Consultant to Coordinate and facilitate the effective operationalization of Oxfam’s ASEAN Influencing Priorities

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultant to Coordinate and facilitate the effective operationalization of Oxfam’s ASEAN Influencing Priorities.

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.

1. PURPOSE

Oxfam in Asia is seeking a consultant to support Oxfam teams and programs in coordinating our ASEAN influencing work.

The consultant will support Oxfam in Asia’s ASEAN influencing work focusing on just energy transition, gender justice and inclusive and responsible business. This position is expected to work closely and provide support to teams in the engagement of the following stakeholders:

1. Oxfam’s Regional Programs including – Fair Finance Asia (FFA), Influencing Just Energy Transition (I-JET) and Mekong Regional Water Governance (MRWG).
2. Gender Justice and climate justice program of the Asia Regional Platform
3. Oxfam Regional and selected national partners.
4. Oxfam Country teams.
5. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will:

Influencing Just Energy Transition (I-JET)

• Provide policy and technical advice and recommendations to Oxfam in Laos on promoting JET during the Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairship in 2024.
• Facilitate a partnership development process with the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) for ASEAN 2024 and beyond.
• Build synergy between regional programs (FFA, I-JET, MRWG and Tara Foundation projects) to strengthen Oxfam’s positioning in engaging ASEAN.
• Facilitate the positioning of regional partner CANSEA in anchoring the ASEAN Working Group (AWG) 2025 engagement in Malaysia.
• Guide the development of the Oxfam in Asia JET Influencing strategy ensuring strong stakeholder contextual analysis, measurable outcomes, and impact in line with the I-JET Theory of Change and MEAL framework.
• Assist the Regional Program Manager, Asia during the management transition of the I-JET team including providing interim management support in stabilizing and mentoring the team, oversight budget performance and project delivery, engagement with partners and staff to ensure a smooth transition during the recruitment phase. Support day-to-day operation requirements of the I-JET team.

Fair Finance Asia (FFA)

• Provide technical and strategic advisory support in engaging with Oxfam in Lao team on Oxfam’s sustainable finance agenda in line with the Lao ASEAN chairship in 2024.
• Facilitate discussions with Oxfam and partners in Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and Thailand’s FFA consortium on the FFA study on Mekong Hydropower Finance in line with Lao ASEAN chairship in 2024.
• Identify entry points and recommend strategies on engaging the ASEAN Taxonomy in sustainable finance initiatives in coordination with ASEAN-based FFA country coalitions.
• Review and propose improvements to the JET Policy Toolkit.

Coordinate the Oxfam ASEAN Working Group (AWG)

• Provide timely technical advice to guide and support the thematic (Care Economy, Just Energy Transition and Sustainable Finance) leads to implement agreed ASEAN 2024 activities.
• Advise and mentor the Gender Justice lead and Oxfam country team in Lao PDR in following up the recommendations of the regional care convening together with the ASEAN Secretariat and Lao Women’s Union, providing planning and overall coordination support to ensure timely delivery of activities.
• Work with Oxfam Lao PDR country team to implement the ASEAN 2024 engagement plan recommending actions to be taken, including engagement plan modifications and budget amendments. Monitor and report on overall progress in implementing the engagement plan.
• Assist Program Managers and thematic leads in conducting workshops, meetings, and training to increase Oxfam staffs’ technical skills and capacity on ASEAN influencing.

2. Timeline

This assignment is a periodic contract and is expected to cover 120 working days over six months from 1 May 2024 to 31 October 2024.

The number of days will slightly vary as per the working days/ plan for each month. An average of up to 20 working days per month is anticipated.

3. Duration of the assignment:

1 May to 31 October 2024.

4. Consultancy fees payment:

Payments will be based on agreed rates per day and submission of monthly Invoices.

5. PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• University degree in natural science, energy, environment studies, political science, social research, climate change, social development, or relevant other related field.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience any of these fields: economic justice, gender justice and climate justice.
• Prior experience in designing and implementing influencing plans on just energy transition, gender justice and inclusive and responsible business.
• Strong knowledge of the workings of ASEAN and its different bodies.
• Experience in program/project management.
• Track record of building trusting relationships with stakeholders understanding their needs and technical and context challenges.
• Strong coordinating skills with multiple project stakeholders including partners and different Oxfam entities.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Excellent computer skills especially Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Experience in stakeholder and power analysis, developing influencing strategies and plans related to just energy transition, energy policy, climate change, environment, and gender, social and economic justice.
• Proven experience in developing policy and strategy, research, relevant to NGO and civil society projects in the gender and climate justice sectors.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to cultural and gender differences, with a strongcommitment to gender equality.

