Short Term International Consultancy for Independent Pricing Agent for ICSC Place to Place Survey

Background

I. Background

At the request of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sudan is conducting the Place-to-Place Survey in March 2022. For collection of the costs of the commodities in the local market, UNDP Sudan is seeking services of a Pricing Agent.

Duties and Responsibilities

II. Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the qualifications of a “good” Pricing Agent. He or she:

1. Is an independent person with no past or present work experience with any of the organizations of the United Nations Common System and is not an immediate relative of a UN staff member (child, parent, spouse, etc.).

2. Has international shopping experience with knowledge of the local market.

3. Is preferably an expatriate who has lived at the duty station for at least one year.

4. Can get around the duty station to visit the outlets by either public transportation or his/her means of transport if necessary.

5. Is conversant with English, French, or Spanish to ensure proper interpretation of item specifications as provided on the pricing forms.

6. Can communicate effectively (preferably in the official language of the duty station) because the job requires interaction with outlet owners and workers.

7. Possesses a High School Diploma or equivalent.

8. Having experience in the field of statistics, economics, project management, auditing, accounting, and/or finance is an additional asset

9. Is available to complete the job within the given time frame.

The key tasks for which the Consultant will be responsible are as follows:

Under the guidance of the Survey Coordinator, the Pricing Agent carries out in-depth and independent surveys of shops, outlets frequently visited by the International Communities
Prepare the Place to Place Pricing document in line with International Civil Service Commission standard
Submit draft and final report by the stipulated deadline

Competencies

III. Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Treats all people fairly without favoritism;

Ability to work with a multi-cultural and diverse team.

Functional Competencies:

Ability to analyze large amounts of complex and diversified data related to place to place survey;

Demonstrated strong coordination and facilitation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

IV. Required Skills and Experience

Experience

Experience: 3 years of experience in place to place survey, pricing surveys or a similar Field;

Proven track record in survey, data collection, tabulation, interpretation and presentation;

Ability to engage with people and persuade them to offer the sought information in relatively short time;

Flexible to work beyond the normal working hours and meet the tight timeline;

Ability to screen the information for accuracy and reliability before reporting (verbally or in writing);

Ability to write a report and present the required information succinctly and persuasively;

Understands and respects UN’s core value and is ready to work with people from diverse background.

Experience in the field of statistics, economics, project management, auditing, accounting and/or finance is an additional asset

Language

Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize relevant collected data and findings for the preparation of quality knowledge pieces.