Consultancy: Management Information System (MIS) for Cash Plus Programme for Children, UNICEF Iraq (National consultancy)

Contract

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Purpose of Activity/Assignment: The purpose of this consultancy is to upgrade the existing Management Information System (MIS) to support the implementation of the Cash Plus Programme for Children. The upgraded MIS will enable the efficient and effective management of programme data and facilitate monitoring and evaluation of programme outcomes.

Scope of Work: The Government of Iraq in collaboration with UNCEF and EU is initiating a Pilot Cash Plus Programme for Children, with the aim of improving health, education, and child protection outcomes for children in three governorates areas of Baghdad, Al Muthana and Dohuk. The programme will provide a top up cash transfers to households with eligible children, subject to meeting certain criteria related to health, education, and child protection. The objectives of the consultancy will be to (1) Assess the current MIS and identify gaps and areas for improvement to support the implementation of the Cash Plus Programme for Children, (2) Develop a detailed plan for upgrading the MIS, including timelines, resources required, and potential risks, (3) Develop and implement appropriate data collection tools and protocols for the programme, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, (4) Develop and implement a system for data entry, storage, and retrieval that is secure, efficient, and user-friendly, (5) Develop and implement appropriate data analysis and reporting mechanisms that provide regular updates on programme progress and outcomes, (6) Train relevant stakeholders on the upgraded MIS and data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting tools and protocols and to (7) Provide ongoing technical support to ensure the smooth functioning of the upgraded MIS.

This is a remote, home-based consultancy for a period of 130 days until June 2024 which involves some travel under applicable UNICEF rules and regulations

Work Assignment Overview 1. Facilitate and support the MIS Assessment Report Deliverable 1 1.1 Assist in producing the assessment report outlining the current state of the MIS and areas of improvement. 1.2 Advocacy events facilitated and organized with relevant high level government stakeholders. Timeline: 29 working days to be completed on Sep 30th, 2023

2. Support the plan for upgradation of MIS and a proper functioning MIS. Deliverable 2 2.1 Support the development of a detailed plan for upgrading the MIS that will include timelines, resources required and potential risks through engagement with Key stakeholders. 2.2 Assist and facilitate the Development of a functional MIS system, including data entry, storage, and retrieval mechanisms, data quality checks, and backup mechanisms. 2.3 All Critical stakeholders further engaged in the development and implementation of an appropriate data collection tools and protocols, including household registration forms, health and education indicators, and child protection indicators. 2.4 Support and facilitate the engagement of government stakeholder in the development and implementation of a system for data entry, storage, and retrieval, including data quality checks and backup mechanisms through coordination and engagement with the government. 2.5 All critical stakeholders further engaged in the development and implementation of appropriate data analysis and reporting mechanisms, including dashboards and reports. Timeline: 27 working days to be completed on November 15th, 2023

3. Facilitate the technical assistance and advice provided to government and implementing partners on the design, implementation, and monitoring of the cash transfer component of the Cash Plus Programme. Deliverable 3 3.1 Facilitate the conduct of needs assessment to identify areas where technical assistance is required. 3.2 All stakeholders are further engaged on the development of a work plan for technical assistance provision. 3.3 Support the technical assistance that is provided to government and implementing partners on the design, implementation, and monitoring of the cash transfer component reports outlining recommendations and actions taken. Timeline: 22 working days to be completed on January 4th, 2024

4. Support the training and capacity building of stakeholders on the upgraded MIS Deliverable 4 4.1 Relevant stakeholders are trained on the upgraded MIS and data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting tools and protocols. 4.2 Meetings workshops, and engagement facilitated with all critical stakeholders. Timeline: 26 working days to be completed on April 28th, 2024

5. Facilitate the technical support provided to ensure smooth functioning of upgraded Deliverable 5 5.1 Contribute to the ongoing technical support that is provided to ensure the smooth functioning of the upgraded MIS. Timeline: 26 working days to be completed on April 30th, 2024

Minimum Qualifications required: Advanced degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems or related field is required. Solid hands-on experience and proven professional record could be accepted in lieu of advanced academic background with 12 years of relevant experience. 10 years of experience in the development and implementation of Management Information Systems, preferably in the context of social protection programmes. Expertise in management information systems (MIS) and data management tools. This includes knowledge of data collection, analysis, and reporting methodologies, as well as experience with relevant software applications. Experience with budgeting, financial management, and cost-benefit analysis. Ability to develop financial plans and conduct financial assessments to ensure that cash plus programs are being implemented in a cost-effective manner. Fluency in English, and Arabic (written and spoken).

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

Remarks:

Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. Candidates must submit an all-inclusive fee for the assignment. UNICEF will provide travel for the assignment and in-country travel if required.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.