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ToR for Program Officer - Contract Management . Position: Program Officer - Contract Management 1. Position Details Duty Station: Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled, Chennai Duration of Contract: 12 months (renewable subject to performance) Reporting Line: Project Director (PD) 2. Background As per the Census (2011), Tamil Nadu is the sixth most populous state in India with a population of 72 million, which includes the proportion (1.63 percent) of persons with disabilities compared to national average of2.21 percent. A study that used pooled data from the District Level Household Survey-4 (2012-13) and Annual Health Survey 2nd updation round (2012-13) revealsthat there are 4550 personswith disabilities amongstevery 100,000 populationin Tamil Nadu thereby indicating a much higher prevalence of disability in comparison to the census data. Therefore,if one goesby the estimatesof this recentstudy, there would be about 3.2 million people in Tamil Nadu living with some form ofdisabilities. Moreover,even these estimations appear on the lower sideespecially since thedefinition and type ofdisabilities has undergonea change toinclude a largerpopulation group sincethe promulgation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Persons withdisabilities face multiple socio economic constraints including poorer health outcomes, lower education levels, limited economic participation, and higher rates of poverty compared to persons without disabilities. They often experience exclusion and barriers in accessing health services, education, employment, transportation, information as well as care and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, households with a disabled member are more likely toexperience material hardships–including food insecurity, poor housing, lack of access to safe water and sanitation, and inadequate access to healthcare. Thus, these limitations and barriers not only hinder their full and effective participation in the society, but also affect the country’s productive potential, the human capital. In order to increase the human capital and reduce the achievement gap among people with disabilities, a coordinated andcomprehensive package of interventionsappears warranted for addressingthe individual and community contexts at both, multiple and systemic levels. TamilNaduhas always been a pioneer in theimplementation of welfareschemes for all sectionsof socially disadvantaged groups. The Department for the Welfare of the Differently Abled Persons (DWDAP), through its various initiatives and schemes have extendedfull support to the differently abled people in their pursuit of full and equal involvement in every aspect of society. The DWDAPis largely responsible for alladministrative, statutory and servicedelivery functions, which is implemented through its well experienced workforce at the state, district and local levels. The thrust areas of the DWDAP are: prevention and early interventions, special education, employment & vocational training, social security(maintenance allowance, travel concession, assistanceto NGOs), aids & appliances, and barrier free structure. Recently, DWDAP conducted a pilot project in a few blocks of the state and has identified a need for multi-sectoral, whole- government, and capacity building approach to care and rehabilitation of the differently abled. The RIGHTS Project focuses on three pillars: first, promote inclusion of all by ensuring that persons with disabilities participate equally with others in any activity and service intended for the general public, such aseducation, health, employment,and social services;second, improve the access of specialized programsby investing in specific measures forquality care, rehabilitation and support services; and third, provide opportunities for persons with disabilities for completion ofeducation, skills training and market-linked employment opportunities. However,to manage the project at the proposed scale, substantial efforts would be requiredto build the current institutional capacity of the DWDAat all levelsin terms of fieldunits for administration, servicedelivery, supervision and monitoring, along with self-sustaining capacity. The Project would be managed through the Commissionerate for Welfare of the DifferentlyAbled (DWDA), led by the Project Director (PD) RIGHTS project cum Commissionerate DWDA, hereinafter also referred as PD, and would have a team of consultants. 3. Objective To design, implement, and monitor contract management systems and ensure compliance with performance standards to achieve the RIGHTS project’s goals of inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for differently abled persons. 4. Scope of Work and Key Deliverables In consultation with the Project Director, design a robust system, for effective Supervision, monitoring and management of PPP contracts in Social Welfare sector in the state, and undertake periodic review and introduce appropriate corrective actions. Regularly review progress (monitoring) reports to assess mid-term/ interim performance in accordance with the terms of contract and the agreed KPls for the PPP/other projects. Help develop supervision, monitoring and evaluation guidelines and appropriate reporting forms and formats that are fully integrated with an MIS system for RIGHTS project managers and officials. Identify and coordinate in developing key monitoring (dashboard) indicators for verification of service volume / quality standards and other KPls and/ or service delivery outcomes during PPP/ other projects implementation, for approval of payments/ reimbursements, penalties, etc. Tack the implementation of the contract clauses of PPP/other projects, using externally hired (third party monitoring agencies) as necessary to: monitor and validate the benefits received by the target beneficiaries:(particularly by differently abled persons , NGO’s , women, remote and other vulnerable groups): conduct periodic performance evaluation of services, including undertaking cost benefit analysis; and conduct periodic quality assessments including patient feedback. Assist in Design and management of a comprehensive system for effective supervision and monitoring RIGHTS contracts Design and manage a robust M&E system that allows continuous monitoring of RIGHTS contracts; assess and evaluate the performance, outputs and outcomes of PPP/Other projects against the project objectives. Based on the above (comprehensive system, including M&E), support the authorities within the Directorate and the TN RIGHTS Project in developing robust management information system (MIS System) for supervision, performance monitoring, payment and other MIS indicators as relevant to contract management. Support the contracting authority to effectively enforce the contracts, including the capacity to monitor project/ contract implementation and the performance of the private party in accordance with the terms of agreement, Keep track of adherence to contract specifications and notify Officer(s) at TN RIGHTS/Directorate for any divergence in the terms and conditions of the contract agreement and the status of implementation. Facilitate regular feedback and communication to the private partners, TN RIGHTS and the directorate officials. Analyse and identify operational bottlenecks in current contracts and help relevant authorities including planning and transaction teams for mid-course correction, contract termination or in restructuring the contract and systems and processes. Undertake regular monitoring and supervision visits to PPP/other project sites, as also to their catchment areas for obtaining first-hand beneficiary feedback, to cross validate data reporting and field observations. Closely coordinate with MIS consultant to automate the M&E system as part of the information system and to improve the design and utility thereof. This will1 also include developing linkage to invoicing, release of payment including automatic deduction of penalties or addition of incentives, if any. Hold regular review meetings/discussion of any bottlenecks in project implementation and to communicate the same to the concerned officials at TN RIGHTS or the Directorate. Prepare and submit monthly. quarterly / annual reports for project review or for other administrative scrutiny including auditing or accounting. contract termination and arbitration purposes. Travel as per RIGHTS requirements. Besides the above responsibilities, the consultant may be assigned additional tasks that are relevant for effective supervision, monitoring and evaluation of PPP/other projects or any World Bank related projects. 5. Reporting and Supervision Reports directly to the Project Director or a designated official. Collaborates with third-party agencies, MIS consultants, and other project officers. 6. Qualifications and Experience Education: Postgraduate degree in Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business, or related fields. Experience: 5 to 7 years in contract management, preferably in World Bank or externally aided projects. Skills: Proficiency in MS Office, contract compliance, and stakeholder coordination. Other Requirements: Ready to travel as per project needs. 7. Remuneration Consolidated pay: ₹75,000/month Travel expenses reimbursed as per HR policy. 8. Application Process Submit CV and relevant documents to tnjobs@tnmhr.com with the subject “Program Officer: Contract Management.” Deadline: [Insert date]. Show more Show less
