azerbaijan the twinning fiche basic information … · process model (gsbpm). on this basis, ssc...

1

AZERBAIJAN

THE TWINNING FICHE

1. Basic information

1.1. Programme: ENPI-Annual Action Programme 2010 for the Republic of Azerbaijan

1.2. Twinning number: AZ/13/ENP/ST/23

1.3. Title: Support to the State Statistical Committee in Modernisation of the National Statistics System of the Republic of Azerbaijan in line with European standards

1.4. Sector: Statistics

1.5. Beneficiary country: Republic of Azerbaijan

2. Objectives

2.1 Overall Objective: Support the State Statistical Committee (SSC) in its efforts to approximate to modern statistical methods and systems in line with European standards, including the improvement of dissemination of statistical data through statistical quality management system and GIS and the expansion of the coverage of disability statistics.

2.2 Project purpose: To improve, in line with European standards, the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical production and dissemination, statistical quality management system and the quality of statistical data and metadata and to expand the coverage of the surveys on social and living conditions and of statistics on the disabled and invalids.

2.3 Contribution to National Development Plan/Cooperation agreement/Association agreement/Action plan

According to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union (EU), its Member States and Azerbaijan (PCA), entered into force in June 1999, cooperation in the area of statistics shall have as its aim the development of an efficient statistical system to provide the reliable statistics needed to support and monitor the process of economic reform and to contribute to the development of private enterprise in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The various Parties shall cooperate in (1) the adaptation of the Azerbaijani statistical system to international methods, standards and classification; (2) the exchange of statistical information; and (3) the provision of the necessary statistical macro- and microeconomic information required for implementing and managing economic reforms.

As a response to the new geopolitical situation following EU enlargement in May 2004, the EU adopted the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) as a new framework for relations with its neighbours. The objective of the ENP is to share the EU stability, prosperity and security with neighbouring countries, including Azerbaijan, in a way that is distinct from EU membership. The ENP is designed to prevent the emergence of new dividing lines in Europe by offering neighbouring countries closer political, security, economic and cultural ties, with the overall goal of fostering the political and economic reform processes, promoting closer economic

2

integration, facilitating legal and technical approximation and contributing to sustainable development. The central element of the ENP is the bilateral ENP Action Plan (ENP AP) between the EU and each ENP partner, which sets out policy targets and benchmarks for the beneficiary country.

The EU-Azerbaijan ENP Action Plan of 14 November 2006 defines a considerable number of priority areas for trade and market-related regulatory reforms, in particular trade facilitation including customs legislation and procedures, technical regulations, standards and conformity assessments, sanitary and photo-sanitary (SPS) issues, consumer protection, right of establishment and company law, financial services and markets, taxation, competition policy, enterprise and SME policy, intellectual and industrial property rights, public procurement and statistics.

With regard to Statistics, the ENP AP identifies it as one of the key areas for the adoption of statistical methods that are fully compatible with European standards and for the modernisation of the National Statistical System of Azerbaijan. ENP AP sets out the following priorities to be pursued:

• Improve legislation in accordance with the recommendations of the Eurostat; • Elaborate a short- and medium term development strategy for harmonisation with European

standards in the relevant statistical areas; • Take steps to restructure the statistical services to ensure an optimal balance between

available resources and data quality needs; • Improve the conformity of national classification systems and statistical methodology with

EU standards; • Accelerate work to fully apply ESA 95 (European System of Accounts); • Modernise information and communication technologies in the national statistical system; • Improve the quality and coverage of the business register.

The Country Strategy Paper for 2007-2013 (CSP) include support for Azerbaijan’s reform agenda on the basis of the policy objectives defined in the PCA and the EU-Azerbaijan ENP Action Plan. This support is provided by EU under the new European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). EU will provide assistance for regulatory reforms in the form of approximation of legislation and alignment of procedures in a broad range of areas including statistics. It is expected that this assistance will enhance administrative capacity and ensure national ownership and effective enforcement of approximated rules and regulations.

The ENPI also includes cooperation tools, such as Twinning, TAIEX and SIGMA, which play an essential role in the achievement of the Action Plan priorities. In particular, the Twinning instrument, which provides for direct co-operation between EU and Azerbaijani public bodies to support institution building activities, has proved to be particularly efficient in policy areas where the expertise required by the beneficiary country exists mainly in the public sector.

3. Description of the project

3.1 Background and justification

According to Article 3 of the Law "On Official Statistics", the system of official statistics is defined as a single, centralized countrywide system in Azerbaijan. The organisation of the system is the role of the SSC and the local statistical bodies subordinated to SSC.

3

SSC carries out its activity on the basis of a comprehensive and objective study of socioeconomic processes occurring in the country, provides information on the socioeconomic state of the country and is responsible for the implementation of the policy that aims at increasing the role of statistical information through respecting the rights of individuals and legal enterprises and protecting their privacy.

