A. Background:
The World Bank Portfolio in the DR Congo, Republic of Congo and Central African RepublicThe World Bank Group (WBG) has a sizeable portfolio of projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of the Congo (ROC) and the Central African Republic (CAR).** The portfolio is implemented throughout the three countries, including in areas affected by significant Conflict and Violence. Recent political and security-related development are affecting the implementation of the program, particularly, the eastern and central areas of the DRC, large parts of the CAR and parts of the ROC. In this context, the WBG’s FCV team, is supporting the country operations teams to monitor portfolio performance. A major aim is to leverage innovative techniques and approaches to ensure the programs delivers the results they are intended for. This is particularly challenging, but at the same time crucial, in areas where physical access is limited.
WBG teams need to get eyes on the ground where they cannot always have boots on the ground, to supervise operational implementation and enhance coordination. Various projects of the AFCC2 CMU are partly implemented in remote regions and areas facing logistical challenges as well as Fragility, Conflict and Violence (FCV). This implies significant constraints to physical access for supervision and coordination purposes. Therefore, implementation will be supported by the Word Bank’s FCV Group via its Geo-Enabling initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS). The implementation of GEMS provides clients, as well as the World Bank CMUs and Global Practices (GPs) with simple methods and tools to enhance transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness of interventions, in hard-to-access areas and beyond.
B. Simple ICT for Operational Effectiveness: Aims and implementation of the GEMS method
The GEMS method enables project teams to use open source tools for in-field collection of structured digital data that automatically feeds into a centralized M&E system. 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 systematically 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 GPs and CMUs with a platform for remote supervision, real-time safeguards monitoring, and portfolio mapping for coordination across projects and partners.
Focus of the GEMS method: The core of the GEMS methodology is a 3-days hands-on training with 2 main aims:
a) Building M&E capacity among government agencies, WBG Task Teams, and Country Teams to use the GEMS methodology independently and sustainably, customized to their specific project needs.
b) Implementing the method systematically across the portfolio, to allow for real-time supervision and coordination of operations via a centralized platform that puts all field data on an interactive map.
After the training, each participant should have acquired the necessary skills to use the tools and methods independently for the benefit of the portfolio’s M&E system and supervision needs. Moreover, the Country Teams will have access to a central digital platform for monitoring the portfolio in near real-time.
C. Scope of Work: Leveraging GEMS, and Geospatial Analysis to Enhance M&E, Supervision
The FCV Group and the Country Management Unit (CMU) for DRC, ROC and CAR (AFCC2) are looking to hire a short-term consultant (STC). The consultant will be based in Kinshasa, DRC, and embedded in the AFCC2CMU as well as the GEMS team within the World Bank’s FCV Group. The consultant will provide direct operational support to the AFCC2 CMU as well as project Task Team Leaders (TTLs) and Project Implementation Units (PIUs). A major task will be to oversee the GEMS supervision system and implement the method across the WBG portfolio in the DRC, ROC and CAR. In this regard, the STC will be responsible for managing the CMU’s accounts of the digital data collection and analysis platform, KoBo Toolbox and conduct customized geospatial analysis, as well as training workshops according to the CMU’s needs. The focus will be to support operational Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Supervision, Safeguards Monitoring and continuous Mapping of the Operational Portfolios across the CMU’s countries. The consultant will also provide close support to ongoing and future work on territorial assessments and geo-mapping and directly assist the Country Director, Country Manager, Operations Managers and Program Leaders of the CMU.
The consultant will directly support ministries and government agencies in the DRC as well as donors and other partners in setting up systems for data collection, sharing and coordination.To leverage the GEMS system as an inter-agency coordination tool, the consultant will also build capacity with stakeholders outside of the World Bank. To this end, the consultant will closely work with government agencies, donors, UN agencies and other partners, including the Sahel Alliance, to leverage the GEMS tools and method for supervision and coordination. In this regard, the consultant will oversee the technical cooperation in terms of leveraging the GEMS tool, develop strategies for joint data analysis, and create data collection questionnaires upon agreement with the partners. While an initial focus will lie on education and health data, the direct support to government agencies may be extended during the contract duration.
