Consultant Review of SDG 4.7.2 data collection and reporting

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Multiple Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-AUG-2022 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **I. Background** UNESCO has been one of the leading sources of statistical information on education systems around the world. It collects and reports data on approximately 210 countries and territories. It maintains one of the largest databases of national education statistics globally. It has made important contributions to the development of global education information and data systems by articulating standards for data collection and classification. With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) has been recognised as the “official source of cross-nationally comparable data on education”, as confirmed in the Education 2030 Framework for Action. The UIS has been mandated to “work with partners to develop new indicators, statistical approaches and monitoring tools to better assess progress across the targets related to UNESCO’s mandate, working in coordination with the Education 2030 Steering Committee”. As part of UNESCO’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the links between education and health, the section of Health and Education has been spearheading the efforts in generating and communicating knowledge on inter-linkages between health and education to influence policy, practice, and government and donor funding priorities. More specifically, to improve the global and national monitoring of the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and the creation of healthy learning environments by preventing and addressing school-related violence and bullying (SVB), two SDG thematic indicators 4.7.2 and 4.a.2 have been developed, adopted and used since 2018. The International Institute for Education Planning (IIEP) of UNESCO has also been providing technical support for countries in the sub-Saharan African region to integrate HIV and sexuality education relevant indicators in their education management information systems. Long Description ---------------- While 4.a.2 can boast a reasonable reporting rate, the same cannot be said about 4.7.2. There are currently 67 countries (32%) reporting against this thematic indicator. Through UIS’ Annual Survey of Formal Education (ASFE), this indicator tracks the proportion of schools that provide life skills-based HIV and sexuality education within the formal curriculum or as part of extracurricular activities. It is not always clear what the underlying causes for underreporting are. It is equally not evident how countries collect and report on this indicator in practice. A review of how the reporting is done at the country level with a detailed analysis of the procedures and administrative tools, including EMIS or school census questionnaires, will help shed light and provide helpful insights to address the challenge of underreporting. Long Description ---------------- **II. Objectives** The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a detailed review of SDG 4.7.2 data collection and reporting procedures in a randomly selected number of countries and provide recommendations to address the shortcomings. In addition to SDG 4.7.2, the consultant will be expected to review and research whether and how education sectors, through their administrative and other routine data collection systems (e.g., EMIS, annual school census and other administrative data systems), collect data on any relevant school health and nutrition indicators. Long Description ---------------- **III. Methodology** This review is expected to use a mixed-method approach, which includes but not limited to: 1\. Sampling: It is suggested that simple random sampling is carried out for this review. The countries will be randomly selected from a list of countries reporting against SDG 4.7.2 for the first group and non-reporting countries for the second group, following the below suggestions : a. Focus on middle- and lower-income countries as per the World Bank country classifications by income from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America and the Caribbean; b. Of the 67 countries that reported data, randomly select a sample of countries (at least 30) that meet the criteria outlined in point a; c. In addition, select a smaller set of countries (about 10) not reporting the data against the indicator, and that meet the criteria outlined in point a; Non-reporting on this indicator may be affected by systemic factors (e.g., cultural sensitivity for sex-related topics, social prejudice for HIV-related topics), the review could help shed light on how non-reporting or the quality of data reported are affected by these factors. The latest list of reporting and non-reporting countries can be accessed from the UIS SDG 4 data explorer (http://sdg4-data.uis.unesco.org/) or data centre (http://data.uis.unesco.org/). 2\. Review: Review existing national datasets, data collection instruments, and tools, including but not limited to questionnaires of EMIS, Annual School Census, and other administrative data systems. 3\. Consultations: In-depth interviews with key informants, which include but not limited to EMIS focal points in the ministries of education and other relevant stakeholders. Suggestions of EMIS contacts in the selected countries will be provided by the UIS. 4\. Mapping: Mapping procedures and processes relevant to the data collection and reporting, including quality assurance of data collection and reporting, of SDG 4.7.2 and the school health and nutrition indicators. The consultant will expand and refine the methodology for the review in consultation with UNESCO, UIS and IIEP as part of the inception phase. Questions for consideration may include ‘how to factor in quality / accuracy of data collected’. **IV. Activities, deliverables and timeline** Specific deliverables, related activities and timeframe are outlines in the table below: 1\. Inception report • Orientation teleconference with UNESCO/UIS/IIEP • Review of relevant background documents provided by UNESCO/UIS/IIEP • A proposal of the work, including a refined methodology • Write up a detailed outline of the report (Early October 2022) 2\. Repository of documents and materials for review + list of key informants consulted • Identify and consult key informants to be included in the review • Create a repository of documents (e.g., EMIS questionnaires and etc.) - ( Mid-October 2022) 3\. First draft report • Produce a first draft report, approximately 30-35 pages (12,000 – 15,000 words in English) plus annexes, on the basis of indepth analysis of documents and consultation with key informants - (End November 2022) 4\. Final report • Revise and finalise the report according to reviewers' comments on the draft report, including recommendations -(Early December 2022) 5\. Presentation of the findings • Prepare a PPT with the key findings of the review and present to UNESCO/UIS/IIEP -(Mid December 2022) **V. Work modality** The consultant is expected to work remotely and will work closely with UNESCO’s Programme Specialist for M&E and Research in the Section of Health and Education, interacting on a regular basis and ensuring the deliverables defined below are of high quality standards. UIS and IIEP will serve as a resource for the consultancy by providing methodological support, sharing data available on 4.7.2, and the contact of EMIS and SDG 4 indicators focal points in the selected countries. UIS will also review the information gathered by the consultant and provide feedback on the deliverables prepared by the consultant. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- Advanced university degree (at least Masters' degree) in social sciences. **Languages** Fluency in English. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset. **Experience** • At least 10 years of relevant experience in designing and conducting research. • Proven knowledge and expertise in the areas of EMIS and its use to inform SDG 4 data production and quality assurance. • Proven excellence in the production of analytical work, both written report and brief presentations of research. • Good communication and interpersonal skills; **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Interested individuals or research institutions should submit a cover letter, CV(s) and electronic copies of two publications on related topics of which the candidates are the primary author(s), together with a brief proposal on the approach to and estimated costs for the assignment, to Séverine Pillado at [email protected] by 26 August 2022, 6.00pm CET. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.