Development of the African Union Guidelines and Toolkit for the Collection and Utilization of Quality Administrative Data At International Organization for Migration

Vacancy No.: IOM-CFA/0011/2024

Position Title: International Consultant to support the development of the African Union Guidelines and Toolkit for the Collection and Utilization of Quality Administrative Data for Labour Migration Statistics in Africa

Position Grade: Consultant – Category B

Duty Station: Homebased with a possibility to travel

Type of Appointment: Consultant

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 28 February 2024

The AU-ILO-IOM- Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration (better known as the Joint Labour Migration Programme, or JLMP) in Africa is a long-term joint undertaking among these organizations in coordination with other relevant partners operating in Africa, development cooperation actors, private sector organizations and civil society representatives. It is the instrument dedicated to the implementation of the 5th Key Priority Area of the Declaration and Plan of Action on Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments (AU/Assembly/AU/20(XXIV)/Annex 3, January 2015) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its strategy focuses on intra-African labour migration and supports achievements of the First 2023 Ten Year Plan of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, the JLMP is a critical instrument of implementing the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and Plan of Action (2018-2030) adopted by the AU Executive Council on 25-26 January 2018 in Addis Ababa.

Nature of the consultancy: Category B – African Union Guidelines and Toolkit for Collection and Utilization of Quality Administrative Data for Labour Migration Statistics in Africa.The consultancy will be overseen from the IOM-Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa reporting directly to IOM – JLMP Programme Coordinator in collaboration with AUC JLMP Programme Coordinator with support from IOM country and regional offices, AUC, STATAFRIC, ILO, and other relevant key stakeholders. Technical oversight will also be provided by AUC Statisticians, IOM, and ILO regional migration data specialists.

Project Context and Scope:

1. Objective of the consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to develop African Union Guidelines and a Toolkit for Collection and Utilization of Quality Administrative Data for Labour Migration Statistics in Africa, aimed at improving the quality of existing administrative data sources as well as exploiting new types of labour migration data from administrative sources.

More specifically, the Guidelines and toolkit will be developed in close coordination with the National Statistics Offices, the ministries responsible for immigration, labour, trade, Education, planning, and finance (including administrative records of migrant workers (cross-border traders, intra-company exchanges and transfers, investors, remittances, skills transfers, and returnees), and the private sector in collaboration with the JLMP partners with the aim of:

1. Developing African Union Guidelines and Toolkit for integrating administrative data collected for labour migration statistics into the National Statistics System.
2. Based on the findings and experiences from the administrative data studies conducted in Cameroun, South Africa, and other countries, develop key considerations for integrating administrative data and other sources of auxiliary information with survey data as part of an integrated national statistical system.
3. Quality assessment of the data including structural diagnosis, standardization of concepts and ways to improve the quality of labour migration data collected from administrative sources.
4. Identify ways of facilitating and improving accessibility of administrative data for labour statistics at national level including potential differences regarding the concepts and definitions, MoUs, legal, organizational, policy and technical frameworks.
5. Identify labour migration indicators collected by various agencies and their contribution towards better understanding mobility, their usage, and existing data sharing frameworks including legal, policy, organizational and technical frameworks.
6. Conduct an extensive analysis of different assessment surveys and other documents to identify methodological issues in using administrative data for migration statistics,
7. Methodological and technical tools for linkage and integration of administrative data into the national statistics system.
8. Develop a quality assessment framework and toolkit for labour migration administrative statistics with key quality dimensions and the evaluation methods.

   2. Scope of the Consultancy

The selected consultant will be expected to:

1. Prepare an inception report for the assignment two weeks upon signing the contract and present it to AUC, STATAFRIC, IOM and ILO. The inception report should outline the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools for the assignment as well as the structure envisioned for the Guidelines, toolkit and final report.
2. Conduct interviews with key stakeholders to obtain explanations on gaps, good practices, and request recommendations to improve the quality of the administrative data sources related to labour migration.
3. Develop a guidance framework on how to improve methodological issues relating to administrative data quality control, use of multiple data sources, data collection, data storage and dissemination so as to ensure harmonization and consistency among various data sets and sources to enhance comparability.
4. Develop a comprehensive methodology and tool for addressing quality issues from existing administrative data and new data sources. The methodology should highlight how to better capture and capitalize upon reliable administrative and other data from various sources for understanding labour migration patterns and trends.
5. Formulate recommendations for inserting standardized indicators across surveys and administrative data collection tools including how to improve the quality of data obtained for the indicators.
6. Develop an approach of data integration to improve reference datasets that learn from various sources with clear linkages from various institutions to the National Statistics System.
7. Develop a standardized glossary of concepts, definitions and coding systems used among stakeholders collecting labour migration data from administrative sources including methodological and technical tools for linkage and integration of administrative data.
8. Develop a set of recommendations for improving the access and usage of migration data from administrative sources and new data types and prioritize capacity building on compilation and use of administrative data statistics within the region.
9. Conduct consultation and validation workshops for the Guidelines and Toolkit.
10. Develop visibility documents (i.e., a 1-pager, PowerPoint presentation, infographic, etc.) based on the revised report, for use in advocacy in the future.
11. Submit the final Guidelines and Toolkit incorporating the inputs from stakeholders for consideration and endorsement by the STC (Specialized Technical Committee) on Social Development, Labour, and Employment.

    3. Methodology

The selected consultant will be required to:

• Undertake a desk review to identify existing administrative data sources and new data types of data with migration related data/indicators, their usage, data gaps and existing data sharing frameworks including legal, policy, organizational and technical frameworks.
• Based on the desk review, develop an inception report with a workplan depicting clearly how to improve methodological issues relating to administrative data quality control, use of multiple data sources, data collection, data storage and dissemination as well as key administrative data sources and assess the quality of the information collected to produce labour migration statistics.
• Conduct interviews of key stakeholders to obtain explanation on gaps, quality of data collected, methodological issues, and request for recommendations to improve the quality of administrative data sources, key considerations for integration, accessibility, human and financial resource needs as well as harmonization and consistency among various data sets and sources to enhance comparability.
• Present the draft guidelines and toolkit to all stakeholders in a virtual meeting and receive input and feedback, for integration in the revised guidelines.
• Conduct an extensive analysis of different administrative data assessments, surveys, and other documents to identify methodological issues in using administrative data for migration statistics.

  4. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

Catalytic actions for the AU/ILO/IOM/UNECA Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration in Africa (JLMP Action Project) and the Labour, Employment and Mobility Actions of the AU/ILO/IOM Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Sustainable Development and Integration in Africa (JLMP Lead Project).

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment and performance indicator for the evaluation of the result

The consultancy on developing the AU Guidelines and toolkit for the Collection and Utilization of Quality Administrative Data for Labour Migration Statistics should be finalized within 04 months after signing of the contract. Specific deliverables and timeframe for each deliverable are presented as follows:

1. First technical meeting with AUC (African Union Commission), STATAFRIC, IOM, and ILO (International Labour Organization) upon signing the contract.
2. Submit inception report in preparation for the assignment two weeks upon signing contract till 12the March 2024.
3. Presentation of inception report to all stakeholders until 15th March 2024.
4. Preparation of methodological tools / interview guide for the various stakeholders and its validation by the task force (AUC, STATAFRIC, IOM, ILO) -Review until 19th March 2024.
5. Conduct interviews of key stakeholders to obtain explanation on gaps, quality of data collected, methodological issues, and request for recommendations to improve the quality of administrative data sources, key considerations for integration, accessibility, human and financial resource needs as well as harmonization and consistency among various data sets and sources to enhance comparability from 20 Mar – 18 April 2024
6. i.) Based on 4 above Develop a comprehensive methodology and tool for addressing quality issues from existing administrative data and new data sources. The methodology should highlight how to better capture and capitalize upon reliable administrative and other data from various sources for understanding of labour migration patterns and trends.

ii.) Formulate recommendations for inserting standardized indicators across surveys and administrative data collection tools including how to improve the quality of data obtained for the indicators. Develop an approach of data integration to improve reference datasets that borrow strength from various sources with clear linkages from various organizations to the national statistics system.

iii.) Develop a standardized glossary of concepts, definitions and coding systems used among stakeholders collecting labour migration data from admin sources. Develop a set of recommendations for improving the access and usage of migration data from administrative sources and new data types and prioritize capacity building on compilation and use of administrative data statistics within the region from 18 Apr – 3 May 2024.

