Consultancy : Survey Improvement: Readiness assessment for household surveys continuous collection

 

Noumea, New Caledonia, 29/04/2026

 

Statistical Innovation and Capacity Building in the Pacific Islands (PACSTAT)

 

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES)

 

GRANT NUMBER E633-P3, P168182

Assignment Title: Readiness assessment for household surveys continuous collection

Reference No.: FJ-SPC-540868-CS-CQS / REOI26-10084

 

The Pacific Community (www.spc.int) has received financing in the amount of USD 6.0 million equivalent from the World Bank toward the cost of the Statistical Innovation and Capacity Building in the Pacific Islands Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

SPC now invites eligible consulting firms to express their interest in providing consultancy services for the assignment entitled “Readiness assessment for household surveys continuous collection”.

The assignment is expected to start in June 2026 for an anticipated duration of 4 months. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) are available with this Request for Expressions of Interest. Interested consulting firms should submit information demonstrating their qualifications and relevant experience.

The evaluation criteria are:

• Relevant experience with survey collection methodologies
• Consulting, analytical, and advisory skills
• Cross-cultural and regional experience

 

The attention of interested consulting firms is drawn to paragraphs 3.13, 3.15, and 3.16 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Seventh Edition, September 2025) (“the Regulations”), which set out the World Bank’s policy on Conflict of Interest applicable to consulting services:

The World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers – Seventh Edition, September 2025

Further information can be obtained at the address below by e-mail.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail no later than 12/05/2026 by 23:45 Noumea Time (GMT+11).

 

Att: SPC Procurement Unit

email: procurement@spc.int

Reference: FJ-SPC-540868-CS-CQS-REOI26-10084

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE CONSULTING SERVICES (FIRM)

Consulting firm: Survey Improvement

Assignment Title:	Readiness assessment for household surveys continuous collection
Location	SPC Noumea
Duration	4 months
Expected Starting Date	June 2026
Reference No	FJ-SPC-540868-CS-CQS-REOI26-10084

 

1.0       Background

The Pacific Community  (www.spc.int) has received financing of USD 6.0 million equivalent from the World Bank toward the cost of the Statistical Innovation and Capacity Building in the Pacific Islands Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Statistics for Development Division

The SPC Statistics for Development Division leads the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics, endorsed by PICT leaders in 2023. The framework promotes a regional approach to strengthening the quality, scope, and coordination of official statistics across the Pacific.

 

SPC supports national statistical offices by building capacity to produce reliable demographic, economic, and social data for evidence-based policy and decision making. As a regional technical provider operating across 22 PICTs, SPC plays a key role in adapting international statistical standards to Pacific contexts, particularly for small island developing states with limited resources.

 

Statistical Innovation and Capacity Building in the Pacific (PACSTAT) Project

The PacStat project is an International Development Association (IDA; https://ida.worldbank.org/) funded project that is to be implemented over the period of June 2020 to February 2027.  The overall development objective of PACSTAT is to improve the quality of welfare data collection and accessibility to comparable welfare data in the Pacific Island Countries.

The context for this project is summarized as:

• PICs are characterised by small populations spread across vast areas.
• More comparable data is needed to understand deprivation between countries as well as identify and monitor regional trends.
• The Pacific is a region with substantial gender inequality.
• Data deprivation in the PICs hinders evidence-based policy design.
• Public access to data is another challenge facing the region.
• Data deprivation hinders the effort to track progress on gender inequality over time and design policies to address it.
• National Statistics Offices (NSOs) lack funding to meet the costs of data collection in the Pacific.
• Low statistical capacity is a major challenge in addressing data deprivation.
• There has been some improvement in statistical capacity over time, but results have not been sustained.

Under Additional Financing for PacStat I for the twelve months to February 2027, resources have been allocated to explore and pilot improvements in both administrative data systems and household survey collection methods, including continuous data collection approaches. These activities aim to strengthen the sustainability, quality, and comparability of statistics across Pacific Island Countries. One key aim is to inform readiness for a potential second phase of PacStat, drawing lessons from innovative data collection and system integration efforts.

For the purposes of this assignment, continuous collection refers to survey data collection conducted on an ongoing basis through a permanent or long-term field force of enumerators. This may include a continuous collection for survey approach, whereby enumerators are based within communities; however, this is only one model of survey improvement to be assessed.

