The Position:
The purpose of this national consultancy service is to support the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in the development of a data system for the Norm-shift Accelerator Programme, implemented by the Department of Women Affairs and UNFPA.
This data system will serve as a comprehensive tool for monitoring the progress of the Norm-Shift Accelerator programme, evaluating impact, and informing evidence-based decision-making for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh. ย ย
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How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.ย UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to โbuild forward betterโ, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on womenโs and girlsโ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
Despite Bangladeshโs progress in reducing child marriage rates, the country unfortunately remains among the top ten countries globally with the highest prevalence of this harmful practice. This persistent challenge underscores the deep-seated nature of child marriage, rooted in complex social and gender norms and systemic vulnerabilities. To address this, UNFPA, in close collaboration with the Department of Women Affairs of the MOWCA, has launched โShombhabona-the Norm-Shift Acceleratorโ, a systems-based programme. This programme operates across multiple layers of the socio-ecological model, acknowledging that child marriage is influenced by factors ranging from social beliefs and behaviours to broader social, institutional, and policy dynamics. ย
Shombhabonaโs strategic approach involves integrating its interventions on social norm change with two key social protection schemes managed by the Department of Womenโs Affairs of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. This integration allows for leveraging existing infrastructure and reaching a vast network of populations across the country. By utilizing established delivery mechanisms, including community-based organizations and local government structures, Shombhabona effectively extends its reach. The programme also extends to secondary schools, ย aiming to support adolescent girls and boys to stay in schools until the completion of their secondary education. This focus on school retention is critical, as education is a powerful tool in delaying marriage and empowering girls.ย
By strategically targeting harmful gender and social norms through targeted interventions, Shombhabona seeks to drive transformative social change. To effectively measure the impact of these interventions, implementation research will be carried out. ย
Under the strategic guidance of the Adolescents and Youth unit of ย UNFPA Bangladesh and in close collaboration with the lead Implementation Researcher and the Department of Women Affairs under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the consultant will lead the development and implementation of an integrated data system for programme monitoring and impact analysis.ย
This data system will serve as a comprehensive tool for monitoring the progress of the Norm-Shift Accelerator programme, evaluating impact, and informing evidence-based decision-making for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh, UNFPA and its partners.
This system will encompass the following key components:
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Inferential statistical analyses (e.g., regression, t-tests, ANOVA) to assess programme impact and identify statistically significant changes.
Implementation research specific analysis, such as fidelity of implementation, and contextual factor analysis.
The algorithms will be designed to handle the varied data structures and impact evaluation tools used across the five source databases. The analytical methods will be selected in consultation with the Implementation Research lead, ensuring alignment with the programme's monitoring and evaluation framework. Interoperable Data Integration Layer: This layer will facilitate the ย integration of data from five distinct source databases, addressing potential data heterogeneity and ensuring data harmonization. The system will utilize robust data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) processes to maintain data integrity during integration. It will be designed to allow for Application Programming Interface connections, for future data sharing, and increased interoperability. Interactive, Real-Time Dashboard: This dashboard will visualize key indicators (KP), programme outputs, outcomes, and impact metrics in a user-friendly format. The dashboard will provide stakeholders with real-time access to data, facilitating data-driven decision-making and adaptive programme design and management. It will be designed to display both quantitative and qualitative data, and include data disaggregation, to allow for the analysis of data by relevant subgroups. Implementation Research Data Management: The system will be designed to capture and analyse data relevant to implementation research, including process evaluation data, contextual factors, and implementation fidelity. The questionnaires, data collection tools, and data collection timeframe will be defined by the Implementation Research lead, ensuring alignment with the research protocol. The data system will be designed to allow for the capture and analysis of mixed methods research data.
You would be responsible for:
The National IT Consultant will be responsible for the full lifecycle of developing and implementing a comprehensive data system for the Norm-Shift Accelerator Programme. This includes:
Requirements Gathering and System Design:
Collaborate with UNFPA, the lead Implementation Researcher, and the Department of Women Affairs to fully understand the programme's data needs and evaluation framework. Develop a detailed system architecture and design document, outlining the database structure, analytical pipeline, integration layer, and dashboard functionalities.Define data entry protocols and ethical data management practices. Create a data dictionary specifying variables, definitions, and data types.
Database Development and Implementation:
Design and implement a centralized programme participant database capable of storing and managing data. Ensure the database is secure, safe, scalable, and adheres to data privacy regulations.Analytical Pipeline Development:
Develop and integrate an embedded analytical pipeline that includes: Algorithms for descriptive statistics. Statistical models for inferential analysis (regression, t-tests, ANOVA). Algorithms for implementation research-specific analyses (fidelity, contextual factors). Ensure the pipeline can handle varied data structures and evaluation tools. Work with the lead implementation researcher to ensure the analytical methods are correct.Data Integration and Interoperability:
Develop an interoperable data integration layer to seamlessly connect five distinct source databases. Implement robust ETL processes to ensure data integrity during integration. Design and implement API connections for future data sharing.Dashboard Development:
Design and develop an interactive, real-time dashboard that visualizes key indicators, programme outputs, outcomes, and impact metrics. Ensure the dashboard is user-friendly and provides data disaggregation capabilities. Ensure the dashboard displays both qualitative and quantitative data.Implementation Research Data Management:
Design the system to capture and analyze process evaluation data, contextual factors, and implementation fidelity data. Ensure the system can handle data from mixed methods research. Work with the lead implementation researcher to ensure the data capture aligns with the research protocol.Testing, Training, and Documentation:
Conduct thorough testing of the data system to ensure functionality and accuracy. Develop user manuals and provide training to relevant stakeholders. Document all aspects of the system, including design, development, and maintenanceย
Deliverables
System Design Prototype:ย Working model of the system ย architecture, database design, analytical pipeline specifications, integration layer design, dashboard mockups, and data Dictionary. System Design BluePrint:ย Detailed system architecture, database design, analytical pipeline specifications, integration layer design, dashboard mockups, and data Dictionaryย Centralized Programme Participant Database:ย A functional and secure database with data entry protocols, and safe and ethical data management practices.
