Background

UN Women is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. UN Women’s mandate entails the elimination of discrimination against women and girls and promotion of equality between women and men. To accomplish this mandate, UN Women partners with government, private sector and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in advancing gender equality and women empowerment globally.

UN Women partnered with De Beers Group in 2017 in a programme aimed at building the capacity of women micro-entrepreneurs in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. A programme of support called Acceleration of Women Micro-Entrepreneurs (AWOME) was developed in 2017 and has been implemented since 2018 in the three programme countries. AWOME Programme will be implemented until December 2022 with evaluations and handover to partner governments planned for 2023. The capacity building entails training of micro-entrepreneurs on business management and life skills, handholding the entrepreneurs to implement actions  to change their businesses and linking the entrepreneurs to other services that can support the growth and sustainability of their businesses and/or advance the quality of their lives.

AWOME Programme is co-implemented in a model where UN Women shares responsibilities with implementing partners in the respective countries. In Botswana, UN Women has a partnership with the government, Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs (MNIGA), as well as with an NGO implementing partner called Adore Little Children (ALC).   In South Africa, government partners are Musina and Blouberg Local Municipalities while NGO implementing Partner is Hand in Hand Southern Africa. In Namibia, AWOME Programme partnership is with the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW). MGEPESW is both a strategic partner (to represent government interests and perspectives in the programme) and also an implementing partner of the Programme.

The AWOME Programme has three main outputs as follows;

• Increasing the capacity of women entrepreneurs in business and life skills to manage their businesses more effectively for growth, sustainability and profitability and to better quality of life (Led by Implementing Partners)
• Increasing the capacity of government partners (duty bearers) to provide gender sensitive support to entrepreneurs, specifically on enterprise development (Led by UN Women)
• Promoting accessibility of gender sensitive training materials and strategies to enhance institutional capacity to hone and scale the model for development results (Led by UN Women).

Implementing partners work closely with UN Women in the implementation of output (a) above at all stages. UN Women provides technical support and handholding in the design, implementation and monitoring of activities pertaining to the output. Monitoring of progress towards intended results is a critical component of the programme and data is collected continuously at the various phases of programme implementation. Specifically, AWOME Programme collects baseline data before the beneficiaries commence the training and thereafter collects monitoring data with the aim of tracking progress towards indicators that are relevant for the intended results. Since the commencement of the programme in 2018, baseline data has been collected from all micro-entrepreneurs and the enterprises supported under the programme (about 1000 entrepreneurs in South Africa and Namibia to date). The first set of comprehensive monitoring data collection is complete for all entrepreneurs in South Africa and in progress for entrepreneurs in Namibia. Monitoring data will be collected annually for all entrepreneurs as it is critical to monitor progress in results. Recruitment of entrepreneurs into the programme is an ongoing exercise and baseline and monitoring data will be collected for new cohorts of entrepreneurs (at entry into the programme for baseline and annually for the monitoring data). UN Women seeks to recruit a technical consultant to support in the analysis and triangulation of data for evidence-based programming.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective and scope of the assignment

UN Women seeks to contract a consultant to provide technical expertise and contribute to data-driven insights that will allow the programme to make more informed decisions and apply results-based management approach in the implementation and reporting on the programme. The consultant will note be required to collect primary data from entrepreneurs as this data is collected routinely by trainers who are involved in the implementation of the programme. The consultant’s main role will be to process and analyze data for a variety of programme results and indicators to promote a results-based approach. The consultant may provide support in strengthening the existing data collection tools to improve evidence-based approach.

The consultant’s main responsibility will be to;

• Conduct quantitative analysis of data that has been collected from the beneficiaries of the programme. Data will be made available by UN Women in excel format and through the AWOME Programme Management Information System. The questionnaires used to gather data will be provided and the consultant will be briefed on the programme, planned results and indicators to inform the analysis.
•  Review existing case studies, programme documents and knowledge products to distill qualitative data/ information that can enrich perspectives/reports. Consultant will have access to UN Women and partners when needed to provide further qualitative information relevant to enrich data. If necessary, UN Women will approve field visit to entrepreneurs to contextualize the case studies or information provided. It is envisaged that field visits may not be possible in the first phase of data analysis considering the status of COVID-19 infections.
•  Triangulate information and interpret data soundly in relation to AWOME Programme’s objectives as well as from the perspective of enterprise development in the respective countries as it related to the level of entrepreneurs targeted by the programme.
• Data Visualization: use the most appropriate visual elements (graphs, charts, maps etc.) to provide a graphical representation of information that facilitates understanding of the status and data patterns, trends and outliers.
• Compile power point reports. A report that per country and one consolidated for the entire programme.