A complementary focus will be on developing geospatial platforms and cartographic products as well as systematizing and scaling the GEMS support across projects and clients. The consultant will support the CMU in (1) developing and managing cost-effective spatial monitoring platforms on which project data can be geo-mapped and related to contextual insight; (2) creating static and dynamic maps and geospatial analyses, based on the specific needs of the CMU; and (3) establishing internal standards and guidelines for the sustainable implementation of the GEMS method and its gradual scaling. In this regard, the consultant will closely work with the GEMS team, the WBG ITS Innovations Lab, Geospatial Operations Support Team (GOST), and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The consultant will also support the wider ICT4FCV and territorial development agenda. In this regard, the consultant will work with the GEMS team and CMU to explore and apply complementary field-appropriate ICT tools and procedures to improve spatial targeting, effectiveness and accountability of operational engagement. ICT-based approaches that will be explored include inter alia (a) the use of mobile networks and SMS-based systems for citizen engagement, beneficiary feedback, and grievance redress mechanisms; (b) leveraging ‘big data’, call detail records, and other data sources for complementary monitoring tasks; and (c) relying on geo-spatial data including satellite-based earth observation and remote sensing through drones and sensor technology for initial assessments and supervision activities. The above list is not exhaustive and may be extended during implementation of the activity.
D. The selected STC will be responsible for the following main deliverables
a. Administrate the CMU’s GEMS system, based on a KoBo Toolbox platform.
b. Deliver GEMS capacity building trainings to project task teams, client Project Implementation Units, and select partners in the DRC, ROC and CAR.
c. Train members of the CMU in the use of GIS and geospatial analysis.
d. Conduct geospatial analyses upon demand and prepare customized static and interactive maps.
e. Provide ongoing support to various territorial assessment and geospatial mapping tasks
f. Train World Bank staff in the GEMS method (train-the-trainers approach).
g. Oversee the sustainable application of the GEMS method across the CMU’s portfolio and ensure that gradually all projects are integrated in the system.
h. Support back-office tasks required for the systematic application of the GEMS method across the WBG portfolio.
i. Provide follow-up support to clients, the CMU and project teams to ensure that the system is leveraged sustainably.
j. Digitize data collection questionnaires for specific clients and projects.
k. Explore options for collaboration on data exchange and analysis with partners.
l. Produce practical guidance material and source books on complementary field-appropriate ICT tools and procedures for operational engagement in FCV contexts.
m. Prepare a monthly briefing note on the GEMS implementation throughout the portfolio of each covered country.
E. Selection CriteriaThe ideal candidate will have a primary expertise in M&E, and ICT and digital data collection systems, as well as advanced GIS skills and expereince with KoBo Toolbox**. S/he will be familiar with ways in which technology can be applied to monitor the outputs and outcomes of development projects and** will meet the following selection criteria:**
a. Fluency in French and English language, enabling the consultant to conduct interactive technical trainings and to produce high-quality written outputs in both languages.
b. Master’s degree or PhD in either (i) engineering, geography, GIS, or computer science; or (ii) 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.
c. Advanced skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial analysis, and experience in the creation of both static maps and interactive mapping applications through the QGIS and ArcGIS software applications.
d. 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.
e. Substantial experience in the administration of digital data collection and analysis tools (including platform administration, questionnaire creation, field data collection, data analysis), preferably through KoBo Toolbox.
f. Proficiency in Stata or R, and ability to manage a suite of large datasets, merging, cleaning etc.
g. Knowledge of M&E systems, especially as they apply to fragile contexts, demonstrated through field experience.
h. Excellent communication skills, with an ability to adapt to an audience that is operational, but not necessarily knowledgeable of ICT issues.
i. Advanced skills in MS office applications, in particular Excel and PowerPoint.
j. Excellent workflow management skills and a proactive attitude.
- The selected consultant will be contracted by the World Bank’s FCV Group for a period of about 40 days, at a fee to be negotiated with the supervisor. The Consultant will report to a Task Team Leader based in Washington DC and work under the direct supervision of assigned staff at the Kinshasa CMU. S/he will closely collaborate with the World Bank’s FCV Group and the Geospatial Operational Support Team, based in Washington DC, and with other relevant teams, as needed.
- The contract will begin as soon as possible and initially comprise the Fiscal Year 2019 (until June 30, 2019), with the option of extension up to 190 days per year. The consultant will be based in Kinshasa, but may be expected to travel to other countries in the region, in particular ROC, and CAR, as well as Washington DC.
To apply, please send a brief letter of motivation and your CV to [email protected]
More Information
- Job City Kinshasa
