Thailand: Consultancy: Strengthening WASH JMP Monitoring in EAP through Monitoring Platforms

UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (UNICEF EAPRO) is seeking an individual consultant to provide specialized technical support in the implementation of a DFAT grant for strengthening WASH JMP Monitoring in East Asia and Pacific, with special focus on the Pacific; the consultancy will include i) an analysis of the regional monitoring systems, ii) an in-depth review of the in-country monitoring systems and capacity in selected countries (PNG, Solomon, Vanuatu, Indonesia, and likely Lao PDR and Cambodia); iii) based on the analysis, to develop options/approaches for developing and/or strengthening national WASH monitoring platforms and iv) to provide in-country hands on support in the implementation of the monitoring platforms, and as such contribute to the regular availability and quality of national and regional data on sustainable access to safe drinking-water and basic sanitation and hygiene, for use by governments, donors, international organizations and civil society.**Background:**

The East Asia and Pacific region consists of a diverse set of countries with equally widely varying progress with regards to access to drinking water and sanitation. Four countries, Cambodia, Lao PDR, PNG, and Timor-Leste, are unlikely to meet the MDG water target; and PNG, Cambodia, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands all report less than 40% sanitation coverage. The regional Pacific data are skewed by PNG which represents 75% of the region’s population. Analysing the 14 Pacific Island Countries without PNG reveals a regional water and sanitation status that is comparable to the comparatively well-performing South East Asia region. PNG itself has seen virtually no progress between 1990 and 2012. Across the region, the JMP has compiled data showing significant disparities in access to drinking water and sanitation. In addition to long-standing disparities between rich and poor, and between urban and rural populations, more recent data reveals disparities based on ethnicity and geographic regions. Effective decision-making on targeting resources, accountability to facilitate equitable access, and monitoring progress towards national targets require a robust monitoring system that makes optimal use of the different data and information streams by different stakeholders, including civil society as recipients of services. A strong WASH sector monitoring framework can greatly contribute to accelerating progress towards universal access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene through better informed planning and, prioritization of efforts and a strong and transparent accountability mechanism for delivering sustainable services.

Work Assignment:

A summary of the proposed tasks and deliverables against a timeline is provided below:

A)

Main Tasks:

Inception- Desk/Document Review and Work planning

Task Details:

Develop Inception Report with detailed workplan, methodology for mapping of national monitoring
systems.

Undertake a thorough review of latest (global/regional) documents on Sector Monitoring, monitoring platforms and develop a consolidated overview report.

B)

Main Tasks:

Validation & Country consultations

Task Details:

Undertake regional mapping WASH monitoring systems in EAP countries (based on template)

Undertake consultations (which may include a national JMP workshop) with key partners at national/local levels in selected countries (PNG, Solomon/Vanuatu, Indonesia, possibly Cambodia and Lao PDR, plus Bangkok Regional office)

C)

Main Tasks:

Initiate and support Monitoring Platforms in selected countries

Task Details:

Support UNICEF country offices to initiate WASH Monitoring platforms in PNG, Solomon/Vanuatu.

D)

Main Tasks:

Analysis & consolidation findings/Refinement

Task Details:

Analysis and consolidate findings from desk/document review and country visits into a 'final' version of the Regional WASH Monitoring systems landscape.

E)

Main Tasks:

Regional/multi-country networking and exchange.

Task Details:

Support Regional Office and JMP/HQ to jointly with WHO organize multi-country WASH monitoring exchange meetings, with inputs on planning and content development/delivery

F)

Main Tasks:

Presentation & Reporting.

Task Details:

Consolidate feedbak into consultancy report

Develop a powerpoints presentation plus a draft (6-8) pages aritcle for advocacy and publication.

End Product(s) (Deliverables):A complete set of deliverables at the end of this assignment to include:

 Mapping of strengths and weaknesses of existing WASH monitoring systems in EAP for the purpose of SDG monitoring

 National WASH Monitoring Platforms in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands established and operational

 Regional conference on WASH monitoring for the post-2015 Development Agenda, with a comprehensive report of regional/or multi-country network meetings highlighting contents, lessons and follow-up actions.

 Regional Analysis of national WASH Monitoring systems – with clear (policy guidance) recommendations for strengthening national systems for equity, post SDG monitoring, reporting and data use is available and widely shared

Estimated Duration of Contract:Sixty (60) working days between mid-September and end-March 2016, of which 50% will be spent in the region

Official Travel: Consultant will work from remote, with official travels to the selected focus countries (PNG, Solomon, Indonesia and Bangkok Regional Office, and possibly Cambodia and Lao PDR)

Qualifications or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required:

This consultancy requires the following specific qualifications:

 Master in Public Health, Public Administration, Water and Sanitation or similar field;

 At least 10 years of work experience relevant to the assignment

 Specialist knowledge of WASH sector monitoring and indicators, and statistical analysis; data sources available at national, regional and global levels for monitoring the progressive reduction of inequalities.

 Experience in WASH strategy design and programme management, as well as knowledge of WASH related technical guidelines, standards and performance management frameworks

 Experience of working with UN, UNICEF and other donor environment; prior working experience with UNICEF and familiarity with UNICEF’s quality standards.

 Good knowledge of the political, economic and social contexts of the Pacific Island countries, particularly Solomon Islands and PNG would be an asset;

 Good verbal and written communication abilities and editorial skills in English

 Ability in working independently and experience in being directly accountable to senior level decision-makers

Interested candidates are requested to submit a Technical and Financial Proposal separately, together with copy of latest CV or Personal History P-11 form, full contact information of minimum 2 references, a relevant work sample, with indication of availability, proposed daily professional fee and all-inclusive travel cost to Bangkok in USD by 27 August 2015to <**hrbangkok@unicef.org**>. Please note the air tickets under UNICEF contract shall be re-routable, refundable type (economy class and most direct route). The consultant will be responsible for own travel insurance, visa fee and terminal expenses.

-----------------\*Only short listed candidates will be notified.***-----------------**