For the purpose of planning, applicants should note that Botswana started implementation later than South Africa and Namibia. Consequently, comprehensive data from Botswana is only expected to be available from end of 2021. The first phase of analysis will therefore focus on Namibia and South Africa only.

• Collaboration in Executing the Assignment

 The data to be analyzed has been collected since the inception of the programme and is under the custodian of UN Women. The consultant will work closely with UN Women to understand the nature and scope of data available and to agree on the dimensions of analysis that are relevant for the programme. 

The assignment will commence with an inception meeting with the selected consultant to provide a platform to share information on available data, deliberate and agree on the minimum dimensions against which data is to be analyzed.

UN Women will coordinate with programme partners to facilitate access to information where additional data may be required to enrich the report. UN Women will also organize and coordinate sessions with partners to workshop drafts or for any other consultation that may be necessary to complete the assignment.

The consultant is expected to offer expertise and creativity in conducting the assignment in a manner that produces well-rounded and in-depth data insights. The consultant may also add value by leveraging their networks to disseminate programme results in consultation with and in collaboration with UN Women.  

The consultant will have to maintain confidentiality of the data and may not use data for other purposes without explicit authorization by UN Women.  

The consultant should note and appreciate that the output of this assignment is owned by UN Women. UN Women has full right to use the outputs in accordance with organizations policies.

The UN Women name and emblem are the exclusive property of UN Women. They are protected under international law. Unauthorized use is prohibited. They may not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of UN Women.

• Overview of Data Sets

Capacity building interventions targets entrepreneurs who are trained on business management skills in relevant knowledge areas. The micro-entrepreneurs are trained on six manuals on the topics below;

• Costing
• Marketing
• Buying and stock control
• Record keeping
• People and productivity
• Planning for business

Programme design provides for training entrepreneurs and thereafter providing post training support for entrepreneurs to apply the skills and knowledge gained towards taking actions that effect positive changes to their businesses.  Programme results are intended to have transformative changes at entrepreneur as well as enterprise level. Data collected at entrepreneurs as well as on businesses/enterprises. For the baseline data, two baseline forms are completed (one on entrepreneur and another on the enterprise).  The subsequent monitoring form combines indicators for entrepreneurs and enterprises into one form.

It is envisaged that there will be three sets of data under this assignment, with set culminating into a phase of data analysis. Three different phases of analysis are envisaged annually starting in 2021 (first phase) to 2023.

Data Set 1: The first cohort of beneficiaries is about 1000 entrepreneurs who completed AWOME training.  Baseline data was collected for all the enterprises and entrepreneurs. Collection of monitoring data is completed in South Africa and is currently work-in-progress in Namibia. It is estimated that Namibia will have completed collecting monitoring data by the time the procurement process is completed. The first analysis will focus on this data set, analyzing baseline and monitoring data to generate status, patterns and trends as per the specification of services.  

Data set 2: AWOME Programme continues to recruit and train additional entrepreneurs whilst providing support to the older cohorts. It is estimated that an additional 1000 entrepreneurs will be trained by the end of 2021 (Referred to as the second cohort for ease of reference). Baseline data will be collected for the newly recruited entrepreneurs in 2021 at they join the programme.  The consultant will analyze the baseline of the new entrepreneurs (second cohort) in January 2022 to understand baseline status in relation to relevant indicators and planned results.

By January 2022, a second set of monitoring data will have been collected for the first cohort of entrepreneurs. The consultant will analyze the second set of data and generate trends and patterns for this first cohort in relation to the findings obtained in 2021.  

Data set 3: The third data set will entail in-depth analysis of all entrepreneurs supported from 2018-2022. This analysis will seek to generate status, patterns and trends in all relevant results areas and indicators. This data set will constitute the overall picture of programme contribution towards intended results. It will also consolidate good practices, lessons learnt and areas of improvement. It is estimated that the pool of data will comprise of approximately 2, 500 entrepreneurs. Since some entrepreneurs are co-owners of enterprises or co-operatives, the number of enterprises is usually lower than the number of entrepreneurs in the programme.

