Header

consultancy to assess the capacity of partner organizations to implement UNITAID funded projects in line with UNITAID requirements.

UNITAID is seeking proposals for a consultancy to assess the capacity of partner organizations to implement UNITAID funded projects in line with UNITAID requirements. The Terms of Reference below outline the proposed deliverables. The desired timeframe for the project: 15 May 2012 to 31 December 2012.

If you are interested please contact UNITAID at unitaid-proc@who.int by 4 May 2012, COB, for further instructions on how to submit the proposal.
Terms of Reference
Consultancy for Partner Assessment
Objective of the activity
UNITAID has received commitments of $2b since its inception in 2006 and has committed $1.7b to date to projects. It is likely to commit $300m in new funding in 2012. UNITAID funds innovative projects that are implemented by a number of diverse partner organizations, including international Non-Governmental Organizations and UN organizations. Projects are most often implemented by a consortium of organizations where one organization serves as the Lead partner. Partners submit proposals to UNITAID following calls for proposals. The proposals are assessed by the UNITAID Secretariat and an Expert Group. The Board is provided with those assessments and decides whether a proposal should be funded or not. The UNITAID Secretariat then negotiates and signs the grant agreement with the partner organization(s) and manages the grant.
The objective of the work is to assist the UNITAID’s finance team carry out initial and follow up assessments of the capacity of partner organizations to implement UNITAID funded projects in line with UNITAID requirements. The objectives and process of the assessment need to be “customized” to the particulars of the proposed project and partner(s). Financial and administrative management, control and accountability would constitute the focus of the assessment although the assessment would also review governance and management systems in relation to project and resource management, including consortium arrangements. Following the assessment, the Consultant would also be expected to make recommendations on the how related provisions of the grant agreement and the reporting and monitoring mechanisms should be adapted to minimize risks and optimize opportunities for an effective, efficient and economic use of UNITAID funds by the partner.
The Consultant would also be expected to help the Finance team continuously improve the tools used in connection with partner assessment and grant negotiation.
The approach taken by UNITAID on the financial aspects of grant management is described in Finance Guideline 5 that was approved by the Finance & Accountability Committee of the UNITAID Board and is attached to this invitation to bid.

Work to be performed
The Consultant would assist the Finance team in performing the assessment of the capacity of new potential partners to implement the project and the grant in line with the specific requirements of the proposed project as well as the more general UNITAID standards for management and use of UNITAID funds. The Consultant could also be called upon to assess specific aspects of an existing partner’s systems especially areas where weaknesses may have been identified before or where potential risks arise due to changes in the project implementation. UNITAID expects to have a minimum of five new partners this year and has twelve existing partners.
The work itself would be generally follow a process similar to that of an internal audit engagement even if the purpose of the consultancy is not to audit but rather gain an understanding of the nature and performance of the system to minimize risks and optimize performance for the benefit of the UNITAID-funded grant. The Consultant should carry out the work with independence and objectivity. The major steps would be as follows:
  • Together with the finance team, obtain a general understanding of the proposal, gather initial information on the proposed partner organizations already available within UNITAID or in public domain (e.g. on donor websites) and determine potential areas of focus for the assessment.
  • Plan the assessment in coordination with the partner organization. The plan would be developed on the basis of an initial risk analysis among other factors. The plan would be documented in a formal plan agreed to by all partners outlining in particular the areas to be assessed, the methods to be used, the counterparts to be interviewed and the timeline.
  • Conduct the assessment itself through interviews and document reviews. This would include an entry and an exit meeting as well as intermediary meetings in the course of the work. Regular updates would be provided to UNITAID as well and further guidance sought as necessary. The exit meeting should be documented.
  • Prepare a report with the results of the assessment and recommendations for UNITAID in terms of preconditions for concluding the agreement, the content of financial and administrative clauses in the agreement, the monitoring mechanisms and tools to be used including reporting.
  • Prepare a report with recommendations on how the tools used for the assessment and the assessment process itself could be improved. Any lessons learned from the recent assessment exercise would also be consigned here.
  • Any other relevant report that the Consultant and the Finance team think is necessary for management or technical purposes
The Consultant may also be called to participate in meetings related to partner assessments at UNITAID.


Place of Work
UNITAID is based in Geneva and meetings would take place there. The field work would be done at the partner’s offices. The foreseeable work in 2012 could take place for instance in Geneva, Brussels and New York.
Key Requirements-deliverables
For each assignment :
  • Entry meeting notes (to be shared with UNITAID)
  • Assignment plan
  • Quick updates during the field work
  • Exit meeting notes to be shared with the partner
  • Assessment report and recommendations
  • Recommendations for improvement of the tools used for the assessment
The Consultant may also be asked to participate in meetings convened by the finance team in relation to the assessment objectives and process.
Method and frequency of interaction required between UNITAID and the provider
The Consultant would be supervised by the Director of Finance and Administration and is expected to work very closely with the two Finance Officers. An initial general briefing would be provided. Each assignment would then be carried out in the same way as an audit or a financial review would with appropriate planning, involvement of the partner organization and timely reporting .

Job Email id: unitaid-proc(at)who.int
Download Attachment: Consultancy for Partner Assessment.pdf