CONSULTANCY ANNOUCEMENT- CENSUS DATA EVALUATION, 2014 MYANMAR POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS
I. POSITION INFORMATION
Assignment:: Consultancy for the report on Census Data Evaluation based on the 2014 Myanmar Census
Work Station: Census Office, Department of Population, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Duration of Consultancy: A total of 45 days (40 working days in Myanmar and 5 working days home-based)
Starting date: May 2016
Closing Date of Application: 16 March 2016 (5:00pm)
II. BACKGROUND
The Government of Myanmar conducted a modern Population and Housing Census in April 2014. This is a first Census in 30 years, the last one having been done in 1983. The 2014 Census was conducted by the Department of Population in the Ministry of Immigration and Population, with technical, administrative and financial support from UNFPA and other development partners. Data collection was done through canvasser method on a de facto basis. A Post Enumeration Survey was not carried out.
The main results were released in May 2015. Main Results comprise a Union Report, 15 State/Region specific reports and a Highlights report of the Census results. Data released in the Main Results includes demographic characteristics of the population, social characteristics, internal and international migration, education characteristics, economic characteristics, births and childhood deaths, disability, household characteristics and household amenities, among others. Thematic reports (14 reports in total) are being produced from August 2015 and the process is expected to be completed by December 2016.
Apart from these technical publications from the data set, dissemination of the results to potential users, the project plan to undertake an evaluation/assessment of quality of census data and associated processes. This evaluation will mainly look broadly at two issues, 1) coverage errors, content errors and effects of editing/imputations on final data set and hence on indicators; and 2) Relevance, Completeness, Accuracy, Comparability, Coherence, Timeliness, Punctuality, Clarity, Accessibility and Metadata aspects of the results. This is one way of informing potential data users about quality of the census data/results and hence improving the credibility of the census process.
III. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The UNFPA, on request from the Department of Population, intends to hire a team of three experienced consultants to undertake an Evaluation of Census Data (2014 Census) and prepare a report that covers the important aspects of census data quality and a set of recommendations for the future. The team will have a lead consultant and two other consultants working together on different aspects of the evaluation, in light of the magnitude and detail of the work needed. The team of consultants will work in close collaboration with technical staff based at the Census Office from DOP and UNFPA, and would consult with other key stakeholders such as UNFPA Country Office, ITAB, Central Statistical Office (CSO), development partners, universities, some people who participated as data collectors, among others. Based on the review of the databases, documentation and consultations, the consultant is expected to provide an evaluation of the census process, methodology and other aspects to evaluate quality of the Myanmar 2014 Census.
IV. PURPOSE OF DATA EVALUATION
Evaluation or appraisal of data and process is one of the steps in a census process for quality assurance. Evaluation techniques are often necessary to determine whether the data collection was correctly done and that the data are of acceptable quality. A census, being a massive data collection exercise involving thousands of field interviewers, errors may creep in at any stage of data collection and processing. An evaluation of census data is desirable to assess the quality of the data. Evaluative studies probe into the qualitative and the quantitative aspects of the data. Errors being probed fall into two broad headings – coverage and content errors. Coverage errors are errors that arise due to omissions or duplications of persons or housing units in the census enumeration. Content errors are errors that arise from incorrect reporting or recording of the characteristics of persons, households and housing units enumerated in the census. According to the United Nations, good census practice requires a careful consideration, and an evaluation of the completeness and accuracy of census results. In addition to data quality aspects, the following aspects will also be evaluated; namely Relevance, Completeness Accuracy, Comparability, Coherence, Timeliness, Punctuality, Clarity, Accessibility and Metadata.
Evaluation Methods
Broadly, two methods of census data evaluation are available for census evaluation, the direct and the indirect methods. The direct method involves the comparison of information collected in a census with data from other sources such as post enumeration sample surveys or re-enumeration. The indirect method consists of external and internal consistency checks. External consistency check means comparing the consistency of tabulated census data with other data sources such as projections from previous censuses and information derived from other surveys or administrative data. Internal consistency check refers to the comparison of the derived indicators with other indicators derived from the same data source. Such procedures have been described and documented in several manuals in demographic estimation by United Nations and also basic demographic textbooks. The procedures or testing techniques for errors are applicable irrespective of the source of data. This is due to the fact that demographic phenomena are interrelated both among themselves and with other social and economic phenomena.
