REPOST_ UCLG ASPAC : Consultant Basis CROSS SECTORAL RESEARCH for Localise SDGS Project in Indonesia

Background

United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) is the largest regional section of UCLG, an amalgamation of International Union of Local Authorities (IULA), United Towns Organization (UTO), and World Association of the Major Metropolises (METROPOLIS). UCLG was established on 1 January 2004 and is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Following this unification, UCLG ASPAC was established in Taipei on 14 April 2004, as the new entity of IULA ASPAC. UCLG ASPAC is the key knowledge management hub on local government issues in the Asia Pacific region.

UCLG ASPAC is the key knowledge management hub on local government issues in the Asia-Pacific region. It promotes democratic local government, supports cooperation between cities, local governments and their associations, and facilitates programmes, network and partnerships to develop the capacity of local governments and the associations. Moreover, UCLG ASPAC represents local governments politically within the international community, and with the United Nations and its agencies. It also promotes inclusive societies which safeguard equality, social and economic justice, and sustainable community development. UCLG ASPAC is engaged in all relevant thematic fields for nurturing sustainable development comprising local economic development, climate change, disaster resiliency, culture, strategic planning, decentralization, municipal finance, gender equality, women leadership and empowerment and good governance.

LOCALISE SDGs Project, financially supported by the European Union and implemented by UCLG ASPAC and APEKSI, aims to empower Local Authorities (LAs) and Associations of Local Authorities (ALAs) in Indonesia for enhanced governance and more effective development policies and to promote inclusive and sustainable local development through SDGs attainment. LOCALISE SDGs target 30 LAs (16 provinces and 14 municipalities) and 5 ALAs[1] (APEKSI, APKASI, APPSI, ADEKSI, and ADKASI). Further information on LOCALISE SDGs target LAs is available at: https://localisesdgs-indonesia.org/  

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has shifted the focus of target LAs to response, recovery and prevention. From July to December 2020, LOCALISE SDGs will focused its activities to increase awareness of the 30 LAs and 5 ALAs on financing SDGs under a New Normal: challenges and response to COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen their capacity in handling COVID-19 and its impacts and “building back better” through awareness material, policy recommendations, technical assistance and series of virtual events. The policy recommendations will be prepared by carrying out cross-sectoral research to sufficiently support the LAs for transitions and adapting to the “New Normal,” to start thinking of the economic recovery and ensure the process towards “Build Back Better and Stronger.” With the framework of SDGs, the produced policy recommendations are expected to help advancing the ongoing efforts in responding to COVID-19 through its system-thinking and integrated approach, resulting in a more comprehensive and well-thought interventions by LAs that can have profound impacts and deliver long-term intended benefits for the local governments and communities.

Scope of Work/Key Duties

LOCALISE SDGs will hire five consultants to conduct a cross-sectoral research in coordination with the targeted ALAs, which will be framed to adapting for the transitions of the “New Normal” and ensuring the preparedness for any future shocks and stresses like COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

The research should be prepared considering the available protocols and guideline that have been released by the national government, to ensure that it will add value and not duplicate the existing ones. For instance, the Ministry of Home Affairs has released a general guideline and protocols for LAs in responding to COVID-19, focusing on prevention, control, diagnosis and management[2]. The National Task Force of COVID-19 has also released the Multi-sectoral guide in responding COVID-19, focusing on five aspects; (1) Clean Water and Sanitation, (2) Social Protection and Financing, (3) Child Protection, (4) Education in Emergency Situation, and (5) Readiness of Health Sector and Critical Services[3]. However, linkages with other sectors are still very much needed when being seen through the SDGs framework.

Five short-term consultants will be hired to work for each following topic, for approximately three (3) month-period, from early August to October 2020. The consultants can work remotely, with regular check-ins to be carried out online. The consultants will directly report to LOCALISE SDGs Project Manager, and closely work with the LOCALISE SDGs team.

Effective budget refocusing/reallocation and reprogramming (and alternative financing),

Economic recovery for tourism sector,

Addressing social impacts from the pandemic,

Quality data synchronization for social safety net,

Effective awareness-raising policy of citizens on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each research topics should at least cover the aspects of: (1) Human Resources, (2) Awareness, (3) Coordination, and (4) Partnerships. Research and publications should be made available in Bahasa Indonesia with an Executive Summary in English. The LOCALISE SDGs’ five targeted ALAs will disseminate the publications to all its members (548 LAs in Indonesia) to have wider benefits.

Qualifications:

v  Education: Relevant Master’s degree in the chosen topic of the cross-sectoral research.


v  At least five (5) years’ experience working in the chosen topic of the cross-sectoral research.


v  Good communication skills are required.


v  Demonstrate experience working with local governments, and/or local government associations in Indonesia.


v  Demonstrate ability in creating academic publication products and policy recommendations in both Bahasa Indonesia and in English.


v  Working background as part of SDGs center is a plus.


v  Computer skills:


-          Intermediate to advanced MS office skills in all basic Microsoft Word programs and publication software.


-          Basic IT knowledge is preferable.

Deliverables

A total of five cross sectoral research accompanied with its policy recommendations, infographics, and statistics (One set for each consultants).  

How to apply

Please send your proposals (presentation, experience, CVs, sample of past publications and policy recommendations demonstrating expertise in developing quality content and research with clear language, and bank account certificate) and best price offer before the above-mentioned deadlines.

Please send your offer to recruitment@uclg-aspac.org, copied to project_manager1@uclg-aspac.org before  Friday,  11 September 2020.   Only selected ones will be contacted.