Consultant for Preparation of the Methodology for Monitoring of the Implementation of the Decentralization Programme

The purpose of the UNDP and Ministry of Local Self-Government “Mid-term Decentralization Review” project is to support the Ministry of Local Self-government (MLSG) in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to undertake comprehensive analysis of the mid-term status of implementation of the reform of the local self-government system in the country and to design the new mid-term decentralization programme and a complementary Action Plan. UNDP and the Ministry of Local Self-Government seek an experienced international expert to assist the Ministry in preparation of the Methodology for monitoring of the implementation of the already adopted Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan. The recruited international expert is expected to work under the overall guidance of the UNDP Governance Unit Decentralization and Local Development Initiatives Coordinator and in close cooperation with the project team in the MLSG. Objectives: The objective of the assignment is to analyse the Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan and propose most appropriate and applicable Methodology for monitoring of the implementation of both policy documents, with focus on the Action Plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Based on the above-described objective of the assignment, the following tasks should be performed: Detailed analyses of the monitoring and evaluation specifics of the proposed measures and actions of the Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan; Identification of the actors that can play a functional role in monitoring of the implementation of the Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan; Assessment of the tools and procedures that have been used so far for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the decentralization process; Recommendations developed in accordance with best international practice for: Application of adequate M&E tools focused on a set of strategic indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan; Setting monitoring procedures for each particular M&E tool including identification of the data sources/providers and the potential data users; Achieving synergy between the sectoral M&E systems on both, the central and the local level and development of integrated and functional M&E system of the decentralisation process; Adjusting the internal organisational structure of Ministry of Local Self-Government with precise description of the monitoring and evaluation functions and specific job requirements related to monitoring and evaluation; Strengthening of the capacities of the MLSG and further development of its internal organisational structure in order M&E activities to be taken over and implemented in sustainable manner; How to use the different tools to produce one general more structured and singular monitoring and evaluation report on the decentralization process; Features of an optimal integrated database on the implementation of the decentralization process. The methodology of work will consist of a consultant home based desk review of the relevant documentation including the new and the previous Decentralization Programmes and related Action Plans, and relevant policy papers and reports on the implementation of the decentralization process in the country. The background empirical materials available in English will be provided to the consultant by the UNDP CO Skopje in electronic format. The proposed methodology will need to reflect sets of indicators and tools that correspond as much as possible to the EU agenda for growth and incorporate indicators reflecting the country’s decentralization and local development agenda versus the EU accession. The above described tasks shall be completed until 20th of June 2012. During the fulfilment of the assignment, the consultant shall ensure regular communication with the UNDP CO Skopje. The contractor shall ensure quality and timely delivery of the expected tasks and will regularly inform UNDP of the progress as well as any obstacles that might occur. Deliverables: The consultant is expected to deliver the following product: Methodology for monitoring of the implementation of the Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan. The content of the Methodology is expected to follow the structure below: Executive summary; Introduction, including description of the applied methodology and the work conducted; Findings and conclusions; Recommendations (minimum those that are required under the Chapter 3 of this ToR); Monitoring Plan with key strategic indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Decentralization Programme 2011 – 2014 and the complementary 2012 – 2014 Action Plan; An annex providing a brief summary of the key documents reviewed with the description of the key content / conclusions drawn. Reporting: The consultant shall report on the degree of the execution of the tasks described above directly to the UNDP Governance Unit Decentralization and Local Development Initiatives Coordinator. Duration of Assignment: The assignment should be completed in the period from 1-20 June 2012. The overall duration of the tasks covered by this ToR has been estimated to 7 days of consultant’s home based /desk-work to review the required documentation and to finalize the Methodology. No travel is envisaged as part of this assignment. Payment Schedule: 100 % will be paid upon successful completing of the assignment. 10 days will be required to review / approve deliverables prior to authorizing payment.

Competencies

Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of Excel.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master of Science in the field of economics, business/public administration, finance, law and or political sciences. PhD is an asset. Experience: At least 7 years of general professional experience in the area of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting with regard to implementation of public policies; Prior experience in monitoring and evaluation of decentralization and local government development processes is a plus. Application Procedure: The Consultant is expected to provide the following: United Nations Personnel History form (P-11) (CV of the Consultant); Financial offer – specifying a total lump sum in USD for the deliverables specified in the TOR; Reference list of similar work/projects and contact details of the clients. Evaluation of Offers: The offers will be evaluated based on the best value for money principle taking into account a combination of the applicants’ qualification and financial proposal (70% technical and 30 % financial offer). When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the 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. Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points: Master of Science in the field of economics, business/public administration, finance, law and or political sciences (PhD is an asset) – max points: 20 At least 7 years of general professional experience in the area of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting with regard to implementation of public policies – max points: 25 Prior experience in monitoring and evaluation of decentralization and local government development processes – max points: 25 Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points.

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.

Consultant for Preparation of the Methodology for Monitoring of the Implementation of the Decentralization Programme