GIS, M&E, and Mobile Data Collection Specialist | Home-Based | Support to Yemen

Short-Term Consultancy for the World Bank in Yemen, Home-Based in MENA region

Member of Geo-Enabling team for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS)

-Fluency in Arabic and in English as well as advanced GIS skills required-

A. Background: Operational Context in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCS)

Limited access in contexts of Fragility, Conflict and Violence inhibits the World Bank Group (WBG) from serving some of the people most in need. To reach the most vulnerable, we need to get eyes on the ground where we cannot always have feet on the ground. Not least given the significant allocation of IDA resources to FCV contexts, there is urgent demand by clients as well as WBG Global Practices (GPs) and Country Management Units (CMUs) for methods and tools that enhance transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness of interventions in regions with limited physical access.

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. This agenda was integrated in the IDA 19 FCS Policy Commitments and constitutes constituted an operationalization measure of the World Bank Group FCV Strategy.

B. ICT for Operational Effectiveness in FCV contexts and the GEMS Initiative

To enhance the supervision and monitoring of the World Bank-funded projects, ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards, and increase accountability of Third-Party Monitoring (TPM), the GEMS method will be rolled out across the portfolio in Yemen, under the leadership of the CMU.

Development Objective: The GEMS method enables Third Party Monitoring agencies and WBG Task Teams to use open-source tools for collection of structured digital data, in the field, when possible, that automatically feeds into a centralized M&E system and can be combined with other sources of data, including Big Data. The integrated data can include any indicators based on tailor-made forms agreed with the implementing partners. 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 method is a set of interactive face-to-face trainings with 2 main aims:**

a) Building M&E capacity among implementing partners, 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, when possible, via a centralized platform that puts all field data on an interactive map.

GEMS use for the COVID-19 response: During the COVID-19 response, GEMS can be leveraged for operational monitoring and remote supervision of WBG-funded projects during preparation and implementation.

C. Objective and Scope of Work: Leveraging ICT to Enhance M&E, Supervision, and Citizen Engagement

The FCV Group is looking to hire a short-term consultant (STC) to join the GEMS team. The Consultant will be fully embedded in the GEMS team within the World ’Bank’s Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group. The Consultant will work under the guidance of the GEMS Task Team Leader (TTL). The Consultant will also closely work with the Poverty Team and Yemen CMU.**

The consultancy’s focus will be to support the team in systematically implementing the GEMS methodology in Yemen and across WBG portfolios in FCV contexts at a global scale. The Consultant will be responsible for regular follow-up engagement and technical support to clients, as required. The Consultant will also develop training guidelines, protocols and technical platforms for systematizing and scaling the GEMS support across the Yemen CMU. The Consultant will support the team in (1) rolling out a standard learning package on the GEMS methodology; (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 and its gradual scaling in Yemen.

A complementary focus will support the WBG Poverty Global Practice in conducting poverty analyses and territorial assessments in Yemen. This may include conducting data collection and data analysis exercises to inform the poverty program in Yemen.**

D. Deliverables

The selected STC will be responsible for the following main deliverables:

· Deliver GEMS capacity-building trainings to World project task teams, client Project Implementation Units, and partners (train-the-trainers approach).

· Support the sustainable application of the GEMS method across operations in the Yemen WBG portfolio and ensure that gradually all projects are integrated into the system.

· Conduct geospatial analysis and prepare maps/dashboard on demand for clients or Bank teams.

· Provide follow-up support to implementing partners, CMUs and project teams to ensure that the system is leveraged sustainably.

· Digitize data collection questionnaires for specific projects.

· Produce practical guidance material and use complementary field-appropriate ICT tools and procedures for operational engagement in Yemen.

· Regularly record statistical data on training participants and trained/supported projects as well as information on project-specific use cases in a provided centralized database. Recordings are expected immediately after any trainings and provided project support.

· Update the abovementioned database regularly, at least bi-weekly””.

· Support the Poverty Team to collect data and conduct analysis for the Yemen poverty program.

E. Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate will have a primary expertise in M&E, FCV, GIS, ICT and digital data collection systems, as well as understanding of 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:

a. ’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.**

b. 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.**

c. Knowledge of M&E systems, especially as they apply to fragile contexts, demonstrated through field experience. Knowledge of Bank operational policies and business practices is a plus. **

d. Advanced GIS and statistical skills and proven experience with geospatial data and analysis (through ArcMap, QGIS, R, and/or Python, Stata)**

e. Ability to manage databases and a suite of large datasets. Experience working with household survey/census data is a plus.

f. Proven experience in using mobile data collection tools, such as KoBoToolbox, ONA, etc.

g. 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.**

h. Excellent communication skills, with an ability to adapt to an audience that is operational, but not necessarily knowledgeable of ICT issues.**

i. Fluency in English and Arabic enabling the consultant to conduct interactive technical trainings with the clients and to produce high-quality written outputs in the two languages.**

j. Advanced skills in MS office applications, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI.**

k. Excellent workflow management skills and a proactive attitude.**

l. Solid understanding of FCV issues and travel experience to fragile states is preferred.**

F. Administrative Arrangements

The selected consultant will be contracted by the FCV Group for a period up to 150 days, at a fee to be negotiated with the supervisor. The Consultant will report to a Task Team Leader based in Washington, DC in close collaboration with the Country Manager and Senior Operations Officer of the CMU, based in Amman. The Consultant will also interact with the Poverty Team and the CMU.

The contract will comprise the Fiscal Year 2022 (until June 30, 2022). The consultant will be based at-home with a preference for a Middle Eastern location and a potential future option of working from the WBG office in Amman.

To apply, interested candidates should send their resumes and a one-page motivation letter to [email protected]. The subject line of the email should be ” Application for GEMS position to support Yemen”. Only successful candidates will be contacted.