UNDP Jobs - 56437- National Consultant

National Consultant – Information Management

Location :

Colombo (Home Based), SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Jun-2015

Application Deadline :

25-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Six months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme, acting as an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility, is providing assistance to the Ministry of Environment under the Government of Sri Lanka in the preparation of the GEF Medium Size Project “Ensuring global environmental concerns and best practices mainstreamed in the post-conflict rapid development process of Sri Lanka through improved information management.”

Environmental monitoring and information management is critical for understanding the current status and dynamic changes in the state of environment. Consistent and regular monitoring, research and data analysis provide the essential foundation for adequate policy response as well as timely and appropriate national decision-making processes. Hence, the issue has both global and national priority dimensions. The proposed project addresses convention obligations related to reporting requirements under the three main focal areas: Biodiversity, Climate Change and Land Degradation. It specifically fits under the second (2) strategic objective of the Cross Cutting Capacity Development (CCCD) strategy developed under GEF-5, i.e., “to generate, access, and use information and knowledge”.

Scope and Objectives

The consultant, Information Management will work with the Project Coordinator as well as the other national specialists to assess and institutionalize the environmental data management system within state Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Disaster Management as well as with the partner government departments and other stakeholder organizations’ information systems.

She/he will work with the relevant stakeholders and undertake an in-depth baseline assessment of the current management information systems in Sri Lanka, as well as to design the institutional architecture of the environmental data management system. This expert will also work with the legal expert to assess and recommend institutional and associated regulatory reforms to be submitted for Parliamentary approval. Further, the consultant should serve as a resource person and facilitator for the training and learn-by-doing working groups.

Expected Outputs:

Develop a basline for current management information systems in Sri Lanka;
Design the institutional architecture of the environmental data management system;
Identify gaps and recommend institutional and associated regulatory reforms to be submitted for Parliamentary approval.

Duties and Responsibilities

Carry out discussion with relevant stakeholders including Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Disaster Management, Informaton, Communication and Technology Agency (ICTA), Ministry of Land and Survey Department;
Conduct wider consultations with relevant stakeholders;
Facilitate establishing a baseline for information availability for disaster management, climate change, land degradation and biodiversity;
Facilitate gap analysis in information management in the areas of disaster management, climate change, land degradation and biodiversity.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the related values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Post-graduate degree in information management, public administration, natural resource management, economics, disaster management or related field.

Experience:

Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in progressively responsible and substantive areas in information and data management for sustainable development and /or natural resources management.

Language:

Good knowledge of written and oral English;
Sinhala and/or Tamil essential.

How to Apply:

The application should contain:

A brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Plaese paste the letter into the “Resume and Motivation” section of the electronic application.

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words:(LKR._______________________________________________________________)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee/Daily Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost, return travel from home to office, ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above.

Payment for Services

Payments will be based on milestone detailed below. Financial proposal should include field travel costs, meeting costs and other contingencies involved.

Carry out discussion with relevant stakeholders including Ministry of Envronment, Ministry of Disaster Management, Informaton, communication and tehnology agency, Ministry of Land and Survey Department – 20%;
Conduct 02 consultations with a wider group of stakeholders – 20%;
Develop a basline for current management information systems in Sri Lanka -20%;
Design the institutional architecture of the environmental data management system 20%;
Identify gaps and recommend institutional and associated regulatory reforms to be submitted for Parliamentary approval – 20%.