The SSC of Azerbaijan aims to provide statistics in line with best EU and international practices. As the volume of data collected has expanded, it has been necessary to ensure that quality did not suffer as a consequence. Therefore, increasing attention has been paid to quality issues. On 26 December 2007, the "State Programme on Improvement of the Official Statistics of the Republic of Azerbaijan during 2008-2012” was approved by a Presidential Resolution. The aim of the Programme’s activities is to improve the data on the socio-economic development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to bring the national indicators to international standards, and to develop new statistical data which describe the integration of the country’s economy into the world economy. The Programme’s activities have been completed by the end 2012. A new State Programme on Improvement of the Official Statistics in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2013-2017 was approved by the Presidential Decree on 21 December 2012. The programme aims to improve the statistical data in the country and to accelerate approximation of the national statistical system to international standards, with special focus on the national accounts, macroeconomic indicators, socio-economic statistics and the development of an integrated information system of national statistics, including "e-statistics", statistical metadata systems and quality management systems.

Increasing the quality of official statistical data is one of the main objectives of the above-mentioned State Programme. There is agreement on a number of activities to be carried out by the state authorities for the integration and the harmonization of statistical data sources and for the organization of a uniform system of data collection that would provide timely statistical data of increasing quality. Realizing the increasing importance of the quality of statistical data, the Board of the SSC of Azerbaijan, at a meeting (24.02.2010), decided to strengthen efforts to create a Statistical Quality Management System (SQMS) according to the ISO 9001-2008 standard. For the implementation of this task, the following preparations were made:

• A Coordination Council to deal with the SQMS was created; • A management representative was mandated for quality issues; • A Policy and Goals of the Committee for quality were defined and approved. • A Management Unit for the Quality Sector was created.

As result of some initiatives supported by the EU (Adapted Global Assessment of the National Statistical System of Azerbaijan 20105, Twinning project 2009-2012, TAIEX, and bilateral cooperation), it was decided that future efforts are to be concentrated on improving the quality of statistical data.

As was underlined in the Report under the aforementioned Adapted Global Assessment, there is no comprehensive operational SQMS in the SSC of Azerbaijan. Therefore, there is a need for a systematic approach towards improving the quality of statistics in line with international standards and EU best practices. This includes: improving methodologies; studying and applying best EU practices for describing the statistical production process; improving the dissemination of statistical data; providing better access for users; and conducting training on internal audits according to international standards. The relevant EU standards are the ESS

4

Handbook for Quality Reports (EHQR) and the related European Statistical System (ESS) Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS). A comprehensive SQMS will serve as an investment for the further strengthening of the position and credibility of SSC in the country.

An important aspect of improving the quality of statistical data is the development of metadata, which shall include all the necessary methodological information about statistical data. With the support of TAIEX in 2011, the management of the SSC of Azerbaijan was introduced to metadata system provisions. The TAIEX workshop explored various issues about metadata. However there is as yet no functioning and coherent metadata system in the SSC of Azerbaijan. The TAIEX workshop also covered a general introduction to the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). On this basis, SSC tested the GSBPM in one domain.

In order to ensure sustainability and increase the efficiency of statistical production and user orientation, efforts are being focused on the development of statistical metadata in terms of both metadata on quality and improved quality of metadata. This is one of the strategic directions for improving the planning and co-ordination of the statistical working of the SSC of Azerbaijan. At present, the SSC does not possess such a fully integrated metadata system. A number of important activities relating to SQMS are included in the State Programme, in particular: - Analysis of statistical processes based on standard SQMS models in all areas of statistics; - Creation of a metadata system for statistical reports, forms and indicators; - Ensuring future integration of the metadata system into a broader information database; - Obtaining conformity certificates for the quality of statistical data and processes in official

statistics.

There is also a clear need for elaborating a proactive and transparent dissemination policy oriented to all groups of users and covering the main principles, rules and also the tools for data dissemination (e.g. a public database on the website, including improved metadata and user-oriented services, and clear rules for transparent access before release).

The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a modern tool to visualize and to give access to structured spatial statistical data. It is the best tool for the dissemination of regional statistical data and facilitates evidence-based central and local level management. GIS is established in most EU Member States and is broadly used for regional data dissemination by EUROSTAT. In the SSC, GIS is not yet applied, but the SSC intends to mainly use it for dissemination of regional and other spatial data to users and other stakeholders. Because development of GIS based applications can be very resource-consuming, the focus in the Twinning exercise will be limited to the dissemination aspects. It is expected to provide statistical data of great importance, such as the geographical distribution of the social conditions of the population, particularly the social inclusion/exclusion of vulnerable groups.

Statistics on income, social inclusion and living conditions generally cover objective and subjective aspects of these themes in both monetary and non-monetary terms for both households and individuals. At present, only the Household' Budget Survey of 4,250 households provides data on some modules of the European Union statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). These modules are not sufficient to cover the increased needs for data about the living conditions of the population, including the social exclusion of marginalized groups. Hitherto, the EU-SILC has not been carried out in Azerbaijan. There is a

5

need for studying the methodology of this survey and for conducting a pilot in order to introduce it in Azerbaijan.

