SADC Regional Statistics Project

 

 

 

SADC SECRETARIAT

 

 

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS SELECTION)

 

 

COUNTRY:                    Botswana

 

NAME OF PROJECT:       SADC REGIONAL STATISTICS PROJECT (RSP)

 

PROJECT ID:                     P175731

 

ASSIGNMENT TITLE:        INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY TO UNDERTAKE A REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SAMPLING AND QUALITY METHODS FOR HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS IN SADC REGION AS A RESOURCE PERSON

 

REFERENCE NUMBER:      SADC/3/5/2/364

 

DATE OF ISSUE:              25th October 2024

 

 

Background

 

The SADC Secretariate through the SADC Regional Statistics Project has received a grant. The aim of this grant is to strengthen the institutional capacity of SADC and participating countries to produce, disseminate and use quality statistics while increasing regional harmonization and collaboration.

 

The Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP), the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP), the Industrialisation Strategy and the Roadmap, among others, are complementary guiding frameworks for achieving the regional integration agenda. SADC has also developed various Protocols for domestication and implementation by Member States including the most recent one, the Protocol on Statistics, to enhance harmonization of statistics. The operating framework for implementing statistical activities as priorities for the region is the Regional Strategy for Development of Statistics (RSDS) and is aligned to SADC Vision 2050 and RISDP 2020-30.

 

Demand for quality and harmonized statistics has been on the rise to monitor progress in developmental agendas at national, regional, continental, and global level. The scope of data demand cuts across economic, social, and on emerging issues such as climate change, disaster-risk, environment and others related.

 

The SADC Secretariate intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring an INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY TO UNDERTAKE A REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SAMPLING AND QUALITY METHODS FOR HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS IN SADC REGION AS A RESOURCE PERSON.

 

The SADC Secretariate invites submissions from suitably qualified and interested individual consultants to conduct the training, recruited as individual consultant following World Bank Procurement Regulations dated September 2023.

 

Title            : INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY TO UNDERTAKE A REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SAMPLING AND QUALITY METHODS FOR HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS IN SADC REGION AS A RESOURCE PERSON (1 Position)

Time Commitment  :  100%

Accountable          :  Officer, Research and Statistics 

Duration of Assignment:  2 months

 

1. The Objectives of the Assignment

 

1.1      Overall objective

The overall objective of this exercise is to capacitate Member States on survey methodology techniques for conduct of household surveys.

 

 

1.2     Specific objectives

 

The specific objective of the assignment is to service a regional training workshop on sampling and quality assurance for household surveys as a resource person for beginners.  The training sessions will involve practical sessions with the participants and cover sample design for household surveys specifically for household expenditure surveys, labour force surveys and multi-purpose household surveys; sampling methods in general, sampling methods using specialized statistical software such as STATA and R; sample size determination and allocation to regions, sampling frame and sampling units, and calculation of sample weights amongst others. The quality assurance system to minimize non-sampling error during implementation includes fieldwork design and organization, survey protocols, regular audits and quality checks, and feedback mechanisms, among others.

 

1.3     Expected results

The consultant is expected to achieve the following results in the following:

1. Strengthened technical capacity of Member States National Statistics Office in sampling methods for household surveys;
2. Strengthened technical capacity of Member States National Statistics Office in the use of statistical software on sampling; and
3. Strengthened technical capacity of Member States National Statistics Office in quality assurance systems for household surveys.

 

1. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

 

This assignment is expected to be carried out by an individual consultant expert.  The specific profile is provided below.

2.1   Qualifications and Skills

• • At least a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Survey Sampling or Statistics with special expertise in survey sampling.
  • Written and oral fluency in the English language is essential.  Knowledge of French and Portuguese would be an asset.
  • Excellent oral and written communication, analytical, presentation and report writing skills in English Language. 
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize workload and deliver needful during the training week.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

 

2.2 General Professional Experience

• • The Expert Must have at least ten (10) years of experience in survey methodology design for surveys pertaining to Official Statistics

2.3 Specific Professional Experience

• • At least ten (10) years’ experiences in design of sampling methodology for conduct of household surveys for Official Statistics;
  • Experience in as a resource person in delivering training on sampling and quality assurance for at least 5 household surveys at national/regional/international stages.
  • Experience in undertaking technical assistance in sampling design and quality assurance for household surveys in at least three (3) developing countries;
  • Demonstrated experience in use of specialized statistical software such as STATA, R or similar in survey methodology activities at national level or as a resource person for training/technical assistance.

