International Consultancy Information technology (IT) Expert

Hiring Office:

UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office

Title:

P3 level International IT Consultant to Strengthen CRVS Systems in West and Central Africa

Background

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in West and Central Africa is crucial for tracking Sustainable Development Goals, as it captures key life events like births, marriages, and deaths. The region faces significant challenges, including limited coverage, data quality issues, institutional weaknesses, and socio-cultural barriers hindering effective registration and data utilization. Improving CRVS systems is essential for effective public policy formulation and demographic monitoring. In this context, UNFPA WCARO seeks an international consultant with expertise in CRVS to develop guidelines for registering vital events, offering a six-month consultancy contract to the most qualified candidate based on cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This consultancy aims to provide expert guidance on the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust and sustainable CRVS IT systems.

Purpose of consultancy:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:

• Develop and implement IT solutions: Provide technical expertise in the design, development, and implementation of innovative IT solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of CRVS systems in the region.
• Enhance data management: Strengthen the capacity of CRVS systems to collect, store, process, and analyze vital events data accurately and securely through the use of appropriate IT tools and technologies.
• Improve accessibility and utilization: Facilitate the accessibility and utilization of CRVS data for evidence-based decision-making by developing user-friendly interfaces and data dissemination platforms.
• Ensure sustainability: Build the capacity of national stakeholders to manage and maintain CRVS IT systems independently, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these systems.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a needs assessment: Analyze the current state of CRVS IT systems in target countries, identifying strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop technical guidelines: Develop comprehensive technical guidelines and standards for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of CRVS IT systems, taking into account international best practices and national contexts.
• Design and develop IT solutions: Design and develop customized IT solutions, including software applications, databases, and data exchange platforms, to support efficient and secure CRVS processes.
• Provide technical support: Offer technical support and guidance to countries in the implementation and maintenance of CRVS IT systems, including troubleshooting, system upgrades, and data security measures.
• Build national capacity: Conduct training workshops and mentoring programs for government officials and technical staff on the use and management of CRVS IT systems.
• Promote interoperability: Ensure interoperability between different CRVS IT systems and other relevant national information systems, facilitating data sharing and exchange.
• Monitor and evaluate: Monitor the performance of CRVS IT systems, collect user feedback, and conduct evaluations to identify areas for improvement and ensure the systems meet evolving needs.

Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Inception report: Outlining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan (due within two weeks of starting the consultancy).
• Needs assessment report: (due within the first month)
• Technical guidelines and standards for CRVS IT systems: (due within the second month)
• Customized IT solutions (software applications, databases, data exchange platforms): (developed and implemented throughout the consultancy)
• Training materials and workshop reports: (submitted after each training or workshop)
• System performance and data quality reports: (submitted quarterly)
• Final consultancy report: (due at the end of the consultancy)

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of proven experience in the design, development, and implementation of IT systems for CRVS or similar large-scale data management systems.
• Strong understanding of CRVS processes and data standards, and international best practices in CRVS IT systems.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++), database management systems (e.g., SQL, Oracle), and software development tools.
• Experience in conducting training and capacity building activities in the field of IT..

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Fluency in English and/or French is required.

Timeline 

The consultancy is expected to be completed within six months 

Place where services are to be delivered:

Home based with possible travel to West African countries 

Reporting and Monitoring

The consultant will report to the Population and Data Advisor and will be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation. The consultant will submit monthly progress reports summarizing activities, achievements, and challenges encountered. The Population and Data Advisor will conduct regular meetings with the consultant to review progress, provide feedback, and ensure alignment with project objectives.