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Survey and Data Specialist (International consultant)

Kabul

  • Organization: UNHABITAT - United Nations Human Settlements Programme
  • Location: Kabul
  • Grade: Junior level - IICA-1, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Social Affairs
    • Statistics
    • Economics
    • Public Policy and Administration
  • Closing Date: Closed

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is the United Nations agency for human settlements. UN-Habitat’s goals are well-planned, well-governed, and efficient cities and other human settlements, with adequate housing, infrastructure, and universal access to employment and basic services such as water, energy and sanitation. UN-Habitat work is guided by a medium-term strategy approach for successive six-year periods. The current strategic plan covers 2014 to 2019.

UN-Habitat has offices at regional and country level and implements projects in Afghanistan through its country office in Kabul and the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Fukuoka, Japan. Since 1992, UN-Habitat has been working in Afghanistan in partnership with communities and the government. UN-Habitat is working with the Government of Afghanistan and local authorities on various projects on policy support and institutional strengthening. 

Afghanistan’s urban context

Urbanization in Afghanistan  is rapidly transforming the country’s demographic, social, cultural, and economic spheres, and presents a good opportunity for propelling the country towards growth, prosperity and peace-building. While Afghanistan’s population is still largely rural with one quarter living in urban areas, the country’s urban transition is projected to happen by 2060 when one in two Afghans will live in cities. This transition is happening alongside significant quality-of-life, economic, and territorial changes which must be carefully controlled to leverage the benefits of urbanization and minimize negative externalities.

Afghanistan’s urban population growth rate is amongst the world’s fastest at   4% per year. By 2015, approximately 8 million persons lived in the 34 Provincial Municipalities of Afghanistan and other urban areas with the capital Kabul accounting for 40% of the total urban population. It is estimated that the urban population will double in the next 15 years. The two most significant aspects of Afghanistan’s urban demography is the youth bulge and displacement. More than three-quarters of the country’s total population is below 35 years In urban areas, nearly one quarter of the population was estimated to be between 15 and 24 years in 2012. Over the past decade, urban areas have hosted large groups of returnees and internally-displaced persons (IDPs).

Rapid urbanization has improved the overall quality-of-life and incomes of many urban residents relative to rural areas. Generally, urban residents have better access to improved drinking water source (71%), sanitation (29%), electricity (95%), literacy rate (54%), and have lower poverty headcount (29%) compared to national averages. On the other hand, rapid urbanization has contributed to growing income inequality (29.2 Gini index) and food insecurity (20.3% of population with calorie and protein deficiency) relative to rural areas and national averages.

Urban-based services in Afghanistan contribute more than 50% to the national GDP. The services sector comprising of telecommunication, information technology, transportation, retail trade, is the main contributor to the national economy. Agriculture sector’s share in the economy has been declining and currently accounts for a quarter of the national GDP. However, it must be noted that more than 90 percent of manufacturing sector depends on agriculture sector for inputs and raw materials, highlighting the importance of rural-urban linkages. The informal sector, which accounts for 90 percent of the economic activity, is pervasive across all cities. With 40 percent of the workforce considered unskilled there are few avenues for employment besides the informal sector, which is the main driver of employment with 80 percent of the new jobs as day labourers. While underemployment in urban areas is half of the national average, unemployment rate in urban areas (9%) is also higher than national average, reinforcing the skills mismatch and jobs in the informal economy. Youth unemployment (13.6%) and underemployment (23.4%), and low percentages of women in the labour force participation shows the untapped potential of these important human resources.

