Consultant (home-based)

Purpose

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations and frequently engages Consultants to support key aspects of work including technical cooperation projects and activities. To enhance the policy and procedural framework for the hiring of consultants and to support transparent and effective identification, selection as well remuneration determination, there is a need to enhance overall governance of the process. As such, IMO seeks to hire an expert to identify best practices from other UN or international organizations, develop a comprehensive framework and process for hiring consultants and to provide the necessary training for key stakeholders.

The primary objective of this home-based consultancy is to develop a robust policy and governance framework and procedural guidelines for the hiring of consultants and training to support its implementation.

Responsibilities

Scope of Work
The Consultant, under the overall guidance of the Director TCID and Director AD, will undertake the following tasks:
a) Assessment and Analysis:
1. Review and analyse existing IMO practices and policies related to hiring of consultants.
2. Conduct a comparative study of best practices in hiring consultants in other UN agencies and international organizations.
3. Identify gaps and areas of improvement in the current IMO practices.
b) Stakeholder Consultations:
1. Conduct interviews and consultations with key stakeholders within IMO, including project managers, implementation officers, HR services, and Procurement.
2. Gather insights and feedback from relevant external stakeholders.
c) Framework Development:
1. Develop a comprehensive policy for the engagement of consultants.
2. Develop clear guidelines and procedures for consultant identification, selection, and remuneration determination.
3. Propose governance and oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
4. Create templates and guidelines for terms of reference (ToR), contracts, and evaluation criteria.
d) Validation and Finalization:
1. Present the draft framework to IMO management and key stakeholders for feedback.
2. Revise and finalize the framework based on feedback.
3. Conduct a scenario testing workshop to ensure understanding and buy-in from all relevant parties.
e) Development of training materials for key aspects of the framework and conduct training for all relevant stakeholders
Deliverables
The Consultant shall deliver the following:
.1 Policy for the engagement of consultants
.2 Guidelines and procedures for consultant identification, selection, and remuneration determination.
.3 Develop governance and oversight mechanisms
.4 Templates and tools for ToR, contracts, and evaluation criteria
.5 Report on the scenario testing workshop and final recommendations
.6 Develop training materials and provide training to the relevant stakeholders

The Consultant will report to the Director AD, and work closely with Director, TCID and HRS. Regular progress updates will be required to ensure alignment and timely delivery of outputs.

Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in conducting policy, governance and oversight reviews and developing recommendations
• Demonstrated competence in policy, guidelines and procedures development
• Competency in the development of governance and oversight mechanisms
• Proven experience in development and design of training programmes
• Experience in stakeholder management and consultations
• Strong analytical and communication skills

Experience

At least 10 years of experience in business process consulting, preferably within the UN system or other international organizations, including experience in conducting policy, governance and oversight reviews and development and design of guidelines, procedures and training programmes is essential.

Education

Advanced university degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Strategy/Administration, or a related field.

Languages

Proficiency in English (oral and written) including report writing is required.

Other skills

Familiarity with best practices in hiring consultants within the UN system or similar international organizations.

Contract information

This home-based consultancy is for a 3-month period remunerated at USD15,000.

Salary information

USD$15,000