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     Please find pasted below, a search/invitation by the Planning 
     Institute of Jamaica, for consultants for the Methodological Review 
     of the Social Indicators Monitoring System, scheduled to take place 
     between June and September 1999. 
     
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     SEARCH FOR SOCIAL INDICATORS SPECIALISTS AND/OR INSTITUTIONS
     
     PLANNING INSTITUTE OF JAMAICA
     
     SOCIAL INDICATORS MONITORING SYSTEM (SIMS)
     
     The Planning Institute of Jamaica is the overall coordinator of the 
     Social Indicators Monitoring System (SIMS). The SIMS has been in 
     existence since 1989, and has been funded through a combination of 
     governmental and donor resources.  
     
     The overall objectives of SIMS are to:
     
     1. Increase the availability and relevance of basic indicators, 
     statistics and information, in order to systematically assess changes 
     and trends in the status of children and women.
     2. Use SIMS-generated and -collected data to influence and strengthen 
     the national policy framework and programme design processes around 
     child rights, child/family protection and gender equity. 
     3. Increase the capacities of social sector staff (government and 
     NGOs) to collect and analyze social data and to apply qualitative and 
     quantitative information to project development, implementation and 
     monitoring. 
     4. Contribute to a process of decentralized data collection and 
     analysis. 
     
     The SIMS has been able to generate many positive outcomes and there is 
     a general sense that it represents an important policy and programme 
     instrument.  Throughout the period of its implementation, there have 
     also been some indications of areas where the SIMS can be improved and 
     strengthened. In this regard, a Methodological Review of SIMS has been 
     recommended by the Government of Jamaica in order to:
     
     1. Assess the role SIMS currently plays in monitoring key trends and 
     changes in child welfare and vulnerability. 
     2. Identify proactive and tangible means to influence senior 
     government officials and policy makers around child-centred issues and 
     concerns.
     3. Review existing data collection, analysis and dissemination 
     mechanisms and requirements, and recommend new strategies, 
     particularly in relation to sustainability. 
     4. Assess the role of communities in data collection and analysis. 
     5. Determine a sound and sustainable methodological procedure for 
     data collection. 
     6. Review the methodology for quantitative and qualitative data 
     analysis and recommend areas for modification, change and 
     strengthening.  
     7. Review the structure of existing SIMS reports and propose format 
     and contents for the new generation of SIMS reports.
     8. Train key partners in core steps and procedures in data collection 
     and preparation of new SIMS reports. 
     
     It is envisaged that the methodological review will be conducted by a 
     team comprised of the following consultants, with respective 
     responsibilities and qualifications:
     
     * Team Leader:  Reporting directly to the Policy Development Unit of 
     the Planning Institute of Jamaica, he/she will ensure overall 
     responsibility for the success of the methodological review; oversee 
     the respective work processes and outputs of the other members of the 
     team; document and produce all required reports and recommendations; 
     assist in the design of the new reporting format; and design and 
     conduct required training and capacity building for SIMS staff.  
     
     PhD in Social Development/Policy/Research and a minimum of 5 years of 
     experience, or Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of 
     experience. Candidates should have demonstrated experience leading 
     consultancy teams. 
     
     * Team Member (Social Development/Policy/Research expert): Reporting 
     directly to the Team Leader, this consultant will identify the overall 
     mechanisms and requirements for data collection of social sector 
     institutions within government; assess the role and relevance of 
     communities in SIMS; develop and propose qualitative indicators for 
     inclusion in SIMS; assist in the construction of a Child Vulnerability 
     Index; and train government partners in any specific areas related to 
     the process.  The consultant will document and report on the major 
     outcomes and outputs of these stages. 
     
     PhD in Social Development/Policy/Research and a minimum of 5 years of 
     experience, or Master's degree with a minimum of 5-8 years of 
     experience.  Candidates should have demonstrated and practical 
     experience in the areas highlighted above.  
     
     * Team Member (Statistical/Quantititive Analysis expert): Reporting 
     directly to the Team Leader, this consultant will be responsible for: 
     the specification of an analytical methodology; assist in the 
     construction of a Child Vulnerability Index; contribute to the 
     identification of an appropriate data platform; preparation of 
     guidelines for the interpretation and analysis of indicators; train 
     government partners in any specific areas related to the process. The 
     consultant will document and report on the major outcomes and outputs 
     of these stages. Candidates should have demonstrated and practical 
     experience in the areas highlighted above. 
     
     PhD in Statistical/Quantitative Analysis and a minimum of 5 years of 
     experience, or Master's degree with a minimum of 5-8 years of 
     experience.
     
     
     
     Previous professional experience in the English-speaking Caribbean an 
     asset.
     
     The proposed time frame for the methodological review is June - 
     September 1999. 
     
     Qualified and interested candidates can request full terms of 
     reference of the methodological review, as well as specific 
     assignments of each consultant, from:
     
     Mr. Warren Benfield
     Acting Coordinator 
     Policy Development Unit
     Social Policy and Manpower Planning Division 
     Planning Institute of Jamaica 
     8 Ocean Boulevard
     P.O. Box 634 
     Kingston, Jamaica
     WEST INDIES
     
     Telephone: (876) 967-3690/1/2
     Fax: (876) 967-4900
     E-Mail: [log in to unmask] 
     
     Terms of reference can also be viewed at the following website: 
     http://www.dlc.org.jm/members/unicef.html 
     
     Applications (cover letter, recent resume, salary history, and three 
     references) should be submitted to the same address. Shortlisted 
     candidates will be contacted directly by the Policy Development Unit 
     of the Planning Institute of Jamaica. 
     
     Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, 24 May 1999. 
     
     


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