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GIS, M&E, and Mobile Data Collection Specialist – Chad

I. Context

Addressing issues related to Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) is critical for the World Bank Group (WGB)’s twin goals of eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity in a sustainable manner. FCV countries will increasingly have the largest share of the world’s poor in the medium term.

The demand for WBG expertise and operational engagement on FCV has increased over the last years, and it is expected to grow further in the period to come. The challenge for the WBG is to maximize the impact of its engagement on FCV issues, by: (i) mainstreaming and scaling up FCV programs across the WBG; (ii) ensuring quality and impact, including by developing new, evidence-based business models where needed; and (iii) leveraging partnerships with other development, humanitarian organizations and stakeholders. The FCV Group aims to steer and drive the FCV agenda within the WBG, and to ensure consistency, complementarity, and synergies in approaches across the WBG.

The WBG program in Chad includes both a solid analytical portfolio and financing projects totaling US$ 500 million in commitments. Operations are being implemented in an environment of regional insecurity and low capacity. In response to this context, the WBG is increasing its focus on issues of fragility, conflict and violence (FCV), forced displacement, and the humanitarian-development nexus. Furthermore, the WBG is leveraging new technology such as Geo-Enabling for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS) systems for more effective delivery and supervision in FCV environments.

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. Using these tools systematically allows operations to enhance the transparency and accuracy of M&E. Focus of the GEMS method: The core of the GEMS methodology is an interactive face-to-face or online 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.

II. Scope of work and deliverables of the consultant

The World Bank through its Chad country office is implementing an increasing number of activities related to addressing fragility, conflict and violence in Chad and the wider Lake Chad region. A consultant is being sought to support the Country Office, in particular the FCV country coordinator and relevant project teams in the following activities:

  • Support the coordination of the ongoing implementation of the GEMS method in the country.
  • Support the administration of the WBG Country Management Unit (CMU)’s GEMS system, based on a KoBoToolbox platform as well as PowerBI dashboard.
  • Deliver GEMS capacity building trainings to project task teams, client Project Implementation Units, and select partners in the CMU.
  • Leverage GIS and geospatial analysis at CMU demand, incl. work on Conflict Risk Monitoring.
  • Support the sustainable application of the GEMS method across the CMU’s portfolio and ensure that gradually all projects are integrated in the system.
  • Support back-office tasks required for the systematic application of the GEMS method across the WBG portfolio.
  • Provide follow-up support to clientsthe CMU and project teams to ensure that the system is leveraged sustainably**.**
  • Provide ongoing support for various tasks of territorial assessment and geospatial mapping
  • Provide continued support to World Bank project teams and Government of Chad project implementation units by organizing training on GEMS, adapting project data collection questionnaires and providing analytical, technical and logistical support during the entire duration of the project in order to promote the collection of data on GEMS;
  • Support for the preparation and monitoring of operations financed under the Allocation for Prevention and Resilience (PRA) and the Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR);
  • Conduct analysis of the various facets of fragility, forced displacement and other FCV initiatives.
  • Explore options for collaboration on data exchange and analysis with partners.
  • In collaboration with the CMU, support coordination fora (eg Alliance Sahel) to share information about WBG activities in a given sector or zone and coordinating with other partners.
  • Produce practical guidance material and use complementary field-appropriate ICT tools and procedures for operational engagement in FCV contexts.
  • Support the preparation of a monthly briefing note on the GEMS implementation throughout the portfolio of the country.
  • Regularly record statistical data on training participants and trained/supported projects as well as project-specific use cases in a centrally provided database. Recordings are expected immediately after any trainings and provided project support.
  • Update the aforementioned database on a regular basisat least bi-weekly.

The consultant will also support the wider remote supervision agenda. The consultant will work with the GEMS team, the CMU and a range of partners to explore and apply complementary field-appropriate ICT tools and procedures to improve remote supervision as well as effectiveness and accountability of operational engagement. In this regard, the STC will closely cooperate with the IT Solutions department on the Project360 Implementation Support Platform (P360). Supervision solutions that will be explored through the use of P360 will include inter alia (a) earth observation and remote sensing through satellite imagery; (b) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV/drones) and sensor technology (c) ‘big data’ including call detail records and social media data for complementary monitoring tasks; and (d) mobile network/SMS-based systems for citizen engagement, beneficiary feedback, and grievance redress mechanisms. The above list is not exhaustive and may be extended during the implementation of the activity.

III. Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate will have a primary expertise in M&E, FCV, GIS, ICT and digital data collection systems as well as an in-depth understanding of World Bank operations, policies and procedures. 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. Fluency in French, enabling the consultant to conduct interactive technical trainings and to produce high-quality written outputs in French.
  2. Fluency in English enabling the consultant to engage with colleagues at ease and provide briefing documents in English on a regular basis**.**
  3. Master’s degree or PhD in either (i) engineering, geography, or computer science; or (ii) economics, development studies, international relations, public policy or a related field. In all cases, specific experience in using ICT to boost development effectiveness will be crucial.
  4. At least 5 years of experience in issues related to M&E, ICT, geospatial analysis or development/humanitarian workwith a clear demonstration of the ability to apply technologies to solve the challenges of development/humanitarian interventions.
  5. Advanced GIS skills and proven experience with geospatial data and analysis (through ArcMap, QGIS, R, and/or Python) and dashboard management skills, particularly with PowerBI.
  6. Proven experience in using mobile data collection tools, such as KoBoToolbox, SurveyCTO, etc.
  7. Knowledge of M&E systems, especially as they apply to fragile contexts, through field experience.
  8. Knowledge of World Bank operational policies and business practices is a plus.
  9. Demonstrated initiative, leadership skills, innovation and drive for results including the ability to undertake a diversity of tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment on short deadlines. Excellent workflow management skills and a proactive attitude.
  10. Excellent communication skillswith an ability to adapt to an audience that is operational, but not necessarily knowledgeable of ICT issues.
  11. Advanced skills in MS office applications, in particular Excel and PowerPoint.
  12. Solid knowledge of the development and humanitarian cooperation landscape in Chad.

IV. Administrative Arrangements

The selected consultant will be contracted by the FCV Group for a period of 100 days, with the option of extension. The Consultant will report to a Task Team Leader based in N’Djamena and work closely with the regional GEMS lead in Bamako, Mali. S/he will closely collaborate with the CMU, specifically with the CMU’s FCV Country Coordinator who will lead the coordination of GEMS in the CMU. The Consultant will also interact with other WB initiatives such as the Geospatial Operational Support Team (GOST) based in Washington DC, and with other relevant teams, as needed.

The contract will include the Fiscal Year 2023 (until June 30, 2023). The consultant will be based in N’Djamena, Chad, but may be expected to travel within the country and to other client countries in Africa, particularly in the Sahel.

How to apply

Interested candidates are asked to send a letter of motivation and a recent CV in English by December 19 to the e-mail address: [email protected]