Consultant – To review the Market Vendors Association / MVA Constitution, UN Women’s Markets for Change / M4C Programme

Background

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. The UN Women Pacific sub-region has four main thematic areas:

• Ending Violence against Women and Girls (EVAWG);
• Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) which includes the Markets for Change project (M4C);
• Humanitarian Response and Disaster Risk Reduction; and
• Women’s Political Empowerment and Leadership.

UN Women’s Markets for Change (M4C) Project is a six-year initiative promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment that focuses on marketplaces in rural and urban areas in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Given that between 60-80% of market vendors are women, with many more women reliant on market produce, the project’s goal is to ensure that marketplaces in rural and urban areas are safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory, promoting the gender, social and economic empowerment of market vendors, with specific attention to the needs and aspirations of women market vendors.

The project is based on a Theory of Change (ToC), which states that market vendors can be empowered within the market environment through a combination of implementation strategies. The Markets for Change project incorporates: the creation and strengthening of representative marketplace groups, which in turn strengthen women market vendors’ roles and influence; interventions focusing on financial literacy, access to financial services and increased participation in value chains; strengthening the accountability and capacity of market management, municipal and provincial governments to enable them to employ gender-responsive policies, procedures and decision-making processes that are receptive to the needs of market vendors, as well as to the design and construction of gender-responsive infrastructure and on-site services.

M4C has four main outcome areas which are:

• Outcome One:  Inclusive, effective and representative marketplace groups are created and grow, contributing to gender, social and economic advancement, the elimination of gender-based discrimination and violence, and expanded economic opportunities for women.

• Outcome Two: Improved socio-economic security of women market vendors 

• Outcome Three: Local Government and market management are gender responsive, effective and accountable to women market vendor needs.

• Outcome Four: Physical infrastructure and operating systems are improved to make markets more sustainable, resilient to disaster and climate change, safer and more accessible.

One of the focuses of M4C is to support the establishment and sustainability of inclusive effective representative market groups within the markets.  To achieve this, UN Women has been working alongside market vendors through a series of workshops to support them in establishing Market Vendor Associations (MVAs) and in identifying avenues to work meaningfully with market management and local government staff (Council management, relevant Ministry staff, Local Authorities and Municipal Councils). Local government and market management staff also require support towards improving governance and management skills including in leadership, communications, accountability and transparency which will better enable them to fulfill their functions.  The M4C project is also committed to developing tailored training for market management and local government staff.

M4C works with 12 market sites in Fiji, 2 in the Northern division (Labasa and Savusavu); 7 in the Western division (Sigatoka, Nadi, Namaka, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki) and 2 in the Central division (Suva and Nausori) and 1 (Levuka) in the Eastern division.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment

The Markets for Change project provides both formal training on a range of skill areas under the project outcome areas one, two and three.  These outcome areas seek to strengthen the capacity of market vendor’s associations, as well as enhance market vendors and market management skills.  There is a need to strengthen capacities to ensure market vendors and market attendants are well equipped to run the market vendors association. Having in place revised Market Vendor Association (MVA) constitutions will provide the MVA’s with governance structures and processes to manage and operate the associations better.

UN Women is seeking the services of individuals to can carry out the review for the Market Vendors Association constitution across the 12 associations in Fiji.  The review of the constitution methodology must reflect a gender inclusive approach and uphold good governance best practices. The service provider will review the current constitutions, edit, amend and revise the MVA Constitutions to ensure the market vendors are able to understand it and be able to put it in practice. The service Provider will need to consult with both MVA executives, and MVA members in the review.

Scope of Work/Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UN Women Project Manager, Markets for Change Fiji project, the Consultant will undertake consultation and review of Market Vendors Association constitutions for the following Market Vendors associations:

• Suva United Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Nausori Market Women Vendors Club Constitution
• Sigatoka Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Nadi Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Namaka Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Ba Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Tavua Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Lautoka Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Rakiraki Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Labasa Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Savusavu Market Vendors Association Constitution
• Levuka Market Vendors Association Constitution

For each project site, the Consultant will require a proposed schedule, adapted to national and local circumstances.

Duration of the Assignment

The duration of this assignment will be up to an estimated 40 working days (inclusive of travel time) to take place in Fiji. 

