Consultant Yemen EMIS Assessment

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Field Office Duty Station: Beirut 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) : 09-MAY-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Yemen, a Global Partnership for Education (GPE) partner since 2003, has received over US$90 million from GPE to date for ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Since March 2014, Yemen is delivering an education programme funded by GPE’s Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant (ESPIG) in the amount of US$72.6million. As part of this grant, the Yemeni Ministry of Education (MOE) is committed in improving data management; i.e. data collection, analysis and evidence-based planning and implementation of interventions. In this respect, the MOE envisions in building its institutional capacity on Education Management and Information Systems (EMIS), both at the central and governorate levels. To support this effort, UNESCO – the GPE Coordinating Agency in Yemen – along with WFP and UNICEF have agreed to join forces in providing the needed technical support for EMIS installation and the associated capacity building exercises. Accordingly, a joint UN agreement was established in October 2020. In order to ensure robust support to the Ministry of Education (MOE), UNESCO Beirut office therefore is seeking support from a highly qualified consultant to serve as UNESCO's technical arm in preparation for the EMIS development and implementation of institutional capacity building activities. The MOE plans on installing a new EMIS software, and as a start, UNESCO is seeking an expert in conducting a Needs Assessment and design of data procedures. PURPOSE ------- The objective of this assignment is to conduct an EMIS Needs Assessment and design that also considers the fragile situation in Yemen, and in particular, the needs of the Ministry of Education. The assessment – **to be completed by mid-June 2021** – will consist in a holistic and systematic situation analysis of different components as listed below (yet not limited to): - Technical capacity of human resources at the ministry and at the governorate/school level; - Physical status; - Legal framework; - Data architecture (including past and current data management procedures); - Methodological process and accessibility, etc. Further to the above assessment, the consultant is requested to provide recommendations for EMIS development, for example: - Options of EMIS software; - Adequate data collection methodology and logistical arrangements; - Required hardware solutions; - Requirement of HR and the needed content of the capacity building training (and recruitment if needed); - Required policy content. The assessment is a good starting point for national policy-makers to reach consensus on what to do to make the EMIS more effective, to make it serve country needs in the education sector and beyond, as well as to generate momentum for reforms. The Report will be divided into the following sections: - Background; - Methodology of the analysis; - The evolution process and the status of EMIS; - EMIS key findings; - Opportunities and challenges; - Recommendations and next steps. **DUTIES, TASKS AND EXPECTED OUTPUTS** --------------------------------------- Under the guidance of, and in close coordination with, UNESCO, the consultant is expected to perform the following tasks, in Arabic and English: 1. Propose a methodology for the work. 2. Consult with government and relevant stakeholders on the situation and needs, in Arabic and English. 3. Conduct surveys to beneficiaries, both in presence and remotely, in Arabic. 4. Based on the consultations and surveys, prepare a debriefing presentation (Power Point) in English to be shared with UNESCO on the initial findings including a set of actionable recommendations. 5. Draft the assessment report in English (15,000 words). The findings should be aligned as much as possible with the international best practices and successful models of robust and sustainable EMIS operationalization, as well as with UNESCO’s documents on EMIS and Education in Emergencies, currently being developed. It should also state concise recommendations for the way forward. The report will be shared with UNESCO for feedback. The debriefing presentation and assessment report should be written in English. The style should be simple and accessible to non-native English speakers. [UNESCO’s Style Manual ](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000141812?posInSet=2&queryId=87e740ce-84de-4a5b-b6c0-3dbc8e15aee7)should be applied. **PROCESS AND TIMELINE** ------------------------ 1. Preparation of a set of questions for consultations; 2. Consultations with stakeholders communicated by UNESCO; 3. Preparation of a survey for beneficiaries; 4. Conduct the survey through web, phone and in-presence surveys; 5. Submission of the debriefing presentation; 6. Submission of the draft assessment report; 7. Inclusion of UNESCO’s feedback; 8. Submission of the final report. The process may be amended by UNESCO based on implementation and constraints, following an agile methodology. Deadline for completion: mid-June 2021. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- - Advanced degree (Ph.D preferred) in social sciences, preferably education, information technology, statistics or engineering; - Professional experience of at least 8 years, relevant in the field of EMIS development and education in emergencies; - Professional knowledge about EMIS and education challenges and issues as relevant to education in Yemen and in the Arab region; - Rigorous research experience and technical writing experience in education; - High self-initiative and flexible in quickly adjusting to the changing workplan requirements;. - Familiarity of work with UNESCO and UN agencies in the Arab region is an asset; - Excellent writing and oral skills in English and Arabic. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Candidates are requested to attach, **all in one file**, with the Personal History Form: - CV; - Cover letter; - A technical proposal (no more than three pages, including a tentative schedule); - A financial proposal. **WORKING MODALITIES** This consultancy is home based with possible travel to Yemen, Lebanon and/or other countries in the Arab region (depending on COVID-19-related travel restrictions). It is planned to start as soon as possible. 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. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States [(last update here)](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution) 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.