Maldives: Assessment of the National Statistical System in the Maldives
Country: Maldives
Closing date: 12 Aug 2013
Reference Number: TOR/2013/18
- Purpose of assignment (attach background documents if any)
Background
The statistical system of the Maldives has seen major developments in the recent years with the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics for the National Statistical System (NSS) of the Maldives. The statistical system in the Maldives is highly decentralized, with the Sta¬t-istics Division (SD) of the Department of Na¬tion¬al Planning (DNP), the NSO for the Maldives, being the core statistical unit, while other government agencies col¬lect other kinds of data – mostly through administrative channels.
The National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) for the Maldives was endorsed by the National Planning Council during October 2010. It was developed under the ADB's regional technical assistance project RETA6333: Statistical Capacity Building in the Asia and Pacific Region. NSDS for the Maldives is being presented in two parts. Part I is a detailed assessment of progress in the recent past. It reviews statistical activi¬ties in many agencies, including the Statistics Division of the Department of National Planning and other agencies throughout the gov¬ernment. It discusses distinct chal¬lenges facing the Maldives statistical system, and identifies a number of key obstacles that have emerged to hamper the development of statistical capacity.
The second part of the NSDS presents a plan and an itemized action program with 160 activities dur¬ing 2010-19 to build statistical capacity and develop the statistical system. The plan includes technical assist-ance by international consultants and funding for key activities, especially censuses and sur¬veys.
- What is the basic project objective to which the consultancy is related
The objective of the review is:
- To undertake an independent, critical and in-depth assessment of the NSDS, its implementation progress, identification of major issues and constraints faced hindering NSDS implementation and propose corrective actions for its smooth implementation.
The assessment will review the current situation in consultation with all stakeholders of the NSS, identify the changes in the statistical work programs of the agencies since the initiation of NSDS and propose the required changes in the remaining period of the NSDS.
The review will start with the status, progress and achievements of NSDS as at the end of 2012. It should cover the statistical data being produced in every domain, the ongoing programs, the planned surveys and census operations, the resources allocated to statistical activities, the levels of satisfaction of the major data users and the like.
The consultant will work closely with the SD/DNP, and will cover all stakeholder agencies stated in the NSDS and also the new agencies or partners to be included in the National Statistical System. The coverage of the assessment shall include;
• Assessment of the various aspects of the NSDS including legislation and independence of the system, institutional structures, organization and staffing issues, budget for official statistics, infrastructure and IT issues, training and HRD, processes and outputs, dissemination policies coordination within NSS, management, technical cooperation and donor financing.
• Assessment of the progress of the activities stated NSDS, achievements for the National Statistical system as a whole.
• Assessment of the existing and planned outputs of the NSDS/ in National Statistical Systems with particular attention to the priority areas of sectoral statistics.
• Assessment of other specific topics or cross cutting issues that should be integrated into the official statistics as may be identified by the Stakeholders.
Duty station
Male with travel to selected islands if required.Supervisor
Ibrahim Naseem, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, UNICEF Maldives Country Office.Estimated duration of contract and deadline for submission of end-product Two months: starting 01 September 2013 and ending 31 October 2013.
Timeframe:
Tasks with specific milestones September October
Undertake an independent, critical and in-depth assessment of the NSDS, its implementation progress, identification of major issues and constraints faced hindering NSDS implementation and propose corrective actions for its smooth implementation
Review the current situation in consultation with all stakeholders of the NSS, identify the changes in the statistical work programs of the agencies since the initiation of NSDS and propose the required changes in the remaining period of the NSDS.
Identify gaps between existing output and the requirements and identify the hindrances in the implementation of the NSS and outline the type of support required for the effectiveness of the National Statistical System.
Draft review reports. The assessment reports should give a balanced assessment of the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Final review report to include operationally relevant and feasible policy and technical recommendations to address weaknesses and build on strengths identified, and a detailed implementation plan to be agreed with the SD/DNP.
Deliverables
• Detailed work plan on the conduct of the assessment covering the entire contract period after the first 2 weeks since recruitment. The work plan should satisfactorily cover the scope of work outlined above and specify the due dates and schedule of meetings and forums with stakeholders based on due consultation with SD/DNP.
• Final review report to include operationally relevant and feasible policy and technical recommendations to address weaknesses and build on strengths identified, and a detailed implementation plan to be agreed with the SD/DNP
- Official travel involved (itinerary and duration)
Home – Male’ – Home, with field travel to selected islands 7. Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required
Qualifications:
• Ph.D. or Masters or degree in statistics, economics or related fields or equivalent work experience.
Experience:
• At least 5 years’ experience in Statistics, programme planning, social policy analysis, monitoring, research and evaluation, monitoring and evaluation theory, methodology, technology and tools
• Professional technical expertise in demography, statistics/economic analysis inter-disciplinary approach in programme planning and research and evaluation methodology.
• Understanding of and preferably work experience with legal documents on official statistics, statistical indicator systems, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of statistical systems of other countries and their statistical development strategies.
• Substantial knowledge and experience in statistics strategy development.
• Good working knowledge of National Statistical Systems and the requirements of various users of statistics are preferred.
Language(s):
• Excellent communication and analytical skills in English language and demonstrated ability to transfer and impart knowledge.
Other Skills:
• Computer skills, Excel and various office applications. Demonstrated experience in knowledge and information management.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Good analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Proven leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under limited timing would be an asset.
How to apply:
Interested parties are requested to send their expression of interest to mmuhanna@unicef.org and cc inaseem@unicef.org and obtain request for proposals from UNICEF Maldives Office latest by 12 of Aug 2013 on or before 1430hrs.
