BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private independent, non-profit organization (NGO), founded on the basis of humanitarian principles, and human rights in general, to securing the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and to promoting long term solutions to the problems of forced displacement. DRC has been providing relief and development services in Somalia since 1997.
Using a protection of human rights framework, the programmes have mainly aimed at supporting Somalis who are displaced by conflict. The Somalia programme has activities in Mogadishu, Hiraan, Somaliland, Bossaso and Galkayo programme areas.
Currently, DRC Somalia program focuses on supporting IDP populations and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. The main programmes include; Food Security and Livelihoods; WASH and Infrastructure; Protection and Advocacy; Community-Driven Development; as well as Emergency Response. The humanitarian assistance in Somalia focuses on assisting the affected populations get immediate and essential lifesaving needs.
THE WET FEEDING PROGRAMME
The wet feeding is an emergency programme aimed at providing immediate food needs to vulnerable populations, IDPs and urban poor, in Mogadishu. It is operational in 8 districts in Mogadishu with each having a feeding center where the programme is implemented.
The activities of the programme are directly implemented by 6 local NGOs with some partners covering more than one food distribution centre. Specifically, the partners are responsible for preparation and distribution of the meals; and reporting to DRC. In addition, it is responsible for storage, local procurement of all inputs necessary for wet feeding and maintenance of feeding centers. DRC’s role is to oversee the whole implementation processes, including frequent monitoring and reporting to the donors.
The targeting of the beneficiaries is based on a self-selection and there is no registration of beneficiaries. The components of the programme include food distribution, monitoring and evaluation of the programme implementation and hygiene promotion. The programme is multi-donor funded.
RATIONALE
Currently, there are several data collection tools which include site monitoring tools, post distribution monitoring tools, stock summary reports, and weekly head-count data sheet, which are each analyzed and used to generate periodic reports. The rationale is to interrelate and collate the various data collection tools with different parameters of the programme in order to measure its performance at a glance through generation of reports. Currently, data is received electronically in MS Word and Excel format, and then analyzed manually to produce various reports needed for decision making; a process that has proved cumbersome.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a customized database to allow management of the programme data and to produce periodic reports as needed by the various stakeholders.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ARE
• Design and develop a database for use by the Wet Feeding programme for data management purposes
• Develop a relevant user guide/Operation manual
• Train staff on how to operate the database to satisfy the Programme data needs and enable it to address minor troubleshooting problems
SCOPE OF WORK
To fulfill the goal of the consultancy, the Database consultant would need to:
• Attend a briefing session with Wet Feeding Manager and Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator to obtain a detailed specification of what needs to be developed.
• Develop a set of database specifications and the level of detail that corresponds to the the Wet Feeding programme needs
• Create an open database allowing for upgrades/adaptations in the future if required.
• Liaise with DRC IT department to discuss compatibility and linkages.
• Pilot the database by running a full day demonstration to ascertain whether the database fulfills all of the requirements of wet feeding programme
• Assist the data entry clerk upload all historical data into the database through importing existing MS Excel data, instead of re-capturing data. Install the database onto the designated computers in Mogadishu.
• Write an instruction (Operation) manual that will provide detailed technical specifications and front-end user specifications and that will allow another database specialist to make the necessary changes.
• Train the relevant Wet Feeding and M&E staff on the database on issues of data capturing and how to modify standard reports by developing new queries and new reports.
• Provide technical support to the data entry clerk after the database has been installed in the first 6 months. This will include making the necessary modifications based on lessons learnt and upload the finalized version to a number of computers as will be advised by the Wet Feeding Manager.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
• A functional Database, addressing the needs of the programme as prescribed in the project documents and guided by DRC Staff
• An Operation manual for the database
• An induction training of the relevant staff on operation of the database
• A report on the whole assignment, including expected limitations, capacity of the Database, observations and any recommendation on capacity of staff.
NB: Protection and security of data in the database must be included to prevent unauthorized access to the system
TIME FRAME
It is anticipated that the assignment will take 2 weeks working full time, with a further 1 week of support. Extension of this period will depend on the arising circumstances, but not limited to 1 week extension and will depend on the consultant’s performance during the first week, as well as the substantive progress.
REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
During the contract, the consultant will report on a daily basis to the Wet Feeding Manager, with technical oversight by the M&E Coordinator.
DRC’S RESPONSIBILITIES
• Transport to and from the field.
• All necessary project documents that may facilitate the consultant’s work
• Accommodation in the field
• Travel insurance for the consultant for the duration the consultant is in the field
• Payment of the consultancy wages as will be stated in the contract agreement
The terms and conditions of service will follow DRC terms of consultancies. Payment will be done according to the financial procedures of DRC.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Academic qualifications or equivalent work experience in Information Technology, database management and Management Information Systems
• Relevant experience of IT management, with at least 2 years technical experience in the design of database set up and design of relevant user guides/manual
• Excellent skills in web development and open source operating systems, including open source software and databases
• Excellent and proven ability to manage databases and create innovative solutions for database management. Good understanding of management information system is required
• Experience in the development of databases for recurrent programme or output monitoring systems within the emergency context will be a distinct advantage
EVALUATION AND AWARD OF CONSULTANCY
DRC will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You are welcome to contact DRC Wetfeeding & Livelihoods Manager, Ms Abigael Nyukuri on email:mgr.wetfeeding@drcsomalia.org for further information or questions on the programme.
PLEASE NOTE that applications are NOT to be sent to Ms Nyukur. Applications sent directly to Ms Nyukuri WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk.
COMMITMENTS
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants are required to submit the following:
• CV, including similar previously performed and names of three professional referees.
• Technical proposal that summarizes understanding of the TOR and the suggested type of data base to be used.
• Work-plan reflecting all the deliverables.
• Financial proposal providing cost estimates and consultancy fees. Daily rates are negotiable.
Please forward the application and CV to drcjobs@drchoa.org, in English and marked “Development of Wet Feeding Database Consultancy” in the subject line, no later than 9. August 2012.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants are required to submit the following:
• CV, including similar previously performed and names of three professional referees.
• Technical proposal that summarizes understanding of the TOR and the suggested type of data base to be used.
• Work-plan reflecting all the deliverables.
• Financial proposal providing cost estimates and consultancy fees. Daily rates are negotiable.
Please forward the application and CV to drcjobs@drchoa.org, in English and marked “Development of Wet Feeding Database Consultancy” in the subject line, no later than 9. August 2012.
No comments: