Country: Kenya
Closing date: 23 Mar 2016
Purpose of Assignment: Development of Online Interactive National Nutrition Survey Database with Spatial Features
Estimated level of the assignment: NOC/P3
Location of Assignment: Nairobi
Duration of contract: 3 months
Reporting to: Nutrition Information Systems Officer
The Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNICEF and partners on annual (sometimes biannual if there is need) undertake nutrition surveys in the vulnerable counties in the arid and semi-arid lands of the country as part of regular surveillance activities to monitor the nutrition situation of vulnerable populations. The surveys collect direct nutrition indicators GAM[1], SAM[2], Stunting and Underweight, in addition to household demographics, child morbidity, immunization and supplementation, food security, WASH, maternal nutrition indicators. This information is available at national and county level mainly in the form of reports and presentations, at the M&E programme in the Nutrition and Dietetics Unit at the MOH. However, the information is not in a format that is quickly accessible and well organized for quick access and dissemination to stakeholders. The NDU with support from UNICEF, aim to ensure all indicators from nutrition surveys ever conducted in the country are in a central location and easily available to all stakeholders. Quick and efficient access to survey results leads to enhanced dissemination of nutrition information, leading to effective decision making and programming. An online interactive database, which can store survey data, display survey results in the form of spatial maps, trends, tables and graphs is a convenient and quick, easily understood method of communicating nutrition data. The survey database will be available on the nutrition sector website to allow all stakeholders locally and internationally to have fast and easy access to survey information at any time. It is expected to increase the efficiency of sharing survey results, enhance transparency, and ensure all survey data is stored in an organized and secure manner.
Statplanet PLUS is an interactive spatial data visualization platform, a one-stop shop mapping module allowing users to view survey results. It also functions as a database, allowing all survey data to be stored appropriately. It is a spatial product that emanates survey indicators as static choropleth maps and can be presented at national, county or sub-county level. It provides spatial representation of the various indicators over time and by location, allowing users to easily observe results by indicator, and in addition to maps also view data by trends, tables etc. allowing simplified visualization of survey results from anywhere. Development of a nutrition survey database using Stat planet PLUS would allow for quick and easy dissemination of nutrition information in Kenya for efficient decision making and planning.
Scope of Work
*Goal and Objective:** Under the supervision of the Nutrition information Systems Officer, Nutrition Section, the consultant will:-
1) *D*esign and develop a nutrition survey database using STAT PLUS software or a similar software, an online interactive spatial data visualization platform that will allow for quick access and simple presentation of survey results. The data base will be hosted online on the nutrition sector website, and offline with the Ministry of Health, Nutrition M&E programme, and will include all available nutrition population based survey data collected in the country, from as far back as possible.
2) Train the relevant MOH, UNICEF and partners staff who will be responsible for maintaining and updating the database.
Provide details/reference to RWP areas/UNDAF output covered: T
he nutrition sector annual work plan, has highlighted a functioning national monitoring and evaluation system as a key result to ensure that national nutrition information systems are in place and working effectively for the efficient and timely sharing of nutrition data and reports, to inform nutrition programming. The development of a national nutrition survey database will ensure that all nutrition survey information is easily available in a timely manner to inform nutrition programming. The database that will be available online on the nutrition website will allow users to view various nutrition indicators, with the information being presented in the form of maps, graphs, tables for easier interpretation and comparison across time and locations. The website will also allow for the detailed survey reports to be downloaded by the users. Improving access to nutrition information for stakeholders to make effective decisions on nutrition programmes, ensuring evidence based programming.
