National Consultancy: Preparation of Project Document – Capacity Building to Aid Liaison Department (Ugandan Nationals Only)

In April 2010 UNDP and the Government of Uganda (GoU) endorsed the Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) 2010/11-2014/15, a five-year plan that guides the implementation of development interventions that respond to government priorities as stated in the National Development Plan (NDP). Aligning to national development priorities, the UN system in the country developed the United Nations Development Assistance framework (UNDAF 2010/11-2014/15) which aims to support the government in addressing challenges identified in the NDP. The CPAP therefore responds to the priorities as articulated in the UNDAF. The implementation of the current CPAP comes at a critical phase of Uganda’s development process when Uganda, through the NDP, plans to become a medium income country. As the country moves towards this goal, it will face increasingly complex challenges, including the increasing scarcity of Official Development Assistance (ODA). While the reduction of ODA will result in Uganda becoming more independent from external support, ODA will nonetheless continue to play an important role for years to come. Furthermore, Uganda’s commitment to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness demands that urgent steps be taken to increase the quality, transparency and accountability of the Official Development Aid. As the Government’s focal point for aid coordination in the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Aid Liaison Department (ALD) is faced with capacity challenges to effectively perform this function. These challenges include; weak information systems and monitoring and evaluation framework; weak coordination with other organs of government; lack of capacity to implement the new Partnership Policy; and need for integration of Uganda into South-south Cooperation. In order to meet these challenges, the capacities of ALD must be increased accordingly. Additionally, support to ALD is required in terms of building its capacities in Human Rights Based Approach to Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, procurement procedures, PRINCE 2 Certification, Results Based Management, negotiation skills, mutual accountability instruments, data treatment and analysis, software packages as well as provision of logistics and equipment such as computers, to enable ALD effectively carry out its aid coordination functions. With respect to the CPAP, there is need to provide training to the project implementing partners, and to strengthen UNDP’s programme quality assurance role. The consultant will therefore identify these capacity requirements which will be addressed systematically through this project. Scope of Work: The consultant is to prepare a project document with interventions to address the capacity constraints of the ALD in aid coordination, as well as to strengthen programme quality assurance roles. The consultancy will cover the key aspects below: Identification of the capacity gaps in ALD impeding their ability to effectively carry out their aid coordination functions. Identification of requirements to strengthen the programme quality assurance role of UNDP. Project scope should contribute to achieving the output by the end of the programming cycle. Selection of the appropriate implementing partner, responsible parties and collaborating partners to deliver the project. Develop annual work plans with outputs and activities, baselines, indicators and targets for the duration of the project. Integrate cross cutting issues such as gender, HIV/AIDS and environment and human rights-based approach to programming. Develop a monitoring and evaluation strategy in line with the CPAP and UNDAF M&E framework. Develop a clear partnership/collaboration strategy. Identify appropriate management arrangements with clear responsibilities for project management. Oversight/assurance; implementation and accountability for resources. Conduct an initial analysis of risks that will impact on the project formulation and implementation. Define a clear exit strategy for the project. To ensure project quality, the consultant will consult closely with UNDP and ALD and build on lessons learnt during the implementation of CPAP 2006-2010. Key operational principles to be considered in the project design are: Relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of project activities. Building national capacities and ownership. Strengthening capacity development. Promoting south-south cooperation. Focus on key cross cutting themes of UNDP programming

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant shall undertake the following activities: Attend detailed briefing on UNDP programming facilitated by the UNDP programme team. Review critical documentation/literature related to the CPAP and UNDP/UN programming. Present inception report and discussion guide for agreement with UNDP prior to consultations. Undertake consultations with key stakeholders from UNDP, ALD, and Implementing Partners. Identify areas of interventions that aim at achieving the objective of capacity building for programme oversight and quality assurance as outlined in the CPAP,. in particular section 6. Identify opportunities for resource mobilization and partnership. Present key findings and recommendations to stakeholders’ validation workshop and incorporate relevant comments into the draft project document. Make presentation at internal pre-Project Appraisal Committee(PAC) meeting with UNDP Senior Management and staff to review the revised draft project document . Make presentation of final draft project document at PAC meeting with selected key stakeholders including Government, proposed IPs and collaborating partners and incorporate comments for the finalisation of the project document. Key Deliverables: Inception report detailing the understanding/interpretation of the TORs, the methodology of carrying out the assignment, work plan, and implementation schedule as agreed upon with UNDP team. Draft project document. Presentations to stakeholder validation, Pre-PAC and PAC meetings. Final project document. The assignment is expected to take 30 working days from the signing of the contract and the consultants will be expected to be available on a full-time basis and deliver the outputs as per schedule proposed below: Output: Inception report is due 7 days after signing of contract. Presentation of findings to stakeholder validation meeting is due 21 days after signing contract. Draft project document is due 23 days after signing. Presentation of draft project document to pre-PAC meeting is due 27 days after signing. Final Project document is due 30 days after signing. Reporting Arrangements: The consultant will report to the team leader of the Poverty Reduction Unit, who will take the lead in providing technical backstopping; they will work closely with the programme consultants. At the conclusion of the deliverable, there will be a presentation to the programme team leaders in UNDP for review. The consultants will work under the overall guidance and leadership of the Country Director and Resident Representative.

Competencies

Technical Competencies: Strong leadership and task management competencies . Strong analytical skills. Personal Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards. Positive, constructive attitude to work. Ability to act professionally and flexibility to engage with government officials, donor representatives, private sector and communities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Postgraduate degree in Economics or related field. Experience: Minimum 7 years experience in project/programme formulation and management. Experience in addressing MDGs and cross-cutting issues like Gender. A good knowledge of UNDP and development context of Uganda. Experience in strategic planning. Knowledge of UN/UNDP programming is an added advantage. Experience in aid coordination is desirable Language: Good communication and writing skills in English. Application Procedure - applicants are required to submit an application and proposals, which include the following: Job Proposal: Letter of Interest. Explanation as to why you consider yourself suitable for the assignment. A brief methodology on the approach and implementation of the assignment. Personal CV Highlighting past experience in similar projects. Work references - contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees. Financial Proposal Please submit a financial proposal indicating consultancy fee in Ugandan Shillings, lump sum fee (with a breakdown) or unit price together with any other expenses related to the assignment. Please note that the system will only allow you to upload one document, therefore all the job and financial proposals are to be attached to the CV and uploaded together at once.

National Consultancy: Preparation of Project Document – Capacity Building to Aid Liaison Department (Ugandan Nationals Only)