Consultancy: Humanitarian Data Systems officer, UNFPA, Humanitarian Response Division

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Duty Station: Post is based in Geneva (with option for partial remote working)

Purpose of consultancy:
HRD requires a consultant with expertise in statistics, demography or biostatistics experience in humanitarian settings. This 8- month consultancy will support implementation of phase two of the BHA funded project aiming at Strengthening UNFPA’s Humanitarian Data Systems in humanitarian settings.

On 23 March 2022, the Humanitarian Steering committee (HSC) endorsed with full support the Data Framework on Needs and Results in Humanitarian Response. Building on the results of HRD’s data scoping exercise in HRP countries, the framework’s main objective is to improve data on needs and results in humanitarian settings for improved programming and accountability. The framework’s objectives are consistent with the changing nature of emergencies and the associated emerging data gaps, and are also in line with UNFPA’s Grand Bargain commitments to making humanitarian aid more effective through quality and timely data for improved prioritisation and targeting, Furthermore, the framework’s remit is also timely in view of OCHA’s present focus on revisiting data requirements for the Humanitarian Programming Cycle through the Joint inter-agency framework, which HRD contributes to.

A stronger response monitoring system will enable UNFPA Country Offices and partners in humanitarian settings to collect, report and analyse results data in a more standardised, harmonised and consistent manner to inform and improve programing, monitoring of interventions, reporting on results, advocacy and communications efforts Building on the above a first proposal was developed with the following goal: Standardised results data in humanitarian settings are available, accessible and utilised for evidence based decision making, reporting, communication and knowledge management.

One of the main objectives of this consultancy is to support the piloting of a new humanitarian data toolkit which will primarily target UNFPA HRP COs and their respective partners. To date, 39.2% of UNFPA’s humanitarian funding is directed to local partners and Women Led Organizations (WLO) and UNFPA has committed for that to go up to 43% by 2025. Up to 63% of funds from UNFPA’s Humanitarian Trust Fund (HTF) go to local partners and WLOs. The availability of core sets of indicators and readily available reporting tools also aims to support the localization agenda and build the institutional capacity of local partners. The availability of standard indicators and standard results reporting tools will also contribute to a more predictable and consistent humanitarian response.

Scope of work:

The Consultant will serve as an expert on supporting UNFPA offices in the following.
● Develop the humanitarian results data toolkit and its companion user guide.
● Support the piloting of the humanitarian results data toolkit in 6 countries to test out
the ‘proof of concept’ and adjust the tools as needed.
● Finalise and Humanitarian data Toolkit and support its roll-out in HRP UNFPA
country office

I- Develop the humanitarian results data toolkit and its companion user guide.
● A core set of indicators has been identified and an indicator reference sheet has been created. The toolkit will guide the timely, consistent, and harmonised reporting of results and impact on a core set of SRH, GBV, Youth, Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) supplies, output and outcome indicators, in humanitarian settings and will be used by COs and IPs. The toolkit will 1) be in line with relevant UNFPA’s new Strategic Plan indicators 2) factor in UNFPA humanitarian emergency standard interventions, and 3) take into account the Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC)- related data requirement.
● The toolkit will help address measurement assumptions, biases, and follow accountability principles. The tool will also provide standardised guidance on best practices in capturing beneficiary data while ensuring confidentiality, avoiding double counting and maintaining a database, data safety, among others. It will also discuss how to ensure qualitative data is captured to ensure that the voices of the women and girls that UNFPA serves are amplified.
● The toolkit will include clear guidance on how to ensure the social inclusion dimension is systematically captured in the data collected by UNFPA COs, notably sex and age data (including adolescents 10-19, older people, and women of reproductive age); disability, and LGBTQI (when possible).
● Along with the core set of indicators, the toolkit will include FAQ, training guides for IPs, standard intake forms and IP reporting tools – in line with its objective to harmonise and improve reporting on results.

II- Support the piloting of the humanitarian results data toolkit in 6 countries. The scope of work
for supporting the piloting of the data toolkit will encompass the following:

● Coordinate with the service provider who will be configuring and deploying DHIS2 instances in the pilot countries
● Coordinate with the dedicated country focal points in providing support to COs
● Contribution to technical, operational and strategic support to country offices, as required during the pilot
● support CO in identifying skill and knowledge gaps and help address these through training, recruitment, etc.
● Ensure timely coordination with the team working during the development and pilot of the data platform
● Continued iterations of toolkit incorporating feedback from key actors and incorporation of data toolkit into data platform
● Supporting with preparation of workshops, concept notes, agenda etc.

III- Finalise and Humanitarian data Toolkit and support its roll-out in HRP UNFPA country office
The scope of work for finalisation of the data toolkit will include incorporating lessons learnt from the six-country pilot, while the support for the continued roll-out will replicate and build on successes and strategies from the pilot as well.

IV- Throughout the consultancy, the consultant will also
● contribute to evidence-building through carrying out secondary analysis, reviewing reports and weighing in on data quality as required.
● contribute to improving tools and processes for collecting data on needs, risks, vulnerability, etc and reviewing proposals as needed.
● Prepare powerpoint presentations for briefings of senior management as needed.

Supervisory arrangements: The consultant will report to the Senior Adviser data in Emergencies at the UNFPA Humanitarian Response Division, Geneva. HRD consultancies are under the overall guidance and supervision of the HRD Director. All final products and deliverables need to be approved by the Director

Expected Travel: As needed – travel to countries as needed for roll-out of capacity-building and technical support

Required Expertise and Qualifications
● Master’s degree in demography, population studies, or social statistics.
● 7 years of relevant work experience
● Proven experience in quantitative data analysis; working knowledge of Power BI is desirable.
● Evidence of knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation;
● Fluency in English required, with excellent written and verbal English skills;
knowledge of French/ Spanish is desirable

Professional experience
● Experience in Project management / programme implementation in humanitarian settings.
● Experience in building the capacity of technical teams, including personnel and partners.
● Experience in monitoring and reporting.
● Experience working in different countries or regions is an asset;
● Familiarity with UNFPA programming in humanitarian and/or early recovery contexts is an asset.

Required Competencies:

Values:
● Integrity,
● Commitment,
● Embracing cultural diversity,
● Embracing change

Core Competencies:
● Achieving results-based programmes,
● Accountability,
● Developing professional expertise and capacity building,
● Analytical thinking,
● Working in teams,
● Communicating for impact.

Required Skill Set:
● Conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise,
● Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/Building strategic
alliances and partnerships,
● Job knowledge/Technical expertise.

Other Desirable Skills:
● Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance,
● Providing strategic focus

How to Apply
Please send your application and a short letter of motivation, including expected fees, with “Humanitarian Data Systems officer” quoted in the subject line to ho-recruitment@unfpa.org by 30th October 2023. Late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection
process.

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