International Consultant, MIS/Database Specialist _ Assessment of the Harmonization of LSB Databases

Background

“Support Programme for NSEDP Implementation towards LDC Graduation, MIC Transition and SDG Achievement (2017-2021)” or in short “MPI-MOFA Programme” has the objectives of  improving  the capacity of the Government of Lao PDR for the effective formulation and implementation of the 9th National Socioeconomic Development Plan (NSEDP) drawing on the lessons learnt from the implementation and monitoring of the 8th NSEDP. The effective implementation of the 9th NSEDP could help country achieve the goals of Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation, reaching Middle Income Country (MIC) status, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of the expected results of the MPI-MOFA  programme is to support the government to have the improved quality of national statistics and research, allowing for evidence-based policymaking to make an informed decision based on the available data as well as improve the accessibility of quality information to the public.

The data for NSEDP monitoring come from various sources. But these data from the various sources collected in different formats, should be comparable and consistent to fit into a more holistic database for better evidence-based decision-making. To ensure comparability and interoperability, it is often necessary to harmonize heterogeneous data bases. It will help to facilitate data sharing if the use of terms and concepts from different data systems can be integrated in a consistent manner. 

Currently, as a part of the Programme, the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) has managed a database platform called LaoInfo (http://www.dataforall.org/laoinfo/libraries/aspx/Home.aspx) for the purpose of monitoring the progress of  NSEDP and SDG targets as well as to produce, analyse and disseminate quality data for evidence-based policymaking. The LaoInfo is based on DevInfo technology. However, the challenges lie in the management and usage of data platforms with similar functionalities such as Lao SIS (https://laosis.lsb.gov.la) . Moreover, attention is to be paid  in integrating the SDGs monitoring platform https://www.lsb.gov.la/sdg into the Lao SIS and Lao Info.

In order to address the challenge, the MPI-MOFA Programme intends to support the LSB by recruiting an expert who can conduct an assessment on the 3 platforms of similar functionalities under the management of the LSB, both at the central level and in Vientiane Province, and suggest for the processes to harmonize the databases with similar functionalities, to ensure effective data dissemination/accessiblity and to further enhance the monitoring  the progress of NSEDP and SDGs. The 3 platforms are:

The information of the technology of each database is the following:

The assessment should help LSB and UNDP and other government partners to understand the level of compatibility of different exiting databases, including the similarities, connections and differences between them in terms of the description of data, the collection methods and techniques, data format, the quality of data and other relevant aspects.  The assessment should be able to provide guidance in making informed decision for functional and practical database harmonization.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant are to:

1. Conduct an assessment on the linkages of  databases managed by LSB, especially those with similar functionality, in particular:a. Lao SIS https://laosis.lsb.gov.la
   1. Lao Info http://www.dataforall.org/laoinfo/libraries/aspx/Home.aspx
      1. Central LSB
      2. Vientiane and Bolikhamxay Province database
      3. Ministry of Education
      4. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
   2. SDG monitoring platform https://www.lsb.gov.la/sdg
2. Provide recommendation on the harmonization approach for the effective linkages/integration of the databases, enhanced public access to the disseminated information, effective tracking of the NSEDP and SDG indicators,  and ease of data inputting and management.
3. Analyse the current linkages and similarities between different databases, including the provincial level and provide a recommendation to optimize the system.
4. Provide recommendations on ensuring the security and sustainability of the database management and utilisation of the system.
5. Assess the current capacity of staff and capacity building needs (if any) of the provincial and central offices who maintain and manage the databases, and provide a brief action plan for the next five years.
6. Assess the end-user experience through assessing the existing database platform and websites and provide recommendations to enhance the their effective use. Also suggest for the training and capacity development needs for maintaining websites.
7. Assess the feasibility of moving the Lao Info server from an international location to the central LSB office.
8. Provide training to the LSB staff on optimizing the system to enhance the data dissemination from the assessment findings.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

•         Excellent English verbal and writing skills;

•         Ability to present coherent and convincing positions both in writing and orally. There must be evidence of similar work done in the past;

•         Strong ability to take initiative to move complex processes forward to achieve articulated results, work at varying levels and on different initiatives simultaneously (personal organization and the ability for multi-tasking).

• Good command of data management software;
• Knowledge and experience of DevInfo, Kosis and Open SDG platform

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum master’s degree from a reputable accredited university in Statistics and/or Information technology;
• At least 5 years of professional experience in development and management of databases and assessment of databases, data harmonization and  dissemination;
• Experience in supporting national statical system, collaborating with government agencies, international organizations, civil society organizations, and community leaders

Requirements for submission of proposals:

All interested and qualified International or National Independent Consultant should apply on-line using the following links:

UNDP Lao PDR Country Office website at https://www.la.undp.org/content/lao_pdr/en/home/jobs.html  or 

In order to make your submission, please read the relevant documents available on the link below

1. TOR (Annex I)
2. IC General Terms and Conditions _ Annex II;
3. OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP CONFIRMING INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY _ Annex III
4. P11 Form

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Technical Proposal

(i)  Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work;

            (ii)  Providing a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work including the work

                  schedule for the delivery of outputs/deliverable;

1. P11 Form  Education and work experience, including past experience in similar projects and contact references of at least 3 references for whom you have rendered preferably the similar services;
2. Financial proposal:  Detailed financial proposal: Lump sum offer with clear cost breakdown against each deliverable. Please use this template OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP CONFIRMING INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY _ Annex III

Instructions for on-line submissions:

1. Step 1:  Please prepare all required documents electronically;
2. Step 2: Combine all documents in ONE SINGLE FILE (preferably in PDF however Word format can be also accepted) and upload to the UNDP Jobs using the links above;
3. Step 3: After that you will receive an auto reply from the UNDP jobs if your offer is received successfully.

 Incomplete proposals or proposals received after the deadline will be rejected.