CALL FOR PROPOSAL: Supporting land reforms in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through the development of a national land policy, establishment of a Land Information System (LIS) and mechanisms ... [truncated]

Purpose of CFP: To support the development of a national land policy, establishment of a land information system in the province of Ituri and mechanisms for securing community land rights as part of the larger ‘Programme to Support Land Reform and Strengthen Capacity of Land Administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo’.

Submission Start Date: 23 November 2018

Submission Deadline Date and time: 06 December 2018, 5 P.M. Nairobi Time

Project Key Information

Project Title: Programme to Support Land reform and Strengthen the Capacity of Land Administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Location: DRC

Specific Location Site for this Call for Proposal

Kinshasa, Mambasa (Ituri)

Anticipated start date: 02 January 2019
Maximum proposed value in US$: 450.000
Estimated duration of project in calendar months: Fifteen (15) months
Lead Organization Unit: Land and Global Land Tool Network Unit, ULLG Branch

Brief Background of the Project

The Global Land Tool Network, as facilitated by UN-Habitat, is an alliance of international, regional and national partners working together to “securing land and property rights for all” through the development of pro-poor and gender responsive land tools and approaches within the continuum of land rights framework. It supports the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Forests and Fisheries (VGGTs), the Framework and Guidelines for Land Policy in Africa, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda.

Since 2012, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched a process of land reform with the support of UN-Habitat/GLTN and other technical and financial partners. UN-Habitat/GLTN is implementing a Programme to “support land reform and strengthen the capacity of land administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2017-2020)’’ which aims at operationalizing CONAREF for the implementation and preparation of land reform with funds from the Central African Forest Initiate (CAFI)/ Fonds National REDD+ (FONAREDD). An expected outcome of the programme is to develop methodological guides to support communities and to strengthen land/forest registries, and to capitalize on lessons learned from pilot experiments. The programme will also support the development and validation in a participatory way of the DRC’s Land Policy which shall constitute the basis for a comprehensive adaptation of the current land law to new context in DRC.

The present call for proposal is part of the broader process of development of national land policy in DRC. And shall contribute to the development of models and mechanisms for securing community land rights in forest areas and vicinity, to inform policy options for the national land policy process in DRC. The implementing partners is, therefore, expected to contribute to the process by initiating dialogues, consultations; and to draw lessons from particular pilot experiences to inform the policy process. To reach those goals the implementing partners shall support the strengthening of the capacity of land administration and change agents through the establishment of land information system (LIS) that contributes to tenure security improvement and natural resource governance particularly for rural communities in forest context in the Ituri Province (Terrioire de Mambasa).

The LIS entails the establishment of a cadaster or local registry documenting land rights and the use of identified lands. it is important that all land tenure systems are recognized in this process, primarily informal and customary rights which the LIS may contribute to secure. LIS is also important in the REDD+ process as it could support a sustainable forest management by linking/matching communities’ land rights and their rights under forest law.

Main Outputs and Activities

In close collaboration with UN-Habitat (regional and country offices), Land and Global Land Tool Network Unit, government and provincial authorities, and other land stakeholders, the Implementing Partner will be undertaking the following key interventions and activities as follows:

On Land Policy Development:

To support the validation process of the draft land policy by developing and implementing a plan or strategy for multi-stakeholder workshops, consultations and dialogues, including civil society organizations.
To mobilize various national experts to support the land policy development, validation, related communications, capacity development and consultations.
To develop and implement a capacity development strategy for various target stakeholders: land administration, public institutions, community leaders and civil society organizations, involved in the implementation of the pilot project in selected areas.
To develop and implement advocacy, communications, awareness building strategy around the land reform process towards validation and adoption of the national land policy;
Document and share best practices from field cases in the course of the development of the land policy around some critical land related issues such land conflict mediation, local mechanisms for providing tenure security, community based land management.
To initiate consultations, learning exchanges and related events to improve knowledge and awareness on issues and measures for improving coordination and partnership among key stakeholders at community level including land administration, local actors and relevant stakeholders.

Main Expected Result: To ensure ownership of the land policy processes and outcomes by various stakeholders including at the local level through the implementation of a comprehensive and inclusive consultation strategy.

On Land Administration and Land Information:

To establish partnerships and agreements with provincial government, land administration offices and key partners for a joint implementing of the Land information system (LIS).
To design, operationalize and implement a fit-for-purpose Land Information System in ‘’Territoire de Mambasa’’ with effective collaboration with government, traditional authorities and other relevant land stakeholders and institutions. The LIS should be managed by the land administration services, and will document community land rights, individual and collective, and the use of the identified lands.
To design and implement a capacity development plan for the land administration, communities and local authorities for the operationalization and implementation of the Land Information System to be established.
To procure satellite imagery for use in the project implementation area to support data collection on the community land use planning and for use for the LIS establishment.
Documentation of the process to inform future similar work (methodological guide).