V. SPECIFIC TASKS OF THE CONSULTANTS
a) Prepare and present to stakeholders a detailed activity plan for the tasks to be completed within the timeframe allocated for the consultancy.
b) Evaluate, present and discuss with stakeholders the methodology to be used for the evaluation of the census data/results for Myanmar. The methodology must be internationally accepted and/or recommended and must be applicable to the context of Myanmar. The consultant will be required to provide a solid theoretical/analytical basis for the adopted methodology and why it is the most appropriate to Myanmar when compared to others.
c) Assess aspects of the census that determine quality namely: - relevance, completeness, accuracy, comparability, coherence, timeliness, punctuality, clarity, accessibility and metadata aspects of the census.
d) Assess and identify if any, the types and sources of errors or biases in order to know which groups, items or methodology produce errors;
e) Measure and report the accuracy of the census data in terms of coverage and content errors
f) Assess the effect of editing or imputation on the final data set and on indicators, using appropriate techniques
g) Prepare a comprehensive draft report on the quality of the census data for Myanmar based on the above findings. Where possible recommend ways of adjusting specific data by taking into account types and amount of errors present.
h) Present the draft report to stakeholders, incorporate their comments and submit a final draft to the Census Office and potential data users.
i) Detail the opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt for data quality with a view to improving future surveys and censuses in Myanmar.
j) Provide basic training to DOP and Central Statistics Office staff on the estimation of quality indicators and the different methodologies and tools that can be used. This will be on-the-job practical training.
VI. KEY DELIVERABLES
Some of the key deliverables of the consultant will be the following (please note that additional deliverables may be included, depending on stakeholder needs):
1. Interpretation of the TOR and a brief methodological write-up on how the consultant intends to carry out the assignment (to be submitted while applying for the consultancy)
2. Detailed outline of the report and the methodology for conducting the Census Data Evaluation
3. Draft report on Census Data Evaluation for Myanmar census at Union and State/Region level
4. Final report on Census Data Evaluation for Myanmar (Analytical/Technical) incorporating comments from duty bearers.
5. A complete description and justification of the methodology(ies) used for the estimation of various indices reflected in the report
6. Presentation of key findings to be used to disseminate/share the report with stakeholders
The Draft and Final Reports should be of high quality in terms of presentation, analysis, relevance and utility and have the following attributes:
• Concision: Covers the required material in a relevant and wieldy manner
• Readability: Uses simple, professional and clear language (while maintaining technical rigour)
• Analytical: Describes and interprets results of the data clearly and discusses policy implications of the specific themes.
VII. EXPECTED PROFILE OF CONSULTANT
• At least a Master’s Degree in demography and/or statistics or related fields
• Proven and demonstrable experience (at least 10 years) in research and data analysis in the field of population and other social sciences.
• At least 7 years’ experience in the rigorous analysis and evaluation of census data from population census data and other surveys/records in developing country.
• Good analytical and report writing skills, especially analysis of census data and/or large (national) scale surveys.
• Experience in working in developing countries with multi-cultural groups of people and highly sensitive cultural issues are will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the Myanmar context, including demographic, social and economic dynamics at national and sub-national levels will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of census-taking in developing countries especially in fragile settings like in Myanmar. Previous participation in census data evaluation in any developing country will be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with statistical and demographic software/packages is a must.
• A good team player and ability to part skills to the team being trained is an added ability.
VIII. REMUNERATION
A package commensurate with qualifications and experience according to the United Nations scale will be offered.
IX. DURATION AND WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
The consultant must be ready to start working immediately upon appointment. The maximum number of days allowable for the assignment shall be 40 working days for two of the team members and 45 days for the team lead. The assignment is expected to commence on May, 2016.
The consultants will work under the overall guidance of the Director General of DOP and direct technical supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser of the Census and National Census Coordinator. The consultant will work with technical personnel from DOP and other consultants at the census office. He/she will consult other relevant government ministries, UN organisations (UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF) and other relevant agencies in the international development community.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants with the required qualifications and experience should submit a written letter of application, a brief write up the interpretation of the TOR and the methodology that /she intends to use to carry of all aspects of this consultancy, a copy of curriculum vitae (CV), completed UN P11 form, relevant education certificates and the names and contact information of three references.
Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative. Attention: International Operations Manager, Room A07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon.
Email: myanmar.office@unfpa.org
For further details, please refer the attached detailed VAs and also at UNFPA website (http://myanmar.unfpa.org).
Only those candidates in who meet all qualifications and experience will be contacted for further consideration.
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