TERMS OF REFERENCE ENHANCING THE ROLE OF POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE POLICY MAKING PROCESS IN VIETNAM

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "TERMS OF REFERENCE ENHANCING THE ROLE OF POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE POLICY MAKING PROCESS IN VIETNAM"

Felicity Lawrence
5 years ago
Views:

1 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR AN EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT ENHANCING THE ROLE OF POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE POLICY MAKING PROCESS IN VIETNAM 1. EVALUATION BACKGROUND The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS; originated from the registered association "Social Analysis and Political Education" founded in Berlin in In 1996, it was recognised by the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) as its close political education institution. The Party of Democratic Socialism transformed itself into PDS/Linkspartei, later renamed itself into Linkspartei (Left Party) which is one of two parties in Germany that formed the new party Die LINKE ( The Left ) in RLS has become a provider of civic education and a centre for progressive social research in both Germany and throughout the world. As one of six party-affiliated political foundations in Germany it supports partners in developing countries striving for social justice, strengthened public participation and economic development. In February 2009, the People's Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM) granted the licence for the representative office for Vietnam in Hanoi. In Vietnam, RLS ( embraces the mission of assisting Vietnam s transition to a market economy with socialist orientation embedded. Currently, it is cooperating with approximately 20 partners (e.g. Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities; Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; School of Law under Vietnam National University Hanoi) by funding around 20 projects (including one in Cambodia) on three themes of Sustainable development including Climate change, Social justice, and Dialogue on development models. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH HN) under Vietnam National University Hanoi - is one of the leading research and training institutions in Vietnam in the areas of social sciences and humanities. Since 2002, USSH HN and RLS are cooperating in the field of policy studies and analysis. Based on the outputs of the project from USSH HN established the Center for Policy Study and Analysis (CEPSTA: ) in March 2007 with main functions in carrying out of research and training in the field of policy science/policy studies and analysis. 1

2 CEPSTA s main focus is to promote researches, education and dialogues in the area of policy making and analysis with applying a multi-disciplinary approach, such as combining sociology, economics, policy science, law, management et al.. Under the framework of cooperation from 2002 to 2011, CEPSTA, with financial and technical assistance from RLS, has carried out a series of scientific investigations, training courses, and dialogues on policy, policy-making processes in provinces (Lam Dong, Hai Duong, Dac Lac etc.) and at the central level. In 2010 and 2011, RLS supported CEPSTA with a project named Enhancing the role of Political and Social Organizations (PSO) in the policy making process in Vietnam. The overall objective of the project was: To develop capacity of and strengthen the mechanism for PSO members of Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) in contributing policy initiatives in the framework of the Vietnam Fatherland Front s Activities. The main activities of the project were as follows: To organize four dialogues at provincial level to strengthen the VFF members contribution to the policy making process; To build capacity for local Political & Social Organizations (VFF members) and People s Councils with four training courses on policy making and analysis skills; To create a forum for academic exchange among local and international experts, To maintain a policy network for policy makers and researchers by holding network meetings and publishing newsletters. To draw lessons and improve the efficiency of its funded projects, RLS decided to have an independent evaluation of the projects implemented by CEPSTA. This shall contribute to develop practical and effective cooperation strategies in the coming years. To fulfil this task, RLS seeks a two-member consultant team to conduct this evaluation. 2. CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVES The overall objective of this consultancy is two folded: (i) (ii) To lead the evaluation of the cooperation between RLS and USSH HN over the period of 10 years, focusing on RLS-funded policy-related projects. To play an assistant role in conducting a mini research on the role of VFF in Vietnam s political system. 2

3 For objective one, the specific tasks include: To evaluate the relevance of the implemented projects for the period of in respect to RLS s strategic aims and vision; To evaluate the projects in terms of efficiency and appropriateness of their vision and strategy, management model, monitoring system, sustainability, needs of the target groups and relevant stakeholders, participation, gender aspects etc.; To develop recommendations for USSH HN s and CEPSTA s future engagement and organizational development in the field of policy making and analysis; To make recommendations for RLS regarding the future cooperation with USSH HN. For objective two the specific tasks include: To peer-review and comment on the research plan designed by the RLS Project Manager; To conduct a literature review and data analysis to answer specific research questions in the research design under the guidance of the RLS Project Manager; To conduct data analysis and draft a report as requested; To peer-review and comment on the final report. 3. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES The expected outputs of this evaluation are as follows: For objective 1: An evaluation report (no longer than 40 pages in both electronic and hard copies) in English which will be submitted to RLS within the scheduled timeframe including up to two revised versions based on the requirements of RLS; For objective 2: Data input in accordance with research proposal (to be provided later) within the scheduled timeframe including up to two revised versions based on the requirements of RLS. 4. REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONSULTANCY The consultant team is tasked with the entire process of the evaluation. More specifically, this includes: 3

