NATIONAL CONSULTANCY:Development and Roll-Out of UNFPA Malawi Integrated Monitoring & Reporting (M&R) Dashboard

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY:

The primary objective of this integrated M&R dashboard is to facilitate streamlined communication, vigilant monitoring, and data-informed decision-making pertaining to the three pivotal transformative results identified in the program. Furthermore, the dashboard will serve as an effective, systematic, and consistent tool, occasionally introducing innovative approaches, to engage and secure the commitment of relevant stakeholders in accelerating progress toward achieving these transformative results. The following are the specific objectives;

1. To monitor routine programmatic results, which can provide valuable feedback and allow for timely decision-making.
2. To track programmatic performance over time, allowing CO to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
3. To promote accountability by providing a transparent and accessible way to monitor programmatic results. 
4. To improve decision-making by enabling CO to quickly identify areas that require attention or improvement by providing a clear and concise visual representation of programmatic results.

To visualize presentations of data, making it easier to understand and analyze to help facilitate communication among stakeholders.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Geographic scope: This dashboard will utilize secondary routine monitoring data collected at the national and district levels (9th CPD focus districts and districts funded from other resources). 

Current Programme Cycle: 2024-2028

Proposed Methodology of the M&R Dashboard

A consultant is expected to lead the design and implementation of the M&R system liaising with the UNFPA team, and leading data collection (including training and development of protocols and instruments necessary to operationalize the dashboard). 

The consultant is also expected to develop a detailed methodology, data collection tool, and user friendly reporting template including a roadmap for discussion with UNFPA. Secondary quantitative data extracted from project documents and government routine data collection systems are expected to be utilized. A comprehensive desk-based review of the existing secondary databases will include indicators related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Adolescent and Youth SRH, Gender, and Humanitarian.

The consultant will develop the M&R dashboard using the PowerBI platform system, template for data collection and documentation of the secondary data. The consultant is also expected to elaborate on the methodology that will be employed, including appropriate stages that will be employed when developing the prototype. He/She is expected to train and transfer the knowledge to UNFPA’s staff on how to re-develop and manage the PowerBI M & R dashboard system, upload, manage, navigate and effectively disseminate the data on the dashboard.

Expected outputs and deliverables:

Design Phase: The design phase will define the clear objectives and scope of the M&R dashboard, IPs' data matrix reports, work plan progress reports, and UNFPA Training and Monitoring Visits Trackers. The phase will also involve planning, integration, developing the architecture including layout, user interface, and visualization tools, create a data collection plan with tools and methods, establish data management protocols, engage stakeholders for input and feedback, and prepare a presentation slide deck of the inception report for validation by the project stakeholder group.

Implementation Phase: The implementation phase involves building the M&R dashboard with real-time data updates and user-friendly features, integrating data from various sources, training staff, drafting and finalizing a user-friendly manual, conducting rigorous testing and quality assurance, and iterating based on user feedback to enhance functionality and usability.

Reporting and dissemination phase: The reporting phase involves generating and distributing regular reports to stakeholders, documenting best practices and lessons learned, conducting a comprehensive year-end evaluation, reflecting on the dashboard's effectiveness, planning for improvements, and producing a professionally formatted final report with recommendations and a presentation slide deck, followed by a stakeholder validation workshop.

General Terms and Conditions

All reports and documents prepared during the assignment shall be treated as property of UNFPA Malawi CO. The reports/documents or any part, therefore, cannot be sold, used and/or reproduced in any manner without prior written approval of UNFPA Malawi CO. In the event the consultant requires additional time to complete the contract, over and above the time previously agreed to, but without UNFPA Malawi CO changing the scope of work, UNFPA’s prior written approval for the same shall be necessary. After completion of the assignment and submission of the final output/deliverables, the concerned project/unit on the basis of which final payment shall be made based on assignment.

The consultant will submit the draft presentation before the debriefing session for taking inputs from concerned project authority.

Duration and working schedule:

This consultancy is deliverable-based and is designed to be implemented during June 2025 - December 2025. Tentative start date of the consultancy is on 16th June 2025.

Place where services are to be delivered:

This is desk-based consultancy work therefore most of the work will be done virtually and travel to the CO in Lilongwe where needs will arise.