 

1. Duration of the assignment

 

The Individual Consultant will work within the 2 months from the date of signing the agreement.

 

1. Facilities to be provided by the Client

 

The assignment will mostly be home-based and shall require travel to the conference venue to conduct the training.

 

1. Location of Employment

 

The assignment will involve traveling to the conference venue.

 

1. 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 September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

 

1. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection Method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

 

1. Mode of Application

 

Interested Individuals Consultants meeting the stated requirements should submit their Expressions of interest including updated detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) and copies of professional certificates must be delivered in a written form using a drag and drop electronic tender box by Wednesday 13th November 2024 on or before 00:00 hours, Botswana local time. No public opening will be held.

 

 

SADC Collab link: https://collab.sadc.int/s/eF9C8TRPcigB6qp

 

 

 

1. VALIDITY OF THE TECHINICAL PROPOSAL

 

Your Technical proposal should be valid for a period of 120 days from the date of deadline for submission.

10.      Additional requests for information and clarifications can be made through the address below:

The Procuring entity: SADC Secretariat

Head of Procurement Unit

Contact person: Ms. Mercy Mikuwa

Telephone: +267 364 1989 / 3951863

Fax: 3972848

E-mail: mmikuwa@sadc.int  

Copy to: rajodhea@sadc.int  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annex 1- CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

 

 

Position Title and No.	{e.g., K-1, INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT}
Name of Expert:	{Insert full name}
Date of Birth:	{day/month/year}
Country of Citizenship/Residence

 

Education: {List college/university or other specialized education, giving names of educational institutions, dates attended, degree(s)/diploma(s) obtained}

________________________________________________________________________

 

Employment record relevant to the assignment: {Starting with present position, list in reverse order. Please provide dates, name of employing organization, titles of positions held, types of activities performed and location of the assignment, and contact information of previous clients and employing organization(s) who can be contacted for references. Past employment that is not relevant to the assignment does not need to be included.}

 

Period	Employing organization and your title/position. Contact information for references	Country	Summary of activities performed relevant to the Assignment
[e.g., May 2005-present]	[e.g., Ministry of ……, advisor/consultant to…   For references: Tel…………/e-mail……; Mr. Hbbbbb, deputy minister]

 

Membership in Professional Associations and Publications: ______________________________________________________________________

 

Language Skills (indicate only languages in which you can work): ______________

______________________________________________________________________

 

Adequacy for the Assignment:

 

Detailed Tasks Assigned on Consultant’s Team of Experts:	Reference to Prior Work/Assignments that Best Illustrates Capability to Handle the Assigned Tasks
{List all deliverables/tasks as in REOI or TORS in which the  Expert will be involved)

         

 

 Expert’s contact information: (e-mail …………………., phone……………)

 

Certification:

I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes myself, my qualifications, and my experience, and I am available to undertake the assignment in case of an award. I understand that any misstatement or misrepresentation described herein may lead to my disqualification or dismissal by the Client, and/or sanctions by the Bank.

 

                                                                                                       {day/month/year}

 

 

Name of Expert                                                 Signature                Date

 

 

                                                                                                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annex 2       Detailed TORs

 

 

    TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSULTANCY TO UNDERTAKE A REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SAMPLING AND QUALITYMETHODS FOR HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS IN SADC REGION AS A RESOURCE PERSON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

1.     BACKGROUND INFORMATION.. 2

1.1   Background. 3

1.2   Current situation in the sector 3

2.     OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT AND EXPECTED RESULTS.. 3

2.1   Overall objective. 4

2.2   Specific objectives. 4

2.3   Expected results. 4

3.     SCOPE OF WORK.. 4

3.1   Scope of work. 4

3.2   Geographical area to be covered. 4

3.3   Target groups. 5

3.4   Specific work. 5

4.     QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.. 5

5.     REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND TIME SCHEDULED FOR DELIVERABLES.. 6

5.1   Reporting requirements. 6

5.2   Submission and approval of report 7

5.3   Project management 7

5.4   Management structure. 7

6.     LOGISTICS AND START DATE.. 7

6.1   Location. 8

6.2   Office accommodation. 8

6.3   Facilities to be provided by the contracting authority. 8

6.4   Facilities to be provided by the contractor 8

6.5   Equipment 8

6.6   Start date and period of implementation. 8

7.     MONITORING AND EVALUATION.. 8

7.1   Definition of indicators. 8

7.2   Special requirements. 8

8.     ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS.. 8

8.1   Assumptions underlying the project 8

8.2   Risks. 9

 

 

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
   1. Background

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a Regional Economic Community comprising 16 Member States, namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Established in 1992, SADC is committed to Regional Integration and poverty eradication within Southern Africa through economic development and ensuring peace and security.

Article 14 of the SADC Treaty establishes the SADC Secretariat as the principal executive institution of SADC. The Secretariat performs its mandate and functions within the policy, strategic and programme provisions outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).

Demand for quality and harmonized statistics has been on the rise to monitor progress in developmental agendas at national, regional, continental and global level. The scope of data demand cuts across economic, social and also on emerging issues such as climate change, disaster-risk, environment and others related. Sampling methods for household surveys are critical to generate necessary timely information of sufficient quality and accuracy and at a relatively low cost. Advances in sampling theory and techniques along with the rapid development in information and communications technology ensure that the results based on sample surveys supplemented by prior information are statistically reliable. Similarly, reducing or controlling non-sampling errors is crucial for the quality and reliability of the data collected. Structured processes, policies, and practices are available to address issues before they occur rather than waiting to implement often costly and imperfect post-data collection correction methods.

1. 1. Current situation in the sector

Secretariat is prioritizing statistical capacity building as part of its implementation plan guided by its strategy, the Regional Strategy for Development of Statistics (RSDS) 2020-30. Capacity building is earmarked to be rolled out in an effective way to ensure there is impactful results at Member States level in development and harmonization of statistics. Household surveys are important sources of information as they support policy and decision making for a wide range of national and regional programs. The uses of household survey data include amongst others the monitoring of well-being of the population and effectiveness of programs and conduct micro-assessments of various economic events and policy measures. Therefore, good quality data is essential to support national and regional objectives. The benefits of survey data depend on the quality of the survey itself and good quality survey data is attained through sound sampling and weighting strategies which are implemented during the design stage. The application of sampling techniques provides a tool to collect information about the population without the need to examine the population in its entirety. A good sampling design complemented with a robust quality assurance system ensures that both sampling and non-sampling errors are appropriately minimized.

Currently, Secretariat is implementing a capacity building project and one of its core component is on enhancing data collection survey methodologies with latest technologies. This has the distinct advantage of producing and releasing survey results with a short turnaround time in support of growing and evolving data needs. It is within this context that Secretariat is convening a regional workshop to capacitate Member States on sampling and quality assurance for household surveys and is looking to recruit a resource person to perform tasks as explained in this TOR below.

 

1. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT AND EXPECTED RESULTS
   1. Overall objective

The overall objective of this exercise is to capacitate Member States on survey methodology techniques for conduct of household surveys.

1. 1. Specific objectives

The specific objective of the assignment is to service a regional training workshop on sampling and quality assurance for household surveys as a resource person for beginners.  The training sessions will involve practical sessions with the participants and cover sample design for household surveys specifically for household expenditure surveys, labour force surveys and multi-purpose household surveys; sampling methods in general, sampling methods using specialized statistical software such as STATA and R; sample size determination and allocation to regions, sampling frame and sampling units, and calculation of sample weights amongst others. The quality assurance system to minimize non-sampling error during implementation includes fieldwork design and organization, survey protocols, regular audits and quality checks, and feedback mechanisms, among others.

