A. Consultant - Planning

Required Qualifications and Experience:

1. Should have Postgraduate degree/ Diploma in Planning from an accredited college or University.

2. Minimum 5 years- experience in undertaking regional/development planning assignments, with at least two years of experience in senior position managing a team in preparation of technical and detailed project reports, and assessment.

3. Experience of working in rural areas is desirable.

4. Demonstrated skills in in designing and managing surveys/field studies/data analysis/mapping/consultation as well as DPR preparation.

5. Demonstrated skills in implementing advanced tools such as GIS in plan development and monitoring and evaluation of the implementation.

6. Strong understanding of key development concepts, particularly in relation to regional planning in rural areas.

7. Demonstrated experience in research, learning and knowledge management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Undertake comprehensive assessment of the existing situation and identification of the general trends of socio-economic development at the project village/cluster level. Furthermore, the stage will concentrate on the assessment of available data and information and accuracy of this data in terms of quantity, quality and it's adequacy for the purpose of the preparation of the intended DPR

2. Data Collection and Review and Documentation of Policies, Strategies and Plans being implemented at the village level across sectors.

3. Support development of framework and compile all available spatial and attribute data, regarding existing conditions in the Project Villages covering, but not limited to, the following areas:

a) Socio-economic data including economic base characteristics of various economic sectors (agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, industry and tourism), employment, population and demographic characteristics, etc.

b) Environment and Natural Resources including forests, rivers, lakes and other water resources, etc related to the environmental concerns.

c) Human settlement hierarchy, function and distribution: including rural settlements/habitats. Built-up environment and land use.

d) Transportation infrastructure including road based, rail based and air transport and networks.

e) Physical infrastructure data including water supply and network. Electricity supply and network, sewerage system, telecommunication, solid waste treatment facilities.

f) Social infrastructure data including hierarchy of facilities, their distribution and accessibility.

g) Infrastructure Projects under implementation including the inventory of all infrastructure, projects under construction at regional level.

4. Assess the quality and quantity of data available at the village and other hierarchal levels.

5. Identify the gaps in terms of information needed and the approach and methods to overcome such deficiency.

6. Conduct all necessary field studies and surveys to update missing data and information needed for preparation of the Project.

7. Based on the above, the consultant shall conduct the assessment of the existing situation and identify issues, opportunities and challenges at village level.

8. The DPR shall adopt participatory approach by conducting interactive sessions. Therefore, consultant shall aid in development of effective strategy to conduct consultation with stakeholders including gram panchayats and civil society in rural areas, elected representatives, academician- s, government and non-governmental organizations.

9. Based on the detailed analysis and assessment of the development status and current trends in the Project Area carried out the consultant shall support the project team in developing alternative strategies to achieve the goals and objective of the rural development in the Project Areas.

10. Contribute to implementation as well as periodic monitoring and evaluation of the implementation in the project villages

11. Develop constructive working relationships with relevant stakeholders including partners and relevant government ministries.

12. From time to time will be required to take on additional duties and tasks, as need within the program arises

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