Background
Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in West and Central Africa is crucial for tracking Sustainable Development Goals, as it captures key life events like births, marriages, and deaths. The region faces significant challenges, including limited coverage, data quality issues, institutional weaknesses, and socio-cultural barriers hindering registration. Improving CRVS systems is essential for effective public policy formulation and demographic monitoring. In this context, UNFPA WCARO seeks an international consultant with expertise in CRVS to develop guidelines for registering vital events, offering a six-month consultancy contract to the most qualified candidate based on cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Purpose of consultancy
The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:
Facilitate high-level engagement: Foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector, to promote the importance of strong CRVS systems. Support the strengthening of CRVS systems: Provide technical expertise and guidance to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of CRVS systems, ensuring they meet international standards and national needs.Develop a strategic roadmap: Assist in the development of a comprehensive roadmap outlining the steps necessary to strengthen CRVS systems, including policy reforms, institutional arrangements, and resource allocation.
Scope of work
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
Stakeholder analysis: Identify and engage key stakeholders nationally to CRVS system strengthening. High-level engagement: Organize and facilitate high-level meetings, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness of CRVS issues and promote policy dialogue. Technical assistance: Provide technical support to government agencies and relevant institutions in areas such as: Facilitate training workshop Produce manuals and guidelines Data collection and management Civil registration processes Vital statistics analysis Quality assurance and standardsDeliverables
The consultant will deliver the following outputs:
Comprehensive assessment of CRVS systems in the region Regional framework for CRVS system strengthening National-level support plans for individual countries Training materials, evaluation reports and guidelines Final consultancy reportQualifications and Experience
The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:
Advanced degree, preferably PhD, in statistics, demography, public health or a related field Proven experience in CRVS system development and implementation Strong understanding of international standards and best practices in CRVS Experience in working with diverse stakeholders in developing countries