 

1. 1. Expected results

The consultant is expected to achieve the following result:

Strengthened technical capacity of Member States National Statistics Office in sampling methods for household surveys;

Strengthened technical capacity of Member States National Statistics Office in the use of statistical software on sampling; and

Strengthened technical capacity of Member States National Statistics Office in quality assurance systems for household surveys.

 

1. SCOPE OF WORK
   1. Scope of work

This assignment primarily consists of providing training in a regional workshop as a resource person on sampling methods employed in household surveys specifically in household expenditure surveys, labour force surveys and multi-purpose household surveys for beginners. The preparatory work is a one-off work that consists of drafting a concept note and training materials for use during the training. The training shall be done during 5 working days in a week with an audience that consists mainly of beginners in sampling methodologies.

The workshop must provide for theoretical and practical explanation in line with international guidelines on sampling design and quality assurance for household surveys and cater for effective practical exercises in the process, especially on:

• Sample size and design;
• Sample selection; 
• Assessment of suitable sample frames;
• Updating of sample frames;
• Careful questionnaire and other survey tools design;
• Calculation of sample weights;
• Calculation of sampling errors;
• Staff training and selection;
• Survey protocol;
• Fieldwork organization;
• Careful questionnaire and other survey tools design;
• Non-response;
• Regular audits and quality checks;
• Correction of errors detected in the field;
• Feedback mechanisms; and
• Continuous monitoring and quality indicators

 

1. 1. Geographical area to be covered

The assignment will be carried out in a conference venue within SADC region.

1. 1. Target groups

The target group is statisticians and survey managers from the National Statistics Office of all SADC Member States, in particular, statisticians involved in the sampling design of household expenditure surveys, labour force surveys and multi-purpose household surveys and staffs in charges of surveys.

1. 1. Specific work

The assignment will be carried out primarily through the following tasks.

In particular, the consultant will be required to:

1. Produce a Concept Note demonstrating how the training will be organised and its effectiveness towards impactful results. It should have a structured agenda and programme to cater for theoretical training and practical training. In addition, the Concept Note should provide a tool or questionnaire on how to capture detailed information of each Member State sampling design practices for household surveys for roll out prior to the event or during the event.
2. Produce a Workshop Report of activity that should include the following:

• Technical summary of topics covered during training week for use;
• detailed practices of the Member State on sampling methods employed for household surveys; and

-      Monitoring tool for each Member State on application of methods learned; and

-     Training Materials as annexes for use by Member States and sharing to non-participants.

1. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

This assignment is expected to be carried out by an individual consultant as the Master Trainer and there should be evidence of in-depth knowledge covering sampling concepts and techniques for household surveys.  The specific profile is provided below:

 

Qualifications and Skills

• • At least a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Survey Sampling or Statistics with special expertise in survey sampling.
  • Written and oral fluency in the English language is essential.  Knowledge of French and Portuguese would be an asset.
  • Excellent oral and written communication, analytical, presentation and report writing skills in English Language. 
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize workload and deliver needful during the training week.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

 

General Professional Experience

• • The Expert Must have at least ten (10) years of experience in survey methodology design for surveys pertaining to Official Statistics

 

Specific Professional Experience

• • At least ten (10) years experience in design of sampling methodology for conduct of household surveys for Official Statistics;
  • Experience in as a resource person in delivering training on sampling and quality assurance for at least 5 household surveys at national/regional/international stages.
  • Experience in undertaking technical assistance in sampling design and quality assurance for household surveys in at least three (3) developing countries;
  • Demonstrated experience in use of specialized statistical software such as STATA, R or similar in survey methodology activities at national level or as a resource person for training/technical assistance;.

 

The expert must be independent and free from conflicts of interest in the responsibilities they take on.

Note that civil servants and other staff of the public administration, of the partner country or of international/regional organizations based in the country, shall only be approved to work as experts if well justified. The justification should be submitted with the tender and shall include information on the added value the expert will bring as well as proof that the expert is seconded or on personal leave. 

