UNFPA Egypt CO - National Consultancy for the development of a comprehensive and practical Big Data Maturity Matrix

Hiring Office:
UNFPA Egypt CO
 

Background
The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) and the United Nations Found Population Agency (UNFPA) in Egypt recognizes the growing importance of big data for enhancing the production of official statistics and gaining deeper insights from diverse data sources. To effectively leverage big data, CAPMAS needs to know its current capabilities and areas for improvement across various dimensions, including infrastructure, applications, human capabilities, legal and regulatory context and strategic alignment.

Building upon the insights from the UN Big Data report and the UN Global Working Group's Big Data Maturity Matrix to help understand the level of “organizational maturity” with respect to big data development, and also to identify its strengths and weaknesses from which a development plan or road map may be produced. The tool is specifically designed for National Statistical Organizations (NSOs) and departments within the National Statistical Service.

Objectives
The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:
● Develop a comprehensive and practical Big Data Maturity Matrix tailored to the specific context and needs of CAPMAS, drawing upon the UN Global Working Group's Big Data Maturity Matrix.
● Ensure the Maturity Matrix allows for self-assessment across key dimensions relevant to big data infrastructure and applications in official statistics.
● Provide an overview of the partnership landscape and recommend partners
● Provide clear descriptions of maturity levels for each dimension, enabling CAPMAS staff to objectively assess their current state.
● Develop guidance on how CAPMAS can utilize the Maturity Matrix to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring further development.
● Facilitate a workshop or training session for CAPMAS staff on the application and interpretation of the Big Data Maturity Matrix.
References:
1. Big Data Maturity Index
2. BIG Data and SDGs: Innovations and Partnerships to Support National Monitoring and Reporting
3. Data Ecosystem Report to Enhance Sustainable Development in Egypt

Scope of work:
(Description of services, activities, or outputs)
The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:
 

Inception Phase:
- Conduct a detailed review of relevant documents, including CAPMAS’s plans, existing IT infrastructure documentation and compare it with the UN Global Working Group's Big Data Maturity Matrix and other relevant documents.
- Hold initial consultations with key CAPMAS stakeholders to understand their specific needs, priorities, and the current landscape of big data initiatives within the organization.
- Develop an inception report outlining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, the proposed methodology, a detailed work plan with timelines, and a draft structure for the Big Data Maturity Matrix.
 

Development of the Big Data Maturity Matrix:
- Based on the inception phase findings, develop a comprehensive Big Data Maturity Matrix. This matrix should include relevant dimensions, taking into account the dimensions outlined in the UN Global Working Group's Big Data Maturity Matrix:
- Strategy and Governance: Alignment of big data initiatives with organizational strategy, governance structures, data policies, and ethical considerations.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: Adequacy of legal frameworks and data protection measures for big data applications, including policies and guidance governing the handling of big data/non-traditional sources.
- Data Infrastructure IT Infrastructure: Availability and capacity of hardware, software, data storage, and processing capabilities for big data, including computing power and data hosting.
- Data Management and Quality: Processes for data acquisition, integration, cleaning, validation, and ensuring the quality of big data sources.
- Analytics and Applications: Capacity for advanced analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, and the development of new statistical products and services using big data. 
- Human Resources and Skills: Availability of staff with the necessary skills in data science, statistics, IT, and related fields, as well as strategies for capacity building.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Engagement with external data providers, research institutions, and other stakeholders in the big data ecosystem.
- For each dimension, define clear and measurable maturity levels (e.g., Pre-Foundation, Foundation, Practitioner, Expert), drawing upon the levels defined in the UN Global Working Group's Big Data Maturity Matrix. Each level should have specific characteristics and indicators that allow for objective self-assessment.
- Develop a Tier 1 (High-Level) Maturity Matrix and Tier 2 (Detailed Level) questions, consistent with the UN Global Working Group's approach.
 

Development of Guidance Materials:
- Develop clear and concise guidelines on how CAPMAS staff can effectively use the Big Data Maturity Matrix for self-assessment. This should include instructions on data collection, scoring, and interpretation of the results.
- Provide guidance on how the self-assessment outcomes can be used to identify strengths, weaknesses, and prioritize areas for development in a big data roadmap.
 

Facilitation of Workshop/Training:
- Design and deliver a workshop or training session for relevant CAPMAS staff on the purpose, structure, application, and interpretation of the Big Data Maturity Matrix. This session should aim to build understanding and ensure effective utilization of the tool.
 

Final Reporting:
- Prepare a comprehensive final report that includes:
- A detailed description of the developed Big Data Maturity Matrix, including all dimensions and maturity levels.
- The guidance materials for using the self-assessment tool.
- A summary of the workshop/training conducted and key takeaways.
- Recommendations on the next steps for CAPMAS in utilizing the Maturity Matrix and developing a big data roadmap.
 

Duration and working schedule:
The estimated duration of this consultancy is 7 months. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon with the selected consultant during the inception phase.

Place where services are to be delivered:
The work will be conducted remotely yet the supervision might take place in Cairo.
 

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):
The delivery dates and modality will be discussed with the consultant in accordance to the project needs.
 

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:
● Inception Report, including a detailed work plan and draft structure of the Maturity Matrix.
● A comprehensive Big Data Maturity Matrix document, including both Tier 1 and Tier 2 components.
● Guidance materials for the application and interpretation of the Maturity Matrix.
● Workshop/training materials.
● Final Report, as outlined in Section 3.

Supervisory arrangements:
The consultant will report to the Population and Development Analyst at UNFPA and she/he will work closely with designated CAPMAS staff from the Information Technology Sector and the International Cooperation Department throughout the assignment.

Expected travel:
No Travels Expected

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:
● Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in Statistics, Data Science, Information Technology, Public Policy, demography or a related field.
● Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in developing maturity models, assessment frameworks, or strategic planning tools, preferably within the context of data management, information technology, or official statistics.
● Strong understanding of big data concepts, technologies, applications, and challenges, particularly within the public sector or statistical organizations.
● Familiarity with international frameworks and best practices related to big data in official statistics, including the work of the UN Global Working Group on Big Data.
● Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.
● Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, with experience in conducting workshops and training sessions.
● Excellent report writing skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage. 

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
● A cover letter expressing their interest and highlighting their relevant experience.
● A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining their qualifications and professional experience.
● A brief technical proposal (not exceeding two pages) outlining their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and a preliminary structure for the Big Data Maturity Matrix.
● Financial proposal, including consultancy fees and any other relevant costs.
● References from previous similar assignments.

Evaluation Criteria
● Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
● Technical expertise and experience ( 10 %)
● Proposed methodology and approach ( 25 %)
● Understanding of the assignment and responsiveness to the ToR (60 %)
● Financial proposal (5 %)