Local consultant for mapping out data collection for development/ enhanced institutional capacitates for data usage in Kosovo

Background

The importance of collecting, managing, and publishing data in open format goes beyond the concept of institutional transparency; it addresses the issue of access to information through the reuse and free redistribution, and ultimately accountability from both the executive and legislative branches. Publicly available data not only supports the civil society and the media to hold central public institutions to account, but they also uplift development of informed policy-making processes.

By generating time-series data on socio-economic indicators, Public Pulse has become the only source of information in Kosovo that can project decade long trends in political, socio-economic, institutional, inter-ethnic relations and security issues. Well established indicators, measured over the last 19 years, provide invaluable data to public institutions, CSOs, international organizations, researchers and academia for informed decision making. 

Overall, policy making in Kosovo is not based on robust data, analysis, and correlation between the data and policy decisions; this leads to disjointed and inadequate policies. While recent positive actions and signs of cooperation show a willingness to improve access to use of data, as the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNDP and the Kosovo Agency for Statistics (KAS), the wealth of data collected by others Kosovo central public institutions remain scarcely tapped. A pro-active approach by KAS to consider this data and conduct in-depth analysis should be stimulated as it encourages cooperation between KAS and other institutions. Understanding the cause of this scarce use is also at the core of Public Pulse project commitment to further develop communication between Kosovo central public institutions and the public and to enhance collective efforts in data use, collection, sharing and management.

To this end, UNDP will organize a series of events that will also mark the 20th Anniversary of Public Pulse project. The report showcasing the mapping of data will be launched at this occasion and will serve as a basis for opening the dialogue between Kosovo institutions and main stakeholders.

Objectives of Assignment

By mapping out data generation and collection within Kosovo institutions, the objective of the assignment is to assess the extent to which data are shared among public institutions and used in policy-making processes. This assessment aims at setting a basis to provide recommendations for an increase and effective use, collection, and management of data by institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the PP IV Project Manager, the consultant will: 

1. Map out data produced by Kosovo central public institutions and assess their correlation with data produced by KAS;
2. Based on the previous assessment, identify data gaps and lack of data (e.g. in terms of indicators, data type, time coverage) within Kosovo central public institutions;
3. Provide a comprehensive and comparative overview of Kosovo's use of data in policy-making with three (3) countries in the Western Balkans, and suggest the type of data that need to be produced;
4. Conduct an assessment within Kosovo central public institutions aiming at understanding the causes of the scarce use of data in policy-making processes;  
5. Assess the existing system of data sharing in Kosovo and provide recommendations on potential systems or mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of data among central public institutions and KAS;
6. Prepare a presentation of the preliminary findings of the report that will be used during the report launch as part of the Public Pulse 20th Anniversary series of events.

Deliverables/Outputs

1. Conduct desk research on the type of data produced by Kosovo central public institutions and provide a comprehensive overview of the data in comparison with three (3) in the region of Western Balkans (estimated completion date 10 June 2022)
2. In consultation with UNDP and KAS, identify data gaps and lack of data within Kosovo central public institutions (estimated completion date 15 June 2022)
3. Conduct interviews with institutional actors to identify the causes of the scarce use of data in policy-making processes (estimated completion date 25 June 2022)
4. Based on interview results, identify and provide recommendations to enhance and increase data use and sharing among Kosovo central public institutions (estimated completion date 01 July 2022)
5. In consultation with relevant institutional stakeholders, identify approaches to enhance data collection, digitalization, sharing and use for policy-making (estimated completion date 05 July 2022)
6. Address comments received from UNDP and USAID and submit final report. Report should include: a) Mapping out the data produced within central public institutions in  Kosovo, b) Comparative overview of data with three (3) Western Balkan countries and identification of data gaps that exist in Kosovo, c) Assessment of causes of the scarce use of data in policy making,  d) Analysis of existing data sharing systems and provide recommendations on potential systems or mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of data among central public institutions and KAS,  e) Recommendation of approaches to enhance data collection, digitalization, sharing and use for policy making across Kosovo central public institutions (estimated completion date 30 July 2022)
7. Prepare a presentation of the preliminary findings of the report that will be delivered by the consultant during the report launch planned for September 2022, as part of the Public Pulse 20th Anniversary series of events (estimated completion date 30 July 2022)

Remuneration - Lump Sum AmountThe Contract is based on lump sum remuneration and shall be processed subject to completion and validation of deliverables as per below schedule: 

• 30% of the total amount upon completion of the first two deliverables
• 30% of the total amount upon completion of the third and fourth and fifth deliverable
• 30% of the total amount upon completion of the sixth and seventh deliverable
• 10% of the total amount upon delivering presentation during the launching

Required Presentation of Offer: 

The following documents are requested:

• Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Offeror and at least three (3) professional references. 
• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment (if applicable)
• Technical proposal, a max. 2-page document briefly outlining the methodology envisaged for the assignment for delivering the expected results within the indicated timeframe.
• Financial Proposal that indicates lump sum payment based on completion of deliverables. 
• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

Criteria for selection of the Best Offer

Offers will be evaluated utilizing a combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and technical proposal will be weighted a max. of 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Knowledge Management and Learning:
• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• Committed to the highest regards of professionalism, impartiality, accountability, transparency, ethics, and integrity.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, ethnicity, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Demonstrates substantial experience in gender equality and social inclusion.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to work effectively within a team and develop good relationships with counterparts and stakeholders.
• Ability to synthesize research and conclude the related subjects.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Demonstrates transparency and provides feedback to all those who will contribute to the evaluation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment.
• Commitment to accomplish work.
• Responds positively to critical feedback.
• Results and task-oriented
• Familiarity with data, and data analysis

Required Skills and Experience

EducationAdvanced University Degree (Master’s or PhD) in Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, Sociology.

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in public policy research, and/or data analysis; 
• Knowledge and practical experience in strategic planning, stakeholder cooperation and multi-partner coordination, and report drafting;
• Experience in, and knowledge of policy processes in the Western Balkans;
• Experience in drafting advocacy plans; Familiarity with the UN system and previous experience of working for or with the UN is a distinct asset;
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Fluency in spoken and written English;  
• Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and excellent knowledge of web-based management systems.

Other qualifications include: The candidate must have sound technical report writing skills and proven ability to engage with multiple stakeholders to achieve desired results. Experience and skills in facilitating the development of multistakeholder processes. 

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button.
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation; You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume.
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).
• Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.