The expected outcomes for this Monitoring and Reporting (M&R) dashboard includes:

• Enhanced Data-Driven Decision-Making: The implementation of the M&R dashboard is expected to lead to more informed decision-making processes. By having real-time access to data and insights, program managers and stakeholders will be better equipped to make timely and evidence-based decisions.
• Improved Program Performance: With a systematic monitoring and evaluation framework in place, the expected outcome is an overall improvement in program performance. This includes achieving project goals, meeting milestones, and ensuring the efficient use of resources.
• Increased Accountability: The M&R dashboard will foster greater accountability among project stakeholders. By transparently tracking progress and outcomes, it becomes easier to assign responsibility, track performance, and address any issues that arise promptly.
•  Enhanced Communication: The dashboard's ability to consolidate data and present it in a user-friendly format is expected to improve communication among project teams and partners. It will enable programme, management and operations team members to have a shared understanding of project status and progress.
• Effective Resource Allocation: The dashboard will assist in optimizing resource allocation by highlighting areas where resources are needed most. This leads to a more efficient utilization of funds and assets.
•  Alignment with Strategic Goals: One of the expected outcomes is ensuring alignment between the 9th CPD and the new strategic plan for 2022-2025. This alignment will contribute to a more coherent and impactful approach to achieving program objectives.
• Targeted Interventions: Through the analysis of disaggregated data, the dashboard will enable targeted interventions, ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as specific age groups or individuals with disabilities, receive the support they need.
• Learning and Adaptation: The M&R dashboard is expected to facilitate a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. When data reveals challenges or opportunities, project teams can make adjustments to strategies and activities for better results.
• Increased Stakeholder Engagement: As the dashboard promotes transparency and accountability, it is anticipated to lead to increased engagement and commitment from stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and implementing partners.
• Timely Reporting: The dashboard will streamline the reporting process, making it easier to provide timely updates to donors and other stakeholders.
• Sustainability: By tracking progress and challenges systematically, the M&R dashboard contributes to the long-term sustainability of programs and initiatives. It ensures that projects remain on track even as circumstances change.

These expected outcomes demonstrate the complex benefits of implementing an M&R dashboard, ranging from improved decision-making and performance to increased accountability and stakeholder engagement. They align with the broader goals of ensuring program effectiveness and impact.

Delivery timeline and how work will be delivered

Phase	Key activities (planned and subject to change)	Expected outputs
Design phase	-Dashboard Objectives and Scope: Define the clear objectives and scope of the M&R dashboard, including the data sources, indicators, and metrics to be tracked. -Data Sources and Integration: Identify the data sources,   the IPs' data matrix reports, work plan progress reports, and UNFPA Training and Monitoring Visits Trackers, and plan for their integration into the dashboard. -Dashboard Architecture: Design the architecture of the M&R dashboard, including the layout, user interface, and visualization tools to be used. -Data Collection and Management: Develop a data collection plan, including data collection tools and methods, and establish data management protocols to ensure data accuracy and reliability. -Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including implementing partners, program managers, and beneficiaries, to gather input and feedback on the dashboard's design and functionality. -Presentation slide deck of the inception report for the project stakeholder group’s validation (as relevant)	- Inception report and indicator matrix - Presentation slide deck of the inception report and dashboard prototype - Protocol submitted and approved by HQ -Stakeholder Engagement report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

This is a deliverable based consultancy, and it is estimated to take place between June 2025 - December 2025. Refer to Annex 1 for all the details of what is supposed to be done in each phase. The assignment will be for 130.5 working days spread out over the duration of 6 months.

Phase	Timeline (June 2025 - December 2025)
J	J	A	S	O	N	D	Location	Payment (%)
Design phase: Planning and Design	X	X						Lilongwe/Virtual	30%
Implementation Phase:  Dashboard Development, Testing & Refinement			X	X	X			Lilongwe/Virtual	40%
Reporting and dissemination phase: Reporting, Documentation, Evaluation and Reflection						X	X	Lilongwe/Virtual	30%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supervisory arrangements: 

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the UNFPA M&E Specialist - P3. The management and programme team, including the relevant IPs, will provide technical guidance and inputs to the selected deliverables for the quality assurance. This will include other stakeholders and UNFPA staff.

Expected travel:

This is desk-based consultancy work therefore field work will not be necessary. If there is a need to travel to the field, all travel related costs will be paid by UNFPA.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Completion of secondary education in computer science/IT, demography or population studies, statistics, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree desirable. 
  
   

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Six years of experience in developing data systems or dashboards, in the field of international development and humanitarian assistance. 
• Experience in data systems commissioned by United Nations organizations and/or other international/ national organizations and NGOs. 
• Experiences in training and setting up PowerBI dashboard in development and humanitarian programme.
• Previous experience in working with UNFPA (with good performance) is an asset. 
• In-depth knowledge of various review and evaluation approaches and ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. 
• Ability to consistently integrate human rights and gender perspectives in all aspects of data processes.
• Excellent ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of data and information from diverse sources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken). 
• Work experience in/good knowledge of the region and the national development context of Malawi.
  
   

Languages: 

Fluent in written and spoken English 

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

UNFPA, in collaboration with the relevant IPs, will support the consultant/team to make the necessary contacts with relevant partners, and to that end, UNFPA will facilitate sharing of all relevant documents related to this consultancy with the consultant/team once the assignment is awarded. UNFPA will facilitate the use of UNFPA virtual platforms for presentation of results, stakeholders’ meetings as needed. In addition, the consultant will work closely with IPs for the successful implementation of the consultations.

 

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.