Individual Consultant (Local): Technology, Data & Policy Analyst, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

TERMS OF REFERENCE 

Hiring Office:

UNFPA Odisha - Bhubaneshwar

Purpose of consultancy:

UNFPA Odisha has partnered with Govt. of Odisha to jointly initiate the development of the ‘Demography Intelligence Unit’ and the work on visualising data analysis  is ongoing . Under this project, UNFPA plans to leverage geospatial and artificial intelligence technology for designing data-driven policymaking tools and ecosystem-driven approaches to strengthen the demographic intelligence unit in the state of Odisha. Apart from that UNFPA is engaged with multiple departments in policy development , data strengthening and technology driven visual representation of programmatic interventions .To support the same , UNFPA Odisha office regular technical support is required for the development, implementation and government transition of a Geospatial AI system for the ‘Demographic Intelligence Unit’ in the state. Additionally, support is required to advance the policy development and related work of the state office. The consultant, under the guidance of HoO, will work closely with Government counterparts, technical teams, implementing partners, and will undertake field visits to the project geographies as per requirement.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

1. Developing Understanding of State Demographic Profile

• Coordinate with State office and officials  for understanding the demographic work and use of information for evidence-based decision making w.r.t. the State of Odisha. 
• Develop an understanding of the reporting and demographic data in co-ordination with consultants in DIU and UNFPA CO colleagues  and develop strategic and implementation plans for the use of geo-spatial technology.   
• Conduct meetings with the relevant government and non government partners to understand existing data reporting and analysis.
• Map out the design plan for technology partners and finalize it with the State Head of the Office. 
• Co-ordinate  the strengthening of the Demographic Intelligence Unit, develop a strategy for transitioning DIU to the relevant government department (potentially Directorate of Economics & Statistics) and support the transition.
  
   

Coordinate with Technology Partners 

• Coordinate with Technology Partner/s for designing the plan, and layout for the development of Geo-spatial DIU interface for analysis of the demographic indicators in coordination with UNFPA SO/CO and demographers. 
• Work in close coordination with all stakeholders including partners, demographers, and technology team and translate the high-level requirements into use-cases and technical requirements.
• Coordinate and support in procurement of services (including satellite images, open maps, and relevant datasets) with research partners and contribute to use case development.
• Conduct analytics and draw meaningful references on use cases. 
• Customize reports for different user-categories as per the requirement of the project. 
• Support program teams with technical clarification and demonstration as and when required.
• Coordinate with the communications team with appropriate social media posts and videos.
  
   

User-Feedback, Functionality improvement and Quality Assurance

DIU Interface will be developed for the demographic intelligence by UNFPA for the State Government of Odisha and diverse stakeholders who have diverse requirements. 

• Conduct user feedback sessions and collect feedback from users and improve the overall design and functionality of the DIU -interface.
•  Perform continuous Quality Assurance and testing of the platform and its use cases   with    the technology partners and coordinate with partners for incorporation of  suggestions and changes.
• Present the outcome of the use cases with the State Head of Office and Tech/ Innovation Specialist for feedback and improvisation in the models.
  
   

Support in Policy Work and Tech-Based Innovations

• Support HoO in the development and implementation of policy frameworks related to demographic data and technology innovations. Specifically in terms of developing background paper for supporting developing policies on migration, geriatric health and disability.  
• Provide support for tech-based innovations, including blockchain technology and Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Digishakti initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Head of Office to ensure the seamless integration of these technologies and innovations into ongoing projects.
• Engage closely with UNFPA SO and consultants on identifying newer areas of collaboration  

Carry out any other related duties as may be requested by UNFPA

Duration and working schedule:

11 Months- (Full Time)

Place where services are to be delivered:

Bhubaneshwar, Odisha with travel to project sites

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Submission of monthly report highlighting the work done in the month 

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

Monitoring by the State HoO on a regular basis 

Performance appraisals

Progress Report by the last day of every month

Supervisory arrangements: 

The Consultant will be supervised by Head of Office, UNFPA Odisha 

Expected travel:

Based on project needs. Expected 1 day in a month

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

Education 

Master of Science or Master of Technology or related postgraduate degree with a specialization in Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial intelligence, Geospatial or closely related field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum Three years of experience of programmes/projects of similar nature. Work experience with Government and/or UN agencies is desirable
• Previous exposure working in open innovation systems, and research coordination, design and development of open data platforms will be a critical asset.
• Proficiency in programming languages and open-source application softwares like Python, QGIS, ARGIS, for Earth Observation analytics. 
• Proficiency in deep learning tools including TensorFlow, Keras and PyTorch and understanding of using and deploying data models including recurrent neural network (RNN) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). 
• Ability to publish blogs and knowledge products on data science. 

 Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Odia language will be an advantage.

Required Competencies

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

Working space will be provided at the UNFPA Odisha state office

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+; community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.