Management Information System (MIS) and Digitisation Consultant, Maseru, Lesotho (120 days to be spread over 9 months )

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, support

The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development (MoGYSD) with the financial assistance of European Union (EU) and technical assistance of UNICEF developed a Management Information System (MIS) to manage its social assistance programmes. MIS was developed in November 2014 and completed in January 2016. The system is web-based and runs on a Microsoft platform. It works in conjunction with a mobile application that was developed to facilitate timely data collection and entry. The system was custom made to meet the MoGYSD requirements for data collection and programme support. This system specifically supports collection and storage of targeting data through digital methods and has modules for management integrated social safety nets such as the Lesotho Child Grants Programme (CGP), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Bursary, and Public Assistance (PA) programmes.

Digital technologies play an important role in facilitating timely availability and quality of information for better services provision. In Lesotho, digital transformation is increasingly making quality data more readily available. The country has prioritised this and is on a journey to robust digital systems as platforms for service delivery and digital data systems for decision support. UNICEF Social Policy Section has and continues to provide support to the Lesotho Government’s Department of Social Development to strengthen the social protection registry, the National Information System for Social Assistance (NISSA) and its management information system, the Management Information System for Social Assistance (MISSA).

This consultancy will directly contribute to Key Action 883/001/003 which aims at providing technical and financial support to MoGYSD to strengthen its capacity to lead, manage, implement and delivery mechanisms of social assistance programmes.

How can you make a difference? 

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

1. Support Review and Finalization of Terms of Reference (TOR) for System Enhancement: the consultant will collaborate with the IT Team of the Department of Social Development and UNICEF Social Policy staff. Their aim is to define and clarify the specific system requirements for the National Information System for Social Assistance (NISSA) and the Management Information System for Social Assistance (MISSA). This will involve a meticulous review and refinement of the initial draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assessment, upgrading, and maintenance of these systems. Furthermore, the consultant will draft and finalize a comprehensive TOR for the Civil Registry and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system enhancements.
2. Support the Recruitment of Consultants for Systems Improvement: the consultant will actively engage with the LCO Supply and HR Units to ensure timely advertisement of the consultancy assignments related to the enhancement of NISSA, MISSA and CRVS Systems. They will take a lead role in reviewing consultant submissions and actively participate in the selection process. Moreover, they will play a crucial role in supporting a smooth on-boarding process for the consultants selected for these enhancement projects.
3. Provide Expert Advice and Guidance for Effective Execution and Quality Deliverables: the consultant will act as a valuable source of expertise and guidance for the Chief of Social Policy, offering timely and meaningful feedback. They will support the Social Policy Section in managing and supervising the recruited consultants. Additionally, they will actively engage in conducting regular project update and progress review meetings, involving relevant stakeholders. Their objective is to ensure successful project delivery through their expert advice, guidance, and quality assurance in the review of consultant deliverables.
4. Provide Basic IT Training to Enhance Project Management and Oversight: The consultant will collaborate with the Social Policy and BEADS Sections of UNICEF to design and implement a flexible training plan. This plan aims to address capacity needs and gaps related to IT within the teams. The consultant will execute the training plan and conduct ad-hoc capacity building and skills transfer activities as requested, ultimately enhancing effective project management and oversight of IT projects within the organization.
5. Any Other Related Tasks: This task involves being flexible and responsive to additional responsibilities as required by the Social Policy Specialist or the Chief of Social Policy. The consultant will be ready to perform related tasks to ensure the successful execution of the project and alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

SCOPE OF WORK

This consultancy plays a vital role in directly supporting and contributing to Key Action 883/001/003 of the Rolling Work Plan (RAWP). The objective of this key action is to provide technical and financial assistance to the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development (MoGYSD). Specifically, it aims to enhance MoGYSD’s capacity to effectively lead, manage, and implement social assistance programs. By focusing on the improvement of critical IT systems integral to social protection and child protection, this consultancy aligns with the objectives of Key Action 883/001/003, ensuring the empowerment and efficiency of MoGYSD in executing essential social assistance initiatives.

The key activities within this assignment include for each goal:

1.       To understand the needs of the Management Information System users and requirements, the consultant will:

1.1   Conduct a desk review of the existing Management Information System documentation, and social

assistance programme processes and procedures

1.2   Review existing NISSA/MISSA system architecture, design capabilities, gaps and challenges.

1.3   Conduct consultation meetings with the Ministry IT team and users to gather requirements for system upgrading and/or enhancements.

