministers of Local Government Forum and the respective local government associations. The studies were aimed at establishing the baseline, highlighting good practice and identifying key issues affecting local governments focusing on a) decentralization b) local government funding, c) inclusive local service delivery and d) related local government capacity. The studies are currently being edited in readiness for design and publication. The UNDP Regional Service Centre, ESA is therefore inviting Expressions of Interest for professional design and publication of two (2) research reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment To design and publish the reports to enable UNDP RSC to communicate research findings effectively. Scope of work: The firm, in close consultation with UNDP Regional Service Centre, will professionally design and publish the following two (2) reports: Study on the state of local governments in Eastern Africa. Study on the state of local governments in Southern Africa. In designing the report, the various sections should be made reader-friendly and presented in a style that is suitable for several audiences including technocrats and country level and other experts; development partners; civil society and non-technical persons. Likewise the published product should conform to UNDP standards for such publications. Deliverables: Professionally designed and published study reports as follows: Publication titled "The State of Local Governments in Eastern Africa" Publication titled "The State of Local Government in Southern Africa" Soft copies of the 2 publications above, for online release (uploaded web content) The reports above should be in clear and polished form with updated acronyms, table of contents, streamlined references, appropriate pictures, graphs and illustrations, among other design details for similar assignments. The proposed cover and inside layout design will be pre-approved by UNDP. The Consultants may draw upon UNDP online database of images as appropriate.

Competencies

Core Competencies: The consultants should have qualifications and expertise related to communication, design and publication of such documents and other research-related publications. Experience in information and communication technology Demonstrated international experience in similar assignments, including designing and publishing policy documents for international and multi-lateral institutions. Exposure to similar policy-related work in countries in Eastern and Southern Africa will be an added advantage. Submission of proposals - Interested firms should submit the following: 'Quotation for the assignment Samples of recent designed and published works (last two years) such as books, reports, manuals, booklets, flyers and banners Profile capturing qualifications, knowledge and experience in similar assignments

Required Skills and Experience

The firm will be evaluated based on the lowest price and technically compliant offer. The award of a contract would be made to the consulting firm whose offer has been evaluated and determined as both: Responsive/compliant/acceptable (fully meeting the TOR provided) Offering the lowest price/cost

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.

Firms to Design and Publish Local Government Studies