Activities and Tasks:
a) The consultant will develop, operationalize and maintain a user-friendly, interactive web-based spatial mapping database using STAT Planet PLUS or a similar software, that will include all validated, published and available nutrition survey data from SMART, Coverage, KAP-MIYCN, KDHS and other relevant nutrition surveys conducted in Kenya. The database will be housed at the M&E Unit of NDU.
b) He/She will develop file structures of nutrition indicators, actual data and their descriptions for viewing in the interactive map platform. In addition, the consultant will customize the interactive mapping platform to suit the needs and application of the nutrition sector in terms of data manipulation and basic analysis, this will include a function of importing the files to excel or other programmes and also downloading of maps and graphs.
c) The consultant will work very closely with the Nutrition Information Systems Officer, UNICEF, the M&E Programme managers, NDU of Ministry of Health, to ensure that all the required data to populate the database is available.
d) The consultant will work very closely with the Nutrition Information Officer UNICEF, M&E Manager NDU and the Nutrition Information Working Group to ensure all the nutrition survey indicators are presented in database, the sources of information are highlighted and all indicators included in the database are validated for quality the required quality to be shared with stakeholders
e) The consultant will also train and strengthen the capacity of NDU staff and nutrition sector partners in the use and visualization of data using the designed database
f) The consultant at the end of the assignment will present the completed database to the Nutrition Technical forum and relevant stakeholders, to sensitize users on how to access and use the database, and will provide technical support for a period of three months after the database has been handed over to the MOH
g) Develop a concise and clear user manual, on how to manage and update the database. This will give guidance to the MOH team on running the database. He/She will also support the MOH and Nutrition Information Systems Officer to develop a manual on standard operating procedures.
Work relationships:
The contractor will provide his/her own computers for working on the development of the database, and copying of information in hard copy or electronic form as required. The consultant under supervision of the Nutrition Information Systems Officer, will work very closely with members of the NIWG to ensure all the aspects of nutrition surveys are included in the database, also to ensure all partners have submitted the required data in the agreed format. The consultant will attend the NIWG meetings during the duration of his contract to provide regular updates and presentations on progress.
Outputs/Deliverables:
The table below summarizes the tasks, deliverables, specific timeline and milestones (Sample below). Please state when and whether or not timeframes are negotiable - and if so under what circumstances.
Deliverables
Duration (Estimated # of days or months)
Timeline/Deadline
Schedule of Payment
- A user-friendly, interactive web-based spatial mapping database using STAT Planet PLUS software, with all nutrition survey indicators agreed upon included
45 days
50%
- Presentation of completed database to NIWG members and key stakeholders
5 days
- Include all comments and feedback from NIWG and key stakeholders from presented database
10 days
50%
- Share the final database again with NIWG members to ensure all comments are included and all available data is updated
5 days
- Develop and share user manual on management of the database
20 days
- Draft standard operating manual developed with MOH and Nutrition Information Systems Officer
5 days
Payment Schedule
See table above
Payment is on satisfactory completion of deliverables duly authorized by the Supervisor of contract.
Required qualifications, desired competencies, technical background and experience
(Consult with HR on this prior to signing off on the TOR)
a)Education: University degree in Information Technology - Information Systems/ Data Management, Software Development, GIS or related field*;*
b)Specialist skills/Training:Experience in the using STAT PLANET Plus or similar software for database development is desirable
c)Years of experience: Five years’ relevant professional work experience in development, designing and maintaining survey databases with preference of experience in using STAT PLANET Plus and other GIS related software
d)Competencies:
i) Core Values (Required): Commitment, Diversity and Inclusion, Integrity
ii) Core Competencies (Required) Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results,
ii) Functional Competencies (Required): Leading and Supervising [I], Formulating Strategies and
Concepts [ II ], Relating and Networking [ II ] , Persuading and Influencing [ II ], Applying Technical Expertise [ II ], Entrepreneurial Thinking [ II ]
e)Languages required: Fluency in English. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Administrative issues
The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts
Conditions
The consultant is expected to:
- Commit fully as per the TOR
- Exercise no authority on behalf of UNICEF
*As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary”.*
[1] Global acute malnutrition
[2] Severe acute malnutrition Ɵʫ /
How to apply:
Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that they forward their applications (a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc), quoting the all-inclusive fee range (travel, accommodation, etc.) with reference: National Nutrition Survey Database Consultant 23rd March 2016 to:
The Human Resources Manager
UNICEF Kenya Country Office
Email address: kenhrvacanciesE@unicef.org
Applications submitted without the all-inclusive fee will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. I