Deadline: 2-Sep-22
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is pleased to announce proposals for Research Initiative: The Case for Building Drought Resilience in the Horn of Africa.
The objective of this assignment is to work closely with UNDP to support the overall design of the drought resilience programme through the production of a research/discussion paper on the economic case for resilience building in the HoA region, based on —among other components— a desktop situation analysis, and keyinformant interviews.
This discussion paper will form the basis of advocacy and communications content that will be used by UNDP senior management and partners to help sensitize and shape the new programme design around drought resilience building in the HoA region.
Contract Duration: The total duration of this consultancy is 50 days over a period of three months.
Expected Outputs & Deliverables
- Inception report outlining a proposed approach/parameters, work-plan and timeframes for this assignment
- Discussion paper on the economics of resilience building in the HoA region
- Content as inputs for UNDP senior management advocacy and communications.
Location of work
The consultancy will be home-based with the possibility of travel in relation to stakeholder consultations and validation of the discussion paper.
Eligibility Criteria
- Company (Firm) Profile:
- A minimum of 7 years’ experience in conducting research using primary and secondary data in the fields of drought resilience, socioeconomic drivers of vulnerability, political economy, and water and food issues in the Horn of Africa region
- Experience in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed data collection and analysis methodologies
- Experience interviewing cross-sectoral stakeholders to inform research and policy
- Experience in producing knowledge products such as policy briefs, thought pieces, opinion editorials, or peer-reviewed research articles
- Experience in producing advocacy and communications content to support key messaging and outreach to diverse audiences Ability to present a suitably qualified multi-disciplinary team (comprising a Team Leader with expertise in International Development, Economics, Climate Change, or other related and relevant disciplines, as well as a Communications & Advocacy Expert).
- Prior experience working in the Horn of Africa and/or Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia is essential.
- Previous experience of working with a UN agency or with any other international and multilateral agencies is an asset.
- Profiles of Project Team Members:
- Team Leader:
- Academic Qualifications: Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate level) in Climate Change, International Development Studies, Governance, or other related and relevant disciplines.
- Experience:
- At least fifteen (15) years of research and programming experience in the economics of resilience building and related disciplines/thematic areas
- Technical knowledge of the implications of extreme events (i.e., drought), climate change and governance for resilience, financing resilience, environment and other relevant fields is critical
- Excellent knowledge on innovation for development and preferably food systems transformation through training and/or education
- Good knowledge and practical experience at country and regional level in the Horn of Africa region
- Practical experience in other African regions is an advantage
- Excellent analytical and drafting skills are required with proven experience in report writing in English Previous experience with the UN, National and Regional entities, as well as with donors is required. Multiagency coordination experience is an advantage.
- Competencies:
- Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept responsibilities and ability to work independently; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; work in responsive and client-oriented manner.
- Accountability: ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
- Planning, effective organizational and problem-solving skills: ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work.
- Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Communication: excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards colleagues, but objective, without showing personal interest.
- Team Leader:
- Communications Expert
- Academic Qualifications: University degree in Communications, Social Sciences, Humanities, International Development, or related field.
- Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in delivering communications products on drought and other resilience-related issues such as climate change
- Practical experience in creative writing, editing and production of contents for development actors.
- Proven working experience in conceptualizing and designing knowledge products, with special emphasis on drought, water, and food issues.
- Familiarity with the development context and dynamics of the Horn of Africa region
- Competencies:
- Expert knowledge and experience in transforming complex narratives into coherent and individually appealing themes and stories
- Excellent creative writing and visuals skills, deployed to innovative and strategic thinking;
- Proven working experience in facilitating advocacy and communications work
- Excellent writing and communication skills in English
For more information, visit https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=94997
