TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS

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1 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS ASSIGNMENT TITLE: International Planning/Budgeting Expert Discussion Paper - Integration of the SDGs into Myanmar s Planning and Budgeting Frameworks DURATION: 1 March 30 June REPORTING LINE: Overall UNDP Development Planning and Effectiveness Specialist Technical UNDP Policy Advisor DUTY STATION: Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with in-country missions 1) General Background In September 201, the Republic of Union of Myanmar adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit. The State Counsellor stated at the 71 st United Nations General Assembly 1 that Myanmar's 2016 national economic and development policy is designed to meet many of the Sustainable Development Goals, including the enhancement of infrastructure investment, agriculture, private sector, SMEs and, in particular, poverty alleviation. Work on the SDGs is being led by the Ministry of Planning and Finance (MoPF) which also serves as the secretary of the President-led Planning Commission and Finance Commission, as well as the newly formed State Counsellor-led Development Assistance Coordination Unit (DACU). With support from UNDP, the Ministry has coordinated efforts to raise awareness on the SDGs among different Ministries at both the national and subnational level. In addition, other UN agencies such as UNFPA, UNICEF, UNWOMEN, and WFP have started sensitizing their government counterparts on specific goals of the SDGs. Currently, the Central Statistical Organization/MoPF is producing Myanmar s First Statistical Baseline Report on the SDGs. The Ministry of Planning and Finance(MoPF) has sought UNDP s support to come up with options on how to integrate the SDGs and the principles at the heart of the SDG s 2 into government planning/budgeting frameworks. Overall guidance will be provided by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Finance and the Team Leader of UNDP Myanmar Democratic Governance Pillar. UNDP will provide to MoPF a group of SDG experts to work with a team of MoPF staff. The team leader of the MoPF team is expected to lead the development of the discussion paper and lead the drafting process. The MoPF team will include 1-2 focal officials from the Budget Department, Planning Department, Central Statistical Organization, and Progress Appraisal & Progress 1 Link to the Statement of the State Counsellor: 2 The SDG principles include: inclusivity, participatory approach, use of data, quality development (results-driven development), policy coherence and human rights-based approach. Among these, the discussion paper will focus on use of data and policy coherence principles, which are viewed as entry points, in Myanmar s planning and budgeting context, to effectively achieve the rest of the SDG principles. 1

2 Reporting Department, pending availability. The UNDP consultancy team will include: one International Policy Advisor(UNDP staff), one International Planning/Budgeting Expert(consultant), and one UNDP National Officer(UNDP staff). This Terms of References (ToR) is for the International Planning/Budgeting Expert. Within the government, there is a high level of commitment to achieve the SDGs. The time is now right for the Government of Myanmar to move beyond stated commitments to the SDG s and awareness raising efforts to ensure that policies and systems are put in place to help achieve SDG implementation. Further work is needed to determine where the entry points lie for effectively using the SDGs and their targets and indicators to influence development policies and the planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation of development interventions. Development plans and policy setting are largely concentrated at the Union level and compartmentalized by individual departments, whilst bottom-up planning and budgeting start at the Township level in Region/State. Integrating the SDGs into the planning/budgeting frameworks 3 is key for the successful achievement of the SDGs. 2) Objectives of the Assignment The key objective of this assignment is to work with the Ministry of Planning and Finance (MoPF) to develop a discussion paper which sets out options for how Myanmar can integrate the SDGs and its principles use of data and policy coherence 4 - into planning and budgeting frameworks, covering both national and sub-national level. An additional objective of the work is through joint working with the staff of the Ministry of Planning and Finance to build capacity among government staff to strengthen their understanding of the SDGs and its principles, analyze current practices, and self-identify areas where they find useful to integrate the SDGs and its principles to the planning and budgeting frameworks. The wider objective of producing this paper is to serve as a resource for discussions to deepen commitment, partnerships and advocacy towards the achievement of the SDG goals and targets. The discussion paper will aim to discuss the following key aspects, but not limited to: 1. Identify elements of Myanmar s current planning and budgeting frameworks and processes at both national and sub-national level (from township level to union level) that are relevant to the Agenda for 2030 framework and SDG principles. 2. More specifically, possibly in two separate sections, analyze how data is used and policy coherence (i.e. cross-sectoral coordination) is practiced at the different levels of the government to inform planning and budgeting frameworks? 3 Planning/budgeting frameworks refer to the entire cycle of the planning and budgeting processes, including the stages of planning, implementing, and monitoring. 4 Policy coherence refers to fostering synergies across economic, social and environmental policy areas by identifying trade-offs and spill-overs among those policies. Both qualitative and quantitative data. 2

