Consultancy to further develop “Policy Options Notes” to inform the Food and Nutrition Security Strategy in Jordan
Background | |
Jordan is a resource-poor country of 6 million people (80% urban-based), without oil and with limited land and water resources. The major cereals consumed are wheat, maize and barley, the last of these being used as fodder. Jordan is self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables, poultry, and eggs and in about 50% of milk and dairy needs. But it relies heavily on imports of wheat, cereals and fodder and, in the absence of long-term supply contracts; it is a price-taker in international grain markets. The rise in global food prices since 2008, coupled with subsequent price volatility and supply shocks (most notably the 2010 Russian grain export ban), combined to increase Jordan’s vulnerability and threaten its ability to secure sufficient grain imports at affordable prices. The National Strategy for Agricultural Development (NSAD) 2002-2010 acknowledged a number of issues facing the agriculture sector in Jordan, including the need for food security at the national and household level. The main objectives of the strategy are to diversify and improve rural livelihoods by improving access of the rural population to technology and resources. The NSAD also emphasizes the revitalization of the rural economy by improving marketing in order to counter high post-harvest losses, poor quality control and standardization. To date, the Government of Jordan has approached food security mainly through 3 sectoral entry points:
Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the e-mail address randa.taweel@undp.org. Ms. Randa Al-Taweel will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Interested candidates can find detailed information in Procurement Notice and TOR posted at the following link: http://e-management.undp-jordan.org/vms/jobs.cfm *The definition of food security is that adopted at the World Food Summit in 1996: ‘Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life’ | |
Duties and Responsibilities | |
Objectives and Scope of Work: A Joint UN Programme (Food and Nutrition Security in Jordan towards poverty alleviation) is providing assistance to the Jordanian Government in the area of food security. The planned outcomes are that: (a) national food security response is enhanced and coordinated; (b) small-holder farmer sustainable food production is increased; (c) nutrition interventions and safety nets are strengthened and made more accessible; and (d) sustainable livelihoods and food security of the poor are enhanced/improved. A planned output 1 under the first outcome is the development of a 5-year National Food Security Strategy. The formulation of the strategy formulation is being supported by the UNDP and the implementing partner is the Ministry of Agriculture. In agreement with participating ministries and other organizations, the strategy will be prepared after review of policy in all areas embraced by food security considerations. In Jordan’s case, this includes agricultural and rural development, procurement and storage arrangements for grain imports, and social safety nets. The process of policy review has been initiated through policy notes which, in conjunction with subsequent consultative discussions, have the aim of identifying policy options and any further analysis needed before policy decisions can be made. To date, 7 such brief policy notes identifying principal policy options and possible areas for policy analysis have been prepared and have subsequently been the subject of stakeholder consultations leading to recommendations for policy analysis. The Policy Options Notes that need to be further developed are:
In addition to the above policy notes two further areas of policy analysis need to be analyzed as cross cutting issues in each paper during this assignment, due to their impact on food and nutrition security in Jordan: Limited water resources and cost of energy and their impact on food security. Assignment objective: The overall objective of this assignment is to further develop and build on the current Policy Notes, through undertaking further technical analysis for the identified policy options and consequently, the consultant will be required to conduct a comprehensive strategic analysis that will ultimately lead for the development of national Food and Nutrition Security strategy. The assignment shall be comprehensive and consultative. The consultation shall involve both internal staff of FSU, external supported staff at MoA, and PMA-UNDP. The assignment shall look at all critical areas and policies related to Food Security Strategy. Tasks:
Management Arrangements:
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies: Cumulative analysis. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. * Technical Criteria weight; [70%] * Financial Criteria weight; [30%] Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 50 points out of the 70 points of the technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Documents to be included when submitting the proposals: Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
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Competencies | |
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Required Skills and Experience | |
The Consultant(s) should possess knowledge and competence in technical and strategic analysis related to food security sector. Availability of both technical and strategic experience is required. Education:
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