Consultant - (Data Mapping) – Research Section

The UNODC Country Office for Afghanistan (UNODC COAFG), as part of its comprehensive strategy for addressing drugs and crime issues, plays a key role in developing capacity and systems to ensure effective implementation of programmes focused on good governance, stability and human security in the country. UNODC is underwriting the principle of Afghanization, or Afghan ownership of the programme. Through engagement with the Ministry of Counter Narcotics (MCN), Ministry of Interior (MoI), Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), Ministry of Reconstruction and Rural Development (MRRD), Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), UNODC is assisting MCN in instigating sustained capacity and institution building to facilitate the development and delivery of a National Drug Control Strategy (NDCS) and to build capacity within the MCN in order to deliver evidence-informed policy on Counter Narcotics (CN) issues nationally.   In February of 2011, UNODC created a project, “Building Afghan Counter Narcotics Analytical Capacity for Evidence-Based Policy and Advocacy” (U04), which aims to strengthen the analytical capacity of the MCN for evidence based policy and advocacy. As envisioned by the Strategic Plan of MCN (June 2010), three key functions of the Ministry are: policy; coordination and monitoring; and evaluation (survey and research)[1]. This project will strengthen the capacity within MCN, primarily its obligation to Monitor and Evaluate (survey and research), and consequently its function to coordinate CN efforts with other line ministries and to deliver informed reports and policy on counter-narcotics in Afghanistan. The final outcome of this project is an Afghanistan Drug Report (ADR) developed and produced by MCN. This report will detail the progress made on the National Drug Control Strategy against set benchmarks. The report will be produced from data gathered in the Afghanistan Drug Reporting System (ADRS), a computerised system located in the MCN. All of the line ministries will have the responsibility to feed in their information into this database, but will themselves benefit from secure access to relevant data sets in the Central Data Repository.. This project will strengthen the capacity within MCN, primarily its obligation to Monitor and Evaluate (survey and research), and consequently its function to coordinate CN efforts with other line ministries and to deliver informed reports and policy on counter-narcotics in Afghanistan. The final outcome of this project is an () developed and produced by MCN. This report will detail the progress made on the National Drug Control Strategy against set benchmarks. The report will be produced from data gathered in the , a computerised system located in the MCN. All of the line ministries will have the responsibility to feed in their information into this database, but will themselves benefit from secure access to relevant data sets in the Central Data Repository.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of the Assignment:   The objective of this assignment for an International Consultant – Research Section is to identify data sources and classify them according to data quality metrics. The consultant will identify the data sources from which the indicators in the ADRS are taken, and map the required indicators to specific fields in existing data sources. There is a scoping component and a data mapping component to this assignment.   Scope of the Assignment:   Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Coordinator (Research Expert), Research Advocacy and Information Section, and in close cooperation with the research team of the U04 project (and with statistical experts based in UNODC Vienna), the consultant will:   Perform the scoping of the ADR Identify Data Objects within mandate of the MCN Define Data types and data quality standards Assist in the creation of indicators in the scope of the ADR Map indicators against Data Objects and identify mandatory and minimum meaningful attributes Establish data mapping Identify sources (on an attribute level) Assess quality of external data Identify data gaps and propose solutions for gathering missing data Ensure comparability of external attributes with ADR master values, create mapping table Deliverables:   During the contract period, the Consultant is expected to produce a comprehensive map of data sources, the desired indicators and the attributes that connect them. Specifically:   Scoping of the ADR: A data model (Domain Model) Data quality standards document Overview of relevant indicators, their attributes and sources Data Mapping A mapping table, to include Object / Attribute Data Source Possible Initial values Mapping to possible Target values Timeline:   The duration of the assignment shall be two months (52 work days) starting as soon as possible. The contract is extendable subject to availability of funds. The time required for the consultant to produce the required deliverables is full-time in-country. Unpaid breather breaks during the period will be scheduled in consultation with UNODC so as to best meet project requirements and so as not to be the source of any delay in the execution of programme work plans.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime, drug and/or terrorism control and prevention issues.  Knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drug Control and Crime Prevention.  Knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills.  Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues.  Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.  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. Job Knowledge & Expertise: Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements with excellence executes day-to-day tasks systematically & efficiently, uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource and is motivated & demonstrates a capacity to pursue personal development & learning.   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.  Results-Orientation: Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals. Innovation & Judgment: Contributes creative, practical ideas and approaches to deal with challenging situations and pursues own personal and professional development. Communication: Formulates written information clearly and persuasively and presents oral information clearly and persuasively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: An advanced university degree in statistics, sociology, development studies, social sciences, public health, law, or related field.  Experience: A minimum of two years of professional experience in research or statistical analysis, preferably in the areas of drug control/counter narcotics or related human development issues.  Knowledge and experience of governmental mechanisms for drug control and monitoring and reporting of drug statistics is desirable.  In addition to required experience, the following experience is desirable; mapping indicators, in data collection, management and analysis.  Previous experience of working with statistics, data cleansing, ETL (extract transform load), data quality checks is required.  Good analytical skills and capacity to conduct assessments of data storage and database processes. Working experience in the region will be an advantage. Language Requirements: Fluency in English with excellent communication skills including drafting skills.  Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

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.

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