3 3. Based on the above findings, what are the entry points to ensure that SDG data 6 informs planning and budgeting decisions and cross-sectoral coordination? 4. What structures and processes are there in place in other countries to integrate the SDGs into planning and budgeting processes? What are the lessons learnt for Myanmar?. Present options on how Myanmar can integrate the SDGs and its principles use of data and cross-sectoral coordination - into planning and budgeting frameworks. Outline the key steps to operationalize each option. 3) Scope of Work The development of the discussion paper is expected to be led by the team of MoPF staff, of which the team leader will act as the main author. In this ToR, the planning and budgeting frameworks refer to the entire cycle of the planning and budgeting processes, including the stages of planning, implementing, and monitoring. The major steps in producing the discussion paper in close collaboration with a team of MoPF staff and UNDP consultancy team will be: 1. Research and review: a. key national and international reports on Myanmar s planning and budgeting frameworks b. Myanmar Economic Policy and sectoral policies/strategies/plans c. MDG/SDG reference materials (MDG lessons learned, UNDG guidance notes on SDG, UNDP strategy for implementing the SDG, UNDP evaluation reports from the SDG trainings in States/Regions, other countries examples, etc.) d. Any other relevant materials 2. Develop a methodological note (max. 10 pages) outlining: a. Summary of the team s understanding of the planning and budgeting frameworks and their related processes, roles and decision points among the government departments from the Township to the Union level (max. 3 pages, using diagram); b. Summary of the team s understanding about the principles of the SDGs (max. 2 pages); c. List of areas where gaps of information exist that the team will address during the initial time in the duty station through interviews with government departments and the Public Financial Management Sector Working Group (max. 1 page); d. List of other countries SDG integration approaches/processes that the team will look at, supported by rationale for choosing those countries (max. 1 page); 6 Both qualitative and quantitative data. 3

4 e. The team s work approaches and work processes taken for this assignment, highlighting how the team will initiate the work process with the MoPF team, undertake the joint assessment, support MoPF s development of the discussion paper, and provide technical support to MoPF to present the recommendations to relevant government departments at both national and sub-national level (max. 2 pages). Capacity development of MoPF team should be at the core of the entire approach; and f. An outline of the discussion paper (max. 1 page) 3. Provide technical support to MoPF, through on-the-job coaching/trainings, or other forms of capacity development approaches tailored to local context, to strengthen their understanding of the SDGs, analyze current practices, self-identify areas where they find useful to integrate the SDGs and its principles into their planning and budgeting frameworks. 4. Provide on-the-job coaching to the team leader and relevant members of the MoPF team on the writing techniques in order to support their drafting of the discussion paper (max. 1 pages).. Provide editorial support to finalize the discussion paper and technical assistance to MoPF to present the final draft of the discussion paper to senior level government representatives, and other stakeholders such as development partners, civil society organizations, and academia. 6. Develop recommendations on the steps to operationalize the options presented in the discussion paper (max. 3 pages per option). 7. Develop a brief lessons learned report (max. 3 pages, following the UNDP template). This should also document the capacity baseline and increased capacities, supported by quantitative and qualitative evidence. During the above steps, the members of the UNDP consultancy team are responsible for the following key tasks: International Policy Advisor (UNDP staff): Time commitment: Up to 30 days, combined with in-country missions and remote coaching. Up to 22 days are planned for in-country guidance. The field presence of the UNDP Policy Advisor will remain flexible, depending on the status of the team s deliverables. Act as the technical lead, by: 1. guiding the development of the methodology; 2. leading the preparation of the introductory SDG training for MoPF team; 3. providing technical direction to the joint UNDP and MoPF team members; 4. ensuring high quality of the joint team s deliverables;. leading technical capacity development of the MoPF team by assessing their existing technical capacities and identifying capacity development approaches that are tailored to the local context; 6. acting as the final editor for the discussion paper and the presentation file of the discussion paper (MoPF team leader will be responsible for drafting the discussion paper); and 4

5 7. guiding the development of recommendations section, which shall propose next steps to operationalize each options presented in the discussion paper. International Planning/Budgeting Expert (consultant): Time commitment: Up to 6 fee days, with about 70-80% of time spent in Nay Pyi Taw and other in-country missions and the remaining home based. The field presence of the International Planning/Budgeting Expert will be determined by the UNDP Policy Advisor, depending on the status of the team s deliverables. 1. Develop the draft methodology under the guidance of the UNDP Policy Advisor and finalize in consultation with the joint UNDP and MoPF team; 2. Provide on-going research support, by undertaking research to identify most relevant documents for the team, producing summary information for team s use, and managing the repository of all documents reviewed and materials produced by the team; 3. (for the UNDP consultancy team s i. provision of introductory SDG training to MoPF; ii. implementation of the on-the-job coaching activities and iii. development of the recommendation section of the discussion paper) Provide the introductory SDG training for the sessions agreed with the UNDP Policy Advisor, develop presentations for the on-the-job coaching sessions, and draft the recommendation section; 4. Provide on-the-job coaching to the relevant government departments, in accordance with the directions and division of roles agreed with the UNDP Policy Advisor;. Act as the first editor for the discussion paper and the presentation file of the discussion paper (MoPF team leader is expected to be responsible for drafting the discussion paper); 6. Schedule assessment meetings, in-country missions and virtual discussions with other countries key contacts, once agreed with the UNDP Policy Advisor; and 7. Produce a weekly status update based on the form agreed with UNDP. National Programme Analyst (UNDP Staff): Time commitment: Up to 4 days in Nay Pyi Taw or other designated Regions/States, combined with remote work. The field presence of the National Programme Analyst will be determined by the UNDP Policy Advisor, depending on the status of the team s deliverables. 1. Provide inputs and insights on the context of Myanmar and on the existing planning/budgeting frameworks; 2. Participate in meetings with government counterparts and develop meeting minutes that should be available within the same day of the meetings; 3. Manage logistical and administrative arrangement of in-country travels by processing government protocols and UNDP procedures in a timely manner; 4. Manage contracting interpreter/translator as required; and

6 . Provide inputs to the deliverables, as required, and advise on the use of English and Myanmar terminologies in accordance of their use in the country (especially, relating to the names of the government departments, titles, and SDGs). 4) Duration of Assignment and Duty Station Duration of the assignment is from 1 March 30 June. The assignment is for a 13-week duration in total, with up to 6 fee days. Duty station is Nay Pyi Taw(NPT), with in-country travel(s) to selected Regions/States 7. ) Final Deliverables # Deliverable Deadline Expected location Payment instalments 1 Develop a draft methodological note based on the scope specified in Section 3. of the ToR (max. 10 pages) 24 March Home-based 10 % 2 - Provision of introductory SDG trainings to the MoPF team - Support finalization of the methodological note in collaboration with the joint team - Submit preliminary analysis from the field consultations 3 Provide on-the-job coaching, trainings, or other capacity development approaches tailored to local context, for MoPF team to analyze findings from the field and write a draft discussion paper (max. 1 pages, excluding annexes) 4 Provide on-the-job coaching for MoPF team to present discussion paper to relevant government officials and other stakeholders Provide on-the-job coaching and editorial support for MoPF team to finalize the discussion paper and the presentation file (max. 1 pages, excluding annexes) 19 May June 9 June 1 June NPT, with missions to selected Regions/States 0% NPT 20% NPT - NPT - 7 Regions/States to be decided in consultation with MoPF. 6