UN-Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements. Sustainable urbanization is central to the realization of the global development goals set out in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Starting in 2019, through its normative and operational work and particularly its coordination and focal point role within the UN system for SDG 11 and the New Urban Agenda (NUA), UN-Habitat’s mission is to promote transformative change in cities and human settlements through knowledge, policy advise, technical assistance and collaborative action to leave no one and no place behind. UN-Habitat’s strategic plan for 2020-2023 aims to support member states and partners to meet the following goals:

1.      Reduced spatial inequality and poverty in communities across the urban - rural continuum;

2.      Enhanced shared prosperity of cities and regions;

3.      Strengthened climate action and improved urban environment; and

4.      Effective urban crisis prevention and response.

In Afghanistan, UN-Habitat aims to promote prosperous, inclusive and equitable human settlements that reduce poverty and contribute to national stability and development. UN-Habitat’s current strategy in Afghanistan is focused on three thematic focus areas:

1.      Planned and well governed settlements with inclusive systems of planning and governance and effective delivery of municipal services                                                                                              

2.      Inclusive settlements with increased access to services, infrastructure and public facilities and effective participation of residents in the development of human settlements                                                                   

3.      Prosperous settlements with enhanced fiscal capacity of municipalities for local service delivery and increased economic activity and opportunities for skills development for job creation 

UN-Habitat has offices at regional and country level that assist UN member states in the localization of SDG implementation utilizing the New Urban Agenda. In Afghanistan through its country office based in Kabul and in partnership with government and communities, UN-Habitat is providing technical assistance to several programs and projects with strong support to institutional strengthening and capacity enhancement of national counterparts.

Kabul Strengthening Municipal Nahias Programme (KSMNP)

The Kabul Strengthening Municipal Nahias Program is a four year municipal governance program being implemented in alignment with the EU-funded Municipal Governance Support Program (MGSP) under the umbrella City for All (CFA) program since March 2016. CFA is a flagship action of the Government of Afghanistan’s Urban National Priority Programme 2016-2025 (U-NPP), the government’s reform agenda for the urban sector. The KSMNP program aims to improve stability and stimulate economic development in Kabul city through securing land and property rights, strategic urban planning, enhanced service delivery and strengthening the social contract between citizens and the state.

The KSMNP program is underpinned by the fact that harnessing Afghanistan's cities for state building and local economic development requires three fundamental components:

  1. Effective land management including clear property rights;
  2. Strategic urban planning to establish a common vision for inclusive urban development and to guide public investment for improved service delivery; and
  3. Improved municipal governance including citizen engagement and representation.

KSMNP activities are implemented under three pillars as follows:

1. Land management

The KSMNP program is supporting Kabul Municipality to survey and register all properties within its municipal boundaries (estimated at 426,273 properties). Each nahia is mapped and divided into gozars and blocks. A systematic survey is conducted on each property in a block and property data stored at nahia level. Property data from all nahias is also be maintained in a central database at the main Kabul Municipality offices and at ARAZI (the Deputy Ministry of Land). The updated property database will enable the municipality to expand the number of property records for safayi (municipal service charge) and significantly increase its revenues. It will also enable ARAZI to register properties and issue land occupancy certificates to increase tenure security and reduce land grabbing. Data from the property database will also be used for street addressing and house numbering. These activities are essential for improving urban management and safety, and for increasing citizen's socio-economic inclusion.

2. Strategic action planning

The KSMNP program is supporting Kabul Municipality to apply strategic action planning at nahia level. This urban planning approach is action-orientated, quicker, more cost-effective, inclusive, and empowers community members to identify priority infrastructure and service delivery needs. The program is supporting municipal nahia offices and community-based groups to develop strategic nahia action plans (SNAPs) that reflect sound urban design principles, involve the participation of local communities, and enhance service delivery for all urban areas including the under-serviced informal areas. The SNAPs are partly  financed by the program through block grants (Kabul Municipality and local communities contribute to project budgets)to ensure implementation. Capital Investment Plans (part of SNAPs) include actual municipal and gozar level infrastructure projects that are designed, costed and implemented through Gozar Assemblies (community-based development councils) with supervision and oversight from project and municipal staff.

3. Municipal finance and governance

The KSMNP program is supporting municipal nahias to create and maintain accurate and complete safayi records through property surveys and registration. The program is also introducing adjustments to the safayi cycle including fairer assessment of safayi fees, more efficient and user-friendly invoicing and payment mechanisms, and new transparent and accountable expenditure management procedures that involve community representatives. The new safayi guidelines (Safayi Operational Manual) being developed by the program are aimed at increasing municipal revenues as well as improving the relations between municipalities and communities.

