UNDP Jobs - 75934- National Consultant

National Consultant - Quality Assurance

Location :

Colombo/Homebased, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Dec-2017

Application Deadline :

30-Nov-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

60 Days over 09 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

60 Days over 09 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 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 disaster information management is critical for understanding the current status and dynamic changes in the environment and disaster trends in the country. 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 Rio convention obligations related to reporting requirements under the three main focal areas: Biodiversity, Climate Change and Land Degradation.

The United Nations Development Programme, is providing assistance to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development & Environment and Disaster Management to establish a system to obtain data for reporting to Three Rio Conventions. Further this system also support the Ministry of Disaster Management to acquire data for reporting to Sendai national targets. In the absence of a system to identify data available with data generating agencies focal points who are responsible for implementation of international conventions are experiencing difficulties in collecting required data.As an initial step UNDP contracted a consultancy agency to develop a web based Meta data portal for data field identified by experts in relevant conventions. Meta data portal shall provide information on data avialble with agencies, standard of collection, frequency of collection geographical area, units and scales, data sharing conditions, formats, etc. Consultants are required to develop a user friendly software to input data, quality control of input dsata, searching facility at various levels and a user manual.

Scope and Objectives

The consultant will be required to be the technical specialist on Information Management Sytems (IMS) to guide the team on conceptulaisation, design and development and, mainatenence and management of information management systems related to the project. S/he will be responsible for the quality of output of IMS, and is expected to peer review currently outsourced contracts on IMS to ensure require that standrads are maintained.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

To develop standards for data management (collection, storage, sharing/dissemination) in line with current plans for National Spatial Data Infrastructure (By ICTA) to facilitate implementation of National Data Sharing Policy;
To review concept and proposal related the development of the Meta-Data Portal by the project, evaluate current progress, provide feedback to improve quality and to ensure that final output meets the expectaions in terms of quality and progress;
To be the focal point for discussions, negotations and advise in relation to Information Management Systems that need develop by the project and provide necessary technical inputs and guidance to the project management for effective decision making;
The consultant shall assist UNDP and relevant ministries to design and establish an technically sound system to manage data relevant to each organisation at national subnational level in consultaion with planning and IT departments of respective agencies;
Carry out training programmes on IMS and data management as necessary in agreement with the proejct management.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables

Standards and data management protocols for systems set up by the project;
Peer review report on Meta-Data Portal with recemmendations for improving expected outputs from the given contract;
Review of identified technical needs of relevant agencies and recommend technical design and standards for establishing IMS at different agencies at national and subnational levels;
Proposal for technical training and report on training programmes conducted.

Timeframe

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is from 15th December 2017 – 16th July 2018.

Competencies

The Consultant Profile

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

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications

Masters in Information System development or equivalent.

Experience

Minimum of five (05) years’ experience in information System development.

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: procurement.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

Financial Proposal

All Inclusive Lump Sum 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 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 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 milestone detailed below. Financial proposal should include field travel costs, meeting costs and other contingencies involved.

Report on standards and data management protocols for systems set up by the project - (20%);
Peer review report on Meta-Data Portal with recemmendations for improving expected outputs from the given contract - (30%);
Review report of identified technical needs of relevant agencies and recommend technical design and standards for establishing IMS at different agencies at national and subnational levels - (30%);
Proposal for technical training and report on training programmes conducted - (20%).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.