Only basic statistical data on persons receiving primary disability pension and social allowances due to disability is available. There is a need to study the best methodological practices in the EU member states and, where appropriate, to apply these in Azerbaijan to obtain more comprehensive and policy-relevant data on the disabled and invalid.

Article 31 (Statistics and data collection) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and its Optional Protocol (OP), ratified in 2009 in Azerbaijan, regulates the process of collection and dissemination of data by the Department of Social Protection Policy of People with Disability (DSPPPD) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population (MLSPP). According to this Article: "1. States Parties1 undertake to collect appropriate information, including statistical and research data, to enable them to formulate and implement policies to give effect to the present Convention. The process of collecting and maintaining this information shall: (a) Comply with legally established safeguards, including legislation on data protection, to ensure confidentiality and respect for the privacy of persons with disabilities; (b) Comply with internationally accepted norms to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and ethical principles in the collection and use of statistics. 2. The information collected in accordance with this article shall be disaggregated, as appropriate, and used to help assess the implementation of States Parties’ obligations under the present Convention and to identify and address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights. 3. States Parties shall assume responsibility for the dissemination of these statistics and ensure their accessibility to persons with disabilities and others."

In January 2011, information was collected about the health, education, employment and social status of disabled persons, including children with impaired health who had registered with the relevant structures of the MLSPP. The confidentiality of this information is guaranteed.

Currently, information is collected on about nearly 50 thousand registered persons with disabilities.

The scope and coverage of the surveys on income and living conditions should be expanded to EU-SILC level and to include people with disabilities. This will benefit many institutions in Azerbaijan, such as the MLSPP, the State Social Protection Fund and many international and non-governmental organizations.

3.2 Linked activities

The SSC has benefited from the following donor support actions:

• European Commission Regional Programmes (GE/AR/AZ) Statistics-6, Statistics-8 and Statistics-10 in the areas of national accounts, labour statistics, price statistics, business statistics including the business register, classifications, demography, health and social statistics, data base technology and user-friendly statistical data dissemination,.

1 State party: A ‘State party’ to a treaty is a country that has ratified or acceded to that particular treaty, and is therefore legally bound by the provisions in the instrument.

6

• The Labour Force Survey was implemented with technical assistance from ILO in 2006.

• Swedish aid agency (SIDA) sponsored a cooperation project with Statistics Sweden (SCB) in the fields of information technology, energy statistics, demographic statistics and time- use statistics, which were implemented in stages up to the end of 2009.

• The World Bank supported surveys about living conditions, household budget and the labour force.

• A two-year EU-funded Twinning Project, "Support to the State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SSC) to reach European standards in national accounts, non-observed economy, business statistics and producer price index", was aimed at supporting the upgrade of official statistics in Azerbaijan by introducing new methodologies for compilation that were closely aligned to European standards. This project was successfully completed in February 2012. The four main components of this project were: Component 1 - National accounts methodology reaching a higher level of compatibility with ESA 95; Component 2 – Estimates of the contribution of the non-observed economy in national accounts reaching a higher level of accuracy and reliability; Component 3 - Data capture for the business sector expanded and incorporating best practices of EU Member States; Component 4 - Producer Price Index extended to gather data about input costs (intermediate consumption) for different branches of the economy.

The above mentioned project was selected as one of the success stories for 2011 Activity report on Twinning, TAIEX and Sigma in the ENP region.

• TAIEX instrument: the SSC is one of the active users of EU TAIEX instrument. The following TAIEX activities were implemented in 2011-12:

o Workshop on "Development of the Statistical Metadata System in accordance with the EU requirements and development directions".

o Expert mission on Statistical Metadata systems.

o Three expert missions on GIS in Statistics. The last expert mission took place in April 2012. These events were chosen as a possible model of good practice to be included in the TAIEX Activity Report 2011.

o Workshop on the implementation of a Quality Management System.

o First expert mission on EU-SILC survey.

o Expert mission on Harmonized European Time Use.

Survey carried out in March 2012.

In parallel with the present foreseen Twinning for the SSC, the EU Delegation will launch a complementary Twinning project for the MLSPP under ENP AP 2010. This project's title is "Development of the Medical-Social Rehabilitation System for Persons with Disabilities based

7

on best European Practices". Two expected results of this project are related to the improvement of the reporting and monitoring of medical-social rehabilitation systems and the strengthening of the information systems for registering disabled peoples. It is expected that both Twinning projects will interact during implementation. Therefore, the active participation of both public administrations in the respective project Steering Committees will be arranged. To the extent possible, the starting and end dates of both projects shall be similar. The SSC, specifically the Department of Statistics of Food Security and Balances, has been involved in the EC/FAO Programme on Information Systems to Improve Food Security Decision-Making. An interface on the SSC website was created through this programme, and will contribute to the increased use of the data from the Household Budget Survey. Another Programme the SSC is involved in is the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NCAP) 2012-15. The SSC has proposed an Action Plan how to prevent corruption in statistics.

