EOI: qualified agencies for developing a guiding document adapting existing methodologies, tools, techniques for undertaking Training Needs Assessment (TNA) of the ERs and functionaries of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
 UNDP
 Location: New Delhi
 Last Date: July 20, 2011
 Email: bids.india@undp.org (Reference: DevNetJobsIndia.org)

Date of issue:   06 July 2011

Closing date:   20 July 2011 

(Reference No. UNDP/INDIA/EOI/005/2011) 

Expression of Interest (EoI) 

Expression of Interest (EoI) is invited from qualified agencies for developing a guiding document adapting existing  methodologies, tools, techniques for undertaking Training Needs Assessment (TNA) of the ERs and functionaries of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)            

1.               Background 

The Government of India-UNDP project Capacity Development for Local Governance (CDLG), is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR). The project aims at strengthening institutions and mechanisms so as to enhance capacities of elected representatives and functionaries for human development oriented, inclusive planning, implementation, and improved accountability in local governance, mainly of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).  

There are about 2.4lakh PRIs in the country, and about 28lakh elected representatives (ERs), of which about 37% are women representatives. Furthermore, there are over 10lakh officials associated with the PRIs. The priority areas for the Ministry include devolution of functions, funds and functionaries to the PRIs, with the intention to make them vibrant units of local governance. However, it has been recognized that capacity-gaps of the ERs and functionaries associated with these PRIs need to be addressed to make them play their role effectively. Therefore, one of the key responsibilities of MoPR is to provide assistance to the States for Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) of elected PR representatives and officials to enhance the effectiveness of the PRIs.  

In this context, the significance of training needs assessment (TNA) is acknowledged as a critical starting point to identify capacity gaps of the ERs and functionaries, and then determine the nature or design of CB&T interventions. The quality of TNA, therefore, not only determines the quality of the training materials to be produced in response to the TNA results, but also helps in determining suitable pedagogic approach to be used to deliver the training content to a specific group of ERs and functionaries. Furthermore, it has implications for monitoring training programmes, and finally in assessing their impact.   

However, while the term TNA is widely used, there is often lack of clarity on how to undertake TNA in a systematic manner. This is particularly true while designing CB&T related interventions concerning the ERs and functionaries of the PRIs. Furthermore, while the available TNA reports indicate one or the other TNA methodology, there is no comprehensive document that brings together the standard TNA methodologies, contextualized to the requirements of the PRIs, indicating how these methodologies could be systematically put to use to get the best results while determining training programmes for the PRIs. 

2.         The Assignment:  The assignment has two phases:  

·         Phase I: In the first phase, the selected service providing agency is expected to develop a comprehensive guiding document adapting various methodologies, along with necessary formats, to systematically undertake Training Needs Assessment (TNA) in the context of PRIs. In addition, the agency is expected to design a two days workshop programme for training people in using the TNA Guiding Document, along with necessary workshop materials.  

·         Part II: In the second phase, the selected agency is expected to conduct state-level workshops to develop State-wide pool PRI TNA experts to assist with the PRI capacity building and training (CB&T) programmes.

 3.         Duration of the assignment: 

The first phase of the assignment will be completed within four months from the date of signing the contract. The second phase of the assignment would be need-based, and modalities of engagement would be indicated at the next stage of selection.    

4.         Qualifications and Experience: 

The interested service providing agencies would indicate a team of experts, with a clearly identified lead expert, who will work on this assignment. 

• All the team members should have at least seven years of professional experience working in areas related to local governance, planning, public administration, and capacity building and training, with an advanced university degree in social sciences, preferably with specializations in any one of the aforementioned areas;

• The lead expert should have at least 10 years of professional experience working in areas related to capacity building and training design, delivery and management, with some understanding of the PRIs, along with an advanced university degree in social sciences, preferably with specialization in training design & delivery;   

5.         Languages  

• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Hindi essential
• Knowledge of local language in the State of proposed field study  

6.         Instructions for preparing the expression of interest (EoI) document:  

The interested service providing agencies (SPAs) are advised to submit their EoI, not exceeding a total of 10 pages, covering the following:  

(1)        Proposed approach/methodology to handle the assignment

(2)        List of similar assignments undertaken previously,

(3)        Evidence of domain knowledge (local governance/PRIs/TNA), and

(4)        Brief note on overall capacity to undertake the assignment with reference to required expertise and resources.  

Please do not attach any support documents at this stage.

7.            Submission of EOIs 

EOI should be submitted no later than 20^th July, 2011, 5:30 PM (India time) by email, to bids.india@undp.org or by surface mail to: 

Procurement and Travel Associate,

Procurement Division,

United National Development Programme,

55, Lodhi Estate,

New Delhi – 110003

Please mention the EOI Reference No. UNDP/INDIA/EOI/005/2011 in the subject line of the email / envelope. 

Only short-listed agencies will be contacted for the next stage.