International Consultant CC-2024-18

Position Title : Consultant to Support the Development of the State Population Registry in Armenia – IT Infrastructure and Security Specialist

Duty Station : Yerevan, Armenia

Classification : Consultancy

Type of Appointment : Consultancy, 2 months

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : August 14, 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:

1. Conduct “As-Is” assessment of the SPR related to IT infrastructure and IT security.

• An exhaustive on-site analysis of current form of State Population Registry should be conducted. This entails a detailed review of the current workflow, with a focus on IT infrastructure and cybersecurity of the registry.
• The consultant will scrutinize the system, identifying main aspects of the system, use cases and infrastructure as well as usage, data, policies, data centres, as well as existing security gaps that should be eliminated.
• Prepare a specific questionnaire and the questions to be raised to stakeholders to understand the current setup and situation related to the IT security and infrastructure.
• Comprehensive “As-Is” report should be presented, providing an objective and comprehensive outline of the technical specifications, existing safety protocols, technical shortcomings, and other relevant technical aspects of the system.

1. Conduct and facilitate workshop to present the final version of the report.

• Organize the workshop to present the final version of the assessment report to the key stakeholders.
• The consultant will present the drafted documents during round-table discussion, and collect the feedback and comments from involved agencies. Based on the inputs received, he/she will Incorporate feedback and proposed modifications in the draft report.

1. Advise IOM Armenia and MCS on the matters related to the IT infrastructure and security of the SPR.

• Provide expert assistance with the focus on matters of IT security and infrastructure in drafting terms of reference for the hiring of a service provider for SPR upgrades.
• Communicate with IOM Armenia on the issues related to organization and coordination and other aspects relevant to execution of the study and final workshop.

Deliverables

Category B Consultant is hired to provide the bellow deliverables, according to the proposed timeline:

Deliverable 1 (Week 1):

• Visit to the Migration and Citizenship Service to conduct interviews with relevant key stakeholders, perform assessment of the IT security and infrastructure of the SPR.
• Conduct an “As-Is” study with particular focus on the IT security and IT infrastructure.

Deliverable 2 (Weeks 2 – 4):

• Draft “as-is” report focusing on the security and infrastructure of the SPR, as well as proposals for further improvement of the system.

Deliverable 3 (Weeks 5 – 6):

• 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 four 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.