3.3 Results and measurable indicators

Components:

Component1: Implementation of a Statistical Quality Management System (SQMS)

Component 2: Strengthening of the national Metadata System

Component 3: Development of the GIS as dissemination tool

Component 4: Implementation of a cross-sectional SILC pilot following appropriate EU-SILC regulations

Component 5: Modernization of the disability and invalidity statistics

Component 1: Implementation of a Statistical Quality Management System (SQMS) The basic concept of quality is not the perfection of statistical results but statistics fit for purpose. Perfection is unattainable if only because of the trade-off that is necessary between competing quality criteria such as accuracy and timeliness. The technical elements of quality generally follow principles listed in the European Statistical Code of Practice such as Relevance, Accuracy (including the concept of Reliability), Timeliness, Punctuality, Comparability, Coherence, Accessibility and Clarity. This Component is not only about these technical aspects of statistical processes and products but also about management, policy and organisational framework. It emphasises the collaborative nature of Quality Management. Achieving Quality Standards requires everyone, from management to junior staff, to work together. Both technical and non-technical dimensions, such as organisation, motivation, culture, will form integral parts of an SQMS. Accordingly, as outlined in section 1.2 above, the SSC has already established a Policy, a Plan and an organisational framework for the development and implementation of quality standards. Errors at every stage of the statistical production process will need to be identified and either averted or controlled. Thus, training of the staff of the SSC on quality management and the creation of a culture of vigilance must be undertaken. The quality of the statistical product will depend on the quality of the production process. The European Statistical System (ESS) Handbook on Quality Reports (EHQR) and the ESS Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS) Guidelines (based on the EHQR) need to

8

be customised for regular use by the SSC of Azerbaijan. An important element in quality assurance is metadata, both the quality of metadata and metadata on quality.

Component 2: Strengthening of the national Metadata System The most urgent need is to set up in the SSC a comprehensive national system for the structuring, recording, storage, analysis, harmonisation and management of metadata. This will cover, in Eurostat’s terminology, reference metadata, which refers mainly to concepts, definitions, classifications and statistical methodologies, and structural metadata, which refers essentially to the technical dimensions and content of databases (code lists). The SSC of Azerbaijan has already tested the recording of metadata systematically within the framework of the GSBPM (Generic Statistical Business Process Model). GSBPM was developed under the aegis of the UNECE-Eurostat-OECD Steering Group on Statistical Metadata (METIS) to serve a variety of purposes. As it is mentioned above GSBPM by itself is not a metadata system. The SSC must establish a suitable metadata system and the personnel of SSC must be trained in metadata standards. There must be hands-on training in Eurostat standards such as Euro-SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMS) concept and the European Statistical System (ESS) Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS). Customised Handbooks and Guidelines for the SSC will be developed.

Component 3: Development of GIS application as a dissemination tool Users’ needs have not yet been identified. When that step is taken, the functionalities and architecture, including analytic scope, of GIS would need to be defined. The aim is to develop GIS based application for the analysis and dissemination of spatial statistics. Given that GIS technologies can consume substantial resources, the focus in the Twinning Project will be on the dissemination aspect, meaning the creation of a user-friendly interface including visualisation. The SSC had expressed strong interest in the methodology of Eurostat’s GEOSTAT (Geographical Statistics) not only for the population census but also for poverty mapping and for other censuses such as the agricultural and economic censuses. Initially, the use of the GIS application will be restricted to data on administrative regions and the 66 rayon. The goal in the current context is 100% coverage of the country. Cooperation between the SSC and the State Committee of Land and Cartography (SCLC) will be strengthened. With this Component, as with others, there will be a need for Glossaries, Guidelines and Handbooks as well as for training and organisation of a conference with participation of users of spatial statistics.

Component 4: Implementation of a cross-sectional SILC pilot following appropriate EU-SILC regulations The main focus of this Component is preparations for undertaking a cross-sectional pilot survey, using Eurostat’s DESAP (Development of a Self-Assessment Programme) for evaluating the pilot, and, on the basis of this, design the full SILC survey. The pilot will be conducted during the twinning but is not part of the twinning project. In order for valid conclusions to be drawn from the pilot, the various technical steps, (sample design, questionnaire development, field-staff training, data collection procedures, data entry, etc) will need thorough planning and execution. A major step has already been accomplished, which was to include the complex SILC questions on income in the Household Budget Survey. The benefits to the SSC of this Component will extend beyond the survey itself. There will be greater understanding of survey methodology and of preparing Quality Reports according to Eurostat’s standards. Analysis of the data will increase knowledge of multidimensional poverty, material deprivation and social

9

exclusion, and, when the longitudinal dimension is eventually added, the dynamics of these phenomena in Azerbaijan.

