VA Extended: National Individual consultancy to conduct data analysis of the existing Educational Management Information Systems (EMIS), Moldova, 20 days

Consultant Teaching & Training Programme & Policy

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, Education...

Purpose of the assignment

To have more info please find the TOR attached belowTOR_individual _EMIS_data_analysis_11_07_23.docx

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct data analysis of the EMIS and provide further improvement recommendations as to ensure availability of the relevant and accurate data for evidence-based decision making. The consultant will analyse the available data and reports from EMIS as to corelate these to the existing needs. The analysis will point out areas that need to be addressed and improved, to enhance EMIS functionality. This will facilitate the generation of reports and ensure that educational institutions can apply the data for decision making processes.

How can you make a difference?

Objectives of the consultancy

The objective of the consultancy is to analyze current data in the EMIS and identify areas for improvement, ensure the data from the system is accurate and timely updated. The consultant will provide a list of suggestions aimed at enhancing the system processes. As a following up, the relevant institutions (line ministries, educational institutions, National Burau of Statistics etc.) will make use of it as to extract reports and use the available data.

Details of how the work should be delivered

The work should be delivered by conducting an initial assessment of the current EMIS system, identifying key areas of improvement in terms of data relevance and accuracy. Following this, the consultant will analyze the existing data (students, grades, employees, infrastructure of educational institutions, etc. based on Governmental Decision no. 601/2020 regarding the EMIS concept), determining the effectiveness and reliability of information captured by the system to comply with the documents approved by the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Finance, the National Bureau of Statistics, UNICEF and with other unidentified needs. The findings and recommendations of the assessment will then be compiled into a comprehensive report that includes clear recommendations for enhancing the EMIS system. These recommendations will not only address current issues but also aim to future-proof the system to handle evolving educational data requirements. The goal is to ensure the EMIS system is optimized to serve as a robust, accurate, and dependable resource for all relevant institutions.

The report will be developed based on Ministry’s regulations and Government Decision no. 601/2020 regarding the approval of the Education Management Information System concept. This activity will be caried out in collaboration with the relevant departments of the MER, e-Governance Agency of Moldova, educational institutions, and other state and private institutions.

Deliverables and delivery dates

NO.

Tasks

Deliverable

Timeline*

1.

Conduct desk review of documentation on EMIS and analyze the available data in EMIS, data collection process, including national and international best practices and data from relevant institutions.

The desk review report containing main findings and recommendations for report development

3 working days

2.

- Conduct relevant interviews and focus group discussions with MER departments, UNICEF, National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NAQAE), National Curriculum and Evaluation Agency (NACE), Centre of ICT in Education (CICTE), e-Governance Agency Moldova, local departments of education, educational institutions, and other relevant actors

- Apply analytical methodology and tools to interviews and data

-List of interviewed people

- A summary report on the key findings including new data and recommendations

5 working days

3.

Develop the draft of EMIS data analysis report and provide recommendations to ensure that relevant and accurate data is available to comply with the needs of Ministry of Education and Research, educational institutions and other relevant institutions.

First draft of the EMIS data analysis and recommendations report developed

10 working days

4

Based on received feedback, finalized the EMIS report with recommendations

Final draft of the EMIS data analysis and recommendations report developed

2 working days

Total:

20 working days

* Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature

Reporting requirements

The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNICEF Project Officer. The consultant will report to the UNICEF Project Officer with the Education Officer and Education Specialist in copy, who will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to consultant’s performance and quality of work.

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF. The consultant is expected to deliver each component of the workplan electronically (in Word format) in Romanian. At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent to the Project Officer by email, with the Education Officer in copy.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Completion of tasks specified in ToR
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables
• Quality of work
• Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with UNICEF and counterparts.

Content of technical proposal

The applicant shall title the email e.g. Application Development of the EMIS data analysis and recommendations report and attach the following:

• Relevant experience with similar type of assignments (max 300 words)
• Proposed approach and methodology (max 1500 words), including:
  • Timeline and milestones
  • Risk and mitigation measures
  • Ethical considerations and how the consultant will address them
• Annex: Short Sample or links to related work previously conducted by the consultant
• In addition, please provide your Curriculum Vitae.