Expected Result: A fit-for-purpose and sustainable LIS to provide data and improve access to tenure security for communities based on genuine collaboration and participation between land administration institutions, communities and local authorities.

On Provision of Land Tenure Security

To plan and implement pro-poo, fit-for-purpose and gender-sensitive land tools to improve individual and communal land tenure security for small holder farmers, local communities and Indigenous Peoples in Inongo.
To develop and implement a plan, in partnership with provincial government, land administration, traditional chiefs and relevant stakeholders, to use land information system towards securing land rights for small holder farmers, local communities and indigenous people.
To develop and implement capacity development plan for land administration agents and communities and other key stakeholders (private sector, CSO, traditional chiefs, etc.) on pro-poor, fit-for-purpose and gender sensitive land tools to improve tenure security of smallholder farmers, Indigenous Peoples and vulnerable communities and document and disseminate good practices.
To provide training programmes to land administration staff members, a critical number of change agents and relevant actors on the use and application of land tools towards land tenure security in connection with other natural resources, including forest, at community level.
To conduct a research study on the link between land tenure security and REDD+, including forest management.

Expected result: Community members in selected areas have access to appropriate mechanisms to secure land rights.

On Overall Programme Management and Coordination:

To prepare a detailed inception report in consultations with project stakeholders.
To develop baseline research work in target areas and end-of-project assessment.
To develop and implement monitoring, documentation and evaluation plan
To prepare progress and monitoring reports including audit and financial reports.
To develop and implement a communications strategy and risk management plan.
To undertake site inspection, prepare engineering design and lay-out for the proposed building of the office for the land administration in Mambasa.
To analyze, document and disseminate the experience, good practices and lessons learned.

Risk Analysis

The following potential risks may occur, so the suggested mitigation factors need to be considered. Constant monitoring is also essential.

Risk Assessment

Mitigating Factors

Inadequate commitment by government authorities at various levels, and key local partners and communities

Sensitization process and dialogues with government authorities, local partners and communities.

Inadequate interest and/or capacity of partners and key stakeholders to adopt the national land policy and alternative land administration and information tools and approaches

UN-Habitat, GLTN and implementing partner to build awareness, knowledge and capacity of change agents and key partners to adopt the national land policy and alternative land administration land administration and information tools and approaches.

Inability to sustain the multi-stakeholder partnership and platform engagement

UN-Habitat, GLTN and implementing partner to support the development of a strategy and its implementation. Also to build and strengthen existing platforms or multi-stakeholder committees.

Potential security issues or inaccessibility of project sites

Implementing partner to closely monitor security situation in the country particularly in project site.

Political instability that might delay or hamper the smooth implementation of the Project.

UN-Habitat, GLTN and Implementing partner to closely monitor political situation in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Submission Details/ Documents Required

Legal Status

· Certificate of registration/incorporation i.e.,

· Proof of registration in Country of Origin.

· Proof of registration of Country of operation

· Proof of country operational presence

Organization profile and details

· Clear organization profile and structure of the organization indicating:

- Organization’s vision, mission and objectives
- Management structure
- Members of the Governing Board and their Designations duly certified by the Corporate Secretary, or its equivalent document
- Proof of membership to professional associations if any.

Financial Capacity

· Audited company financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) and auditors report for the last two years

Exclusive bank account

· the organization willing and able to have a separate bank account for the funds provided by UN-Habitat

Integrity and Governance

· The organization should complete and submit a signed Partner Declaration Form (Form to be provided upon request).

· Provide information about the structure or the organizations (HR, Organogram)

· Provide the profiles of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Head of the Organization and Chief of Finance

Submission of Technical and Financial Proposal

A technical proposal should be submitted presenting:

An overview of land issues in DRC, especially critical land issues in the selected sites, existing policies and weaknesses;
proposed methodology to address the issues in suggested project sites,
description and justifications of the proposed interventions based on the requirements,
key milestones, outputs, activities and timelines for delivery (10 pages max).
A list of project already implemented and related evaluation

A template is available as a guide upon request.

A budget proposal should accompany the technical proposal which include the proposed budget per output/activity per different expense class or budget categories and estimated cash and/or in-kind contribution from implementing partners. A template is available as a guide upon request.

Selection Criteria

Criteria

Submission Details/ Documents Required

Weight

1. Technical capacity

40%

1.1 Does the organization have the relevant experience and proven track record in implementing activities in the areas of the project?

Has it managed in the past projects of similar technical complexities and financial size?

