UN Women is seeking to recruit a consultant to develop a database of Africa-based CSOs working on women, peace and security.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Terms of Reference on the Mapping and Database Development of CSOs working on Women, Peace and Security in conflict and post-conflict situations
1. Background and Organizational Context
Current assessment indicates that there are limited links and networking between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on peace and security in Africa. Lack of smooth flow of information, loose linkages and weakened coordination can unarguably hamper the proactive engagements of CSOs in the regional peace process and initiatives. And this calls for a dire need to establish a database of CSOs working on Women, Peace and Security for easily mapping, reference, and leverage of information and coordination of activities.
Recognising the gaps in coordination and networking, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, UN Women, has envisaged to map CSOs and their networks working on Women, Peace and Security, and establish a database of the same with a view to providing a resource that would facilitate the African Union( AU) and CSOs partnerships on women, peace and security; facilitating networking and cross-country learning among CSOs working on women, peace and security; as well as providing a tool for monitoring numbers, areas of focus, and expertise overtime through periodic reviews of the database.
Accordingly, the UN Women Liaison Office to AU and UNECA, from the fund it secured from the DFID, seeks to recruit a database consultant/firm on a contractual basis in a bid to help achieve the overarching objectives described below.
2. Objectives
The overriding objectives of this consultancy service are, thus,
• To assist in mapping regional CSOs and networks working on women, peace and security in the general framework of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 and beyond, as well as the African Union ( AU) Peace and Security Council (PSU).
• To design and develop an IT-mediated database system enabling for easily reference of regional CSOs and their networks working on Women, Peace and Security in conflict and post-conflict situations.
3. Major Activities of the Database Consultant
• Suggest and design viable and justified methodology options for mapping regional CSOs and networks working on women, peace and security in conflict and post-conflict situations.
• Map the CSOs and networks
• Define and create an open database structure and the level of detail, allowing for upgrades and adaptations in the future.
• Devise a systematized and standardized method for introduction of descriptive indicators for the database.
• Provide a basis for future linking between CSOs working at sub-regional and regional levels.
• Determine the software platform: After the detailed analyses of the above scope of data for entry in the database, the Consultant is required to prepare a demonstration version for discussion with UN Women and make sure whether the existing software of a new tailor-made application is acceptable. It is expected that the database be accessible through the internet for all users (UN Women LO, sub-regional offices (SROs), CSOs, UN Women Country Offices, the AU and RECs, potential donors and government and CSO partners.
• Conduct software upgrading and testing: The Consultant will prepare the full database version in order to meet the anticipated specific objectives. The application of the database should be pilot-tested. If proved any deficiency during the testing, it should be duly corrected by the consultant.
• Provide expert level support, training and mentoring to the pertinent UN Women staff to ensure the effective handover and, consolidation and sustainability of operation, and maintenance of the data management and database system.
• Prepare and submit a report outlining the methodology, sources of data
4. Expected outcome
The Lead Consultant or Firm is expected to deliver a well-developed and fully functioning database subject to updating and new entries within the given time framework.
5. Required Qualification and Experiences
5.1 Education: University degree and above in Information Technology, Database Management and Management Information Systems, and other relevant fields of discipline.
5.2 Specific Skills: At least 5 years of relevant experience in database development and management or other relevant skills.
5.3 Additional Knowledge: Sound understanding of the NGO sector, particularly those working on Women, Peace and Security, will be a definite advantage.
6. Duration of the Assignment
The Database Consultant is expected to complete the tasks described above and deliver the output within a two-month time.
7. How to Apply:
Qualified applicants are requested to send their application letters and to the UN Women Liaison Office to AU and UNECA based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia preferably through the e-mail below:
tesfaye.desalegn@unwomen.org
copied to: florence.butegwa@unwomen.org.
The application should contain:
• Cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the advertised consultancy clearly indicating comparable previous assignments in database development, and the contact details of at least two (2) references
• Any online link or other reference to previous databases developed by the applicant (if applicable)
• Updated CV
• Filled and signed P11 form – blank form can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment/
• Financial Proposal – i.e. daily fee in USD and the estimated timeframe for the work as outlined in these terms of reference
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials
8. Evaluation and comparison of applications
UN Women applies fair and transparent selection process that would take into account the academic qualifications, work experiences, previous data development experience, and competencies of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. All applications received before the deadline will be assessed by a committee drawn from different UN organisations based in Addis Ababa.
Note: Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.
Deadline for Application: 20 May 2011.