4 Preparing necessary logistics for the research: fieldtrip arrangements, stationaries, printing documents etc.; Designing the research tools like interview guidelines and questionnaires; Conducting the review of project documents, secondary data and data analysis in exchange with the RLS Project Manager (for objective 1); Conducting literature review, data analysis under guidance of the RLS Project Manager (for objective 2); Working closely with the staff of USSH HN and RLS Hanoi for preparing and implementing the evaluation; Conducting fieldwork to collect data in Hanoi and the 2 selected representative provinces of Vietnam; Writing and presenting the final reports in impeccable English. It is required that a participatory approach will be applied through the entire evaluation process. Voices of all stakeholders like local partners, local government, and local community, including women, will be included in the evaluation, ensuring equal representation of all. 5. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT TEAM (Vietnamese Nationals only) RLS requires the consultant team will possess the following qualifications: Having an advanced degree in related fields (e.g. anthropology, political or social sciences, development, economics, public administration) from internationally recognized universities; Having thorough understanding of the socio-political conditions of Vietnam as well as the field of social sciences and humanities, good governance, the role of social organisations and Vietnamese NGOs as well as people s participation; Having proven experiences in designing and conducting similar evaluations; Fluency in spoken and written Vietnamese and English; Possessing excellent critical analysis and report writing skills; Being responsible and able to work under pressure as an individual and as a team as well as pro-actively engage in solution finding for obstacles that may occur. 4

5 Member Leader 6. TENTATIVE WORKLOAD & TIMEFRAME WORKLOAD TIMEFRAME ACTIVITY JUL. AUG. SEP. OTC. w1 w2 w3 w4 w1 w2 w3 w4 w1 w2 w3 w4 w1 w2 w3 w4 Contract signing LEADING THE EVALUATION Meeting with RLS Develop the research design and research tools 2 1 Review secondary data 5 3 Interview USSH 1 1 Interview RLS staff 1 1 Fieldtrip in Bac Lieu or Can Tho 3 3 Fieldtrip in Lam Dong or Cao Bang 3 3 Data analysis and report writing 6 3 Presenting the report + finalizing report with RLS comments 1 1 Sub-total of working days ASSISTING THE RESEARCH PAPER on the role of VFF Commenting on research design developed by RLS PM 1 Literature review 4 Interview member of VFF in Hanoi (Central + Municipal level, and VFF member) Data analysis and providing empirical inputs following the report structure developed by PM 1 5 1st Peer review and meeting with RLS PM 1 2nd Peer review and meeting with RLS PM 1 Finalizing the report 0.5 Sub-total of working days 13.5 TOTAL

6 7. CONSULTANTCY FEE A competitive consultancy package will be offered to the consultant team based on their qualification and experience. RLS will reimburse the consultants on a lump-sum base including consultant fee, evaluation-related expenditures (accommodation, per diem and transportation). RLS would like to invite interested consultant teams to submit English CVs of your team, including name and contact details of two reference persons; One or two sample English reports of relevant evaluations that involved both team members either together or as individuals in an equivalent position as stated in your proposal; Your financial proposal based on the above-mentioned tentative workload and team structure, excluding expenditure related to fieldtrips (travel, accommodation, and per diem ) which will be budgeted later based on the actual need of the assignment. Please be informed that: o The consultancy fee and other related costs will be paid on a lump-sum base; o UN-EU cost norms 2009 are the reference for RLS negotiation with and payment for selected consultants. Contact person: Mr Nguyen Van Tung - Project Manager - at addresses nguyen.tung@rosalux.vn. Deadline of submission: 22 th June 2012 to the above mentioned address. Tentative interview schedule for short-listed candidates 25 th 26 th June Further information can be obtained by . Inquiries are only accepted before the deadline. Please refrain from phone inquiries. We only consider applications meeting all above required conditions. 6

Programme Analyst Adolescents and Youth. Duty Station: The Gambia. DHR Director Date: August 2017

JOB DESCRIPTION Official Job Title: Grade (Classified) Programme Analyst Adolescents and Youth Duty Station: The Gambia NO-B Post Number: 00123852 Post Type: Rotational Non-Rotational Classification Authority: