National Technical Support, Sustaining Peace in Bougainville, Post Referendum (Retainer)

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

UN Women, alongside UNDP and UNFPA, is implementing a peacebuilding project titled ‘Sustaining Peace in Bougainville - Post-Referendum Support’ (2022-2025) in support of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) has three main pillars: weapons disposal, operationalizing Bougainville's new autonomy powers, and holding a referendum within 15 years of Bougainville's 2005 Constitution to provide guidance on whether the people wanted independence from PNG or some other form of governance. The referendum, held in December 2019, saw 97.7% of voters choosing independence from PNG, and the process was inclusive and genuinely representative of the people's will, with the results widely and peacefully accepted. Bougainville has entered the post-Referendum period, and negotiations are anticipated to take up to five years.

In the lead up to the referendum, efforts were made across Bougainville to support the peace process, remove weapons from communities, and reconcile those communities and groups divided by the conflict. Since the vote, the GoPOPNG and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have signed three key agreements negotiated between the two governments, namely the Sharp Agreement, the Wabag Road Map, and the Era Kone Covenant.

There is a clear expectation that in the post-Referendum context, Bougainville people will be more economically prosperous and will have sustainable livelihoods that bring in good revenue. However, there are very few formal employment opportunities within Bougainville, and even fewer opportunities for those in communities that remain outside the peace process. To avoid an over-reliance on the mining sector as the primary option for future economic development in ARoB, there is strong demand for investment in the agriculture sector, where 87 percent of the population work a livelihood cash crop (such as copra, cocoa, livestock, fisheries, and eco-tourism). Agriculture potentially offers more opportunities than mining and has lower barriers to participation. This support is critical to widening the economic base to activities that are rural and women-centric.

The overall objective of the UN’s support is to continue facilitating mutual and collaborative partnerships between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to:

• Peacefully progress the implementation of post-Referendum priorities as determined by the two Governments.
• Support communities across PNG and Bougainville to understand and buy-into the outcomes of the post-Referendum negotiations and their implementation to support ongoing peace and inclusive sustainable development across PNG and Bougainville.

As part of this project UN Women is supporting Outcome 3: Peace-supporting businesses are established in collaboration with local governments to address spoilers of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The aim of this work is to strengthen community cohesion and buy-in to the broader political elements of the post-referendum process by supporting the development of livelihoods’ opportunities, recognising that economic development is critical for the future stability of Bougainville.

This outcome will focus on promoting local economic development (LED) in conflict-prone/fragile communities in Bougainville by working with communities to identify market opportunities that link to the drivers of conflict. This approach provides a peacebuilding strategy that seeks to disrupt cycles of violence through socially and materially incentivising non-violent alternatives that promote conflict resolution, positive social identities and status, in conjunction with material gain. In addition, this approach will provide an economic incentive for outlier and conflict-prone communities to connect into regional economic processes, which will serve as an entry point for these communities to be brought into the post-referendum process through awareness-raising activities.  

Reporting to the UNW Sustaining Peace Project Manager, the consultant will provide support to the Sustaining Peace in Bougainville - Post-Referendum Support project in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision and guidance of the UNW Sustaining Peace Project Manager, and UN Women Deputy Representative the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide technical support in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the project.
• Support sensitisation and awareness amongst pilot communities of project activities and facilitate UN Women’s entry into the communities.
• Support stakeholder consultations, including with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, local Government representatives and key ABG Departments), ex-combatants, pilot communities and relevant civil society organisations.
• Collect and analyse relevant documentation and consolidate knowledge, experience, good practices and lessons learned.
• Support the project in risk identification and mitigation measures in each of the pilot communities.           

Expected Deliverables

In consultation with the Sustaining Peace Project Manager, the WPPL Consultant will produce on a retainer basis:

All the deliverables, including annexes, notes and reports should be submitted in writing in English. Upon receipt of the deliverables and prior to the payment of the first installment, the deliverables and related reports and documents will be reviewed and approved by UN Women. The period of the review is one week after receipt.  

Competencies

Core Values: 

• Respect for Diversity 
• Integrity 
• Professionalism 

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: 

Functional Competencies: 

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and proactively solve problem;
• Capacity to plan, prioritise and deliver tasks on time;
• Capacity to engage with national and international staff, provide clear feedback and maintain effective rapport with different kinds of people;
• Actively work towards continuing learning and sharing with others to support local capacity development;
• Required experience and qualifications 

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Completion of Bachelor’s degree

Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in providing assistance and coordination support to government, CSOs and development partners.
• Experience in peacebuilding, specifically on gender-responsive peacebuilding.
• Experience in coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating development programmes and projects is an asset.
• Experience in supporting a team.
• Experience in Bougainville is required.
• Demonstrated experience working in at least two of the three pilot communities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Kon’nou, Tonnu and Bolave)

Language and other skills

• Good command of English both written and oral
• Ability to communicate in Tok Pisin is required.
• Working knowledge of another local language is an asset.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.                      

