National Consultant - Social Media Data Analyst - for Sri Lankan Nationals only

Background

Between January 2018 and January 2019, over 400,000 Sri Lankans became first time internet users. During the same period, half that number also became active social media users. Overall, nearly a third of all Sri Lankans are now active social media users. As internet connectivity together with smartphone affordability and adoption rates increase, Sri Lanka’s social media users will also increase. As social media usage increases, the datasets of measurable indicators on social issues will increase parallelly. This presents an opportunity to obtain more relevant data that could better inform and direct development programming.

The Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka seeks to gather, analyse and interpret data in a manner that would better inform UN programming on reconciliation and development. The Social Media Data Analyst will work under the supervision of the Reconciliation and Development Specialist.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES   

The purpose of the consultancy is analysing social media trends using a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods that combines a nuanced national understanding with technical expertise of social media analytics. The consultancy will be on an ongoing basis to identify, gather, analyse and report on datasets based on identified needs. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Reconciliation and Development Specialist, in close collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct the following activities under the supervision of the Reconciliation and Development Specialist:

1. Monitor social media (eg: Facebook, Twitter) and develop weekly and monthly analytical reports.
   • Using analytics tools to identify, gather, analysis and report on trends;
   • Develop high quality reports.
2. Generate datasets using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods for wider social, economic and political contexts.
   • Generating monthly high-quality reports for the wider region;
   • Support capacity building of the online community of organisers;
   • Prepare high quality presentations of key findings.
3. Undertake desk-based research and produce regular reports and analysis on data trends.
4. Support UN staff in coordination of activities related to above functions, as required.

Key Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

1. Databases and datasets of content monitored;
2. Periodic reports on data trends and analysis as requested by the UN;
3. Presentations, as required, to interpret data quantitatively and qualitatively against a wider context;
4. A monthly report, highlighting the progress made against the deliverables agreed through the workplan.
5. Any other related tasks for the purpose of delivering on the above.

TIMEFRAME

The period of the assignment will be from 1 January to 31 December 2020.

Competencies

*

Required Skills and Experience

The consultant should possess the following expertise and qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in political science, international relations, sociology or related discipline and a minimum of one year of work experience, or a bachelor’s degree in the above/related fields and a minimum of three years relevant work experience;

Experience:

• Strong familiarity with using social media analytics tools to monitor, analyse and interpret social media;
• Past research experience using a mix of quantitative and qualitative reasoning and methods;
• Deep contextual understanding of Sri Lankan society, media, politics, culture and other contextual knowledge;
• Proven analytical ability, and the ability to evaluate academic literature and other materials useful for informing analysis and research methods;
• Excellent writing skills in English;
• Basic data visualisation and ability to create visual presentation of data and trends;
• Good understanding of Sri Lanka’s social media landscape, key actors and trends;
• Working to tight deadlines.

Language:

• Native fluency in English and Sinhala, including the ability to read complex materials in these languages; fluency in Tamil would be an added advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

The application should contain:

• Cover letter expressing willingness to take up the assignment
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org  stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL  

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (___________) at Daily rate of LKR (__________); Amount in words: (USD_____________________________________________________________________________)

Please use the Annex 2 of the Offerors Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability to furnish the financial proposal.

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost, return travel from home to office, ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel that deemed necessary to carry out the work of the TOR outside the duty station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts. 

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

The payments will be based on the delivery of the key outputs as per the agreed workplan. Therefore, monthly reports highlighting the progress made against the key deliverables (please refer section C above) and invoices will be required to process payments.  The consultant is requested to share the same with Reconciliation and Development Specialist, RCO at the conclusion of each month for certification and onward sharing with UNDP.