Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Job Opportunity for Information Technology Consultants

CONSULTANCY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS AND DATABASES OF THE NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE (NIS)
Duration: 15 Working Days
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Terms of Reference

Background and Rationale
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners on issues related to migration. International Organization for Migration is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments.
International Organization for Migration in Nigeria is currently implementing the European Union funded project “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria” and the overall objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of the Government of Nigeria to manage migration in order to maximize its development potential. The specific objectives are to improve the governance of migration through the use of evidence-based instruments, strengthen national capacity to manage organized labor migration, mobilize diaspora for national development and to strengthen national capacity to deter irregular migration.

The Nigeria Immigration Service, as the body mandated to deal with immigration in the country, is a key partner in achieving the goals of this project. Amongst other things, the project aims at targeted interventions to enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Immigration Service to manage migration flows and deter irregular migration through evidence based instruments. Accordingly, this consultancy aims to build the capacity of Nigeria Immigration Service in the area of data collection and analysis and the use of intelligence in making management decisions.

Currently, Nigeria Immigration Service lacks an integrated information technology based system for case work and information storage and management. It has some stand alone computer systems for visa issuance, passports, statistics, border management information (at the international airports and the Ilela land border), issuance of alien cards, and the pay roll. However, these systems are not integrated and cannot be used for cross referencing and data synthesis needed for amongst other things investigative case work, general migration data analysis, and migration information dissemination. Consequently, there is a need for data and information to be managed at Nigeria Immigration Service in
an integrated manner that allows for integrated data analysis for case work, management information, and inter/intra agency information dissemination.
This consultancy will involve an assessment of Nigeria Immigration Service’s Information Technology systems/databases for data collection and sharing activities and the development of an information technology master plan for the improvement and integration of these systems across the various sections of the Nigeria Immigration Service, including but not limited to the Operations and Passports Directorate, Planning Research & Statistics (PRS) Directorate, Human Resources Directorate, and the Intelligence Unit.
The assessment is being closely coordinated with the Nigeria Immigration Service. Experts from International Organization for Migration and the Nigeria Immigration Service will assist in facilitating access to the necessary information and contacts.


Job Title: Consultants
General Objective
• To contribute to improving migration information management through assessing the information technology platform for data collection, analysis, storage, and sharing in the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Specific Objectives

This assessment aims to:
• Assess the Nigeria Immigration Service’ information and communication technology infrastructural platform (databases, storage systems, retrieval mechanisms, software and hardware) for data capturing, processing, storage, backup, exchange and sharing within the Nigeria immigration Service and beyond.
• Assess the current platform for Human Resource Management and recommend best practice for an information technology based platform.
• Assess the current information technology platform in the Planning Research & Statistics Directorate, Operations and Passports Directorate, Human Resources Directorate, and Intelligence Unit.
• Create a data model between core departments and units within the Nigeria immigration Service and make recommendations on the possible databases and connectivity of key departments, units and border post as the case may be.
• Identify means of, enhancing data quality and harmonizing the collection, analysis and exchange of data at interagency level.
• Outline the possible difficulties and obstacles that Nigeria Immigration Service might face in the data management process and recommend solutions.
• Assess the possibility of linking the ePARS server of the Nigeria immigration Service to the National migration database in National Population Commission.
• Formulate a strategy for improving on the ePARS server for managing migration data streaming into it.
• Develop a comprehensive information technology master plan with its implementation action plan for Nigeria Immigration Service

Approach and Methodology
The approach used to gather information at the minimum could include:
• Face to face interviews, consultations and in-depth interviews
• Information/data gathering from key departments and units
• Desk audit and reviewing all available literature/information covering the whole spectrum of migration data and statistics
• Visits to key out stations
The suggested methods are only indicative and it is expected for the consultant to suggest his own approaches.
Specific activities to be performed under the contract

The consultant will conduct an assessment of Nigeria Immigration Service’s technical information technology capacity for migration data collection, analysis, storage and sharing, with a view to developing a standard information technology master plan for the Service and including:
• Inception report and plan of work
• Carry out consultations with Nigeria Immigration Service’s representatives and relevant departments and units to gather information.
• Evaluation of existing connectivity between units, data collection, and sharing mechanisms
• Identification of gaps and needs in each department’s/unit’s database systems and make recommendations for improvement;
• Recommendations for developing coherent approach for managing information technology systems particularly on the possibility of information sharing and database linkages within various units and borders in Nigeria Immigration databases
• Concrete recommendations and steps for the government to employ implementation
• Upon completion of the assessment tasks, analyze, consolidate and present the results and offer observations on the impact of the assessment for the national project it is supporting, in a clear and concise final report. The draft report in Microsoft – word format must be handed to IOM. The report must be finalized by Consultant based on inputs from International Organization for Migration, Nigeria.
In coordination with International Organization for Migration and the Technical Working Group on migration, the Information Technology Expert would prepare appropriate data collection and sharing mechanisms which will allow gathering and smooth sharing of necessary migration data/information. The consultant should identify and analyze current sharing mechanisms among relevant stakeholders.
The Information Technology expert will hold consultations with stakeholders and experts, conduct on-site visits to relevant collection and storage points, and collect migration data currently available.

The following areas of information technology platform and migration database management should be assessed
• Visa information systems
• Passport information systems
• Landing or entry exit card information systems.
• Migration data management: collection, storing, retrieval, sharing, and analysis procedures
• Possible interoperability of various database systems at the assessed federal offices with out-station border posts
• Human resources database systems,
• Hardware, software assets and procedures;
• Any other systems and databases relevant to this assessment.
The Consultant will work in close coordination with the Nigeria Immigration Service. Progress reports and updates should be shared with International Organization for Migration and Nigeria Immigration Service on a weekly basis and feedback incorporated into the work in progress.
The draft report will be shared with the Nigeria Immigration Service, who will provide recommendations, which should be incorporated into the final report.
The consultant will present the final results to the International Organization for Migration and the Nigeria Immigration Service at a validation meeting for substantiation. To the extent possible, this feedback should be incorporated into the report.
The deliverables
• Inception report and workplan indicating how to proceed
• Present report of interim findings to International Organization for Migration for input
A final report, which will include an Information Technology Master Plan for Nigeria Immigration Service and technical recommendations on how to implement the IT Master Plan.

Timeframe
The consultant will be required to undertake the assessment within a period of 15 working days.

Desirable qualifications
Education: Advanced University education in Information Systems, Databases and Data Management, Computer Science. Education in a migration and development related field an asset.
Experience: Minimum -Five years of relevant experience in design and management of Information Systems, databases and related fields.
Technical Competencies: Excellent knowledge of relational database management systems. Knowledge of business systems, networking and systems security is essential.
Professionalism: Demonstrating professional competence, conscientiousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Showing persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges, and remaining calm in stressful situations.
Planning and organizing: Able to work within a defined time-frame and to develop clear goals per agreed strategies; Capacities of identifying priority activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as required; allocating appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foreseeing risks and allowing for contingencies when planning, monitoring and adjusting plans and actions as necessary; and using time efficiently.
Personal/Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills; speak and write clearly and effectively; exhibit interest in having two-way communication; Drive for results; Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

Language(s): Thorough knowledge of English language is required.



Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications to email address [email protected] on or before 16 May 2014.

In order for the application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts application with Curriculum Vitae (CV), detailed work plan and a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for application, addressed to The Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM) and with a subject line NIS IT Assessment Consultancy - Abuja.

All applications should include a functional email address and mobile number(s). Please note that only applications sent by email will be accepted and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates are also expected to propose a consultancy fee which should be based on a daily rate.