2.0       Objective of the assignment

The consulting firm will provide specialised technical expertise to SPC, focusing on the readiness assessment of four IDA eligible countries for the implementation of continuous collection surveys. This support will encompass the planning and coordination necessary for successful deployment of continuous collection for surveys.

3.0       Scope of Services

As part of the readiness assessment, the consulting firm will offer guidance on a systematic process tailored to household surveys. This process will include the following key stages:

1. Specifying survey needs
2. Survey design
3. Data collection
4. Data processing

The consulting firm will ensure a systematic and comprehensive approach to each stage of the readiness assessment process, facilitating effective planning and coordination for the deployment of the continuous collection for survey models in targeted countries. The responsibilities encompass the following areas:

3.1 Assessment of Readiness

The consulting firm will conduct a thorough review of the existing systems, structures, and resources required for the deployment of continuous collection for surveys in the four selected countries. This review will involve identifying gaps, constraints, and opportunities for enhancement within the current set-up. Based on these findings, the consulting firm will provide recommendations aimed at improving operational readiness and promoting the sustainability of the continuous collection of survey models.

3.2 Design and Implementation Support

For each country where continuous collection is deemed feasible (in discussion with SPC) in the near future, the consulting firm will assist in its design in a way that recognises the context and state of readiness. This includes:

1. Supporting the development of standard operating procedures, workflows, and guidelines tailored to continuous collection of surveys. The level of detail at which this is done – whether it is high level recommendations on principles, or detailed actual guidelines – will depend on the readiness state of each country.
2. Additionally, the consulting firm will advise on logistics, data collection processes, and field coordination, ensuring that operations would proceed smoothly and efficiently.

3.3 Stakeholder Engagement

Engagement with key stakeholders is essential for the success of the continuous collection of survey models. The consulting firm will collaborate with national statistical offices, local authorities, NGOs, and other relevant partners. This collaboration will facilitate knowledge sharing and the integration of stakeholder feedback into the model, ensuring that it remains responsive to local needs and contexts.

4.0         Expected Outcomes, Deliverables, and Timeline

The consulting firm will be responsible for producing the following outputs during the 4-month assignment:

Timeline	Deliverable	Description / Output
June 2026	Inception Report	Detailed work plan, methodology, and approach for supporting the continuous collection for survey model; assessment framework for readiness in IDA-eligible countries.
July 2026	Readiness Assessment Report	Analysis of current systems, structures, and resources; identification of gaps, challenges, and opportunities; practical recommendations for improvement.
September 2026	Conclusion and operationalisation report	Final analysis, findings, and practical recommendations for operationalisation and implementation of continuous collection models.

5.0       Duration of the Assignment and Estimated Expert-Time Input

The Consulting firm will be engaged for 4 months. The envisaged start date for the Consulting firm is at the earliest opportunity and no later than June 2026, and the engagement will be with flexible remote work and up to 2-3 travel visits as needed and approved by SPC.

6.0         Reporting Requirements

The consulting firm will report to SPC through PacStat Project Manager for overall assignment of coordination and project alignment, and to the SPC Method and Processing Manager for technical and methodological guidance. Reporting responsibilities include:

1. Inception Reporting

• Submit an Inception Report within the first month, detailing the work plan, methodology, timelines, and assessment framework.
• Present the inception plan in a briefing session with SPC through SPC Method and Processing Manager.

1. Progress Reporting

• Provide weekly progress updates via email or virtual meetings summarizing activities completed, challenges encountered, and upcoming tasks.
• Highlight any operational or technical issues requiring guidance or approval.

1.  Readiness Assessment Report

• Submit Final Readiness Assessment Report last week of July 2026 documenting work completed, preliminary findings and recommendations for improvements.
• Present interim findings in a workshop or virtual session with SPC and relevant stakeholders.

1. Operationalisation Reporting

• Submit a Final Conclusion and Operationalisation Report at the end of September 2026 including a comprehensive summary of activities, results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future continuous collection for survey deployments.
• Include documented best practices, SOPs, and knowledge products to support scaling the model across the Pacific region.
• Present the final report to both SPC Methods and Processing Manager and the PacStat Project Manager.

