UNDP Jobs - 82239- National Consultant - Data Collection and Analysis

National Consultant - Data Collection and Analysis

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

14-Dec-2018

Application Deadline :

07-Dec-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Three Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Three 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

BACKGROUND

The SDG Integrated Solutions Platform pilot project is a joint initiative by ILO, UNDP, UNOPS and the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) on behalf of the UN Country Team (UNCT). This project is closely aligned to Driver 1: Towards improved data, knowledge management and evidence-based policy, which is one of four areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) 2018-2022.

Generation and use of data is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest challenges in implementing and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Similarly, efficient coordination and timely knowledge sharing is also a major challenge. The Agenda 2030 is underpinned by a strong Follow up and Review process which requires the country to have up to date subnational data in order to measure progress and target interventions. As such, the lack of data has a direct impact on policymaking. The aim of this pilot project is to test new ideas in terms of data sourcing, tracking, funding as well as galvanizing knowledge networks and tapping into the wisdom of communities to achieve the 2030 agenda. The proposed SDG integrated solutions platform will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for data, stories and ideas to advance sustainable development in the country.

One of the main objectives of this project is to track and visualize public and private sector investment towards the SDGs in Sri Lanka through a data visualization widget. This will provide an overview of the SDG financing ecosystem in Sri Lanka, and, in doing so, identify where funding gaps exist. This innovation will for the first time, bring together government commitments and private sector contributions towards the SDGs and highlight the potential for innovative funding opportunities. It will advance the ‘whole of government’ and ‘whole of society’ approaches to foster interactive partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this consultancy is to collect and anaylse data on existing and/or budgeted public and private sector investment towards the selected SDGs.

This will involve the development of a methodology to collect the required data and the identification of relevant data sources. The consultant will be provided with a preliminary database of information on public and private sector activities and contributions towards the SDGs, compiled by gathering data from government and private sector reports. He/she will need to build on that database, filling information gaps through primary research. The data will also need to be cleaned, analysed and presented in a standardized format in order to facilitate effective data visualization through the online widget. Given the time duration of nine months for this project, the widget is likely to be piloted in a selected province/district. As such, the replicability and scalability of the methods of data collection and analysis will need to be ensured.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Expected Outputs/Deliverables

Identify data sources and develop a methodology to collect data on public and private sector investment towards the SDGs in Sri Lanka;
Collect and analyse data on public sector contributions to the selected SDGs;
Collect and analyse data on private sector contributions to the selected SDGs;
Ensure the replicability and scalability of the methods of data collection and analysis.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged time frame of the Consultancy is 3 months, ending no later than 31 March 2019.

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE

COMPETENCIES

Results oriented with expertise in data analysis and database management;
Experience in the use of statistical packages such as STATA, SPSS or E-Views is required;
Good communication (spoken and written) skills are required;
Econometric knowledge will be an advantage;
Expertise in the use of big data and public expenditure data will be an asset;
Good partnership and networking skills are desirable.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance or other relevant field.

Language:

Fluency in spoken and written English and Sinhala or Tamil.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combimation of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR

Amount in words:(Rs)

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” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, 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. 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 65 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 travel 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. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by: Coordination Specialist, RCO

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

The Consultant shall receive payments in 3 instalments based on the submission of:

A Monthly report summarising the progress on the expected outputs/deliverables.