Consultoría para el Diseño del Manual de Evaluación de Vulnerabilidad

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and has a workforce of over 17,000 employees worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position involves consulting for the design of a manual for evaluating economic vulnerability as established by Executive Decree No. 8, which regulates Law 475 of the SENACYT Scholarship Program. The consultant will be responsible for creating, standardizing, and validating a procedural manual that sets forth objective, verifiable, and replicable criteria to support the exemption from the co-debtor requirement for scholarship recipients studying abroad, in accordance with Article 2

• The assignment is expected to last for 30 working days, and the consultant will need to ensure that the manual aligns with the legal framework and meets the needs of the stakeholders involved in the scholarship program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing legal framework and scholarship program requirements to understand the context of economic vulnerability evaluation.
• Design a comprehensive manual that outlines the procedures for evaluating economic vulnerability, ensuring that it is user-friendly and accessible to all stakeholders.
• Standardize the evaluation criteria to ensure consistency and fairness in the assessment process.
• Validate the manual through consultations with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, scholarship recipients, and educational institutions.
• Prepare and present a final report summarizing the findings and recommendations based on the validation process.
• Ensure that all documentation is submitted in accordance with the deadlines and requirements set forth by the UNDP procurement process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in social sciences, economics, or a related field, with a focus on vulnerability assessment and economic analysis. Proven experience in developing procedural manuals or guidelines for governmental or non-governmental organizations is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with the SENACYT Scholarship Program and its legal framework will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in social sciences, economics, public policy, or a related field is required. Candidates with a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree will be given preference. Relevant certifications in project management or vulnerability assessment methodologies will also be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience in the field of economic analysis, vulnerability assessment, or related areas. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of development projects, is highly desirable. Proven track record of successfully completing similar consultancy assignments will be a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the manual will be developed in Spanish and must cater to local stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for communication with international partners and for accessing additional resources.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is classified as an individual contractor position, and the contract duration is set for 30 working days. The position is not full-time, allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The consultant will be expected to work remotely but may need to attend meetings or workshops in Panama City as required. Compensation will be based on the consultant's experience and qualifications, and benefits will be outlined in the contract.