Component 5: Modernization of the disability and invalidity statistics The disability and invalidity statistics in Azerbaijan need to be modernised. A study of EU best practice will map a wider variety of administrative and survey data sources, in isolation and in conjunction, to the sources currently in use in the SSC for the compilation of statistics on disabled and invalids in Azerbaijan. Given that disability statistics are included within the wider context of social protection statistics, a study of the merits and drawbacks of Eurostat’s ESSPROS (Eurostat’s European System of Social Protection Statistics) will be undertaken. This subject is also central to the priorities of the MLSPP, thus emphasising the need for SSC to collaborate closely with the Ministry through joint training sessions and in study visits. Above all, the conception of Disability through the “medical model” should be updated to the “social model” and this will be investigated through practical studies of the current European Health and Social Integration Survey (EHSIS).

Mandatory results The requirement of ENP is that the SSC approximates to EU standards in the field of statistics. In some cases SSC may adopt other international standards, where appropriate, such as the GSBPM.

1. The organisation and management of the quality of the statistical production and dissemination processes across the SSC are improved in line with EU quality standards.

The concept, indicators and elements of Quality will be understood and, as far as possible, operationalized in line with the EHQR, the ESQRS (specifically the spread sheet-based mathematical indicators of the 7 Eurostat quality criteria) and with the Eurostat’s Euro-SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMS). The policy, planning and organization and management of statistical quality will be significantly improved. Staff skills for error detection and correction will be substantially improved.

Output indicators are: a) A SQMS Plan revised and completed.

b) Quarterly monitoring reports produced on the implementation of the Plan.

c) A total reduction in statistical errors spread across the statistical business process.

d) Guidelines and Manuals for SQMS produced.

e) The training programme; eight trainers trained in error detection and correction.

f) Diagnostic tables and indicators produced on questionnaire replication.

g) Apply European Standards for the quality reporting on a pilot survey in one statistical domain, and use the experiences from this exercise in other statistical domains.

2. The national metadata system is strengthened and aligned more closely with

international and EU standards.

10

The national reference and structural metadata system will be considerably improved based on the development of a suitable model. The recording, storage, harmonisation and management of metadata across the entire statistical business process will be strengthened and applied in as many domains as possible, (such as labour market statistics, energy statistics, etc.) and ideally cover both administrative and survey data sources.

Output indicators are: a) A national metadata system established in one statistical domain.

b) Guidelines and Manuals on metadata developed and customised to the needs and circumstances of SSC, Azerbaijan.

c) A national metadata strategy developed.

d) A suitable metadata system applied for one full statistical business process of one thematic area.

e) Training programme; five trainers capable of providing training on ESS Metadata Handler and of Eurostat’s Euro-SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMS).

3. The GIS application is used as a dissemination tool of spatial statistical data in line

with EU practices. Stakeholders’ needs will be identified and used to define the functionalities and architecture of GIS as a tool for the analysis and dissemination of spatial statistics in Azerbaijan. In particular, users’ access to spatial statistical data will be significantly improved. Information might be collected on the number of users’ “hits” (that is the number of reference and retrieval of spatial statistics) at the end of the implementation period compared with baseline “hits”. Similarly, any information received on customers’ satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) should be used for further development.

Output indicators are: a) Report, with recommendations, on users’ needs completed.

b) Report on the definition of the functionalities and architecture of GIS in spatial statistics produced.

c) Implementation of GIS in statistical dissemination.

d) On-line user interface on spatial statistics completed; report on user-access and feedback compiled.

e) Guidelines and Glossaries on GIS in spatial statistics for SSC developed.

f) A promotional brochure on spatial statistics using GIS produced.

4. A cross-sectional pilot of SILC is conducted and preparations for the main survey

are completed with the aid of the EU DESAP and in line with the appropriate EU regulations. A cross-sectional pilot survey of SILC according to the relevant Framework Regulations will be completed. The results will be described in a Quality Report, which will be used to plan the main survey.

11

DESAP will be used to ensure, as far as possible, that the pilot is a sound basis for evaluating the methodology and processes for planning the full-scale SILC. DESAP is of the greatest assistance when it is used before a full survey is undertaken. Questions on disability will be included in the pilot questionnaire. The spinoff benefits will contribute greatly to strengthen the SSC survey infrastructure and to increased knowledge of various aspects of poverty in Azerbaijan.

Output indicators are: a. Time table for pilot SILC survey completed.

b. All preparations for the SILC pilot completed according to EU SILC framework regulations.

c. A survey database including good data from the pilot in place.

d. At least 8 SSC officials trained in sampling theory and related software.

e. Guidelines for implementing relevant EU-SILC regulations developed.

f. The pilot evaluated according to the EU DESAP checklist.

g. A prototype quality report of the pilot, including the quality of the results, finalised

h. A plan for the main SILC survey developed.

i. A number of multidimensional social and distributional indicators on poverty, material deprivation and social exclusion developed.