• Timelines

The three phases of data that are envisaged are as follows;

• Phase 1: Analysis of data set 1 as described in 2.2 above. This analysis will be undertaken within two months of concluding the contract (approximately February to March 2021).
• Phase 2:  Phase two of data analysis will be in January-February 2022. Baseline data collected from the new entrepreneurs recruited in 2021 (cohort 2) and trend analysis of cohort 1 entrepreneurs. The trend analysis of cohort 1 entrepreneurs will utilize monitoring data collected at the end of 2021 and building on the analysis of 2021 to project status, patterns and trends in relation to the different indicators and planned results. 
• Phase 3: The final data analysis will be conducted January -March 2023 as per the information provided in section 2.2 above.

Applicants are required to provide financial quotations per phase (phase 1, Phase 2 and phase 3) indicating clearly the daily costs, days allocated per phase and any logistical/administrative costs where applicable.

The selected consultant should note that, notwithstanding the provisions for the three phases of data analysis, continuation of the assignment beyond phase one is strictly subject to the three factors;

• The performance of the consultant in executing the preceding phase.
• Continuation of the programme and existing financing arrangements.  
• External factors (including and beyond COVID-19 pandemic). Planned continuation assumes external do not interfere with the flow of data as envisaged in section 2.2 and 2.3 above. Should data flow be interrupted, the assignment will be discontinued.

Key Performance Indicators and deliverables  

The table below details expected deliverables, proposed payment and timelines per phase of analysis. The process is the same for each phase of data analysis but time allocation can be negotiated for phase 2 and phase 3 of the assignment. 

Competencies

Competencies and Qualifications

• Competencies

           Core values / guiding principles

• Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work relevant for the assignment.
• Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of people who will be involved in the assignment.
• Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity

           Core competencies

• Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity
• Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Development and Innovation: Takes charge of self-development and takes initiative
• Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication
• Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards others
• Conflict Management: Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.
• Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledge
• Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making: Demonstrate informed and transparent decision making.

Functional competencies

• Excellent rational and critical thinking skills.
• Communication skills.
• Interest in UN Women’s mandate.
• Strong initiative-taker.
• Very effective at multi-tasking.
• Focuses on impact and results for the client.
• Interacts effectively with all levels of the organization and across sectors.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in relevant statistical discipline (statistics, mathematics, economics, econometrics, data analytics) and with professional courses/training in social sciences in a reputable institution.

           OR

• Master’s degree in Commerce or social sciences (business studies, entrepreneurship, gender studies, monitoring and evaluation, development studies) with professional qualification in a Statistical course (statistics, data analytics) from a reputable institution.

Technical Skills and professional experience:

• Ten years’ experience in leading/co-leading responsible professional work in the development, planning and management of research on entrepreneurs/enterprises/enterprise development in reputable organization (s).  Experience in international research organizations and/or universities is an asset. 
• Ten years of practical experience in designing and implementing comprehensive quantitative data analysis. Evidence of quantitative analysis must be provided. 
• Evidence of experience in producing reports of publishable quality. Please share available own or co-authored published work where applicant is the lead author. Peer reviewed publications or affiliation to reputable research bodies/organizations will be an added advantage.

Proposal (Maximum 4 pages):

• Proposal must demonstrate a clear understanding of the terms of reference (Proposal will be used to test writing and comprehension skills) 
• Proposal must clearly demonstrate an understanding of data analysis and visualization techniques the applicant proposes to use in meeting the deliverables set out in the TORs. Creativity and efficiency is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required. 

Application Process

The application package should include:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae clearly demonstrating the educational requirements and the technical skills and professional experience as required in teh proposal section under required munimum qualifications.
•  A technical proposal (maximum 4 pages) indicating the following;
  • Understanding of the terms of reference
  • The fit between the applicant’s competencies and the requirements of the TORs
  • Data analysis and visualization techniques the applicant proposes to use in the assignment.

Financial proposal taking into consideration the following;

• Financial proposal should be itemized and broken down per phase.
• Payment will be milestone based and it will be payable upon completion of milestone and certification of deliverables.
• Payment will be made in South African Rands
• Applicant should cost for professional fees and any envisaged administrative/logistic costs except travel. With the exception of travel, no other costs will be paid for outside those quoted and agreed upon as per the contract and its annexures. 
• Due to the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place, all engagements for phase one leg of the assignment are virtual. Should travel be necessary in future assignments, travel will be covered through applicable Daily Subsistence Allowance and air/ticket or mileage claim in accordance with UN Women’s applicable rates as per travel policy.
• Travel has to be discussed with and approved by UN Women in advance of travel.

Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Note:

UN WOMEN 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.

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment.

Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment, please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment