Consultancy - Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information System (ZISPIS) Pilot Programme Assessment, for 40 working days
- Référence cDiscussion: 1058728
- Publié le: 20/11/2019 à 16h03min03s
- Niveau d'études: Non précisé
- Expérience: 8 ans
- Expire le: 01-12-2019
UNICEF
Lusaka, Zambia
Humanitaire (ONG, Associations, ...), Projet/programme de développement
Consultancy - Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information System (ZISPIS) Pilot Programme Assessment, for 40 working days, Lusaka, Zambia
Job Number: 527873 | Vacancy Link
Locations: Africa: Zambia
Work Type : Consultancy
The UNICEF Programme of Cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) is designed to address and mitigate the threat of poverty the country's children face, while responding to the needs with interventions addressing the multiple causative factors.
In response to the combination these threats involve the Programme supports national efforts to improve service delivery in the key areas of: child health and nutrition and HIV and AIDS, quality basic education, water, sanitation and hygiene education, child protection and social policy, advocacy and communication.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of the Consultancy: To conduct an assessment of the piloting of the Use of the Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information System (ZISPIS) under the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Food Security Pack (FSP) of the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS).
JUSTIFICATION:
As UNICEF is supporting the design and implementation of the pilot, rigorous external review is required, and the assessment cannot be conducted by regular UNICEF or Ministry staff.
Following the piloting of ZISPIS in 17 selected districts, a full assessment of the pilot programme is key to having external and independent insight into the performance of the programme, lessons learned for future programmes and assessment of the scalability of ZISPIS beyond the pilot. The findings of this assessment will feed into the enhancement of the ZISPIS system functionalities; improvement of the user guides, updating of SCT and FSP operational manuals and will also contribute to enhanced understanding of the required financial, operational and technical capacity for the sustainable management of the system within GRZ.
OBJECTIVES/TARGET:
The overall objective of this pilot assessment is to assess the extent to which the design and piloting of ZISPIS has contributed to solving the challenges associated with effective and efficient implementation of SCT and FSP as documented in previous reviews of the programs that recommended adoption of an integrated Management Information System (MIS) and e-voucher approach to SCT and FSP implementation respectively.
The aims of this study are to critically examine the impact of Management Information System (ZISPIS) on the overall performance of the programme. The objectives of the study include:
To determine if ZISPIS policies or practices, processes, alignment to SCT and FISP implementation, objectives and internal controls are adequate.
To document and analyze operational issues affecting performance and conduct of key stakeholders under the SCT and FSP following the introduction of the ZISPIS (building on documentation from routine monitoring).
To evaluate the effectiveness and cost efficiency of the various operational modalities (cash transfer mechanisms, beneficiary authentication mechanisms, input distribution mechanisms, etc.) for transferring beneficiary entitlements under SCT and FSP.
To evaluate whether ZISPIS application provides users with timely, accurate, consistent, complete and relevant information for informed decision making on the programme.
To assess the contribution of ZISPIS in aligning SCT and FSP implementation to an integrated MIS and an e-voucher modality respectively and the policy objectives of the program.
To determine the value for money of the ZISPIS on the programme implementation and decision making by conducting a cost-benefit analysis of the ZISPIS payment mechanism
This assessment is commissioned by UNICEF on behalf of the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in collaboration with the Cooperating Partners (FAO, the World Bank, WFP) who are supporting the ZISPIS pilot.
Description of the assignment (Scope, CRITERIA, QUESTIONS, METHODOLOGY, AND QUESTIONS)
To meet the objectives and targets listed in Section 3, the consultant will undertake the assessment guided by the following:
Assessment Scope:
The scope of the assessment will be centered at the district level where the ZISPIS pilot is being implemented with national, provincial, and Community level stakeholders. Of the 17 pilot districts, an agreed number of districts selected based on an agreed criterion of representation will be identified and visited in consultation with the assessment consultant, the Ministry and cooperating partners. At the national level, various stakeholders will be met for key informant interviews.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria are effectiveness, efficiency, value for money, gender, and equity.
Questions
Did the introduction and implementation of ZISPIS improve the operational performance of the SCT and the FSP, when compared against the non-integrated information management system?
Was the ZISPIS relevant and effective?
Did the SCT and FSP delivery systems interventions under the ZISPIS perform and integrate well with existing government systems; Are these interventions sustainable?
Was the ZISPIS implementation gender sensitive and based on equity principles?
Was the ZISPIS administration, governance, planning; budgeting and coordination (including reporting; coordination among stakeholders) efficient?
Did the introduction of the ZISPIS improve value for money?
4.4 Methodology
The Consultant will conduct primary and secondary data collection and review. This will include the review relevant programme documents and past assessments. Consequently, mixed data collection should be undertaken. A quantitative portion by way of cost effectiveness and expenditure analysis. In terms of qualitative data collection, the consultant is expected to conduct Key Informant Interviews with Implementers/Stakeholders and in-depth and Focus Group Discussions with beneficiaries. Following the analysis of data collected the consultant will present at a validation meeting, where findings will be refined and finalized. The table below highlights the expectations from the qualitative and quantitative analyses.
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Analysis of transaction files and records on the ZISPIS to assess effectiveness and efficiency in undertaking key SCT and FSP processes. The key areas of focus are:
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Gender and Human Rights, including child rights
The consultant is expected to consider the Human Rights Based Approach in the assessment and assess the programme using human rights based, including child rights and gender rights criteria. The efficacy of the new system to reach child-headed households, female-headed households and households with members with severe disabilities, who are beneficiaries of the SCT programme is one of the key objectives of the assessment.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical aspects of the assessment which include, among others, data collection from human subjects and their consent should be covered in detail in the technical proposal. UNICEF has a set of ethical principles, and checklist regarding research and evaluations which must be upheld. The assessment team will come into contact with human objects which may include children and should take precautions to protect the rights and wellbeing of any children.
TASKS, DELIVERABLES AND TIME FRAME:
TASKS, DELIVERABLES AND TIME FRAME:
| Tasks | Expected outputs | Days |
| 1. Document Review | Inception Report detailing work plan, timeframe and methodology and instruments/tools for draft data (qualitative and quantitative) collection to be used. | 10 days |
| 2. Stakeholder/Key Informant Interviews and Field Visit including participant observation in the implementation of the pilot during payment cycles | Draft Assessment Report | 20 days |
| 3. Presentation of the Draft Assessment Report to the ZISPIS Stakeholders | Presentation at Validation Meeting | 2 days |
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4. Final Assessment report after validation during the ZISPIS Stakeholder Meeting, incorporating other presentations made at the ZISPIS Stakeholder meeting (if any) and comments from internal and external quality assurance |
Final Report (details below) | 8 days |
| 40 days |
Document Review (10 days)
The Consultant will examine relevant documents, including programme design documents, all relevant plans and reports (technical and financial assistance reports), minutes of meetings and consider previous evaluations and research conducted.
An inception report summarizing the key findings of the document review and outlining an approach and methodology for the in-country activities, including KII and FGD guides, shall be produced and shared with the assessment in advance of the interviews and the validation meeting.
Stakeholder/Key Informant Interviews and Field Visits (20 Days)
The Consultant will interview relevant implementers of the ZISPIS, Cooperating Partners, Civil Society, and Beneficiaries to collect feedback. The consultant will visit at least two districts to interview relevant local stakeholders (community, District and provincial level).
Presentation at ZISPIS Stakeholder Meeting (2 days)
The Consultant will present a draft report which includes the inception report on the document review, findings from the stakeholder/key informant interviews and provide recommendations for future possible Joint programmes.
Finalization of Report (8 days)
After the meeting, the consultant will finalize the report, incorporating feedback from the validation and other reports/presentations (if any) made to the meeting by other stakeholders as well as comments provided by internal and external quality assurance. As the review processes take time, the 8 days will likely be split into multiple steps between reviews, which are expected to stretch over six weeks.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The expected structure of the inception report and the final desk review report is outlined below:
Cover page
Executive Summary
Acronyms
Description of the ZISPIS and related project document
Purpose, scope and objectives of review
Methodology
Specific findings regarding
Performance of the ZISPIS implementation against the Programme Document
Review of the performance, effectiveness and sustainability of interventions under ZISPIS
Efficiency of the programme administration, governance and coordination
Analysis of expenditure/cost efficiency and effectiveness and sustainability of the ZISPIS interventions
Conclusions
Overall Recommendations to improve the performance and relevance of future ZISPIS
Specific Recommendations regarding administration, governance, cost efficiency and coordination
Specific Recommendations regarding the intervention programming context and required alignments
The Consultant is required to append the following items to both reports:
Terms of Reference
Data collection instruments
List of documents/publications reviewed and cited
Lessons learnt
The Consultant is required to further append the following items to the final desk review report reports:
List of meetings/consultations/field visits attended
List of persons or organisations interviewed
Any further information the Consultant deems appropriate can also be added.
All draft and final outputs, including supporting documents, analytical reports and raw data should be provided in electronic version compatible with Word for Windows.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The individual contractor will be contracted by UNICEF and report directly to the Chief, Social Policy and Research.
PROJECT Management
The Consultant will work with relevant Government line Ministries, participating UN agencies and cooperating partners, as well as other intervention stakeholders, including beneficiaries. To ensure quality and accountability, the consultant will report to the UNICEF Zambia Chief Social Policy and Research
LOCATION AND DURATION
The assignment is expected to commence as soon as possible for a duration of 40 working days. This consultancy is both home based (desk review and write-up of final report) and on-site in Zambia (stakeholder interviews, presentation at the workshop) which will require at least 2 weeks time in the field.
The presentation of the inception report shall be made to a ZISPIS Stakeholder Workshop in Lusaka at which we will require the Consultant to be a key participant to present and engage in the validation, adding context/findings not included in the presentation as the need may arise.
Payment schedule
The payment schedule will be as follows:
| Payment | Conditions |
| Inception report based on the document review | 50% |
| Final Assessment Report reviewed and accepted by the supervisor | 50% |
In the case of unsatisfactory quality of reports, payments will be withheld until quality has been assured. If the quality of work is not addressed, the contract will be terminated.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
The consultant will be expected to possess the following core qualifications:
Master's degree in Social Sciences, Social/Public Policy Management, Economics or related social Protection graduate qualifications.
A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in designing, implementing and managing social protection programmes, preferably in Africa, including at least 5 years specifically in evaluation of SP programmes.
Demonstrated expertise and capability in technical assessment of social protection delivery systems, related national policies and knowledge of government operational framework.
Proven experience with logical framework approaches and other strategic planning approaches, M&E methods and approaches (including quantitative, qualitative and participatory), information analysis and report writing.
Understanding of the development context in Zambia will be an advantage
Excellent communication and interview skills.
Excellent report writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to deliver quality results within strict deadlines, through a proven track record.
EVALUATION PROCESS AND METHODS
Based on the evaluation criteria below, profiles will be solicited and reviewed to create a shortlist of possible consultants for this assignment. These consultants will be ranked according to following criteria:
| Item | Evaluation Criteria | Evaluation Criteria |
| 1 | Master's degree in Social Protection, Public Policy Management, Economics or related social science graduate qualifications | 15 |
| 2 | A minimum of 8 years of professional experience, specifically in evaluating international development initiatives in social protection, preferably in Africa | 25 |
| 3 | Demonstrated expertise and capability in technical assessment of social protection delivery systems, related national policies and knowledge of government operational framework. | 20 |
| 4 | Proven experience with logical framework approaches and other strategic planning approaches, M&E methods and approaches (including quantitative, qualitative and participatory), information analysis and report writing. | 15 |
| 5 | Knowledge and experience of evaluation of government-to-government programmes. | 15 |
| 6 | Excellent communication and interview skills. Excellent report writing skills. Demonstrated ability to deliver quality results within strict deadlines | 10 |
| 100 |
Any other information
NOTE: Outputs delivered by the consultant or individual contractor as part of the contract with UNICEF remain the sole right of UNICEF. This includes text, graphics, logos, images, icons and all other outputs. The consultant or individual contractor may not reproduce, alter, modify, create derivative works, distribute or publicly display the content without the express authorization of UNICEF.
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
This assignment does not entail any access to UNICEF equipment, property or other services not detailed above. UNICEF will refund, directly to the Consultant, the return flight ticket (economy class) and DSA, at Zambian standard rate, for the in-country travel.
POLICY BOTH PARTIES SHOULD BE AWARE OF
Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or contractor.
No consultant may travel without a signed contract and authorization to travel prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
Consultant will be required to sign the health statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant.
For every Child, you demonstrate¦
UNICEF's core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date Sun Dec 01 2019 22:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)