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Background

On 20 September 2016, the Government of Turkmenistan formally adopted a list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 148 targets and 188 indicators to be implemented over the next 15 years. The SDGs roll out in the country followed a three-stage process adopted by the United Nations Country Team and the Government, that includes the following stages: i) defining the SDGs relevant to Turkmenistan (national prioritization); ii) integrating the nationally prioritized SDGs into the national development plans; and iii) setting up a measuring system to measure the progress of SDG implementation.

As part of the second stage, the UN agencies have been working closely with the Government counterparts and have proposed some of the nationally prioritized SDG targets and indicators to be integrated into the national sector plans, programs and strategies.

Under the third stage, the UN agencies have been working with the Government of Turkmenistan to support with the development of the SDG measurement system. To date, the approved SDG indicators have been assessed against the following key functions on the overall statistical measurement system: i) methodology development, ii) data collection, iii) data processing, iv) SDG database preparation, v) analysis of SDG data, vi) preparation of SDG goal/target/indicator report; and vii) preparation of SDG reports for national and international reporting by compiling goal reports from the line ministries. Based on the initial subjective assessment, more than one third (32 percent) of the total adopted nationalised SDG indicators are readily available to report as per assessment of national partners. The rest does not have either a methodology or baseline, or both. Also, assessment revealed that data on less than half (42 percent) of the readily available SDG indicators can be made available from State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan, while more than half (58 percent) is collected through other government institutions. The assessment results were used to design the overall SDG measurement system that is to be finalized during the first half of the year. The next steps should involve, inter alia, generation of actual baselines at the national and disaggregated levels, discussion on dual responsibility for some indicators as a short-to-medium term solution for reporting for some SDG indicators and seeking longer-term solutions for data reporting and disaggregation, including improvement of sectoral and inter-sectoral information management systems.

Participation of Turkmenistan in international data dissemination systems is very limited and in 2019 and 2020 UN advocated for broader data reporting on SDGs to the custodian agencies. In 2020 Turkmenistan started reporting to global databases more broader, but strict procedures on data and information sharing with international organizations limits the completeness of reporting. In some cases, this leads to data disparities between available national statistics and international databases. The SDGs pose a huge data challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen the national statistical capacity and improve data quality by benefitting from technical assistance and collaboration with international organizations.

Recently World Bank supported the State Statistics Committee with the development of welfare monitoring system, through revision of household survey questionnaires and provision of methodologies on calculation of the wellbeing (https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/document-detail/P158751?type=projects).

UNICEF supported the State Statistics Committee (SSC) of Turkmenistan in conducting a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in 2019, the findings of which inform programming and policymaking for children and women. However, MICS do not provide full picture of the wellbeing of a family and a child. Before COVID there was a price increase to some of the household services, that implies that the population will begin paying from households’ budgets for services that were formerly free. Consequently, household welfare might decrease and some groups—such as the poor or bottom 40 percent of the population—may be hurt more than others, especially, if the government has not put into place any mitigation measures. However, without microdata—especially reliable and official data, it is difficult to identify who is affected, to what degree, and how best to mitigate the burden for the vulnerable.

Taking into account, that COVID impacted the wellbeing of the families in different ways, there is a need to understand the situation better, as well as strengthen the national capacity to measure and report on SDG 1.1.1.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy is the main monitoring body of the SDGs and coordinate all data collection and analysis for the National reporting on SDGs. Taking into account that Ministry of finance and economy has been assigned responsibility for SDG 1 to ensure full implementation. The Ministry requires technical support to introduce the measurement of wellbeing and measurement of SDG 1.1 overall, with participation of State Statistics Committee and Ministry of labour and social protection.

In 2018 UNICEF completed a baseline assessment for child-related SDGs, however monitoring of SDG 1 was limited by data availability. UNICEF focuses on strengthening national statistical capacity and the introduction measure of the wellbeing of families, especially focusing on children under the work plan with the Ministry of Finance and Economy. . Measurement of a wellbeing indicator will require additional resources and results of this measurement may require new methods. In this regard , support of international consultant is required in developing suitable approaches for measuring the SDG 1.1.1, starting from 2021 and continuing for the purposes of monitoring of Agenda 2030 and with specific focus on most vulnerable.

Purpose of the assignment

Overall purpose of the assignment is to provide support to the Ministries and Institutions involved into the SDG 1.1 to understand how to measure the wellbeing so that it is in line with the SDG 1.1. and suggest the ways on how to make this applicable for Turkmenistan through the presentation of different measurement tools (OPHI, Bristol method and Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA) or other, as will be decided based on the desk review).

Considering that the methods of measuring wellbeing have never been used before, “wellbeing” definition and introduction of measurement to be presented.

