UNDP Sudan’s Information Management Unit, under Oversight Support Division was established in February 2014 to address UNDP’s information and mapping needs to enhance data compilation, information sharing, monitoring, coordination, thereby supporting evidence based programming, and decision making. Using innovative approaches, the unit in close collaboration with M&E and PACOM teams will support the creation and management of a common information system to meet UNDP’s needs for a coordinated monitoring system based on project activities and their indicators facilitating development effectiveness tracking and impact evaluation in Sudan.

Key responsibilities of IMU are the following:

Design, development and implementation of strategic information management process: Review existing data systems in UNDP programme units, M&E and CSO; Design and develop an effective data and information management system and related implementation plan integrating relevant M&E indicators, standards using innovative geographic information based solutions.

Ensure collection, management and visualization of data: Establish linkages with UNDP programme units, projects and CSO for collection of recovery and development data and coordination of activities; Ensure maintenance of adequate mapping and recovery/development database; Support data analysis to foster evidence based programming processes; Develop templates for mapping and visualization of development results and activities using innovative approaches.

Support UNCT Information Management Working Group (IMWG) processes and products: Facilitate roll out of IM tools in particular the 4Ws to member agencies and partners including (I)NGOs, donors and assume administration function of the 4Ws groups; manage the IMWG tool development on the basis of user requirements and feedback; Support information requests and products of the WG; Regularly review and update IMWG website and functionality.

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE

To strengthen the utility of IMWG 4Ws tool in terms of impact assessment and reporting, and in alignment with UNDP’s IRRF, IMU in partnership with SAPS team has been working on the design & development of an M&E information management system. The aim of the system is to establish a common information sharing and visualization web portal for UNDP programmes, projects, partners and stakeholders to track UNDP’s indicators at output and outcome level eventually helping to evaluate development effectiveness. Role of Database Officer is central to the design, development and testing of the envisaged M&E IM system that requires understanding of different aspects of programme and country office M&E, with possibility of linkages with existing financial and activity tracking systems such as ATLAS and 4Ws respectively. The Database Officer will lead the development of the M&E tool in close collaboration with SAPS team and support administration of all IM tools.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Database Officer will undertake following key functions:

1. Lead the design and development of M&E database and IM system
2. Lead testing of the M&E IM tool amongst key user groups.
3. Oversee rollout and lead the training of M&E tool to UNDP staff for data entry, analysis and reporting.
4. Support administration and helpdesk for IMWG Database and Mapping tools.

1. Lead the design and development of M&E database and IM system

• Develop the tool that allows both offline and online management of M&E information for planning, monitoring and reporting amongst network of users or user groups with different access levels. 
• In close collaboration with OSD SAPS team, design database architecture and develop a web based prototype of the IM tool that allows structured interface for data entry, management and visualization of M&E indicators at projects output and CO outcome levels.
• Incorporate map module as an integral part of the tool’s visualization and dashboard. Prepare ToRs and coordinate development of this module should it require additional staffing.
• Maintain and update written instructions, forms and guidelines for all components of the data base/monitoring system
• Do researches, assessments and comparatives analysis for M&E technological solutions as requested.

2. Lead testing of the M&E IM tool amongst key user groups

• Lead and coordinate testing of the prototype amongst key identified group of users at different access levels
• Develop reporting template for bugs and performance issues
• Debug and improve the reported issues
• Check and report the quality of different modules and functions of the system

3. Oversee rollout and lead the training of the M&E tool to UNDP staff for data entry, analysis and reporting

• Upon finalization of the prototype, in collaboration with SAPS, develop rollout plan targeting different types of users within UNDP.
• Develop training materials (user guide, tutorials) in conjunction with a capacity building consultant.
• In conjunction with IMU ICT officer, deploy the tool at different country office levels.
• Organize and deliver Capacity building  events for UNDP  Sudan Country Office  staff, partners  and its stakeholders around M&E database management and visualization  including trainings, workshops, and one on one time as needed
•  M&E technological solutions dissemination activities targeting different staff functions in the tool – data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain M&E IT tools hardware to perform to the required standards

4. Support administration and helpdesk for IMWG & M&E Database, technological solutions  and mapping tools

• Advise and provide development support in all modules (4Ws and IEM) of the IMWG tool database with offsite development team.
• Support  maintenance of the 4Ws database aligned with UNDP projects output requirements & guarantee its compatibility with its web-based application on Ushahidi platform
• Together with IMU ICT Officer, provide support in IMWG tool database administration and function as technical and helpdesk support to users of the tool including maintenance of its synchronization functionality.
• Furnished,  clean, update  and maintain the M&E tools  central database/warehouse for past, present and future projects and programmes portfolio or as updates arise
• Prepare annual IMU and M&E solutions  procurement and maintenance  plans
• Work closely with the SAPS team to identify and address any bottlenecks, constrains, challenges and opportunities in regards to   M&E technological solutions.
• Establish constructive communication and collaborate closely with different units in regards to IMU technological solutions including collecting feedbacks and users satisfaction surveys
• Identify innovative approaches and modalities to improves  IMU solutions

 Impact of Results

The main goal is to strengthen IM and M&E functions through set up of a coordinated information system for monitoring indicators within different frameworks. The developed system will allow users to maintain M&E baseline and target data as well as project inputs, activities, outputs, and beneficiaries within reduced timeframe. It will enhance indicator reporting capabilities through the automated generation of visual analytics and dashboards. Will also advocate innovation focused approach to solve IM issues through the setup of this first of its kind M&E web portal for UNDP CO.

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Functional Competencies

Main Functional Competencies

All applications must be submitted online. Applications received through other means will not be considered.