DESIRABLE

1. Experience in supporting partners (NGOs/CBOs) and teams on financial management, sub-grant, and contract management.
2. -APPLICATION PROCESS

6. Clarifications

Any questions, remarks or requests for clarification can be sent up to [email protected] at least 2 days before the submission deadline in writing. The (anonymised) questions will be answered to all applicants.

7. Administrative compliance (list of documents to be submitted) as listed below.

Responses must be submitted and prepared in English and received by the deadline.

To be shortlisted for evaluation against award criteria, the following documents must be included in the application:

• Cover Letter
• Fee quotation including the following information:
  • Estimated number of days per month allocated for this assignment
  • Monthly consultancy fee in USD (based on 27 weeks consisting of 5 working days)
  • If applicable, include VAT rate
• Curriculum Vitae(s) (CV) proving relevant experience and/or qualifications
• Two relevant references (minimum) from previous comparable assignments

OTHER CONDITIONS

Issuance of this Terms of Reference does not constitute an award commitment on the part of Oxfam, nor does it commit Oxfam to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a bid.

Oxfam may contact bidders to confirm contacts, addresses, bid amount and to confirm that the bid was submitted for this solicitation.

Quotation validity

If the bidder is awarded the contract, all information provided in the quotation and negotiation process is contractually binding.

False statements

Bidders must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and Annexes. False statements in bids constitutes grounds for immediate termination of any agreement with the supplier. OXFAM takes fraud, misstatements, falsification, manipulation, alteration of facts and/or documents very seriously, has a zero tolerance policy to such behaviours, and may choose to take legal action in a case of misrepresented disclosures by Contractors.

Conflict of interest

Bidders must provide disclosure of any past, present or future relationships with any parties associated with the issuance, review or management of this solicitation and anticipated award. Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in Oxfam having to re-evaluate the selection of a potential bidder.

Right to Select/ Reject

Oxfam reserves the right to select and negotiate with those firms it determines, in its sole discretion, to be qualified for competitive proposals and to terminate negotiations without incurring any liability. Oxfam also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received without explanation.

Reserved rights

All applications and quotes become the property of Oxfam, and Oxfam reserves the right in its sole discretion to:

• To disqualify any offer based on applicant’s failure to follow solicitation instructions
• To waive any deviations by the applicant from the requirements of this terms of reference that, in Oxfam’s opinion, are considered immaterial defects requiring rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition
• Extend the time for submission of responses after notification to all applicants
• Terminate or modify the process at any time and re-issue the request for quotation to whomever Oxfam deems appropriate
• Issue an award based on the initial evaluation of offers without discussion
• Award only part of the activities in the solicitation or issue multiple awards based on solicitation activities

CODE OF CONDUCT

Oxfam is committed to integrity in its operations and supply chains and ensuring high ethical standards. Complying with all laws and regulations and ensuring fair competition are fundamental to this commitment. We actively promote these principles and standards, and expect all Oxfam suppliers to demonstrate commitment towards them.

All consultants/applicant are required to agree and adhere to the Oxfam Supplier Code of Conduct, whereas individuals (including consultants) must sign the Oxfam Non Staff Code of Conduct[1]. These Codes of Conduct set out the specific standards and principles in the areas of human and labour rights, environmental impact and anti-corruption that suppliers must follow.

REPORTING OF FRAUD & UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Oxfam’s reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms are available for Suppliers as well Oxfam employees, to ensure that Oxfam continues to operate under the highest ethical standards and principles.

You can use these reporting channels confidentially, anonymously, and in your own language to report any concerns involving fraud, corruption, waste, abuse or safeguarding concerns.

Online webform

Oxfam Misconduct Reporting Webform (including possibility for anonymous reporting): https://oxfam.clue-webforms.co.uk/webform/misconduct/

Email

[email protected]

[1] Non-Staff Code of Conduct applies for any self-employed individuals or contracted employees of suppliers who are working on Oxfam sites, or who have access to Oxfam materials, or who may represent Oxfam in any manner but are not part of Oxfam’s legal entity)