Member of Geo-Enabling team for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS) - Data and M&E Expert for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Region

Short-Term Consultancy for Data and M&E Expert for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Region Geo-Enabling Initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS)- Experience in digital M&E, Mobile Data Collection, Data Analysis and GIS skills/Knowledge of Russian required -

1. Background - ICT for Operational Effectiveness in FCV contexts and the GEMS Initiative

Fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) is a central development challenge. Global extreme poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and the global FCV landscape has deteriorated in recent years, with rising levels of conflict, violence and forced displacement. In order to accountably implement development project in FCV contexts, it is critical to ‘get eyes on the ground where we cannot always have feet on the ground.’ The Geo-Enabling methodology for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS) has been developed in response to this demand, with the aim to provide project teams, client agencies, and partner organizations with timely access to invaluable field information from areas that cannot be regularly visited.

Development Objective: The GEMS method enables project teams to use simple and low-cost open-source tools for in-field collection of structured digital data that automatically feeds into centralized digital Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems. The integrated data can include any kind of indicators, based on tailor-made forms; photos, audio, videos; time and date stamps; and GPS coordinates that allow for automated geo-mapping of the information. Using these tools and visualizing real-time results on dashboards allows operations to enhance the transparency and accuracy of M&E and increase the accountability of third-party monitoring (TPM). Moreover, the GEMS method provides WBG Global Practices (GPs) and Country Management Units (CMUs) with platforms for remote supervision, real-time risk and safeguards monitoring, as well as portfolio mapping for coordination across projects and partners.

2. Objective and Scope of Work: Leveraging ICT to Enhance M&E and Supervision

The focus of the consultancy will be to systematically implement the GEMS method across WBG portfolio in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, with a focus on the use of KoBoToolbox and other digital data collection tools, including phones, social media, etc for creating customized project monitoring solutions and capacity building training programs. The consultant will be responsible for the delivery of capacity-building trainings in the use of the KoBoToolbox and ongoing hands-on support for projects, government agencies, safeguards specialists, and select partners. This will also include reviewing and contributing to project documents and regular follow-up engagement and technical assistance for clients. The consultant will also be responsible for managing the interlinkages with project-specific Information Management Systems to source relevant information and conducting tailored data analyses, based on demand.

The consultant will focus on developing training guidelines, protocols and technical platforms, for systematizing and scaling the GEMS support to projects in the ECA region. The consultant will support the GEMS team in (1) rolling out a standard learning package on the GEMS method; (2) developing and managing cost-effective spatial monitoring platforms on which project data can be geo-mapped and related to contextual insight; and (3) establishing internal standards and guidelines for the sustainable implementation of the GEMS method.

Consultant will also work closely with the GEMS team and Task Team Leader to design citizen engagement and participatory M&E approaches to build customized data collection programs. This will require understanding of cultural sensitivities and local engagement models and approaches that are appropriate for the region, as well as for each country context.

Complimentary focus of the consultant will be to provide GIS and cartography support to the internal and external clients. An additional role of the consultant will be to support the CMU and project teams with the creation and administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related data platforms, as well as maps and spatial data analyses. This includes the responsibility to proactively liaise with technical counterparts, gather and process geospatial information, and create visualizations and technical analyses.

3. Objectives

The selected STC will be responsible for the following:

1. Learning package and implementation support to clients.
   1. Support the sustainable application of the GEMS method across the WBG projects in the ECA region.
   2. Deliver GEMS capacity-building trainings to project task teams, client Project Implementation Units (PIUs), and select partners (train-the-trainers approach) to ensure sustainability in the use of the methodology.
   3. Establish internal standards and guidelines for the sustainable implementation of the digital data collection capacity program by developing user-friendly guidelines for the users.
   4. Provide follow-up support to clients to ensure that the system is leveraged sustainably.
   5. Provide GIS and cartography support to the clients, as needed, to ensure that collected data is leveraged appropriately for the customized program dashboard.
2. Develop and manage data collection tools.
   1. Conduct mapping of relevant project-related results monitoring information to establish a baseline of available information and relevant gaps.
   2. In consultation with the GEMS team and various World Bank Country and project teams in the ECA region establish minimum standards of data to be collected across relevant projects on (i) operational presence, types of activity, (ii) output indicators to allow results tracking (project ambition vs. reach); (iii) data sourcing mechanisms and approaches.
   3. Design participatory M&E and data collection approaches, with the specific focus on citizen engagement.
   4. Ensure the data collection tools are harmonized across projects, designed, tested, and validated to feed the customized dashboard for the portfolio and to avoid invalid data, errors, bugs, or system breakdowns.
   5. Develop protocols for data collection and quality control.
   6. Have an organized library of relevant project datasets, sector datasets, development datasets, and geospatial datasets and shapefiles, as provided by both the WB and the clients, for all the projects involved in the portfolio.
   7. Review and/or support the digitization of data collection questionnaires and methods for specific clients and projects.
   8. Explore options for collaboration on data exchange and analysis with partners.
   9. Explore the use of complementary technology and processes for remote supervision of operational engagements, support project teams with the implementation, and produce practical guidance material.
   10. Ensure that all data collection tools, software, and processes follow a robust and well-designed “flow” of data – from project/program onsite collection, through data storage, data validation, data integration, and finally into the various dashboard screens, charts, and visuals.
3. Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate will have a primary expertise in M&E, GIS, ICT and digital data collection systems as well as understanding of international development work. S/he will be familiar with ways in which technology can be applied to monitor projects and other dynamics on the ground and will meet the following selection criteria:

1. 1. Master’s degree in either (i) geography, or statistics; or (ii) economics, development studies, international relations, public policy or a related field. In both cases, specific experience in using ICT to boost development effectiveness will be crucial.
   2. At least 5 years of experience in issues related to M&E, ICT, geospatial analysis or development/humanitarian work, with a clear demonstration of the ability to apply technologies to solve the challenges of development/humanitarian interventions.
   3. Knowledge of M&E systems, especially as they apply to fragile contexts, demonstrated through field experience.
   4. Experience in designing citizen engagement and participatory M&E methods is a big advantage.
   5. Ability to manage databases and suite of large datasets. Experience working with household survey/census data is a plus.
   6. Proven experience using mobile data collection tools, such as KoBoToolbox, ONA, SurveyCTO, Survey Solutions, etc. as well as experience with advanced data analysis tools, such as ArcGIS online, Power BI or Tableau.
   7. Knowledge of World Bank operational policies and business practices is a plus.
   8. Demonstrated initiative, leadership skills, innovation and drive for results including ability to undertake a diversity of tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment on short deadlines.
   9. Excellent communication skills, with an ability to adapt to an audience that is operational, but not necessarily knowledgeable of ICT issues.
   10. Fluency in English and Russian enabling the consultant to conduct interactive technical trainings with the clients and to produce high-quality written outputs in the two languages. Knowledge of another language used in the ECA region is a plus.
   11. Advanced skills in MS office applications, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI are preferred.
   12. Excellent workflow management skills and a proactive attitude.​​​​​
2. Administrative Arrangements

The selected consultant will be contracted by the World Bank’s FCV Group for a period up to 30 days with the possibility of extension for 150 days next FY, at a fee to be negotiated with the supervisor. The Consultant will report to a Task Team Leader based in Washington, DC. The consultant will be based at-home with a preference for a country location in the ECA region.

**To apply,**interested candidates should send their resumes and a one-page motivation letter to gemseca@gmail.com. The subject line of the email should be " Application for GEMS Consultant Position for ECA Region". Only successful candidates will be contacted.