International Consultant- Census Programme Coordination

Duty Station: Yangon, Myanmar (travel to the capital, Nay Pyi Taw and the field as required)

Duration: 6 months (with possibility of contract extension to 11 months)

Closing Date for Application: 15th July 2016

Starting date of assignment: As soon as possible

I. BACKGROUND
Myanmar conducted its first Population and Housing Census in 30 years in April 2014. Reliable and timely population data is a vital component for proper policy planning, development programming, monitoring and evaluation, monitoring achievement compared with international development goals (MDGs and SDGs) and good governance.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population (MOLIP) through the Department of Population (DOP) implemented most of the preparatory, data collection and post-enumeration activities with technical support from UNFPA. The census main results were released on 28 May, 2015.
Since the release of the results, UNFPA has supported the DOP in 3 main areas:
1. Dissemination of census results and capacity building on the use of the data for national and local development programming and planning: activities include sensitization workshops with faith-based groups, politicians and CSOs; district trainings in all States and Regions for local administration and civil society (e.g. faith-base, ethnic, youth, women groups, media); provision of small grants for census capacity building at the community level; training of journalists in data-journalism; development of IEC materials and toolkits; training of researchers of parliament and sensitization of parliamentarians and parliament committees; training of ministries in the use of census data in their thematic area; based on high demand, future activities will include township level factsheets and trainings;

2. Conducting in-depth thematic analysis of the census data in the areas of Education, Fertility, Mortality, Disability, Gender among others: the wealth of information collected in the census provides an opportunity to better understand the living conditions and social behaviours of people living in Myanmar, as well as compare these with other countries, and longitudinally; UNFPA’s efforts aim at building capacity of DOP and other Ministries in analysing census data in specific thematic areas; data user consultations are part of these processes to ensure that the thematic reports respond to the information needs of stakeholders. The preparation of the thematic reports was divided in three batches, two of which have now been completed and are at editing or printing stage. The third and final batch is currently being prepared. By the end of this year, the thematic reports will be published, followed by demand-based trainings and workshops on the findings and recommendations.

3. Conducting analysis and consultations to inform a context-sensitive approach to data release and ensuring that census activities are in line with international standards: UNFPA through its team of conflict sensitivity advisers, supports the Government in conducting consultations, media monitoring, field visits, gather information and analyse the changing political environment, and the stakeholders to ensure that safeguarding measures are in place and decisions on the release, communication and awareness efforts are context sensitive. The National Advisory Committee (NAC) and the International Technical Advisory Board (ITAB) on the census, provide critical advice and recommendations on each stage of the census programme in terms of context sensitivity and quality assurance.

II. Purpose of Consultancy
UNFPA is seeking an International Consultant for Census Programme Coordination in order to take forward the tasks highlighted above. This will entail supporting the Census Office in Nay Pyi Taw to meet work plan commitments, coordinating with the communications, monitoring and operations teams in Yangon and be the focal point for donor and partner relations for the Census Programme.
Scope of Work
1. Provide coordination, advisory and technical support to UNFPA in the areas of implementation, monitoring and review of the Census Programme in line with the work plan and the logical framework;

Dissemination of census results and capacity building:
a) Manage in collaboration with the communications team and the national officer, the implementation of the second phase of the Data Journalism course;
b) Implement with support from the Advocacy and Outreach consultant the township level dissemination plan; this entails coordinating the production of township reports by the Census Office, identifying operationally feasible and accountable measures for implementing trainings nation-wide at township level; establish monitoring plan, formats and field visits; supervise the printing and distribution of township factsheets, among other tasks;
c) Establish partnerships and identify entry-points for capacity building activities with wide impact (e.g. parliamentarians, journalists, CSOs, private sector, etc…);
d) Manage the operational and financial aspects of trainings and workshops on the census;
e) Present on the census at meetings, workshops and trainings as required.

Thematic report preparation:
f) Manage the selection, contracts, payments and deliverables of thematic report consultants and peer reviewers;
g) Coordinate and ensure inclusive participation at the launch events and data-user consultations for the thematic reports;
h) Provide technical inputs to the communications and messaging around the release of the thematic reports and outstanding data;
i) Oversee the timely procurement of publications, quality assurance and efficient distribution of the publications;

Incorporation of context sensitivity and census quality assurance:
j) Manage the conflict sensitivity work on the census, coordinate with consultants, provide guidance and incorporate recommendations in programming, as relevant;
k) As focal point for the NAC and the ITAB, oversee the preparation of the meetings, agenda, materials, as well as any payments/ reimbursements required;
l) Coordinate the work of consultants in their documentation and technical support to activities on the census and on data quality evaluation;

2. Oversee and manage the multi-donor census fund; manage donor relations, including responding to queries and requests from contributing donors; ensure coordination with donors, by providing regular updates, feedback, timely reporting on progress and expenditure;

3. Co-ordinate with the Government implementing partner in annual work plan planning, and review of financial and progress reports;

4. Manage programmatic aspects of implementation, developing budgets, allocating resources, reviewing financial reports and background documentation from consultants and partners;

5. Represent UNFPA in conferences, meetings, as required.

6. Perform any other task required to support the Census Programme

III. Delivery Dates and how work will be delivered

1. Weekly reporting to the Senior Management on programme implementation status and work plan progress;
2. Bi-monthly reporting and meetings with donors to the census;

IV. Monitoring and progress control

Reporting will be provided to direct supervisor by way of weekly meetings with the deliverables to be provided on time as outlined in the work plan and log-frame.

V. Supervisory Arrangements

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of and direct supervision of the UNFPA Country Representative.
VI. Required expertise, qualifications and competencies
Education: 
Advanced university degree in degree in economics, business administration, social sciences, international relations, development studies or related field.

Knowledge and Experience:
• At least 5 years of increasingly responsible relevant professional experience, including experience in programme management, including large projects;
• Experience working both with Government, donor partners and civil society organizations;
• Proven achievement in managing a complex multi-partner, cross sector and cross cutting initiative is essential;
• Strong results-based programme management experience, with particular focus on strategic planning and capacity building;
• Experience in application of conflict sensitivity and “do no harm” approaches in programming;
• Knowledge of Myanmar an asset;

Core Competencies
i) Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change
ii) Core Competencies: Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact
iii) Required Skillset:
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical skills to support effective work planning.
• Strong strategic thinking in order to support strengthening key relationships
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization
• Strategically positioning UNFPA Programme

Languages:
• Fluency in oral and written English essential.

Other Desirable Skills and Knowledge:
• Prior program management of multi donor pooled funds including facilitation of Donor groups, Steering Committees or Boards.
• A familiarity with Myanmar is preferred given the unique environment in which the census took place combined with the current economic, social and political transitions the country is witnessing.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants with the required qualifications and experience should submit a written letter of application, a copy of curriculum vitae (CV), completed UN P11 form http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/filemanager/files/myanmar/hr/P11_Form.doc, 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 (link: https://myanmar.unfpa.org/)

Only those candidates in who meet all qualifications and experience will be contacted for further consideration.