Is the project linked with the core business of the IP?

· List of projects executed in the last 2 years (value, location, donors, nature of projects, execution stage – completed or ongoing).

· Demonstrate how the experiences in past projects are relevant in the execution of the current proposal

· References from past donors (if available)

1.2 Does the organization have qualified technical staff with the experience and the technical skills required by the project?

What is the staff size, type, qualification and education background?

· CVs of key management staff, technical and non-technical staff that will be involved on the project

· How many technical staff do you have in the concerned Country for implementing the project? Is there reasonable assurance that such technical staff required by the project will continue to be available as needed in the Project? Will there be plans to recruit more technical staff? What would be the qualifications?

1.3 Does the organization have a clear and strong link with an identifiable constituency relevant to the targeted population of the project?

Can it impact on the targeted population and on the issues?

Does it have strong presence in the field and for how long?

Does it have adequate capacity to work in key areas/regions where the proposed field activities will be implemented?

· Demonstrate, describe and provide proof of local operational presence, including link and ability to impact the targeted population.

· If applicable, name local partner organizations in the proposed project sites

1.4 Does the organization possess adequate physical facilities, office equipment, transport, etc. to implement the activities?

· Provide location and list of office facilities, vehicles and office equipment locally available to implement the project.

· If applicable, provide plans to secure additional office facilities, vehicles and office equipment

1.5 Does the organization have formal procedures to monitor project execution (e.g. milestones, outputs, expenditures…)

· Provide formal project monitoring policies and procedures

· Provide a description on how the IP will monitor and document project activities

2. Financial and administrative capacity

15%

2.1 Has the organization been in operation over a period of at least 2 years to demonstrate its financial sustainability and relevance?

· State the years of operation

· Financial statements for the last 2 years

2.2 Does the organization have qualified staff in Finance? Is the current accounting system computerized and does have the capacity to collect and provide separate financial reports on the activities executed under the Agreement of Cooperation?

Does it have systems and practices to monitor and report whether the project deliverables and expenditures are within agreed time and budget?

Does it have minimum segregation of duties in place (separation between project management, finance/accounting and executive office)

· CVs of key finance and accounting staff

· Description and key features and controls of the accounting system used

· Organization structure/ Organogram

2.3 Does the organization have the capacity to procure goods and services on a transparent and competitive basis?

· Copies of procurement policies and procedures. The procedures should show how you procure locally and internationally.

· Describe how to procure goods and services on a transparent and competitive basis

2.4 Does the organization have formal procedures and controls to mitigate fraud such as multiple signature signatories on bank accounts, reporting and prosecution of incidences of fraud?

· Describe anti-fraud controls and provide formal procedures

2.5 Does the organization have capacity to provide in-kind, financial, personnel contribution as UN-Habitat Implementing Partner in this present project? Please give details of contribution nature and size.

· Describe nature and value of contribution (in-kind or cash)

· Describe this in the budget proposal

3. Financial Proposal

15%

3.1 Is the budget for each component of the activity to be performed by the Implementing Partner

(i) cost-effective (i.e. the cost should be economical and prudently estimated to avoid any under/over estimation)

(ii) justifiable/well supported and

(iii) accurate and complete

Budget Proposal

· Bill of quantities (BOQ) (if applicable)

· Other supporting documents

4. Technical Proposal

30%

4.1 The technical proposal is sound and responds adequately to the specifications and requirements?

Technical Proposal document

Cumulative score for ratios

100%

Expression of Interest must be delivered in electronic format no later than 06 December 2018 to Danilo Antonio at the following email address: danilo.antonio@un.org copying oumar.sylla@un.org. All related questions or clarifications must also be coursed through this email address. Upon request to this email address, all related forms and templates will also be shared.

Disclaimer: Please note that this notice does not constitute a solicitation and UN‐Habitat reserves the right to change or cancel this project at any time in the process. Submitting a reply to an EOI does not guarantee that the submitting organization will be selected to carry out the implementation of the project.

Notes:

Interested Organizations must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochure, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc).
The Technical Proposal and accompanying documents must be received in accordance with instructions provided. Technical Proposal submitted to a different email address other than the specified one will not be considered.
Technical Proposal from applicants failing to provide the complete information to fulfill the basic eligibility criteria will be considered non-responsive.
Technical Proposal received after the above deadline will not be considered
Organizations will be selected in accordance with the procedure set out in the UN-Habitat IP Management policy and Standard Operating Procedures.
Technical Proposal from applicants failing to provide the requested information will be disregarded.
This Technical Proposal does not entail any commitment on the part of UN-Habitat, either financial or otherwise. UN-Habitat reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds.
All prices must be in USD