2.     Prepare an outline of how the project will be implemented 

2.1   In consultation with the Ministries of MoGYSD and Home Affairs, develop functional specifications for the MISSA and CRVS systems and the application tools.

2.2   Develop a road map detailing how and when the processes will be implemented throughout the phases until closure.

3.       Support review and finalisation of Terms of Reference (TOR) for the recruitment of consultants for the assessment, upgrading and maintenance of the NISSA, MISSA, and CRVS systems.

3.1   Review and finalize draft ToR for systems assessment, upgrading and maintenance of NISSA and MISSA and digital application for data collection.

3.2   Draft and finalize a ToR for a consultant for the assessment and enhancements of the CRVS system.

4.       Provide technical assistance during procurement of consultants for the NISSA and MISSA, CRVS Systems upgrading/redesign and maintenance.

4.1   Work with UNICEF Lesotho Country Office Supply and HR Units on timely advertising of the consultancy assignments.

4.2   Support the review of submissions/applications and the selection process.

4.3   Support the onboarding process of the recruited consultants.

5         Oversee the development of the systems and digital applications based on the findings and provide timely expert advice and guidance throughout the process.

5.1   Support Social Policy and BEADS Sections with the management and supervision of the recruited consultants.

5.2 Support conducting of regular project(s) updates and progress review meetings involving the consultant(s), Department of Social Development, Home Affairs and UNICEF Social Policy and BEADS teams.

1.3   Provide expertise and guidance to Department of Social Development, Home Affairs and UNICEF Social Policy and BEADS Sections to ensure successful project(s) delivery.

6. Provide quality assurance on all the Institutional Contractor(s) deliverables

6.1 Provide expertise and guidance to Department of Social Development, Home Affairs and UNICEF Social Policy and BEADS Sections to ensure successful project(s) delivery.

6.2 Develop a quality assurance plan with standards and tools.

6.3 Review all the institutional contractor(s) deliverables using the relevant tools throughout the stages of development, testing, piloting, approval, handover, mentorship support etc.

6.4 Include quality assurance section reporting in the progress reports.

6.5 Provide expertise and support to Department of Social Development, Home Affairs and UNICEF Social Policy and BEADS Sections in quality assurance and the review of deliverables of consultants.

7. Provide basic IT training to UNICEF Social Policy and BEADS Teams to provide effective project management and oversight to IT projects.

7.1 In liaison with Social Policy and BEADS Section Teams, prepare a flexible training plan to address capacity needs and gaps.

7.2   Execute the training plan and other ad-hoc capacity building and skills transfers activities as may be requested from time to time.

The issues to be addressed involve clarifying system requirements, reviewing and finalizing TORs, supporting consultant(s) recruitment, ensuring effective project management, and enhancing IT capacities within the teams. The boundaries of this assignment lie within the defined tasks, responsibilities, and objectives outlined in the assignment description. Any tasks beyond the specified scope will require further discussion and agreement.

The consultant will liaise closely with the IT Team of the Department of Social Development, Home Affairs and UNICEF Social Policy and BEADS staff. The work relationship will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including the LCO Supply and HR Units for consultant recruitment. The consultant’s primary responsibility is to provide technical expertise and guidance for the successful execution of the project(s).

All reports to be submitted electronically in English, adhering to defined content and formatting guidelines, and sent to designated recipients and must be approved before each payment a detailed structure for each deliverable need to be agreed in advance with the contract manager.

WORK ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Enter disciplines:

Master’s Degree in Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a relevant computers-related field

Relevant work experience required (in years):

• Minimum of 7 years extensive experience in Information System Management and Software development
• Experience with conducting assessment studies related to software development •
• Experience in planning, designing and implementing social cash transfer management information systems and decision support tools.
• Strong knowledge of networking, cybersecurity and artistic database skills
• Strong skills in analysis, critical thinking, problem solving and reporting
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently in a multi-cultural environment.

Specialised skills and/or training if needed:

• Professional quality assurance or JEE certification or software development certification is an asset.
• Relevant professional experience in software development and maintenance with experience in CentOS Linux, Python, Postgres, Database management, Java Enterprise Edition, RESTful Web Services, and Business Intelligence tools.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

 UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

“UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.”

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.