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DEVELOPMENT OF AN INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) PLAN FOR THE OPERATION OF A NEW NOTIONAL DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION SCHEME

Through the adoption of a new Code on Social Security in 2007, the Government of Turkmenistan intends to implement reform of the public sector pension scheme to ensure the introduction of a mandatory pay-as-you-go pension scheme with a tight link between contribution and benefits, the introduction of a financially stable pension scheme and good coverage of the working-age population. The Code provides for the introduction of a new Notional Defined Contribution (NDC) pension scheme and establishment of a Pension Fund in 2012. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population (MLSPP), being responsible for effective implementation of public policy in the social security field, is undertaking preparatory work for the transfer to NDC pension scheme. The change accompanying the NDC pension reform will be characterized by: a new administrative process for pension; an increase in the dimension and character of contribution collection; the establishment of rights earned prior to 2012; and a new IT environment.
As a part of this work, MLSPP together with its ongoing United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project “Support to Social Protection System Development” seeks a short-term international expert to help in the analysis and design of the infrastructure of the information systems for the operation of a new NDC pension scheme. It is expected that International Expert will work in close collaboration with the MLSPP Implementation Team, International Business Administration Expert, and national experts in pension system administration and ICT management. The National Project Coordinator and UNDP Project Technical Advisor will provide overall strategic guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities

It is expected that International Expert will undertake the following:

  • Based on the consultations with the MLSPP Implementation Team and relevant ministries, as well as inputs from reports prepared by International Business Administration Expert, national experts on pension system administration and ICT management, assess the processes and IT system currently used to administer public PAYG and fully funded pension schemes;
  • Conduct a workshop for the MLSPP Implementation Team and relevant ministries to discuss the Business Plan prepared by the Implementation Team with support of the International Expert on Business Administration and national consultants, and make a presentation on possible IT models to support the NDC pension system administration and their advantages and disadvantages;
  • Identify and discuss in detail alternative hardware and software proposals for the IT architectures identified as the most appropriate for Turkmenistan. This would include advantages, disadvantages, risks and cost estimates;
  • Assist in the software and hardware procurement process by participating in technical evaluation processes;
  • Identify and discuss the IT center staff resources, qualifications required to operate the Pension Fund and the external programming and specific consultants, if applicable;
  • Provide external supervision of software development and advise the MLSPP and software designer on adequacy of the solution

The International Expert will produce the following:

  • Presentation on possible IT models to support the NDC pension system administration and their advantages and disadvantages;
  • A general plan for the design of the IT system that provides an overall blueprint for determining the direction and magnitude of investments in new technology, both hardware and software. The IT plan should also include an estimate of the in-house IT personnel needed to develop and operate the new IT system. The IT plan should be sufficiently detailed to provide a basis for budgeting the IT development project to be undertaken in conjunction with the introduction of the Pension Fund and the reform;
  • Technical evaluation of tender proposals on software development and hardware procurement, and recommendation on the choice;
  • Supervision and advice on adequacy of IT solution.

Competencies

  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines

Required Skills and Experience

  • The equivalent of a Master’s Degree or higher in information technology, business administration, economics, public administration, or other related fields;
  • A minimum 7 years of experience in creating IT systems, with specific experience of IT support for public administration;
  • An excellent knowledge of the main operation principles of the Notional Defined Contributions pension system;
  • Relevant working experience in the countries implementing NDC pension system is considered as an advantage;
  • Knowledge of English language is required. Knowledge of Russian is an asset.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.



International Expert on the Development of an Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Plan for the Operation of a New Notional Defined Contribution Pension Scheme