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis:

• Technical Qualification (100 points) weight; [70%]
• Financial Proposal (100 points) weight; [30%]

A two-stage procedure is utilised in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical qualification evaluation will be evaluated.

1. Technical qualification evaluation criteria:
2. The selection process will be carried out through a desk review, in which first a formal verification that the applications comply with the documentary evidence to be examined and the minimum requirements established for the consultancy. Then, the technical evaluation of the applications received is carried out, which will be qualified based on the technical requirements established in the following qualification table:                                                                  

1. Technical Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score                                    

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidate.

2. Financial/Price Proposal evaluation:

Annex I and II is shared herewith, below, to set the guidance to submission/s of financial proposals.

1. Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated.
2. The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100 (30%).
3. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation.
4. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
5. The prospective Individual Consultant should take the following explanations into account during submission of his/her price proposal:

® The consultant’s daily rate estimated to complete deliverables. Please note that UN Women solely pays upon submission of deliverables.

® The daily price proposal should indicate a "lump sum amount" which is "all-inclusive"; All costs (professional fees, communications, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor needs to be factored into the proposed price. Airfare, daily subsistence allowance and terminal payments for travel outside of Papua New Guinea will be paid directly by UN Women and are not required to be included in the lump sum amount.

® UN Women will not withhold any amount of the payments for tax and/or social security related payments. UN Women shall have no liability for taxes, duties or other similar charges payable by the Individual Contractor in respect of any amounts paid to the Individual Contractor under this Contract, and the Contractor acknowledges that UN Women will not issue any statements of earnings to the Individual contractor in respect of any such payments.

® Currency of the price proposal. The applicants are requested to submit their price proposals in PGK. In case of proposals in other currency, these shall be converted into PGK using the official UN exchange rate for currency conversion to PGK at the date of applications’ submission deadline.

Annex I: Price Proposal Guideline

The prospective Individual Consultant should take the following explanations into account during submission of his/her price proposal.

Daily fee

The daily price proposal should All Inclusive, all cost that could possibly be incurred by the Consultant needs to be factored into the proposed price.

UN Women will not withhold any amount of the payments for tax and/or social security related payments. UN Women shall have no liability for taxes, duties or other similar charges payable by the Individual Contractor in respect of any amounts paid to the Individual Contractor under this Contract, and the Contractor acknowledges that UN Women will not issue any statements of earnings to the Individual contractor in respect of any such payments.

Travel costs

Travel is anticipated however will be covered by UN Women as and when needed. These costs cannot be included in the financial proposal

Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA)

There is travel anticipated for the consultant, however DSA costs will be covered by UN Women and should not be included in the financial proposal.

Currency of the price proposal

The applicants are requested to submit their price proposals in PGK. In case of proposals in other currency, these shall be converted into PGK using the official UN exchange rate for currency conversion to PGK at the date of applications’ submission deadline. The financial proposal must be submitted in the form specified in the Annex II                                                                                       

Submission of application                                                                   

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit electronic applications to UNDP Jobs link:                                                  

Submission package includes:

• Personal History Form (P11): 
• Examples of previous work related to inclusive governance area with specific emphasis on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Financial proposal which shall specify the daily professional fee.                                                                    

Duration

Maximum of 120 days – 6 May 2024 to 30 April 2025, UN Women does not warrant that the maximum value of the contract will be utilized during the term of the Agreement.

Diversity and Inclusion

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.  

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.  

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.  All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Annex II: Price Proposal Submission Form

[ Mandatory document for the Consultant to complete and submit ]

To:          United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Ref:                      

[ name of consultancy position ]

Dear Sir / Madam,
 

I, the undersigned, offer to provide professional consulting services to UN Women within the scope of the referred Assignment.

Having examined, understood and agreed to the Terms of Reference and its annexes, the receipt of which are hereby duly acknowledged, I, the undersigned, offer to deliver professional services, in conformity with the Terms of Reference. My maximum total price proposal for the assignment is given below:

I confirm that my financial proposal will remain unchanged. I also confirm that the price that I quote is PGK gross, and is inclusive of all legal expenses, including but not limited to social security, income tax, pension, etc., which shall be required applicable laws.

I agree that my proposal shall remain binding upon me for the duration of the contract timeline i.e.

_________days / weeks / months / year. I understand that you are not bound to accept any proposal you may receive.

1 Cost proposal can be presented in detailed monthly breakup where applicable.