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Programs:  TBC
Admin topics:  MOU/T&Cs  |  Remuneration  |  Expert Review Panel  |  Nominated Personnel Experience |  Definitions

 

Admin topics

MOU / T&Cs

 

Q: I note mention of the need to have signed the MOU in order to respond;  do you know when the Terms and Conditions (Version 3) will be sent?

A:  Please see the latest version of the Terms and Conditions of Engagement (Version 4). There is no plan to email the document to partners as we now have the active portal.

 

Remuneration

Q: Is there flexibility in the Aid Advisor Remuneration Framework when submitting price, and can partners submit rates outside of the framework?

A:  As advised in the invitation for partner submission document, the AWP encourages its partners to use the DFAT Aid Adviser Remuneration Framework (ARF) as a guide for daily rates. The daily rates specified in the ARF include salary and management costs and have been developed through research into other aid agencies and Australian labour market standards. It is essential that the AWP investment represents value for money, and it has been agreed that the ARF will be used as the reference point for all partner appointments. The Expert Review Panel (ERP) will be using the framework in their assessment of value for money for all partner submissions. As described in the submission package, should a partner organisation seek to request a daily rate (including management fees) at a level higher than the framework, justification must be provided upon submission for consideration by the ERP.

 

Expert Review Panel

Q: Does this entail a conflict of interest if I am to offer services to AWP on a specific assignment, services which would need to be reviewed by this panel?

A:  By forming an Expert Review Panel of seven panellists, the AWP hopes to avoid the possibility of partners needing to assess submissions from their own organisation. Most likely, the panel will be formed following receipt of partner submissions to avoid any potential conflict. If however this situation should arise, we would seek to substitute the panellist out of the assessment process if another panellist was available. Finally, all panel members will be required to sign a conflict of interest statement for the duration of the program before being engaged on the panel.

 

Nominated Personnel Experience

Q: In the RFQ you have identified ’15 years experience’ as a criterion. We have an excellent candidate, identified as one of the top 20 rising stars in [our university]. However he can only claim 9 years. How firm are you on the 15 years?

A:  The invitations to submit specify the number of years of experience required by the AWP to undertake the identified roles within a project team. If you have an individual you wish to nominate that does not meet this requirement, you may choose to do so, noting that the experience is a weighted criterion. You will also need to adjust appropriately the expected daily rate of the individual against the remuneration framework based upon the years of relevant experience. The Expert Review Panel will assess all submissions against the weighted criteria and determine the outcome.

Definitions

Q: What  is the definition of  ‘civil  society’?

A:  ‘Civil society is the “third sector” of society, along with government and business. It comprises civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations.’

Source:  http://www.un.org/en/sections/resources/civil-society/index.html

A more detailed description comes from: Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society
For the purposes of this Handbook, civil society actors are individuals who voluntarily engage in forms of public participation and action around shared interests, purposes or values that are compatible with the goals of the United Nations. This Handbook addresses civil society actors concerned with the promotion and protection of universal human rights, for instance:
• Human rights defenders;
• Human rights organizations (NGOs, associations, victim groups);
• Related issue-based organizations;
• Coalitions and networks (women’s rights, children’s rights, environmental rights);
• Persons with disabilities and their representative organizations;
• Community-based groups (indigenous peoples, minorities);
• Faith-based groups (churches, religious groups);
• Unions (trade unions as well as professional associations such as journalist associations, bar associations, magistrate associations, student unions);
• Social movements (peace movements, student movements, pro-democracy movements);
• Professionals contributing directly to the enjoyment of human rights (humanitarian workers, lawyers, doctors and medical workers);
• Relatives of victims; and
• Public institutions that carry out activities aimed at promoting human rights (schools, universities, research bodies).

Q: What  is the definition of  ‘Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6)’?

A:  Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

  • By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situation
  • By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
  • By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
  • By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
  • By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
  • By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
  • Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Source:  http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/