ย Embedded Analytical Pipeline:ย Fully implemented algorithms for descriptive, inferential, and implementation research analyses.
ย Interoperable Data Integration Layer:ย Functional data integration layer with ETL processes and API connections.
ย Interactive, Real-Time Dashboard:ย A user-friendly dashboard with visualizations of key indicators and data disaggregation capabilities.
ย Implementation Research Data Management System:ย A functional data management system that captures process evaluation data, contextual factors, and implementation fidelity data. User Manuals and Training Materials:ย Comprehensive documentation for system users.
ย Training Sessions:ย Conduct training sessions for all relevant staff of the programme at the national and local levels.
ย Final Technical Report:ย A comprehensive report detailing the development process, system functionalities, and recommendations for future improvements. Source Code:ย All source code for the database, analytical pipeline, data integration layer, and dashboard.
Duration and working schedule: This consultancy will be for 80 days, spread over 8 months, starting in the second week of April 2025 and ending on December 15, 2025.
Place where services are to be delivered: ย The services are to be delivered to the UNFPA Country Office. All versions of the final documents should be delivered in appropriate electronic format
Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):ย
All documents will be submitted electronically via email or a designated file-sharing platform. The quality of the deliverables will be evaluated by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and UNFPA.
Phase 1: Requirements Gathering and System Design (10 Working Days)
Deliverable 1.1: Inception Report and Work Plan (May 2025)
Deliverable 1.2: System Design Prototype, BluePrint ย and Data Dictionary, including detailed system architecture, database design, analytical pipeline specifications, integration layer design, dashboard mockups, and data dictionary. (May 2025)
Phase 2: Database and Analytical Pipeline Development ( 20 Working Days)
Deliverable 2.1: Prototype Database and Analytical Pipeline, including functional prototype of the database structure and analytical algorithms. (July, 2025)ย
Deliverable 2.2: Refined Database and Analytical Pipeline, including functional database, and fully implemented algorithms for descriptive, inferential, and implementation research analyses. (September, 2025)ย
Phase 3: Data Integration and Dashboard Development ( 30 Working Days)
Deliverable 3.1: Interoperable Data Integration Layer and Prototype Dashboard, including functional data integration layer with ETL processes and API connections, and a prototype dashboard with sample data visualizations. (October, 2025)
Deliverable 3.2: Final Interactive, Real-Time Dashboard and Integrated System, including Fully functional dashboard with visualizations of key indicators and data disaggregation capabilities, and a fully integrated data system. (November, 2025)ย
Phase 4: Testing, Training, and Documentation (20 Working Days)
Deliverable 4.1: User Manuals and Training Materials, Comprehensive documentation for system users. (December, 2025)ย
Deliverable 4.2: Training Sessions (In Person or Virtual)
Deliverable 4.3: Final Technical Report and Source Code, Comprehensive report detailing the development process, system functionalities, recommendations, and all source code.
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline: The consultant will report to the Chief of Adolescents and Youth, UNFPA Bangladesh and work in close collaboration with relevant officials from the Department of Women Affairs, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and UNFPA Bangladesh.
The consultant will provide written updates on a regular basis and organise in-person/online meetings to share work updates, needs and challenges as needed.ย
Expected travel: No travel is required for this consultancy. UNFPA will not bear any costs in relation to travel and accommodation.
Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:
Advanced University degree (Masters) in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
Required Experience:
Minimum two years (four years without a Masters degree) hands-on experience in programming and data science.ย ย Strong programming skills in Python, R, or a similar language. Experience with database design and management (SQL and NoSQL). Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). Knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning techniques. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Good understanding of quantitative and qualitative social/ market research is an asset.ย Flexibility and responsiveness to changes as part of the review and feedback process. Expertise in designing, developing, and managing relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server). Strong understanding of data integration principles and techniques. Proficiency in statistical programming languages (e.g., R, Python). Experience in developing and implementing statistical algorithms and models (descriptive, inferential). Knowledge of implementation research methodologies and analysis techniques would be considered an asset. Expertise in developing interactive dashboards and data visualizations (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar). Knowledge of data privacy regulations and ethical data management practices. Understanding of social development issues, particularly related to adolescents, youth, and gender.ย
Required Competencies:ย
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย Embracing changeย Inputs/services to be provided by UNFPA: The consultant will be provided with the necessary access to UNFPA and the relevant Government data and systems. The consultant will be responsible for arranging their own laptops.ย
Payment Instruction
1st Installment (30%): Requirements Gathering and System Design
2nd Installment (30%): Database and Analytical Pipeline Development
3rd Installment (20%): Data Integration and Dashboard Development
4th Installment (20%): Testing, Training, and Documentation
Intellectual Property: All consultancy outputs and intellectual property rights will belong to UNFPA.
Confidentiality: The consultant must ensure data privacy and security, complying with UNFPA's policies and relevant data privacy regulations.
Level of consultancy: NOB
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UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click hereย to learn more.
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Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.