The overall objective is to improve stability and stimulate local economic development in Kabul city through enhancing municipal governance and strengthening the social contract between citizens and the state.

The specific objective is to improve tenure security and land management and administration for inclusive urban economic growth and service delivery in Kabul city.

The three expected results are:

1.      Strengthened municipal capacities and systems for urban planning, land management and municipal revenue/finance;

2.      Improved municipal service delivery and strengthened “social contract” between citizens and municipal authorities; and

3.      Improved enabling environment for urban land management and administration, municipal governance, local economic development and service delivery.

The key programme outputs under each of the results are:

Result 1. Strengthened municipal capacities and systems for urban planning, land management and municipal revenue/finance.

Output 1.1 Municipalities undertake citywide property survey/registration and house numbering;

Output 1.2 Strengthen municipal finance and revenue collection systems and capacities especially of nahia offices; and

Output 1.3 Support strategic urban planning for LED and inclusive service delivery.

Result 2. Improved municipal service delivery and strengthened “social contract” between citizens and municipal authorities.

Output 2.1 Kabul municipality delivers strategic service/infrastructure projects in line with Nahia strategic plans to stimulate local economic development;

Ooutput 2.2 Establish representative Gozar Assemblies (GAs) to foster improved municipal-citizen relations in land management, service delivery to build social contract and sense of civic responsibility, and government legitimacy;

Output 2.3 Improve access to gozar-level infrastructure and services.

Result 3. Improved enabling environment for urban land management and administration, municipal governance, local economic development and service delivery.

Output 3.1 Strengthen the national enabling environment and institutional capacities (of MUDL, ARAZI and KM) for land management, strategic urban planning, and inclusive municipal governance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The mid-term evaluation report of the KSMNP program recommended the conduct of periodic impact assessments of the program through surveys and statistical analyses of program data. The purpose of the impact survey is

       i.          to assess how the program has addressed key challenges through technical assistance;

     ii.          to measure the extent to which the program has triggered a change, improvement or transformation in the lives of residents of Kabul city ; and

    iii.          to inquire whether and how the program has influenced a change in legislation, policies, norms, standards and practices of relevant government entities. 

The survey will assess the impact of the KSMNP programme in the following eight areas:

1.      Registration of properties and sssuance of occupancy certificates

2.      Establishment of Gozar Assemblies

3.      Safayi invoicing and collection

4.      Participatory planning

5.      Property surveys, street addressing and house numbering

6.      Accountable and transparent expenditure of municipal (safayi) revenues

7.      Strategic nahia action plans (SNAPs)

8.      Implementation of nahia and gozar sub-projects

The impact survey is an independent assessment of the impact of the program on Kabul residents and the relevant Afghan institutions. The survey report will help program stakeholders (Government, donors and beneficiaries) to understand if the program outcomes were met. The survey will also identify lessons learned and provide insights for the successes or failures of the different components of the program.

Under the direct supervision of the Country Program Manager, the Survey and Data Analysis Expert consultant will:

1.      Review the KSMNP program documents including but not limited to the Prodoc, logical framework, project assessment and progress reports;

2.      Conduct a preliminary assessment by arranging meetings with the relevant programme staff and other stakeholders to clarify the purpose, scope, methodology, timeline, resources for the survey as well as to prepare a work plan  for the survey report;

3.      Submit an inception report which will include: the purpose and objectives of the survey, indicators to be covered, scope, methodology (methods, sources of data, sampling, data analysis plan, data quality assurance), team and resources required, questionnaires and survey tools, outlines for the report, and detailed work plan according toto international survey procedures and quality standards;

4.      Assist in recruiting the survey team (enumerators, supervisors, and database expert), and lead their training and pilot testing;

5.      Lead the collection and management of survey data through innovative data collection techniques, data cleaning, data analysis and reporting and monitoring of data quality;

6.      Produce a draft survey report and submit it for  review, input and comments (include any case studies or stories captured from beneficiaries and/or partners); and

7.      Finalize the report and present the findings to UN-Habitat and other stakeholders (The final report should be comprehensive with clear findings related to results indicators, and recommendations for future programming; it should also follow UN-Habitat branding manual for publications).

