In 2020, UNOCT launched the “EU-UN Counter-Terrorism Partnership for Sudan” to support Transitional Government in complying with UN Security Council and General Assembly counter-terrorism obligations and recommendations, in compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. This project is funded by the European Union and will deliver tailored technical assistance to address the needs jointly identified with the Government of Sudan. The project has two objectives. (1) To build the knowledge and raise the awareness of the Transitional Government, relevant state security institutions and civil society on UN Security Council and General Assembly counter-terrorism obligations, recommendations and requests, in compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. (2) To support the development and/or strengthening of Sudan’s policies, strategy and capacities to effectively counter terrorism, in its different manifestations. The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism is recruiting a Local Consultant to further support the implementation of this project.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established through the adoption of General Assembly resolution 71/291 on 15 June 2017and has a multi-faceted and strong mandate which includes:

(a) Providing leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system.

(b) Enhancing coordination and coherence across the 38 Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact (former CTITF) Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

(c) Strengthening the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States.

(d) Improving visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and

(e) Ensuring that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

UNOCT’s Special Projects and Innovation Branch (SPIB) was formed in 2019 and consists of three sections:

• Security and Sports Events;
• Surge Capacity, Special Projects and Innovations;
• Parliamentary Engagement.

The Special Projects and Innovations Branch is responsible for planning, developing and implementing high-profile projects utilising an all-of UN approach. This project will be implemented by the Special Projects Section which has both the mandate and expertise to do so.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

• The consultant will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Officer-in- Charge of UNOCT Special Projects and Innovation Branch, New York; the consultant will work closely with the Programme Manager.
• To work within the general framework of this TOR, the Consultant will be asked to undertake, and complete tasks as detailed under Sections 3 and 4 of this TOR.
• The consultant will work from his/her own facilities. As required, UNOCT will provide the consultant with an access to the relevant substantive files and material, as well as access to facilities at UN offices.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Under the Supervision of the Officer in Charge, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Undertakes a mapping of national authorities with responsibility and accountability for counter-terrorism to clarify roles, functions, activities, outputs (such as national legislation, policies and strategies) and reporting;
• Undertakes focus group discussions to determine the knowledge level of General Assembly and UN Security Council counter-terrorism obligations, recommendations and requests amongst officials in the Transitional Government, state security institutions and civil society;
• Prepare and facilitate meetings for relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the project.

Ensure that the above activities are conducted, and the below outcomes are delivered in a manner consistent with the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its subsequent review resolutions, as well as with the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Institutional arrangement

Direct Supervision by: Officer in Charge, UNOCT/SPIB/SPS

Content and methodology of supervision:

The consultant will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Officer in charge of the project implementation in the Republic of the Sudan.

The consultant will work from his/her own facilities. As required, UNOCT will provide the consultant with an access to the relevant substantive files and material, as well as access to facilities at UN offices.

The consultant will receive remuneration for up to 40 days in total based on satisfactory completion of the assigned outputs, as determined by the competent authorities from UNOCT, considering the level of work to be carried out and the budgetary resources allocated.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payment

The contract price is an all-inclusive (professional fee, travel, living allowances, taxes, and other related cost), fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specific service.

The payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of the assigned outputs, as determined by the competent authorities from UNOCT, considering the level of work to be carried out and the budgetary resources allocated.  

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Offers received will be evaluated using a Combined Scoring method, where the qualifications and proposed methodology will be weighted 70%, and combined with the price offer, which will be weighted 30%.

Criteria to be used for rating the qualifications and methodology:

Technical evaluation criteria (total 70 points):

Only consultants obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Financial evaluation (total 30 points):

All technically qualified proposals will be scored out at 30 based on the formula provided below. The maximum points (30) will be assigned to the lowest financial proposal.  All other proposals receive points according to the following formula: 

            p = y (µ/z) 

where: 

• p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated
• y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal
• µ = price of the lowest priced proposal z = price of the proposal being evaluated.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to counter-terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international law, security, international relations or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience:

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, security, development management, international cooperation and security, conflict resolution or related area especially in an UN context is required. 

Experience in conducting quality research is required. Knowledge and prior work experience in Sudan are required. Experience in counter-terrorism or related field is desirable. 

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this assignment, fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is required