5. Modernisation of disability and invalidity statistics The statistics on disabled persons and invalids compiled by the SSC will be more firmly based on a wider variety of data sources. Their analytic potential will be considerably increased by being set in the wider framework of ESSPROS. Introduction to the current EHSIS will be a big step forward in the transition from the obsolete “medical model” to the “social model” and may even lead to active participation in future rounds of this survey.

Output indicators are: a. The number of additional data sources that are used for the compilation of disability

and invalidity statistics in Azerbaijan is increased

b. The training programme; 3 trainers trained in ESSPROS

3.4 Activities

Component 0: Kick-off meeting, Closure meeting, Steering Committee meetings

1. Kick-off event 2. Organise quarterly meetings of the Steering Committee 3. Organise at least once a year a thematic visibility event 4. Organize and conduct end-of-project wrap-up meeting

Component 1: Implementation of a Statistical Quality Management System (SQMS)

12

Activity 1-1 Knowledge transfer and skills enhancement

• Organise one study visit to EU Member States on Statistical Quality Management

• Prepare and deliver training to relevant SSC staff and other producers of official statistics on detection and minimisation of errors at each stage of the statistical production process. The training will be based on the Guidelines and Manuals developed (Activity 1-2).

Activity 1-2. Improve SQMS planning and execution

• Streamline the annually rolling SQMS Plan This is done primarily in terms of targets, schedules and activities to serve as an effective monitoring tool and hence strengthen the oversight system for ensuring the implementation of that Plan on a consistent basis across the entire statistical production process and between departments of the SSC.

• Develop customised Guidelines and Manuals for the consistent application of statistical quality management across the whole statistical production process and between departments of the SSC.

This activity should be based on the ESS Handbook on Quality Reports (EHQR) and on the European Statistical System (ESS) Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS), (which is based on the EHQR). The Activity should include the preparation of a related Glossary of terms on Statistical Quality Management and associated metadata

Activity 1-3: Introduce EU and international standards

• Adapt the GSBPM to the SSC quality management needs, covering the statistical business process and statistical products

• Apply the European Quality Standards to the full statistical production process of one thematic area; and apply the lessons of this exercise in adapting the standards to the specific needs and circumstances of Azerbaijan.

Explanatory Note on Activity 1-1:

Statistical Quality Management is a large, multidisciplinary, complex and varied process. There are many varied disciplines to be seen in member states. The process involves the design and execution of quality assurance standards, themselves not always easy to operationalize. The quality of metadata and metadata on quality are central to quality management. Producing quality reports according to Eurostat guidelines is a very technical and demanding exercise. Inculcating a culture of vigilance in personnel about error detection and error minimisation is easier said than done, and yet it is done. There is a severe limit to learning about these quality issues through visiting experts and lectures in Azerbaijan. Direct observation and an iterative process of questioning of senior managers in action is the optimal way of achieving the mandatory results. The issues concerned can only be covered by study visits. After these activities are completed, a substantial report should be produced, from which a methodology and an action plan should be developed.


13


• Organise one study visit on metadata systems to two national statistical institutes. The NSIs should be leading in metadata systems, and they should have chosen different approaches.

• Train SSC personnel in how to develop metadata in general using available metadata frameworks and references such as the ESQM, national Member States models and the ESMS and for a specific domain and, more generally, in the structure, the content and the use of metadata in the statistical business process, along the process phases of the GSBPM. The primary training should be on how to develop metadata in general and within a specific field, why metadata is important and how to update, as well as training in the relevant classifications and standards.

• Prepare and deliver hands-on training in the application of the functionalities of ESS Metadata Handler and of Eurostat’s Euro-SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMS), and related Guidelines to relevant staff.

Activity 2-2 Develop a strategy for a national metadata system

• Under TAIEX, there has been an expert mission, - a two-day workshop - to the SSC on metadata in 2011-12. The twinning must build on these beginnings rather than seek to re-invent the wheel, though there should also be flexibility to change course if circumstances warrant. Therefore, the expert to the SSC should start by involving himself in a short stock-taking exercise embracing the outcome of the TAIEX studies, and the existing (rudimentary) national metadata system, that is, very broadly, assessing the structure, the content, the quality and the management of any systematic recording and harmonisation of classifications, concepts, definitions and methodologies. Operationally, this would be a step-by-step process by domain. As many domains as possible should be completed during the twinning, including regional statistics. After this stocktaking, a programme of the actions that need to be taken to improve the status quo should be built, and then the actions themselves taken. As already mentioned, GSBPM as a process model with a number of pre-defined processes and sub-processes can be used to contribute to the development of a national metadata system. The twinning will not establish a fully-fledged metadata system in the SSC but should get as close as possible to one.

