Intl. consultancy for diagnostic assessment and strategic planning of data and evidence in view of SDG and child rights commitments at national and subnational levels in Tajikistan

Consultant Programme & Policy Monitoring & Evaluation

Contract

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child,

In 2016 the Government of Tajikistan has committed to nationalize and implement 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and developed the National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 (NDS).

The 2017 Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to Tajikistan highlight the need for improving the collection of disaggregated data on children and its use for designing targeted policies. The National Strategy for the Development of Statistics until 2030 indicates statistics on children as one of the priority areas for improving volume and quality of data. Over the last several years UNICEF Tajikistan has been supporting the Agency on Statistics of the Republic of Tajikistan (Tajstat) in enhancing national statistical capacity to collect and analyse data on child related SDGs and children's vulnerabilities through two year rolling joint workplans. The SDG localization and improvement of quality and use of enormous administrative data related to children remains one of the key priority areas. There is also a need to assess the availability and quality of child related data ecosystems including administrative data to identify opportunities and gaps for evidence-based planning and budgeting in view of the SDGs and child rights commitments.

How can you make a difference?

This assignment aims to provide a diagnostic assessment of the data for children's landscape in the country and develop a strategic Data for Children Action Plan for the best data investments on children for the coming four years. The diagnostic assessment of the data ecosystem will examine the demand, supply, and use of data to identify gaps and needs for capacity development, and opportunities for translating data potential into results for children taking into account the nationalized SDG and child rights commitments. Based on the findings of the diagnostic assessment, the Data for Children Action Plan will illuminate the areas for strategic investments in data for children given the short-term and long terms results for children (including those outlined in the national strategic documents). The Action Plan will be about how UNICEF engages on data issues in the country, but its focus will be broader than the work that UNICEF carries out directly. It should include elements such as support to government data actors and partnership recommendations along with UNICEF-specific actions. The concrete action points and areas for investment in data for children will inform the future interventions (including resource mobilization and workplans). Specific emphasis will be laid on the ways to enhance data use and interoperability to identify areas of potential support to achieve visible progress. The consultancy will specifically focus on producing and presenting the following in a comprehensive and coherent way:

a) A diagnostic assessment of the data landscape and the key issues to be addressed in the frame of the child-related SDGs and child rights commitments, including:

• A broad overview of relevant national household surveys, data systems and structures (including the listing of administrative data systems) across child related SDGs and child rights domains (national, province, district and community levels.

• Data mapping and review of the list of indicators that are of key importance for children including on demographics, child related SDG indicators, child protection indicators and District Profile/Vulnerability Index indicators

• Sources, recency and quality of data (including alternative administrative data sources at lowest administrative level) on demographics, child-related SDG indicators and child protection and district profile/vulnerability indicators.

• An overview of the key partners and UNICEF’s role or comparative advantage in priority sectors.

• An overview of enabling environment and practices around data access, responsible collection and use of data, capacities and needs among decision-makers to use data, data for both development and humanitarian purposes

• Key data needs and gaps in view of child-related vulnerability and SDG indicators (including the nationalized indicators in MTDP 2021- 2025 and sectoral strategies), and a broader child rights agenda. b) Recommendations and action points on the immediate and longer-term priorities in view of child-related SDG child protection and vulnerability indicators, including:

• Areas for strengthening the D4C data systems and processes at national and sub-national levels including

a) improving the quality and use of existing data and need for new data collection processes in view of the main reporting requirements; b) national counterparts and partners that need to be engaged for each data;

c) areas for skills and capacity development from data demand, supply and use perspectives.

• Entry points or opportunities that could be leveraged for greater impact (including integration of child related data into major household surveys and information systems) particularly where UNICEF has comparative advantage amongst development partners to lead/ have impact.

• Areas for mobilizing resources for discrete D4C initiatives with development partners and/or advocating for government investment.

• Areas for strategic investments on improving Data for children and ultimately strengthening its linkage to planning and budgeting.

• Proposed list of child-related SDG and vulnerability indicators that can be linked to outcome-based resource allocation

Duty station/duration:

Estimated duration: 15 w/d from 30 June till 30 November 2022

Duty station: Dushanbe/or remote

On-site working days: up to 5 days (or remote)

Off-site working days: up to 10 days

Supervisor: M&E Specialist/Child Rights Monitoring

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The consultant will work under close guidance from the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Child Rights Monitoring and the focal point in the Agency on Statistics (Tajstat). The work involves three phases, as outlined below:

Phase 1 Design: Identifying key areas for data diagnostic

1. In collaboration with the National Consultant, UNICEF the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Child Rights Monitoring and other programme staff, external partners including the Tajstat, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to develop a clear understanding and scope of the priority areas of work for Data for children in line with SDGs and child rights. This analysis should be based on the initial desk review of existing literature and data with a special focus on relevant government strategic planning and reporting materials and interviews with key UNICEF staff, Tajstat, and MEDT that will be conducted by the National Consultant.

2. Based on these interviews and reviews conducted by the National Consultant, to develop a conceptual framework and methodology for the data landscape diagnostic including the a) provisional outline of key areas for diagnostic assessment and list of child-related SDGs and vulnerability indicators, b) adjusted questionnaires and interview guides based on DIY Toolkit1 and c) analysis on the feasibility of applying the Administrative Data Maturity Model tool for assessment of administrative data for identified core admin data systems for children.

Phase 2. Assessment: Mapping the country’s data landscape and assessing the quality of data

3. To map the data landscape in the identified priority areas covering both development activities and development-humanitarian nexus based on the framework and provisional outline developed in Phase 1 and based on the literature review and interviews and consultation meetings with the key internal and external stakeholders. This should include identifying the major needs, existing initiatives and new opportunities in data for children working in those areas.

• This assessment should be guided by the Data Quality Framework and based on interviews with key staff from UNICEF, Tajstat, line ministries, administrative divisions of the local governments of two selected districts, key external partners. o This assessment should use the data quality framework here as well, and not only mapping the data availability, but also an assessment of the quality using the DQF
• The landscape diagnostic should consider current and potential data actors (including demanders, suppliers and users), existing data systems and capacities, (both of the government and major government partners), priorities of the government (national, regional/ selected districts from the list of 68 districts and cities), the UN and the UNICEF country/regional programme, and future plans, opportunities, and threats for child wellbeing.
• The analysis also should take into consideration the data work of other major actors in the country, as well as potential sources and users of data in the private and civil society sectors and independent child rights institutions.
• The diagnostic should be consistent with UNICEF’s global data approach, including attention to data demand, supply, analysis, and use; as well as responsible data for children principles
• Recommendations should be shaped by thinking about key data gaps, demands and opportunities; UNICEFs comparative advantage; and building mature data systems that are able to “flex” to meet identified and changing data needs in a sustainable manner.

Phase 3. Action Planning:

Developing the D4C strategic action plan document 4) To develop a strategic action plan to guide the country’s and more specifically UNICEF’s data for children actions and investments based on the results of data diagnostic.

Grounded on the country and local needs, priority issues for children, UNICEF’s comparative advantages and opportunities on the horizon, the plan should identify:

• The work that is already ongoing should be continued, replicated and/or scaled up (both within UNICEF and what UNICEF should be supporting others to do).
• The work that is already underway should be phased out or transitioned to partners. o Any new work UNICEF should undertake (either directly or in support of others’ work) in this area. o What capacities and resources are needed to undertake the recommended work.
• What partnerships UNICEF should pursue to undertake the work successfully.
• The plan should identify priorities for immediate action that can be undertaken/implemented shortly after the plan’s adoption; it should also include longer term priority investments in the office’s data for children work at national and sub-national (province, district, community) levels.
• The strategic action plan should be consistent with the principles for data work elaborated in the UNICEF data for children strategy and take into account data demand, supply, and use elements. It should present a coherent and cohesive framework to bring the office’s DQF can be accessed at data investments together for greater impact rather than simply elaborating a list of projects to be undertaken. Each element of the plan should be connected to the results it can deliver for children.
• The plan should, to the extent possible, include indicative costs, allowing it to be easily translated into resource mobilization appeals.
• The plan should also, to the extent possible, include recommendations for human resource investments, laying out the needed personnel and skills to carry out the priority actions.
• The plan should be developed along with key members of the country office and key national and selected local partners in a consultative process. That process should include discussions about the best ways to assure buy-in and uptake of the plan.
• Provide technical support in validation of the D4C Action Plan with relevant UNICEF staff and key external partners.

