International ICT Advisor (Identity Registration)

UNDP supported Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) to create a fresh voters’ list with photographs and biometrics through a project titled, ‘Preparation of Electoral Roll with Photographs’ (PERP) project. The project digitally registered more than 87 million voters and created the most accurate voters’ database in the history of Bangladesh. As a by-product of the electoral database, the BEC issued provisional paper laminated national ID cards to all citizens 18 years of age and older (voting population). The exercise of creating voters’ list with photographs and biometrics involved procurement of huge hardware, software and other ICT equipment, its deployment and operation; the voter registration, the first of its kind in the country, required unprecedented levels of technology and IT skills. Legislation requires the list be updated on an annual basis and since the initial registration in 2007-8 the Election Commission has undertaken steps to update the list and also to sustain and institutionalize the processes. Furthermore, a policy decision was taken to decentralize the voter registration process, allowing election offices to manage and update the voter list data at the local level. This process requires the development of updated software as well as revised standard operating procedures. At the same time, the issuance of national ID cards continues to be a responsibility of the election commission and therefore linked to the voter registration process. For better development results, UNDP provided technical assistance to the election commission and PERP project in the formulation of a comprehensive master plan covering both administrative and IT elements of voter registration and national ID card implementation. The master plan includes technical specifications of the enhanced hardware and software systems and services required for implementation of the master plan and the subsequent institutionalization of the voter registration process. The master plan has been endorsed by the commission and is being implemented by PERP project and the election commission. UNDP is currently seeking an advisor to provide technical assistance to the election commission in the review and assessment of the implementation of the master plan, compliance of IT systems and processes and advice and guidance on improvement on implementation, monitoring and coordination among related IT projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the assignment The ICT Advisor will work under the overall guidance of the Assistant Country Director and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist, Elections. The advisor will work closely with the respective Director General of NID Wing / National Project Director of PERP Project and relevant project staff. S/he will be responsible for providing high quality ICT advice and guidance; Undertake stock-taking exercises with regard to master plan implementation and compliance with various contracts. Provide and initiate agreed recommendations. Examine structures and processes to support better implementation of the master plan. Examine structures and processes to support better coordination between related projects. Examine the changes in relevant rules/regulations and recommended options to harmonize changes in the BVRS Duration of the Assignment Review Database Cleansing, AFIS, BVRS and e service center and its implementation including contract compliance. Provide and initiate agreed recommendations -10 days Prepare and share findings with BEC and UNDP -3 Days Prepare reports with recommendations, best practices and lessons learnt -2 Days Scope of work Provide high quality ICT advice and guidance on registration of citizens and related services; Undertake stock-taking exercises with regard to Database Cleansing, AFIS, BVRS and e service center and its implementation including contract compliance. Provide and initiate agreed recommendations. Examine structures and processes to support better implementation of the master plan. Examine structures and processes to support better coordination between related projects Assess compliance of current ICT systems and software against specifications and international best practice; Assess quality of AFIS systems and reports; Prepare detailed road-map, action plan and time line to implement the BVRS; Develop monitoring and evaluation strategy and plan; A presentation on the findings and the recommendations to BEC. Deliverables Assessment report and presentation on master plan implementation and compliance Recommendations on enhanced structures and processes for implementation of master plan and coordination Compliance assessment report Detailed road-map, action plan and time line; Monitoring and evaluation strategy and plan; Training sessions and training manuals High quality advice and guidance on ICT to BEC, UNDP and project EVALUATION Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies: Cumulative analysis When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted minimum eligible criteria and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. * Minimum eligible criteria weight; 70% * Financial Criteria weight; 30% Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation Criteria for technical evaluation: 70 points Minimum Master’s degree -10 points Minimum 10 years of experience in formulating registration system or civil registry strategies - 20 points Experience in preparing/formulating civil registry strategies for national governments - 20 points Working experience with international organizations (IO), especially UN agencies -10 points Experience working with Election Management Bodies in South Asia -10 points Financial: 30 points

Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values and ethical standards; Promotes the mission, vision and strategic goals of the UN; Displays cultural, gender, age, religion and nationality sensitivity and adaptability; Demonstrates ability to juggle competing demands, to manage time effectively and adhere to deadlines, and to work flexibly in a multicultural team; Demonstrates excellent written, graphical, and oral communication skills. FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Good communication and interpersonal skills, ability to foster networks and partnerships, and good working knowledge of information and computer technology; Knowledge of UN rules, regulations, policies, procedures and best practices in the field; Displays analytical judgment and demonstrated ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner; Good negotiation and representational skills. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: Demonstrated ability to multitask under pressure and to meet strict deadlines often under hardship conditions; Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively in teams, delivering through and with others; Self-management, including conflict management/negotiating skills. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT Displays understanding of the relevant contemporary training tools and methodologies Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Required Skills and Experience

Qualification: Minimum Master’s degree in any relevant discipline Experience: Must have minimum 10 years of experience in civil registries/NID databases Must have previous experience working with government database Must have experience in designing similar systems at national level Must have working experience with international organizations Prior work experience with Asian governments an advantage Language requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English is required

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 ICT Advisor (Identity Registration)