Consultancy for Technical support in preparation of a Population Policy for Samoa, and the Solomon Islands

Opening for Consultancy

Duty Station: Home based, Solomon Islands and Samoa

Deadline for applications: 30 May 2014

Duration of Period: 3 months

Organization Unit UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office, Suva, Fiji

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background and Purpose

In the context of an enhanced global support programme for the 2010 Round of Population and Housing Censuses, the PSRO is involved in supporting multiple countries in the Pacific region with their Population and Housing Census operations. This support covers technical and programme support at various stages of census operations, in partnership with National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). As part of this support, UNFPA assists Pacific countries with census data analysis that would be useful for policy development.

UNFPA assistance in census data analysis include the provision of technical assistance and capacity building to prepare census analytical reports, as well as topical in-depth census monographs, which was identified by countries as being of particular concern or interest. In addition, a number of countries requested assistance with the preparation of their Population Policies. The preparations of the reports aim on the one hand at capacity development of national staff (NSO and other government departments), and on the other hand at utilization of census data for the purpose of evidence-based policy information or formulation.

The above two countries requested UNFPA’s technical assistance in the preparation of their respective Population Policies. In the case of Solomon Islands, the work involves the revision of a draft policy document. The TOR covers the provision of technical advisory services in relation to preparation and finalization of these two country policies.

The work involved by a consultant or consultancy firm is expected to take place over an extended period of time, in the form of multiple short-term missions and desk-based assignments.

The work under the TOR involves as primary beneficiaries:

· Governments of Samoa, and the Solomon Islands;

· Staff of respective National Statistics and Planning Offices in these two countries;

· Main in-country stakeholders;

· UNFPA Pacific Sub-regional Office.

The work is to be carried out with substantive participation for capacity building purposes of national counterparts in utilizing data for policy formulation and the process of policy formulation itself.

Work plan

It is anticipated that delivery of the final Population Policy document of each country will be within a 3-months period commencing at the time of the 1st in-country mission. Both policy documents should be finalized by 31 October 2014.

The TOR implies the following duties (per Population Policy):

LocationActivity Output In-country 1st in-country mission (2 weeks):

Sourcing of data, data analysis, training of NSO staff in data analysis and policy formulation.

Undertake first national consultation 1. Review of analytical tables/graphs, and skills of NSO staff in the area of data analysis and policy formulation enhanced. Home/Desk-based Preparation of (1) draft policy document, (2) a PowerPoint presentation of main findings, and (3) Preparation of an in-country dissemination strategy of findings, conclusions, recommendations. 2. Draft policy document, PowerPoint slides, and Dissemination strategy prepared. In-country 2nd in-country mission (1 week):

Undertake 2nd national consultation to present/discuss draft and incorporate feedback into policy document.

Agree on sub-national consultation plan to be undertaken by government and dates for which feedback to be received by consultant’s on the draft policy document. 3. Stakeholder’s capacity/ understanding of topical issues enhanced, and use of information to develop/update evidence-based policies and programmes improved. Home/Desk-based After receiving comments and suggestions on draft policy document from UNFPA Technical Advisors and in-country stakeholders, prepare final policy document to country. 4. Final Policy document prepared, and submitted to Government for endorsement & publication.

Remuneration

As full consideration for the services performed by a consultant or consultancy firm under the terms of this agreement, UNFPA shall pay the consultant or consultancy firm upon certification that the services have been satisfactorily performed. The agreed lump sum fee will be paid in the following installments (per Population Policy):

Payment Phase40% upon agreement of the consultant’s proposal and commencement of 1st mission 30% upon submission of trip report of 1st mission, and delivery of Outputs 1 and 2 30% upon submission of trip report of 2nd mission, and delivery of Outputs 3 and 4

Specific conditions

The host country

• Ensures that the consultant or consultancy firm has available and easy access to all necessary data;
• Provides desk space for a consultant or consultancy firm in appropriate work environment;
• Facilitates and encourages communication between the consultant or consultancy firm and staff of NSO to ensure transfer of knowledge;
• Organizes venues and meetings with the consultant or consultancy firm and stakeholders to ensure effective dissemination of findings.

All outputs are to be delivered in electronic format, including intermediary outputs such as data files.

All outputs from this consultancy need to acknowledge UNFPA-PSRO and carry the UNFPA logo, and will become the intellectual property of UNFPA.

How to apply:

UNFPA PSRO invites a written proposal by completing the attached form.

Candidates must complete a United Nations Personal History (P.11) form, together with updated Curriculum Vitae. Applications without completed P.11 form will not be considered. The P.11 form as well as a complete Terms of Reference can be downloaded from the office web sitehttp://pacific.unfpa.org and application emailed to vacanciespsro@unfpa.org.

Application deadline: 30 May 2014.

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities, HIV/AIDS and gender