A methodology and framework for Data collection, including periodical surveys, and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau

Location : Bissau, GUINEA-BISSAU

Application Deadline : 09-Apr-21

(Midnight New York, USA)

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English French Portuguese

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

26-Apr-2021

Duration of Initial Contract : 45 working days

Expected Duration of Assignment : 3 months

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.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Guinea-Bissau (GNB) has a history of political and institutional fragility. The economy of Guinea-Bissau is poorly diversified and is highly dependent on agriculture, fisheries and forestry, providing up to 47 percent of the GDP, with cashew nut as the primary crop. The macroeconomic context of Guinea-Bissau is characterized by low levels of economic growth in recent years, with the country experiencing negative GDP growth of minus 1.7% in 2012, to a GDP growth of 4.6% in 2019 amounting to around 1.35 billion US dollars. The participation of youth and women in formal economic activities is very low considering that youth, mainly young women, represent 72% of the unemployed population in the country. In addition to the lack of economic opportunities, social and cultural norms continue to limit their participation to the informal sector, thus perpetuating and increasing inequality and depriving the country of the potential productivity of a large portion of its human resources.

The spread of COVID-19 has exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities of Guinea-Bissau's economy as well as its institutional weakness and public service provision. The economic shock induced is likely to reverse the economic growth rate as the pandemic has affected exports (especially cashew nuts) and imports, having serious implications on poverty and food security in the country.

The pandemic has affected main economic actors, like informal workers and MSMEs. Sectors like agriculture, transport and tourism suffered the most. The poor and vulnerable segments of the population, mostly relying on small scale agriculture and natural resources, were the most effected. The adverse impact of COVID-19 on Micro, small and medium enterprises is quite severe. According to a recent study commissioned by UNDP to assess the impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs, the approximate average duration of firm closure was 143.1 days and most firms had difficulties getting supplies due to the closure of borders. Exporting firms experienced sharp decline in exports. Lack of data and policy-oriented studies to inform public choice and guide government policies hinders the formulation of coherent recovery plans. Significant capacity building is required for national actors, including MSMEs, to make rational and sustainable choices regarding the utilization of natural resources in a transparent and accountable manner. Blue economy can be the key to recover from COVID-19 impacts and to embark on a greener and more sustainable, and inclusive development pathway in Guinea Bissau. A coherent and applicable national SIDS strategy requires the engagement of all, particularly MSMEs, women and youth.

The Blue Economy project is set out to achieve the main outcomes of developing an inclusive well-informed evidence-based national strategy for a blue economy that leaves no one behind, create enabling environment for participation of all stakeholders, particularly private sector and enhance the institutional capacity of implementation. This will contribute to the establishment of a resilient economy driven by inclusive green growth, blue economy and sustainable human development. It will serve as a catalyst to help Guinea-Bissau reap the opportunities to redirect its economic development strategy acknowledging its SIDS character and the possibilities that lie in pursuing its green and blue economy potential.

The project includes two programmatic outputs: first, to (i) strengthen national and community-based institutions' capacities to integrate blue economy opportunities into post Covid-19 green recovery and second, to (ii) provide direct support to private sector green recovery as part of the country Covid-19 forward building. The methodology planned under this term of reference falls under the second programmatic output.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main objective of this assignment is to develop a methodology and a framework for data collection and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau to serve as a basis for a permanent dialogue between private and public sectors and guide policies and interventions aiming at supporting the private sector and creating enabling environment for its growth. The methodology should put forward a sustainable and applicable plan for the collection of data and qualitative information, including periodical surveys and administrative data. The methodology should include innovative digital tools. The framework should consider the low institutional capacity and include capacity building component, covering the capacity to produce and analyze data. It should also include the regular collection of administrative data and administration of periodical surveys, including a list of required periodic surveys, relevant questionnaires and recommendations regarding digital tools needed for data processing and analysis. The capacity building component should consist of a rapid assessment of capacity gaps and a plan for required capacity building. The methodology and framework should capitalize on UNDP's recent survey and study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the private sector "Building Back Better for SMEs in Guinea Bissau."

The main task of the consultant(s) is to develop a methodology and a framework for Data collection and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau. Specifically, the consultant(s) is expected to:

  • Develop a methodology for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau. The methodology should include a list of indicators (including data and sources) designed to monitor and analyze the development of MSMEs and the business environment.
  • Develop a framework for regular collect and update of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau, including a list of required periodic surveys and relevant questionnaires, a list of required administrative data and sources, and recommendations regarding digital tools needed for analysis.
  • A rapid institutional capacity assessment and a capacity building plan to ensure the applicability and sustainability of the framework.

Deliverables:

  • Develop and present a work plan within the first 7 days of the assignment.
  • Submit a first draft methodology for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau within 45 days of the assignment.
  • Submit a first draft a framework for regular collect and update of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within 45 days.
  • Submit the first draft of rapid institutional capacity assessment and a capacity building plan within 45 days.
  • Submit a semi-final draft methodology for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of the reality of the MSMEs in Guinea Bissau within 21 days of the receipt of comments and feedback on the first draft.
  • Submit a semi-final draft a framework for regular collect and update of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within 21 days of the receipt of comments and feedback on the first draft.
  • Submit the semi-final draft of rapid institutional capacity assessment and a capacity building plan within 21 days of the receipt of comments and feedback on the first draft.
  • Submit finalized drafts of all required deliverables within 21 days of the receipt of comments and feedback on the semi-final drafts.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Excellent quantitative skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines.
  • Good understanding and practice of capacity development.
  • Cultural sensitivity.
  • Diplomatic skills.

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards.
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
  • Ability to work with a multi-cultural and diverse team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Advanced university degree in Economics, statistics, or related fields.

Work experience

  • Have at least 5 years of experience working on data collection and statistical capacity building.
  • Have experience working with UN agencies and governmental entities, especially on the development of statical capacity, methodologies, and frameworks.
  • Experience working in countries with weak governance institutions and scarce data.
  • Experience working in SIDS, LDCs and/or African countries are preferred.

Language requirement

  • Excellent written and spoken English and Portuguese and/or French.

The expected duration of the assignment is 45 working days over a period of 3 months.

Payment milestones:

  • 50% after submission and acceptance of first draft the deliverables.
  • 50% upon submission and acceptance of final draft of the deliverables.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications: 1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by the UNDP;

2. Personal CV and P11 form, duly signed and contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references;

3. Brief description of why the candidate considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;

4. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price. The term "all-inclusive" means that it has to include international travels, fees, insurance, living allowance, in-town transportation, and other related costs. The Financial Proposal has to be supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the template provided. Preferred Currency of Offer: United States Dollars (US$). If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under the Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate such point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

Incomplete applications will be excluded from further consideration.

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This vacancy is archived.

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