Purpose of Consultancy
Malawi conducted a nationwide population and housing census from 3 - 23 September 2018. The Census captured essential population and housing data at household level to be disseminated at small area level. The population and housing census was conducted using Computer Assisted Personal interviews (CAPI) allowing near real-time transmission of data from the field to the server at NSO. This census mobilized a workforce of over 23,000 staff, strengthened partnerships and the adoption of new technology. The preliminary census results were released on 10 January 2019 - within record time for Malawi. This is primarily attributed to the use of modern technology (i.e. tablets and CAPI).
The next phase of the census project is the analysis and dissemination of the census results. In this phase, NSO is working with a multidisciplinary team of experts comprising statisticians, demographers, academicians and sector subject matter specialists to develop 17 thematic reports. The main objective of the thematic reports is to make a comprehensive and up to date analysis of sectoral and spatial issues revealed by data obtained from the 2018 PHC. The dissemination of the census results will be done using both traditional and innovative tools. Part of the dissemination strategy is to widen access to statistics to advance their use in decision making at national and community level.
To support the dissemination, NSO is planning to launch an interactive and user- friendly data dissemination platform by end of November using a geospatially enabled dissemination platform.
Consequently, the Malawi National Statistical Office (NSO) has requested UNFPA Country Office to procure a geospatially enabled dissemination platform and related services as part of the dissemination plan for the 2018 Census results. The global initiative of UNFPA, the Population data platform, was recommended by the Technical Division of UNFPA HQ since the global platform would be launched by November 2019. A team of the developer would be assigned to Malawi to develop a national platform that could be linked to the global one simultaneously. The timeline is very short against the milestones set in the project document but a series of activities should be strategically coordinated to be able to implement the platform development without further delay.
UNFPA in Malawi is therefore looking for an expert who will facilitate coordination and implementation largely divided between the contract, the NSO and the CO. Urgently there is a need for developing a detailed time-bound action plan that informs roles and responsibilities of each party together with budget in detail. Secondly a series of consultations with key stakeholders within the government as well as other actors should take place to create a set of consensus on key features of such a platform and the level and mode of inter-operability between the NSO and users. A bulk of procurement items and specification should be defined thus timely procurement can be followed. Lastly quality assurance and logistics coordination in each step are urgently required.
Scope of Work
The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:
- In line with multiyear work plans provide detailed advice to the NSO on its planning, delivery and data management and products for the 2017 national population and housing census.
- As required review plans and material to ensure adequacy of preparations including cartography, questionnaire design, training and public outreach and communication programmes at central and field levels.
- Support the delivery of key milestones in the census process and ensure project support is delivered in a timely and transparent manner and results are well communicated. This includes planning, operations and logistics, technical knowhow and human resource support and the population platform & mobile application development for data dissemination.
- Assist review and produce technical documents for the census including guidelines, questionnaires, training manuals and procedures for field operatives, tabulation and data coding manuals.
- Advise and support the implementation of the post enumeration activities including scheduling of activities, constant work plan monitoring and budget revision, data platform development, technical adjustments when required and production of reports.
- Assist the CO to coordinate closely with senior management of the NSO to respond to technical requests and promote international and regional best practice.
- Organize senior technical peer experts to participate in a census observation exercise and ensure timely delivery of report and recommendations.
- Coordinate work plans and project activities and deliverables with UNFPA and NSO senior management.
- Supervise the project team and ensure timely delivery of work plans, deliverables and administrative tasks, in full compliance with UNFPA rules and regulations.
- Be responsible for managing the project support unit ensuring it effectively delivers the outputs outlined in the project document in line with the project strategy and design.
- Producing all required reports including monthly progress reports and ensuring corporate reporting guidelines are met.
- Assist draft a lessons learnt and capacity building reporting following the census delivery with work plans and targets for institutional growth in capacity.
Duration and Working Schedule
The consultancy is for a period of 11 months (August 2019 till June 2020)
10 days per month (6 days in country and 4 days’ home base). Payment will be made at the end of each month based on actual working day record.
Location where services are to be delivered:
UNFPA Malawi Country Office, NSO HQ in Zomba, and Home Based
Delivery
- A monthly activity report will be provided
- A midyear progress report will be produced
- An annual project progress report will be produced
Monitoring and Progress Control
Progress will be monitored as per the schedule of each deliverable outlined above including
- Meetings with the Representative, Deputy Representative and the Population and Development National Programme Officer.
- Quarterly progress meeting report will be organized.
Supervisory Arrangements
The Deputy Representative will provide the supervisory role with immediate follow ups being made by the Population and Development National Programmme Officer.
Expected Travel
The consultant may be required to work in Malawi for a week in each month till the completion of the data platform / mobile application development. However, upon the request of the CO the visit to Malawi can be increased occasionally. Travel cost to and within Malawi and DSA will be provided.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Minimum a master's degree in Population studies, Statistics, Engineering Science, or other relevant discipline is required;
Knowledge and Experience:
- Minimum 15 years of experience in Census implementation, National Statistical system, Data analysis in Africa region;
- Experience in development of programme development including proposal writing and in donor reporting of UN projects:
- Experience in providing technical expertise to the national statistics institutions on census, survey and other relevant statistics activities ;
- Hands on experience and technical knowledge on Census implementation and operational management, data processing, post-enumeration study, national statistical systems, GIS Integration, data analysis, national survey and so on;
- Experience in providing strategic technical advice to the national government officers at high level;
- Experience in working with UN system. especially with UNFPA in the area of Census would be an asset.
- Proven track record in project management:
- Ability to perform within tight deadlines
- Exceptional communication skill in English ( written and oral)
Functional competencies
- Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to provide analytical inputs to strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
- Ability to make the analysis of requirements and parameters provided in support of CPD Development processes in the CO.
- Strong IT skills.
- Ability to implement new systems (business side) and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change.
Management and Leadership
- Excellent planning, organising and writing skills;
- Strong management skills, particularly to provide strategic direction and technical supervision.
- Excellent communication skills, ability to work in multicultural environment.
- Excellent coordination and negotiation skills.
- Focuses on impact and result for the client.
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills.
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
- Responds positively to critical feedback.
- Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behaviour.
Languages:
Excellent writing and oral skills in English and Chichewa; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Other Desirable Skills:
Initiative, sound judgment, strong interest in development work, especially the mission of the United Nations Population Fund and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.
Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner:
UNFPA will provide:
- Office Space
- Required documentation.
- Support services where required including visa fees and DSA, travel.
How to Apply
Please send your application with a completed P11 form (https://www.unfpa.org/resources/p11-un-personal-history-form) to:
The Representative,
recruitment.malawi@unfpa.org
The applications should reach the office on or before Friday, 16th August 2019 by 17:00hrs (CAT)
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
