International Consultant CC-2024-17

Position Title: Consultant to Support the Development of the State Population Registry in Armenia – Business Use Cases and Processes Specialist
Duty Station: Yerevan, Armenia
Classification: Consultancy
Type of Appointment: Consultancy, 6 months
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 18 December 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context:
Background of the activity
The IOM Mission in Armenia is implementing the project “Enhancing Policy Framework and Capacity for Effective Migration and Asylum Management in Armenia”. This two-and-a-half-year project is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and aims to contribute to more effective and accountable service delivery that is based on the principles of good governance and respect of rule of law in the areas of migration, asylum, and human rights. Specifically, it will support the enhancement of asylum and migration governance in Armenia to foster well-managed and secure cross-border mobility and continue strengthening migration and asylum systems in Armenia.

In 2021, the Government of Armenia adopted the Digitalisation Strategy of Armenia, which defines the main areas of focus for the next 5 years. This Strategy serves as a guide for all implementation activities related to the country’s digital transformation efforts. Aligned with this strategy, the project aims to initiate the implementation of technical enhancements to the migration information management systems. This activity will have a specific focus on improving data collection, sharing, and utilization processes, including technical upgrades for the State Population Registry (SPR) to ensure the quality of stored data and interoperability with other relevant databases, as well as transparency, accountability and effective management of the Registry.

General Objective of the Consultancy

Given the substantial IT dimension inherent in the project’s activities, its successful implementation requires specialised knowledge in the field of information and communication technology, cybersecurity, and database management particularly within an e-governance framework. Therefore, the consultancy mainly involves assistance to IOM and the Migration and Citizenship Service with the identification of the specific needs related to the improvement of the SPR and assessment of the technical specifics of the current database, including its preparedness for future upgrades.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Head of Office, as well as in close coordination with the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS), the successful candidate will undertake the following tasks:
I. Conduct “As-Is” assessment of the SPR related to main business use cases and processes and other related aspects
• Examine the SPR in its current form: identify technical specifications, technical shortcomings, and other relevant technical aspects of the system.
• Perform an assessment of the possible establishment of interoperability with relevant databases that will later ensure a cohesive and efficient digital ecosystem for migration management and government services.
• Prepare a specific questionnaire and the questions to be raised to stakeholders to understand the current setup and situation related to business processes and infrastructure.
• Carry out a visit to the Migration Service to conduct an assessment of the architecture part of the SPR and interviews with the key stakeholders.

II. Conduct mapping of existing relevant databases.
•Provide an in-depth mapping of databases containing population-related information. The mapping exercise should identify all relevant databases, including those managed by the Police, civil registry, and other government agencies. The analysis should help to assess data quality, compatibility, and potential overlaps or redundancies, laying the groundwork for development of the SPR.
•Based on the findings from the mapping exercise and identified requirements, determine the most suitable database management system, considering functionalities, scalability, and data security.

III. Formulate the needs for further improvement of the SPR.
• Provide a technical needs assessment that will lay the foundation for further improvement of the system based on the analysis of the SPR as well as other databases containing information on individuals and through consultations with the Migration and Citizenship Service and other relevant government agencies.
•The needs assessment report should include the technical specifications of the SPR, its architecture and features to be considered to ensure interoperability with other databases, security protocols, and hardware specifications required to ensure the functioning of the system.
•Based on performed review, formulate a roadmap for the improvement of the SPR.

IV. Assist IOM Armenia project staff and MCS in liaison with IT-service providers.
•Utilize specific IT and e-governance expertise to advise IOM project staff on project related IT issues related to the upgrading of SPR.
•Provide expert assistance in drafting terms of reference for the hiring of service providers for SPR upgrades as well as serve as a liaison for communication between IOM, MCS and hired IT companies on ITC-specific issues.

Deliverables
Category B Consultant is hired to provide the bellow deliverables:
Deliverable 1:
– Visit to the Migration and Citizenship Service to conduct interviews with relevant key stakeholders, perform assessment of the business processes, use cases and infrastructure.
– An “As-Is” study of the main business use cases and processes, containing the assessment of both software and hardware of the SPR, as well as identification of other relevant databases connected to it.

Deliverable 2:
– Draft report containing the “as-is” assessment and proposals for further improvement of the system.
– ToR for selecting an IT company to implement the upgrades.

Deliverable 3:
-Workshop and presentation of the final version of the “as-is” report.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education
•Advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
•University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience
•Experience in management of ICT functions in an international organization or an international agency in a field location;
•Proven experience in e-governance, particularly in compliance and standards, with a focus on database management;
•Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies, is an advantage.
•Proven experience in engaging with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate to digital solutions;
•Hands on experience in planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems.

Languages
Fluency in English is required.

Required Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
VALUES
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.