1. Conduct a virtual consultation workshop with AU Member States on the Guidelines until 7th May 2024.
2. Submit 2nd Draft Guidelines and Toolkit: Insert comments and inputs from the Consultative meeting in 7 above until 14th May 2024.
3. Review by the AUC, STATAFRIC and the JLMP team including a Presentation by the Consultant until 21st May 2024.
4. Conduct Validation workshop with AU Member States on the Guidelines and the Toolkit from May 28-30, 2024.
5. Submit a Report on the development of the Guidelines and the Toolkit until 7th June 2024.
6. Develop visibility documents (i.e., a 1-pager, PowerPoint presentation, infographic, etc.) based on the revised Guidelines and Toolkit for use in advocacy in the future until 7th June 2024.
7. Submit the final Guidelines and toolkit incorporating the inputs from stakeholders until 7th June 2024.

Performance indicators for the guidelines and toolkit

1. Inception report with a detailed workplan and data collection instruments. The report should include:
2. Description of the methodology and instruments to be used in sampling, data collection and analysis, and the data collection plan.
3. Guide questions for questionnaires and interviews.
4. Outline/structure of the proposed Guidelines, toolkit, and final report.
5. Stakeholders to be engaged, including the engagement plan.

   Draft AU Guidelines, including an executive summary, proposed structure with a comprehensive methodology and tool for addressing quality issues, key considerations for integration, accessibility, human and financial resource, harmonization and consistency among various data sets and sources, recommendations, and conclusions.

   Draft AU Toolkit, including purpose, benefit, key focus areas, action plan with tasks and milestones, data sources and data collection processes (suggested steps), reporting and recommendations for improving data collection.

   Finalized AU Guidelines and Toolkit, comprehensive report incorporating feedback from stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, with actionable recommendations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree in demography, statistics, development economics, migration studies or any other relevant disciplines.

Technical experience/competencies

• Proven 8 – 15 years of experience in statistical research, preferably on migration data and research.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of using administrative and household survey data for estimation and analysis of migration statistics.
• Experience in coordinating migration statistical projects or programmes, particularly those in close partnership or collaboration with various international agencies, Member States, or partners in Africa.
• Experience in developing statistical frameworks, methodological statistical standards, and guidelines.
• Experience in country assessments, particularly on data production, capacity, and use.
• Proven knowledge of migration dynamics and (labour) migration data matters in Africa is considered an advantage.
• Experienced in using social research methods.
• Proven ability and experience in leading and facilitating workshops.

Skill

• Strong analytical, writing, editing and communication skills.
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, including advanced proficiency in statistical software packages such as Stata, R, SPSS, and MS office applications.
• Ability to manage time efficiently, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills; ability to think critically and creatively.
• Attention to detail and highly organized, collaborative, and team oriented.

Language

• Excellent written and spoken English is essential.
• Proficiency in other UN official languages is highly desirable.

Travel required:

• This is a home-based consultancy assignment, and the consultant will be required to travel during the final Validation workshop with AU Member States for the AU Guidelines and Toolkit under deliverable 10.

Competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Specifications for applications:

1. Technical proposal

   Submit a technical proposal which summarizes a proposed workplan and proposed methodology for developing the AU Guidelines and Toolkit for the collection and utilization of quality administrative data for labour migration statistics, as well as outline the relevant experience for all experts engaged. While submitting the technical proposal, the experts shall ensure to attach the following:

   i. Cover letter (max 1 page) explaining why they are suitable for the work.

   ii. Relevant Experience (max 2 pages).

   iii. Updated Curriculum Vitae of key individual(s) who will undertake this assignment.

   iv. Sample work done in data management, preferably migration data.

2. Financial proposal: Detail budget with breakdown including tax if applicable.

   The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount (including a breakdown of costs for deliverables, number of working days, activities in the workplan (including meetings, travel expenses, per diem, etc.). IOM SLO (Special Liaison Office) will facilitate logistics and payment of services.