Expected Deliverables

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following results:

#	Deliverables	Approximate number of days	Deadlines
1.	Through consultation with the M4C Fiji team, develop a programme and workplan with timelines for Market Vendor Association executives and market vendor association members.	2 days	01st October 2019
	1st Tranche payment 20% upon submission of finalised programme and workplan
2.	Carry out a desk review of the existing 12 MVA constitutions in line with the findings and recommendations from the CLGF trainings on the MVA constitutions and provide a draft report encompassing a situational analysis of each MVA constitution with suggestions and recommendations.	5 days	08th October 2019
3.	Undertake 12 consultative reviews with market vendor association executives and members.  Revise the existing constitutions as per suggestions/ recommendations after the consultative meetings. Submit the revised constitution drafts to UN Women and the MVA’s and MV ‘s for feedback.	25 days	12th November 2019
	2nd Tranche payment of 60% upon submission of the 1st complete draft report with conclusions
5.	Finalize the 12 MVA constitutions as per feedback received.	5 days	19th November 2019
6.	Submit Final Report – to includes lessons learnt, attendance sheets, photos of consultations conducted across the 12 project sites with recommendations. Submit finalized MVA constitutions for the 12 MVA’s to UN Women	3 days	22nd November 2019
	20% Final Payment to be done upon submission of invoice and evidence of # of days / outputs covered.

All the documents, including the interview tools, and transcripts, all scoping materials including images materials and reports should be submitted in written English language.

Note that all materials, including video footage and images will remain the property of UN Women and cannot be used without UN Women’s permission.

Inputs

• All costs of transportation travel from Suva (as duty station) to the greater areas of Viti Levu / Vanua Levu needs to be captured in the financial proposal.
• The individual is expected to work remotely using her/his own computer(s) but may access the UN Women office for printing of relevant documents or should he/she be required to work on-site at any point during the assignment.
• UN Women will also cover the costs of printed materials as required throughout the duration of the assignment.

Performance Evaluation

The Consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Financial Arrangements

Payments will be made in 3 (three) instalments and will be authorized upon submission and approval of deliverables and certification by the Project Manager that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

Competencies

Core Values

• Respect for Diversity;
• Integrity;
• Professionalism.

Core Competencies

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to think conceptually, strategically and analytically;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Results oriented, flexible and problem-solving skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education / Academic Qualification

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such law, gender, development and social science.

Experience and Skills

• At least 5 years of practical experience in legal drafting and review and interpretation of legal documents;
• At least 5 years of knowledge and experience around social-cultural, economic and political context of the Pacific including the status of women and gender equality;
• At least 3 years of knowledge and experience of working at Local Government and community level;
• A proven track record of at least 3 years in development work that is inclusive of, and mainstream gender into all aspects of training;
• Have skills and experience in training facilitation and communication, with some experience in writing materials for UN agencies, donors and partners.

Language and other skills

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Relevant Pacific Island languages an asset.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

Evaluation

Initially, individual consultants will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such law, gender, development and social science.
• At least 5 years of practical experience in legal drafting and review and interpretation of legal documents;

With the above, the short-listed individual consultant/s will then be further evaluated based on a cumulative analysis scheme, with a total score being obtained upon the combination of weighted technical and financial attributes.

Cost under this method of analysis is rendered as an award criterion, which will be 30% out of a total score of 500 points.

Technical evaluation will be represented through desk review of applications.

Interviews and/or written tests may be considered and/or be organized if needed only, depending on the short-listed candidates’ qualifications.

• Technical Qualification Evaluation Criteria: The technical part is evaluated on the basis of its responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR).

#	Criteria for technical evaluation	Max. Points
1	A minimum of a Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such law, gender, development and social science. 40 points – Postgraduate Degree up to 20 points - Undergraduate Degree including any additional trainings	60 points
2	At least 5 years of practical experience in legal drafting and review and interpretation of legal documents. 50 points – 5 years each year over 5 years – 10 points up to a maximum of 80 points	80 points
3	At least 5 years of knowledge and experience around social-cultural, economic and political context of the Pacific including the status of women and gender equality; 50 points – 5 years each year over 5 years – 10 points up to a maximum of 60 points	60 points
4	At least 3 years of knowledge and experience working at Local Government and community level. 30 points – 3 years each year over 3 years – 5 points up to a maximum of 40 points	40 points
5	A proven track record of at least 3 years in development work that is inclusive of, and mainstreaming gender into all aspects of training. 30 points – 3 years each year over 3 years – 10 points up to a maximum of 60 points	60 points
6	Have skills and experience in training facilitation and communication, with some experience in writing materials for UN agencies, donors and partners. 20 points – for demonstration (based on P-11 and Letter of Interest)	20 points
7	Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.	10 points
8	Excellent written and spoken English.  Language skills such as Hindi and i-Taukei language is an asset. 20 points – English	20 points
	Total Technical Scoring	350 points

• Financial Qualification Evaluation Criteria: In the Second Stage, the financial proposal of candidates, who have attained minimum 70% score in the technical evaluation (at least 245 points), will be compared.

WINNING CANDIDATE

The winning candidate will be the candidate, who has accumulated the highest aggregated score (technical scoring + financial scoring).

Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.  The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.