• Develop the metadata for one full statistical business process of one thematic area (based on the processes and sub-processes of the GSBPM) and use the lessons from this exercise to adapt the model to the specific needs and circumstances of Azerbaijan. Special attention should be given to metadata in the dissemination module of GSBPM.

• Apply ESMS to the extent possible to the metadata development along the statistical business processes, with particular reference to Dissemination, (module 7 of the GSBPM), making sure the dissemination process is in line with the GSBPM principle.

• Develop customised Guidelines and Manuals for consistent metadata application in the SSC. The Guidelines will concentrate on generalities but, inevitably, supported by illustrations drawn from specific domains.

14

Component 3: Development of a GIS based application as a dissemination tool


• Study visit to an ESS country to receive hands-on knowledge of the use, including Eurostat’s NUTS nomenclature, and practical limitations of GIS in the production of spatial statistics.

• Train staff of the SSC, the SCLC and other relevant agencies in GIS concepts, functionalities and analytic use of spatial statistics.

Activity 3-2 Organise user-needs assessment of spatial statistics.

• Identify shareholders' needs.

Activity 3-3 Develop a GIS based application for dissemination of spatial statistics

• Define the functionalities and architecture of the GIS in spatial statistics based on user-needs.

• Introduce a user-friendly interface, including a metadata wizard, for spatial statistics online, with adequate safeguards for confidentiality.

• Produce Guidelines and Glossaries for statisticians producing spatial statistics using GIS, in order to streamline production.

• Produce a spatial statistics brochure to promote dissemination and use, particularly to the academic and commercial users.

• Organise a conference with participation of spatial statistics users Component 4: Implementation of a cross-sectional SILC pilot following appropriate EU-

SILC regulations

Activity 4-1 Knowledge transfer and skills enhancement • Organise a visit from an experienced EU institution to the SSC of Azerbaijan for

training in the application of the cross-sectional methodology contained in the EU-SILC Framework Regulations.

• Study visit to an experienced EU institution for training in the application of the SILC cross-sectional methodology and the use of its data for poverty analysis

Activity 4-2 Preparing the pilot survey

• Develop a timetable for the pilot survey. The pilot will, for example, be conducted in the first quarter of the first year of the twinning, and the main survey could then start in the fourth quarter.

• Develop Guidelines for implementing relevant EU-SILC regulations.

15

• Convert the SILC variables into a pre-coded questionnaire, with supporting Guidelines, taking into account the specific needs and circumstances in Azerbaijan.

• Apply the EU DESAP checklist to inspect the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the arrangements for the pilot.

DESAP provides a detailed checklist for survey operations. Before starting the fieldwork, the expert, preferably with skills and experience in survey methodology, should use DESAP to ensure that no vital step in the survey process is omitted or poorly planned, risking poor execution.

Activity 4-3 Conducting the pilot

• Involve an expert during the pilot to ensure efficient data collection, data entry and editing and the creation of a micro database that meets Eurostat’s requirements. Software with their own user manuals already exist for these data input and data preparation activities. The expert, preferably with IT expertise, will conduct inspections to see that the software is correctly interpreted and correctly applied for the complex SILC. The IT expert needs to work closely with statisticians to ensure the best results. The database should be structured in a way that makes it easy to extract information that might be requested by EU.

Activity 4-4 Analysing the pilot data

• Involve experts for assessing the quality of the results of the pilot, particularly the income components and associated issues of stochastic imputation.

One important method of checking the credibility of sample survey data is through analysis by subject-matter experts.

• Involve an expert in the production of a prototype quality report, as required by the SILC Regulations. This quality report will be used in the planning of the main survey.

• Involve an expert in the planning of the main survey, particularly in relation to adjustments to the questionnaire, the sample size and the possible planning of the longitudinal component.



• Prepare and deliver training on the ESSPROS methodology

• Study visit to an EU Member State to learn about Eurostat’s current household survey, called the European Health and Social Integration Survey (EHSIS), the development of the corresponding questionnaire, other methodological issues and the underlying “social model” with special focus on disability and invalidity statistics.

Activity 5-2: Methodological development

16

• Conduct an expert study on the use of administrative data sources in ESS countries, and how these countries supplement administrative data with surveys and other data sources to provide key statistics on disability and invalidity

Activities associated with each Component and its associated results are also defined in outline within the Logical Framework Matrix in ANNEX I. It should be noted that the various activities, benchmarks, schedules and means of verification may be subject to revision during the preparation of the contract between the Twinning Institutions.

3.5 Means/input from the member state partner administration. The required MS experts must either be civil/public servants of the relevant MS administration or be permanent staff of authorized mandated bodies. All experts must comply with the requirements set in Twinning Manual. 3.5.1 Profile and task of the Project Leader (PL) Profile The MS PL should be a senior civil servant/high level staff member of a MS institution working in the field relevant to this project.

