Individual Consultants (Sr. Research) - UNDP (Apply by: 10 April 2014)

Individual Consultants-Sr. Research (Economics with gender Perspective)

Background

The Government of India has constituted a ‘High Level Committee (HLC) on the status of women\' to undertake a comprehensive study to understand the status of women as well as to evolve appropriate policy interventions based on a contemporary assessment of women\'s needs.

The High Level Committee (HLC) will examine the overall status of women including, inter-alia, the socio-economic, health and nutritional, legal and political status, disaggregated by rural / urban, economic and social position and wherever possible by minority status (e.g. muslims/others). The analysis would take into account the cross-regional differences and focus on inequalities both within and outside the household. It would also assess the impact made by existing policies and legislative changes on equality, security and holistic empowerment of women, and will identify inequalities in policy and legislation as well as gaps in implementation. In addition, the HLC would identify areas of intervention and recommend measures for affirmative action by the Government for the holistic empowerment of women. The HLC will present its report on the current socio-economic, political and legal status of women in India to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The report will also bring out the interconnectedness of these aspects in terms of their impact on women and recommend measures for holistic empowerment of women. To guide the journey of exploration and enquiry that HLCW is to embark upon, a comprehensive research both primary and secondary is required to articulate the critical issues which impact on equity, equality and social security of women. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in line with its mandate of promoting gender equality and women\'s empowerment is supporting the HLCW to initiate processes to map, identify and prioritize issues and to establish the philosophical underpinnings as well as guide the course of report formulation process. Within the scope of the above, it is proposed to engage an Expert: Senior Researcher - Economic with Gender Perspective.

Duties and Responsibilities

The expert will work under the overall supervision and will report to the Chairperson, High Level Committee on Status of Women with specific tasks as below:

Undertake literature reviews, map information currently available on the status of women and identify significant issues with specific emphasis on economic with gender perspective;

Examine, research and prepare working papers on various economic parameters and aspects with gender perspectives Write research briefs and participate in primary research to assist the HLCW in fulfilling its mandate;

Assist in the preparation of draft chapter on economic status;

Provide the HLCW members with information and data which is required in time and in a form that aids their efforts;

Draft monographs for discussions and the report including the background research necessary for these documents;

Support other members of the research team in inter-disciplinary studies.

Expected deliverable:

Policy brief and monographs;

Draft chapter on ‘economic with gender perspective;

Report on ‘Economic with Gender Perspective\' should include:

Historical analysis and trends since 1989;

Critical analysis of current situation;

Policy responses;

Emerging issues and concerns/gaps-challenges;

Policy recommendations and direction;

Highlight and document good practices in the area.

The guiding principles for preparing the paper are:

Inter-sectoral approach;

Inclusiveness;

Regional variations.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrable experience in independent research and documentation;

Ability to deal with large data-sets & primary data;

Familiarity with research, assessment and survey methodology and tools;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as strong analytical skills.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;

Positive, constructive attitude to work;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Strong personal commitment to gender equality and human rights.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master\'s degree in Economics, Statistics or related fields. M.Phil/Ph.D. degree in Economics desirable.

Professional Experience:

At least 8 years of relevant experience with demonstrated track record of having undertaken and led economic related research from gender perspective and on economic development and gender issues;

Experience in undertaking research on women\'s studies;

Expertise in statistics, econometrics statistical software and the ability to manage large data sets;

Experience of working closely with government department and social sectors is desirable;

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based and data management systems;

Language Requirement:

Excellent command of English is required;

Submission of proposal:

Financial Proposal:

Consultancy shall specify his/her per day consultancy rate;

Any travel with prior UNDP approval will be handled separately as per rules.

CV:

Consultant should submit his/her updated CV with three references.

Notes:

Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone etc. would not be reimbursed;

Individuals working with institutions may also apply, contract would be issued in the name of institution for the specific services of individual;

Please note proposals without financial proposal will not be considered;

CV and Financial proposal can be clubbed in one file for uploading.

Payment Schedule:

Consultancy fee would be paid monthly for actual days worked.

Cumulative analysis:

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive;

Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation;

Technical Criteria weight - 70%;

Financial Criteria weight - 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Criteria for Technical Evaluation would be as under:

Experience of working on women issues- 35%;

Experience in research and documentation with specific focus on Economics-35%

For any clarification please write to sandeep.sharma@undp.org.

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.

Deadline: 10 April 2014