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will prepare and submit:

1.      An inception report with a workplan that will operationalize the impact survey. In the inception report, the program theory of change, understanding of the survey questions, methods to be used, limitations or constraints of the survey should be detailed.

2.      A draft survey report. The draft survey report is submitted to UN-Habitat for review and comments.

3.      A final survey report. The final survey report follows UN-Habitat’s standard format for publications and does not exceed 40 pages (excluding executive summary and appendixes).

 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payments shall be made on satisfactory completion of work and submission of reports as certified by the Country Program Manager as per the following  schedule:

Installment

Deliverables

Deadline

Payment

1

Inception report/Field mission completed

End of November 2019

30%

2

Draft report/ Reviewed

Mid January 2020, 60%

60%

4

Final report/Approved

End of January 2020

10%

 

COMPETENCIES

·     Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of land administrative functions, e.g., survey, land valuation, project budgeting, technical staff resourcing, database management, etc. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

·     Communication:  Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

·      Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

·      Planning& Organizing:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Other desired competencies/skills include:

·      Promotes UN’s core values and ethical standards (professionalism, integrity, respect for diversity)

·          Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

·          Capability to engage in team-based management, experience of leading policy workshops and being a resource person

·         Ability to formulate and manage work plans

·         Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners

 

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent)  in Statistics, Social Sciences, Demography, Economics or Public Policy, or a first level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant qualifying experience is required. Training in monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.

WORK EXPERIENCE

·        At least 5 years of experience in designing and/or formulating international standard quantitative assessments of social sector multi-year projects and writing professional reports for programmes

·        Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials and international organizations at senior level

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

 ·      Sound knowledge of statistical analysis methods

·        Proficient in statistical/data analytic computer applications

·        Strong familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methodologies

·        Good knowledge of stakeholder surveys and social audit methods

·        Good report writing skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS

For the advertised post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of local languages (Dari and Pashto) is an advantage.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

·        A strong commitment to gender sensitive, social inclusive and pro-poor development

·        Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team

·        Consultative and empowering working style and willingness to learn from others

·        Willingness to travel as required

REMUNERATION

The consultant’s lumpsum fees will be set according to the UN approved remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by the functions performed and the experience of the consultant. Payments will be based on satisfactory completion of the deliverables (see payment schedule above).

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

International Travel (Home-Kabul)

The cost of a return air-ticket from the place of recruitment on least-cost economy and visa fee will be reimbursed upon submission of travel claim together with the supporting documents including copy of eticket, receipts and used boarding passes. Three quotations from the reputable travel agents shall be submitted for UN-Habitat’s clearance prior to purchase of tickets.

Local Transportation:

All local transportation, such as flights to provinces will be arranged and covered by UN-Habitat. 

Travel Advice/ Requirements:

The consultant shall abide by all UN security instructions. Upon arrival in Kabul, a security briefing will be provided by UN-Habitat. In other cities,   the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) will arrange security briefings.

Reporting Arrangements:

The consultant shall report to the Chief of Party (COP) of the KSMNP on daily basis, and overall to a the Country Programme Manager in Afghanistan, and the Senior Human Settlements Officer based in ROAP.

Applications should include:

     Cover memo (maximum 1 page)

     CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.

* PHP can be also download from UN-Habitat/ROAP-vacancy website: ‘www.fukuoka.unhabitat.org

     The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.

     Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:

1.    Educational Background (incl. dates)

2.    Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)

3.    Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)

4.    Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments

All applications should be submitted to:

UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

                    ACROS Fukuoka, 8th Floor

1-1-1       Tenjin Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0001 Japan   

habitat.fukuoka@un.org       

Please indicate the Post Title: “VA 11. AFG Survey and Data Analysis KSMNP ” in your e-mail subject.  Please note that applications received after the closing date stated below, will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview. The fee will be determined according to the qualifications, skills and relevant experience of the selected candidate. In line with UN-Habitat policy on gender equity, applications from female candidates will be particularly welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This vacancy is now closed.
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