The aim of this assignment is to develop a case study of the crisis response in Ukraine from a Governance perspective. This will be combined with other regional research to draw conclusions and support policy debates in order to outline a new governance reform agenda for Eastern Europe and the CIS, during and post-economic crisis.

The objective of the case study is to detail the governance response in Ukraine in order to learn lessons that can be drawn on for reforms and crisis response in the future. This includes a narrative report describing the key features of the response to the crisis from a Governance perspective at the national and sub-national levels as regards institutional arrangements, policy systems and critical capacities.

The expected timeframe for the case study is August-October 2010. The case study will cover the following points:

• Overview of the impact of the crisis in Ukraine at the national and sub-national levels, especially the effect on vulnerable segments of the population such as ethnic minorities, women, the elderly and the poor;
• Description of IMF agreement with Ukraine, including the impetus for the agreement, the objectives of the programme, which branches of government were involved in the negotiations and the populations it was intended to reach (vulnerable groups, middle class, key sectors?);
• Description of the attempts to reach consensus between the executive and the legislature under the Yushchenko presidency (September 2008 to February 2010): the reasons behind the disagreements (economic? political?), the role of different institutions and political parties, how the disagreement evolved over time, the role played by different levels of government and the role of external actors such as civil society;
• Description of the anti-crisis response under the Yanukovych presidency (February 2010 to present): how they changed from under the previous administration, the decision-making processes that took place including which government institutions were involved and in what way, the role of opposition parties, the role of external actors such as civil society, the role of different levels of government;
• Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the policy response: questions of institutional capacity, performance of policy mechanisms, political implications (change of government, protests, etc.), social implications (for vulnerable populations), any impact of the IMF programme and what made it successful (was it because of or despite official involvement?). These points will be further developed through methodological guidance from the international consultant leading the formulation of case studies and comparative analysis. The findings of the research will be combined with other case studies and regional research to inform a mapping of comparative regional data on economic, political and social indicators before, during and after the crisis, as well as a paper on crisis responses in the region from a governance capacity perspective.

III. Tasks and deliverables expected from the contractor Under supervision by UNDP and with methodological guidance and coordination by the international consultant, the Consultant will be expected to:
 

• Carry out desk research of the Ukrainian government’s crisis response mechanisms, focusing on the IMF agreement, the lack of political consensus between September 2008 and January 2010, and measures taken under the new presidency;
• Conduct interviews with representatives from government, civil society, the private sector and international organizations such as UNDP and the European Union in order to supplement the desk research;
• Submit the preliminary findings and a draft case study for feedback from UNDP;
• Finalize the case study on the crisis response in Ukraine from a governance capacity perspective, incorporating feedback received from UNDP.
• In consultation with the international consultant, identify relevant data sources and assist in data collection from local sources for a set of economic, political and social indicators that are relevant in the crisis response – e.g. trust in institutions, impact of the economic crisis on vulnerable groups, rates of social spending, quality of public services.

Expected outputs
 

• Draft case study for comment;
• Final case study on crisis response in Ukraine from a governance capacity perspective;
• List of interviews conducted.
• Select data covering economic, political and social indicators before, during and after the crisis, in consultation with the international consultant.

IV. Estimated timeline Task: Date: work begins ASAP first draft submitted to UNDP September 17 comments returned to researcher September 24 final case study submitted to UNDP October 10

V. Required qualifications and skills

• University degree in Public Administration/ Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics or related subject;
• At least 5 years of working experience in policy development, policy analysis, public administration or related areas;
• Excellent drafting and formulation skills;
• Deep knowledge of Governance in Ukraine; familiarity with Europe and CIS region a plus;
• Proven access to relevant Ukrainian networks, experts and policy makers in the areas covered by the assignment;
• Computer literate;
• Strong writing ability in English; fluency in local language required.

The assignment may require limited travel in the region, upon request by UNDP (to be covered separately). The consultant is expected to work closely with UNDP staff involved in the project preparation – both at BRC and the Ukraine Country Office – and use inputs elaborated by UNDP. In carrying out the assignment, the consultant will work under coordination and methodological guidance of an international consultant (who reports to UNDP BRC); this interaction will be mediated by UNDP as needed.

VI. Application procedure

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online at http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/jobs/ by 23 August 2010. The application should contain:

• brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post
• filled P11 form or a CV (the form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_SC_SSA.doc

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide price offers for this assignment. UNDP is applying fair and transparent selection process that would take into account the competencies/skills of applicants as well as their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply. Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the succesful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.