 

1. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND TIME SCHEDULED FOR DELIVERABLES
   1. Reporting requirements

The consultant shall operate under the guidance of the Senior Officer – Research & Statistics and direct supervision of Officer – Research and Statistics responsible for agricultural statistics.

All the deliverables shall be delivered to the Officer – Research and Statistics who shall assess and review the deliverables in line with the requirement of the Terms of the Reference; and approved by the Senior Officer- Research and Statistics.

All reports shall be in electronic format in MS Word, Excel or PowerPoint as the case may be. The Expert shall work with the Secretariat up to the end of the assignment, shall have delivered the following in electronic format within two (2) months:

 

Name of report	Content	Time of submission
Concept Note	The CN should demonstrate how the training will be organised and its effectiveness towards impactful results. It should have the following: structured agenda and programme to cater for theoretical training, practical training and review Member States positions through presentations or country paper on the topic. provide a tool or questionnaire on how to capture detailed information of each Member State practice on sampling techniques employed for household surveys for roll out prior to the event or during the event	No later than 7 calendar days after the signing of the contract.
Workshop report	The report should cover: - technical summary of topics covered during training week for use; - summary of sampling techniques employed for household surveys of Member States -  Monitoring tool of use of techniques learned; and - Training Materials as annexes for use by Member States and sharing to non-participants.	No later than 7 calendar days after the completion of the regional training workshop.

 

1. 1. Submission and approval of report

The reports referred to above must be submitted to the project manager identified in the contract. The reports must be written in English. The project manager is responsible for approving the reports.

 

1. 1. Project management

Overall responsibility for supervision of the Consultancy will lie with  the Officer – Research and Statistics. The Consultant shall be responsible for the operational day-to-day management and coordination of the consultancy work. 

1. 1. Management structure

The Consultant shall report to the Officer – Research and Statistics and perform the assigned tasks.

1. LOGISTICS AND START DATE
   1. Location

The assignment will involve traveling to the conference venue.

1. 1. Office accommodation

None required

1. 1. Facilities to be provided by the contracting authority

For the expert working on this consultancy, the Contracting Authority shall facilitate for visa entry in the conference venue, if required.

1. 1. Facilities to be provided by the contractor

The contractor must ensure he/she is adequately prepared and equipped for delivery of the training and drafting of deliverables. Moreover, the Consultant is expected to be fully self- sufficient in terms of international travel associated expenses in the conference venue, laptop and related device connectivity for projector for this consultancy.

1. 1. Equipment

No equipment is to be purchased on behalf of the contracting authority / procuring entity as part of this service contract or transferred to the contracting authority / procuring entity at the end of this contract. Any equipment related to this contract that is to be acquired by the procuring entity must be purchased by means of a separate supply tender procedure.

1. 1. Start date and period of implementation

The intended start date is as soon as both parties have signed the contract agreement and the period of implementation of the contract will be within 60 calendar days from the date of signing the agreement.

1. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
   1. Definition of indicators

The indicators to be used are timeliness, technical coverage and analytical quality of the Report as detailed in the section 5 above.

1. 1. Special requirements

The Consultant must declare any potential conflict of interest between the provision of the requested services, and other activities in which, a member of their consortium of group (s), or any expert proposed in their offer is engaged.

1. ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
   1. Assumptions underlying the project

The intended start date is as soon as both parties have signed the contract agreement and the period of implementation of the contract will be within 60 calendar days from the date of signing the agreement.

1. 1. Risks

The nature of the assignment presents negligible risks associated with the consultancy. Some of the foreseen risks are the following:

Possible risks	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Unavailability of key stakeholders to provide relevant information due to change in the working environment	Medium	Plan and communicate ahead with key stakeholders; have more than one communication means

 

        FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

9.1   Financial proposal

        The financial proposal should include all consultancy fees and all costs .

9.2   Schedule of payment

        Payments for the assignment shall be related to the reports and their approval as follows:

        20% of the contract price shall be paid upon submission and approval of the Concept Note

        80% of the contract price shall be paid upon submission and approval of the Workshop Report