___________________________________________________________________

1. DIY toolkit can be accessed at https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Data-for-Children-Do-It-YourselfToolkit.pdf

2. DQF can be accessed at https://data.unicef.org/resources/data-quality-framework/#:~:text=The%20Data%20Quality%20Framework%20is,confidence%20in%20our%20data%20products

KEY DELIVERABLES/ TIMEFRAME / PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

The assignment will be carried out in 15 days spread over a period starting from 30 June to 30 November 2022. The consultant will produce the following deliverables:

#

Tasks/Milestone

Deliverables/Outputs

Number of days

Timeline

Payment schedule

1

Develop a clear understanding and scope of the priority areas of work for Data for children in line with SDGs and child rights based on the desk review and initial stakeholder consultations

Inception report (10-15 pages) including:

• provisional outline of areas for assessment
• conceptual framework and methodology/ adjusted tools for the data landscape diagnostic and
• priority areas and list of SDG, child protection and vulnerability indicators to include stakeholder mapping and data catalogue

3 days

30 July 2022

100%

2

To map the data landscape in the identified priority areas covering both development activities and development-humanitarian nexus

Draft data landscape diagnostic report (20-30 pages or sufficient length to cover all agreed topics) including a brief guidance with a proposed set of SDG/vulnerability indicators that could be linked to outcome-based resource allocation at district level (app. 3 pages)

6 days

5 September 2022

3

To develop a strategic action plan to guide the country’s and more specifically UNICEF’s data for children actions and investments based on the results of data diagnostic

Draft strategic action plan including the data landscape diagnostic report (30-35 pages)

Presentation / workshop of appropriate length / format to cover all agreed topics. (PowerPoint or other agreed format)

Final strategic action plan including the data landscape diagnostic report (30-35 pages)

4 days

1 day

1 day

1 October 2022

15 October 2022

30 October 2022

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

1) Education

Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in in international development, public policy, statistics, or other related fields.

2) Work experience

At least 8 years of experience in policy and planning work related to international development with a strong preference for experience working with data systems and specialists.

3) Competencies

• A constructive attitude, flexible approach to changing circumstances and desire to help the organization learn. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe.
• A solid understanding of UNICEF’s core areas of work.
• Excellent written and spoken language skills, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and meet deadlines.

4) Technical knowledge

• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, effective communication of technical topics, and relationship management.

The rough timeline of the whole process is described below. This timeline may vary depending on the external consultation, feedback, and validation processes. To facilitate the feedback and validation processes the international consultant will closely work with the National Consultant, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Child Rights Monitoring, and the focal point in Tajstat. A temporary cross-programe working group will be established in the office that will help review progress at key moments of the assignment, alternatively, progress will be reported at the Programme Management Team meetings. The Consultant will conduct bi-monthly technical coordination with Tajstat with involvement of M&E/CRM Specialist. Overall quality supervision will be undertaken by UNICEF in consultation with Tajstat.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.
2. A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing the project, showing an understanding of tasks, risks and mitigation measures.
3. Financial quote for the consultancy in USD per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate (as well as travel and subsistence costs, as applicable).
4. Examples of previous, relevant professional written work.
5. At least two professional references

Travel costs and DSA will be covered in accordance with UN rules and regulations. No other remunerations apply. As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible cost.

Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel insurance.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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:

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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. The candidate may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).

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Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org