Specific Tasks

The International consultant on data will:

• Desk Review, that will include:
• progress of Turkmenistan on SDG 1 in global databases and identify gaps in data submission into the global databases, propose required steps to improve the situation (ex: The SDG dashboard is here: https://w3.unece.org/SDG/en, The SDG database is here: https://w3.unece.org/PXWeb2015/pxweb/en/STAT/STAT__92-SDG__01-sdgover
• Identify how current welfare estimation applied and how it is used in measuring SDG 1.1., challenges/obstacles in the methodology, needs from the Government to start reporting in 2021 (develop Interview Questions for the Government, to prepare them better for the workshop and identify training, subject specialists, and financial resources to introduce regular estimation and reporting on SDG 1.1).
• Based on the developed questionnaires conduct a series of interviews to review and discuss current welfare estimation with the World Bank, UNICEF, the State Statistics Committee, Ministry of Finance and economy and Ministry of labour and social protection
• Develop concept of the workshop, that will include:
• Presentation of the findings of the desk review to the partners
• Presentation of the monetary and non-monetary measures of wellbeing, including but not limited to the method of OPHI should, Bristol method and Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA), applicable for Turkmenistan to ensure indicator measurement under SDG 1.1.1, with focus on wellbeing of family and a child.
• Practical exercises in applying standard wellbeing metrics for the introduction of these methods, based on available household Surveys data.
• Identify the ways how to choose the right tool for Turkmenistan and agree on a follow-up steps for regular reporting and implementation of SDG 1.1.1
• Conduct a workshop and develop a report with follow-up recommendation for the next year

The consultancy will cover the period of 15 April until 15 June 2021 and will be deliverable based. The consultant is expected to work from home and with his own computer/equipment. Travel to Turkmenistan is not envisioned, due to travel restrictions, but if this will be possible, travel expenses will be calculated separately. Specific tasks for Survey Plan implementation may be adjusted based on current events and corporate priorities.

Deliverables will include:

• Desk work report (10 pages +Annexes ), describing a brief progress of Turkmenistan on SDG 1.1, based on data from the global databases, current situation in measuring welfare in Turkmenistan, with focus on children, limitations and risks for the application of particular measuring tools in the context of Turkmenistan, Interview questions for the Government to structure the Agenda of the workshop and PPTs

• PPT (designed for a non-specialist audience).

• Recommendations Report. Providing recommendations on application of discussed methodologies and the best option for addressing the specific needs of families and children.

Reporting requirements

International Consultant will provide the deliverables as described above in Russian or English. The consultants will report to Sofiya Yuvshanova (UNICEF) and coordinate technical advice with William Seitz (World Bank).

Payment schedule

Payments will be made on a deliverable basis. All deliverables must be delivered on time and to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the UNICEF Turkmenistan.

Work arrangements

Day to day supervision and guidance will be provided by the UNICEF Turkmenistan Child Rights Monitoring Specialist. UNICEF will regularly communicate with the International Data Consultant and provide UNICEF and UN requirements, guidance on specific questions, feedback on performance and all other necessary support to achieve objectives of the consultancy.

General Terms and Conditions

UNICEF’s general terms and conditions will apply to the contract awarded to the vendor. Please note that, in the evaluation of the technical merits of each proposal, UNICEF will take into consideration any proposed amendments to the UNICEF General Terms and Conditions. Proposed amendments to the UNICEF general terms and conditions may negatively affect the evaluation of the technical merits of the proposal.

UNICEF retains the right to patent and intellectual rights, as well as copyright and other similar intellectual property rights for any discoveries, inventions, products or works arising specifically from the implementation of the project in cooperation with UNICEF. The right to reproduce or use materials shall be transferred with a written approval of UNICEF based on the consideration of each separate case. Consultant should always refer to UNICEF Turkmenistan support in developing the materials when publishing the results of the research conducted while in Turkmenistan in academic journals, books and websites.

In the event of unsatisfactory performance, UNICEF reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In case of partially satisfactory performance, such as serious delays causing the negative impact on meeting the programme objectives, low quality or insufficient depth and/or scope of the assignment completion, UNICEF is entitled to decrease the payment by the range from 30% to 50% of the contract value as decided jointly by the Contract Supervisor and Operations Manager.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• At least 8 years of experience in quantitative analysis, especially pertaining to statistical analysis of wellbeing and vulnerability indicators and monitoring of SDG 1.1
• Previous research on child/family wellbeing, vulnerability and/or deprivations using statistical/multivariate methods.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to contribute to a team research process.
• Knowledge or experience of work in Central Asia;
• Knowledge of English and Russian

Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should include

• A cover letter, including
  • Assessment of suitability vis-à-vis the requirements of this ToR;
  • A summary of experience in similar assignments;
  • Links to/attachments of examples of similar work;
• CV of the candidate
• References

Financial Proposal

Candidates are expected to submit a lump sum financial proposal to complete the entire assignment based on the terms of reference. The lump sum should cover deliverables indicated above.

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Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.