International Quality Assurance Consultant

Objectives of the Assignment

The main objective of the assignment is to conduct a baseline quality assurance assessment to serve as a benchmark for regular annual quality assurance assessments of LGCDP-II  and to refine and finalise the existing Quality Assurance Operational Guidelines based on field observations.

Scope of Work

Using the agreed technical note on LGCDP’s quality assurance framework (under Annex 1) and the existing AQAA operational guidelines, the consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

• Undertake field-testing of the QA Operational Guidelines in at least two development regions to develop baseline for future assessments and recommend fine-tuning in the light of lessons learned and experience gained including consideration of recent structural changes such as establishment of new municipalities;
• Review programme management and execution to identify bottlenecks for compliance and assess effectivness of TA support.

Facilitate the following workshops with MoFALD/LGCDP management and LGCDP development partners:

• Workshop 1: to review and discuss findings of the QA assessmentany and draft AQAA report and propose changes required to the QA Operational Guidelines in the light of lessons learned from field testing;
• Workshop 2: to review and discuss the proposed changes to the  QA Operational Guidelines of LGCDP;
• Update QA Operational Guidelines based on the field test.

Following the completion of the field testing of the QA guidelines, prepare a set of recommendations to revise the quality assurance operational guidelines in consultation with with LGCDP’s principal stakeholders (GoN, local bodies, development partners ) inter alia:

• The overall scope of Annual Quality Assurance Assessments (AQAA), including the extent to which the assessments will cover “aligned” programmes;
• The methodology to be used in carrying out AQAAs;
• The information that will need to be prepared by the DP Cell for AQAA;
• The basis upon which AQAA will rate LGCDP progress across a range of dimensions;
• The structure and format of AQAA reports.
• Generic Terms of Reference for the consultancy team to carry out the AQAA;
• Annual calendar for the AQAA and its input into LGCDP management processes.
• Prepare a final report on quality assurance assessment with baseline data against the quality assurance indicators.

 Duration of assignment, duty station and expected places of travel

The assignment will take place between March and May 2015, for a maximum number of 40 days. The assignment will be based in Kathmandu and will include at least 7 days in other locations for field observations. Final report to be submitted from home location by 24th April 2015.
The consultant team will be expected to provide a total input of 40 working days for this assignment. The international consultant (team leader) is expected to provide only 25 working days for this assignment and the two national team members will provide all 40 days.

The consultant will be expected to submit:

• Inception report including interview schedule and field testing plan by  week 2;
• Draft QA assessment report, including Initial baseline findings from field testing based on the template provided in the  QA operational guidelines;
• Final QA assessment report along with the final version of the QA Operational Guidelines by 7 May 2015, for submission to the LGCDP sub-NAC for approval.

Final Products

•  Quality Assurance Assessment report based on the template developed in the QA operational guidelines;
• Final version of Annual Quality Assurance Assessments (AQAA) guidelines for LGCDP II.

Provision of Monitoring and Progress Controls

DP Cell under the guidance of MOFALD shall monitor the progress of the consultancy, fulfilling the mandate to conduct and deliver on the final products. As the quality assurance obligation of the consultancy, DP Cell will be responsible for ensuring that the due quality is maintained through regular monitoring progress and review all the reports submitted by the consultant. Bi-weekly reviews will also be arranged with the National Programme Manager and/or National Programme Director at MoFALD.

DP Cell Coordination and Monitoring Specialist will be dedicated to coordinating the study in close collaboration with the MoFALD/ LGCDP NPM and senior management of MoFALD.

It is acknowledged that major changes to the guidelines will make it impossible to assess the evolution of LGCDP quality over time, hence precaution should be taken against the major changes proposed.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong analytical and writing skills and a track record of producing high quality reports and other materials;
• Professional competencies in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• High level of communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
• Sensitivity to diverse opinions and difficulties arising from differing social and cultural perceptions.

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Management, Development Studies, Public Finance or other related fields.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience with programme management and working in complex programmes in developing countries;
• At least 3 years working experience with Local Government System in Nepal and in depth knowledge of LGCDP.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required.

Evaluation Scoring:

• Technical evaluation based on competencies, experience and education (70%);
• Financial evaluation based on daily fee quoted by applicant (30%).