All reports and deliverables must be submitted in English. Deliverables are to be formatted appropriately for internal use by SPC as well as for dissemination among relevant national and regional stakeholders. The consulting firm may be required to present key outputs during workshops or virtual meetings with SPC and national statistical office teams. Participation in additional briefings or ad hoc meetings may also be requested by SPC or the PacStat Project Manager.

7.0         Working Arrangements

The consulting firm will collaborate closely with the SPC, the Methods and Processing Team, and other relevant stakeholders throughout the assignment. The client will ensure that the consulting firm has access to necessary data, resources, and personnel to support the successful completion of all responsibilities.

All activities will be conducted according to the mutually agreed number of workdays and specific deliveries, as established in consultation with SPC. The consulting firm is expected to carry out assigned duties with diligence and effectiveness, consistently meeting the highest acceptable standards.

 The consulting firm will be engaged on a full‑time remote basis for the duration of the contract. In addition, the consulting firm may undertake up to two to four missions from their home base to required locations, subject to SPC approval. All travel‑related costs associated with these missions shall be included in the contract price. The specific details of this arrangement will be confirmed during contract negotiations and mutually agreed by both parties.

8.0       Selection Method

The consulting firm will be selected using the Consultant Qualifications Selection (CQS) method, in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.

The firms will be assessed based on their overall qualifications and experience relevant to the assignment, with particular consideration given to the following:

1. Relevant experience with survey collection methodologies
    Demonstrated experience in household survey operations, including fieldwork management, supervision of enumerators, and survey implementation.

 

1. Consulting, analytical, and advisory skills
    Proven ability to undertake technical assessments, analyse institutional and operational readiness, and provide practical, implementable recommendations.

 

1. Cross‑cultural and regional experience
   Experience working in multi‑country or cross‑cultural contexts, with strong preference for experience in Pacific Island countries or other small island developing states.

9.0       Evaluation Approach

In accordance with the Consultant Qualifications Selection (CQS) method, firms will be evaluated qualitatively based on their overall qualifications and experience relevant to the assignment.

Following the evaluation of Expressions of Interest, the firm with the most appropriate overall qualifications will be invited to submit a combined technical and financial proposal for further consideration.
 

The attention of interested consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.13, 3.15, and 3.16 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Seventh Edition, September 2025) (“the Regulations”), which set out the World Bank’s policy on Conflict of Interest applicable to consulting services. 

As part of the selection process and prior to contract award, consultants are required to declare the existence or absence of any conflict of interest by completing the Conflict of Interest Declaration Form available at the following link: Conflict of Interest Declaration. 

TEMPLATE FOR CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

 

 

Name of Expert:	{Insert full name}
Date of Birth:	{day/month/year}
Country of Citizenship/Residence

 

Education: {List college/university or other specialized education, giving names of educational institutions, dates attended, degree(s)/diploma(s) obtained}

________________________________________________________________________

 

Employment record relevant to the assignment: {Starting with present position, list in reverse order. Please provide dates, name of employing organization, titles of positions held, types of activities performed and location of the assignment, and contact information of previous clients and employing organization(s) who can be contacted for references. Past employment that is not relevant to the assignment does not need to be included.}

 

Period	Employing organization and your title/position. Contact information for references	Country	Summary of activities performed relevant to the Assignment
[e.g., May 2015-present]	[e.g., Ministry of ……, advisor/consultant to…   For references: Tel…………/e-mail……; Mr. Hbbbbb, deputy minister]

 

Membership in Professional Associations and Publications: ______________________________________________________________________

 

Language Skills (indicate only languages in which you can work): ______________

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Adequacy for the Assignment:

 

Reference to Prior Work/Assignments that Best Illustrates Capability to Handle the Assigned Tasks

              

 

 Expert’s contact information: (e-mail …………………., phone……………)

 

Certification:

I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes myself, my qualifications, and my experience, and I am available, as and when necessary, to undertake the assignment in case of an award. I understand that any misstatement or misrepresentation described herein may lead to my disqualification or dismissal by the SPC-SDD, and/or sanctions by the Bank.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                      {day/month/year}

Name of Expert                                                                             Signature                                                                       Date