7 6 Develop the recommendation section to accompany the final discussion paper (max. 3 page per option) 7 Submit lessons learned report including the link to all documents referenced/produced by the team (max. 3 pages, excluding annexes) 20 June 26 June NPT - Home-based 20% 6) Provision of Monitoring and Progress Controls Under overall guidance of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Finance and Team Leader of UNDP Myanmar Democratic Governance Pillar, the consultant will be managed by the the UNDP Development Planning and Effectiveness Specialist and technically monitored by the UNDP Policy Advisor. 7) Institutional arrangements 1. Reimbursement for travel costs (per expert) will be provided as follows: Up to two international most direct and economy-class return airfares to and from YGN, based on actual receipted cost, not to exceed UNDP reference airfare for the travelled route. Living allowance at the rate of UN prevailing DSA based on actual nights spent and locations covered. Terminal allowance (lump-sum): USD 40 per one international round trip. UNDP will provide road or air transportations for duty travels in the country, including the route Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw to join the duty station. Visa expenses, based on actual receipted cost. 2. MoPF will provide administrative and logistical support for arranging the consultation meetings within the government. 3. UNDP will arrange all in-country missions for the combined MoPF and UNDP consultancy team. 4. UNDP will provide translators and interpreters as required. 7) Qualifications Master s degree in the fields related to international development, economics, public administration, or any other relevant field; At least 7 years of work experience in providing technical assistance to governments for their formulation of socio economic development plans and budgets at both national and sub-national level; Demonstrated evidence of planning/budgeting capacities built by the consultant within the governments; 7

8 Proven experience in working in teams with diverse backgrounds; Outstanding interpersonal, analytical, communication, and presentation skills; Outstanding report writing skills, evidenced by 2 sample reports; A high level of computer literacy particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Ability to follow deadlines, accuracy and attention to detail; Experience of working on the MDGs and/or SDGs is highly desirable; Experience in Myanmar is a strong advantage; Knowledge in the gender-sensitive budgeting is an advantage. 8) Competencies Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP; and Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, age, and conflict sensitivity and adaptability. 9) Selection criteria Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis of the technical evaluation (weight: 70%) and financial criteria (weight: 30%). Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points from the technical evaluation would be considered for the financial evaluation. Criteria Technical 100 Master s degree in the fields related to international development, economics, public administration, social science, or any other relevant field At least 7 years of work experience in providing technical 20 assistance to governments for their formulation of socio economic development plans and budgets at both national and sub-national level 20 Demonstrated evidence of planning/budgeting capacities built by the consultant within the governments Proven experience in working in teams with diverse backgrounds 10 Outstanding interpersonal, analytical, communication, and 10 presentation skills Outstanding report writing skills, evidenced by 2 sample reports 10 A high level of computer literacy particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 8

9 Ability to follow deadlines, accuracy and attention to detail Experience of working on the MDGs and/or SDGs is highly desirable Experience in Myanmar is a strong advantage Knowledge in the gender-sensitive budgeting is an advantage Financial ) Payment terms Output-based lump-sum payment with all costs inclusive, except for the support provided by UNDP as mentioned in under institutional arrangements. The contract price will be fixed regardless of changes in the cost components. In case of changes in scope of deliverables and estimated work days, the consultant and UNDP are required to agree on the changes in writing, in prior to proceeding with any actions deviating from this ToR. 11) Approval Prepared by: Ms. Hye Ran Kim Approved by: Ms. Emma Morley Programme Specialist, Development Planning and Effectiveness, Democratic Governance Pillar, UNDP Team Leader, Democratic Governance Pillar, UNDP Myanmar 9