Content of financial proposal

Please find the financial template below

Financial Offer_EMIS_20 days.xlsx

The applicant should fill in the Financial Offer Template and specify an all-inclusive fee to complete the tasks/deliverables described in the Terms of Reference in MDL.

Other expenses directly related to the ToR assignments and deliverables such as: (translation/interpretation costs, local transportation etc.) may be included in the financial offer unless specified that UNICEF will cover them separately (see paragraph 14 and 15 below).

The final selection will be based on the principle of “best value for money” i.e. achieving desired outcome at lowest possible fee.

If not provided by ToR, UNICEF will not reimburse costs not directly related to the assignment. This contract does not allow payment of off-hours, medical insurance, taxes, and sick leave.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. In case when a Moldovan resident is selected for contracting, MDL will serve as contract currency, converted at the UN exchange rate applicable at contract signature date.

Evaluation criteria for selection

The candidate is expected to reflect in the submission the qualifications, knowledge and experience related to the requirements listed above. Technical evaluation will be performed through a desk review of applications, evaluation of technical proposals, and if necessary, may be supplemented by an interview.

Technical evaluation criteria for selection

Evaluation Scale Points

1. Academic degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Law, Business and Administration, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field

5

2. Minimum 5 years of working experience in the relevant field

15

3. Proven experience in providing consultancy services in area of ICT and/or digitalization of the education sector

15

4. Proven experience in data analysis (including data visualization and analysing tool) and analytical work;

15

5. Proven experience of work with the international institution/organization in the digital sector is a strong asset;

5

6. Proven experience of work with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova in the education sector is an asset;

5

7. Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills both at technical level and policy level

5

8. Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

5

Total score (minimum 50 points required for technical qualification)

70

The total amount of points to be allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points (30) will be allotted to the lowest price proposal of a technically qualified offer. Points for other offers will be calculated as Points (x) = (lowest offer/ offer x) * 30.

The selection process is aimed at selecting the applicant who obtains the highest cumulative score (technical evaluation + financial offer evaluation points) following “best value for money” principle.

Payment schedule

The payment will be linked to the following deliverables upon satisfactory completion and acceptance by UNICEF:

Deliverable

(delivered according to the timeline agreed upon with UNICEF)

Proportion of payment

Deliverable 1 and 2

40%

Deliverable 3 & 4

60%

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered for failure to meet deadlines.

Definition of supervisory arrangements

The consultant will work under the oversight of the Project Officer of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.

Work location and official travel involved

The work may require local travels in order to conduct in-person visits and interviews with the different government authorities, as per their availability. The consultant is expected to cover costs, arrange and schedule such visits, including transportation. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

Consultant will make and pay for own international travel arrangements for arriving to Moldova including visa costs, insurance, any taxes etc.

The travel shall be based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel, subject to exceptional approval of business class travel by the Head of Office, for example for medical reasons when certified by UN Medical Services in New York.

The daily subsistence allowance (DSA) should not exceed fees as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for Moldova Country Office.

Travel costs not actually incurred due to travel mission cancellation, delays, contract termination or modification are subject to deduction from final contract amount.

Support provided by UNICEF

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work. MER and UNICEF will provide an initial package of relevant documents and available research, and an initial list of relevant experts and counterparts to work with. UNICEF will also request relevant data – as agreed upon with the consultant – from relevant government counterparts.

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

• University degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Law, Business and Administration, Economic science, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field
• Minimum 5 years of working experience in the relevant field
• Proven experience in providing consultancy services in area of ICT and/or digitalization of the education sector
• Proven experience in data analysis (including data visualization and analysing tool) and analytical work
• Proven experience of work with the international institution/organization in the digital sector is a strong asset
• Proven experience of work with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova in the education sector is an asset
• Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills both at technical level and policy level
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: unicef.org