NATIONAL STATISTICAL OFFICE (NSO)
SADC REGIONAL STATISTICS PROJECT (IP17573)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)
MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT : SADC REGIONAL STATICS PROJECT (P175731)
Assignment Title : Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist -National Statistical Office (Malawi)
Reference No. : MW-NSO-364721-CS-INDV)

Background:
The Government of Malawi (GoM) has applied for financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the SADC Regional Statistics (Project) to monitor the policy targets detailed in Malawi Vision 2063 and MIP1 and monitoring the SDGs at international level, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include consultancy services as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the Project under the National Statistics Project (Malawi). The Project will be implemented over a period of 3 years.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below.

1. The National Statistical Office (NSO now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services for the position.

2. Under the direct supervision of the project manager, who will also be part of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the M&E Specialist is responsible for ensuring the highest efficiency in project management and providing accurate, thoroughly researched, and documented information related to project performance, monitoring and evaluations. The specialist will prepare reports, integrating fiduciary, operational and technical information to identify the performance of the project and define mitigation actions.

Roles and duties
The M&E Specialist will be responsible for:

1. Overall monitoring and evaluation of the Project activities, comparing plans with actual delivery/ performance;
2. Reporting, storing, and maintaining project records and providing periodical assessments on delivery and Impact;
3. Liaising with the NSO on all aspects of monitoring and evaluation and will work closely with the PlUof the project and with the other stakeholders involved in the project;

d. Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and produce a detailed Manual of Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project;
• Design the monitoring flow of the Monitoring and Evaluation processes, based on the guidelines established by the project;
• Develop a transparent progress monitoring and reporting system (forms, format of the evaluation, reports) with adequate indicators to allow the Project staff to effectively monitor the progress, performance and impact of the Project Components;
  Participate and contribute to the development of the Project Operations Manual (POM) and actively contribute to the working plans of the project;
• Integrate operating system information, such as budgets, work plans, procurement, finance, and audit processes, and design a dataset to integrate that information;
• Prepare quarterly reports monitoring project performance. This report will highlight the progress made
  monthly in terms of activities by component and report potential or actual problems encountered, as
  well as mitigation actions. This report shall be approved by the PIU project manager and shared with
  the World Bank team and the NSO coordinator;

• Develop a transparent progress monitoring and reporting system (forms, format of the evaluation, reports) with adequate indicators to allow the Project staff to effectively monitor the progress, performance and impact of the Project Components;
• Participate and contribute to the development of the Project Operations Manual (POM) and actively contribute to the working plans of the project;
• Integrate operating system information, such as budgets, work plans, procurement, finance, and audit processes, and design a dataset to integrate that information;
• Prepare quarterly reports monitoring project performance. This report will highlight the progress made monthly in terms of activities by component and report potential or actual problems encountered, as well as mitigation actions. This report shall be approved by the PIU project manager and shared with the World Bank team and the NSO coordinator;
• The M&E specialist will be responsible for preparing rapid reports to notify the PIU project manager and project coordinator of urgent issues (e.g. delays in implementing some activity, notable deviations between the approved budget and costs in place). The flash report is a brief memorandum describing the problem, the possible consequences, and the proposed mitigation actions.
• Review and provide advice related to log frames and indicators on proposals submitted by NSO while ensuring that the indicators are in line with the SADC Regional Statistics Project Framework;
• Establish baseline information for all project components, and disseminate results to relevant stakeholders, using indicators, and when possible images;
• Identify and access all data sources needed to feed project indicators and maintain a M&E database  for the Project;
• Mentor and train Project team and contractors or NSO staff to foster capacity building on M&E skills;
• Carry out periodical field checks and triangulate with received information to monitor the progress of the project;
• Support monitoring and evaluation missions commissioned by the donor (World Bank)and organize implementation support missions in liaison with the NSO;
• Review the M&E system, process, and procedures of the Project and forms and formats for project activities under its various components;
• Monitor project progress through annual review and planning workshops and field visits, offer  feedback, and keep regular communication with related field and core project’s staff;
• Document and collect information on lessons learned, including case studies;
• Coordinate with the PIU and the Communication Office of the NSO for promoting information sharing  on all aspects related to project activities among stakeholders;
• Monitor all activities of consultants and other goods and services providers contracted by the Project;

3. Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Economics, Project Management, Development Studies, Project Evaluation, Public Administration,
  Statistics or equivalent. A Master’s degree in any of those subjects would be an advantage.
• At least five(5) years’ experience in M&E for donor-fundedProjects.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point). Knowledge of a statistical package is an advantage.
• Ability to work with staff in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment will be required.

4. Location of Employment
The Project Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be based at the NSO Office in Zomba but would be required to travel regularly to other relevant agencies where the NSO is implementing its project activities.

5. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

6. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant (INDV) selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

7. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 07:30 to 16:30 hours, local time.

8. Expressions of interest including updated detailed curriculum vitae and professional certificates must be
delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 19th April, 2024.

The Chairman
Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee (IPDC)
Off Chimbiya Road, Zomba
PO Box 333
ZOMBA
Tel: 2651524111
E-mail: mlemetn@gmail.com; Copy to: echamambala@gmail.com