Qualification and skills

• A university degree in statistics, economics or another relevant discipline;

• Good working knowledge of English. Command of Russian would be an asset;

• Good inter-personal and leadership skills.

General professional experience

• At least 7 years of professional experience at a senior management level in his/her MS public service in the field of statistics;

• Experience in project management, demonstrating a good record in organizational relationships, staff motivation and communication;

• A PhD or MSc in the general field of Statistics is desirable.

Specific professional experience

• Specific experience in the management of statistical production, policy-related analysis and dissemination would be an asset;

• Substantial experience in one of the following areas: statistical quality management, metadata, designing and executing household surveys, Geographic Information Systems, disability statistics;

• Knowledge of the EU legislation applicable to the sector of Statistics; Role and tasks:

17

• The PL will act as the counterpart of the Beneficiary Country (BC) Project Leader ensuring close cooperation with the BC and the overall steering and coordination of the project.

• The MS Project Leader would continue to work in his/her MS administration but is expected to devote a minimum of three working days per month in Azerbaijan, devoting this time to conceiving, supervising and coordinating the overall direction of the project. He/she should coordinate, from the MS side, the Project Steering Committee (PSC), which will meet every three months at the SSC of Azerbaijan.

• Preparation of project reports with the support of RTA;

• Overall project coordination;

• Mobilizing short-term experts;

• Executing administrative tasks. 3.5.2 Profile and tasks of the Resident Twinning Advisor (RTA)

Profile:

Qualification and skills

• A University degree in statistics, economics or another relevant discipline;

• Sufficient written, oral and inter-personal communication skills in English. Russian would be an advantage;

• Experience in developing, co-coordinating and conducting training programmes;

• A minimum of five years’ experience in one of the following areas: statistical quality management, metadata, designing and executing household surveys, Geographic Information Systems, disability statistics.

General Experience

• Experience in managing a large team of experts;

• Experience in working in a different cultural environment will be an advantage;

• Senior experience in carrying out strategic and organizational analyses;

• Good knowledge of the institutional environment relating to the implementation and enforcement of relevant EU legislation;

• Extensive network of functional contacts with related EU and Member State institutions is an asset.

Professional experience (high ranking official):

• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior position the field of official statistics;

Additional advantages are:

• Expert knowledge in at least one specific area in the following: statistical quality management, metadata, Geographic Information Systems, the design and execution of household surveys, disability statistics;

18

• Experience in Phare / ENP-East countries or with similar projects would be an advantage;

• Well-developed analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills. Tasks:

• The RTA will be responsible for the day-to-day management and for the smooth and proficient implementation of the project. He/she will coordinate the implementation of activities in compliance with the project work plan and will liaise with the RTA counterpart in Azerbaijan to ensure that specific objectives and activities are fully achieved with the support of Short Term Experts (STE).

• The RTA will contribute actively to the activities.

• He/she will meet with the Azerbaijani PL at least once a week and hold regular meetings with other counterparts as regularly as possible.

• The RTA will co-ordinate with the ESS PL in ensuring that each input is fulfilled by providing each STE with a clear and detailed Terms of Reference.

• The RTA will be stationed 21 months in Azerbaijan (including leave) and will be based at the Headquarters offices of the State Statistical Committee

• More specifically, the RTA would be responsible for: - Carrying out the day-to-day implementation of the Twinning project in the

Beneficiary Country; - Providing technical advice, support and assist the Beneficiary in the context of a

predetermined work plan; - Guaranteeing smooth implementation of the different activities; - Ensuring the coherence and the continuity of the inputs and the on-going

progress; - Assessing continuously the Twinning-project at all stages and to compare actual

progress with the specified benchmarks and time-frame; - Preparing material for regular monitoring and reporting. - Managing recruitment and input of short-term experts; - Arranging study tours to ESS countries for SSC staff; - Preparing interim, quarterly and final reports to be submitted to the PL; - Maintaining close contact with the Programme Administration Office (PAO)

and the EU Delegation (EUD).

Profile and tasks of the

(a) RTA assistant The assistant will help arrange logistics for the RTA and fix local arrangements (such as hotel booking, administrative support etc.) for the short-term experts. He/she will provide assistance in handling administrative arrangements for conferences, training and seminars and will provide ad hoc interpretation and translation support when required. Assistant(s) will be hired for the full implementation period (21 months).

(b) Interpreter assistant A full-time interpreter/translator may also be recruited in Azerbaijan and funded as interpreter by the project for the full implementation period (21 months). She/he will perform most of the

19

required interpretation/translation services. Whenever required, e.g. for simultaneous interpretation during seminars and workshops, additional interpretation may be procured and funded by the project. He/She will provide day-to-day interpretation/translation to the RTA and project experts during meetings.

3.5.3 Profile and tasks of the short term experts (STEs) All EU institutional and technical experts will in principle be deployed on a short-term basis. The short-term experts should have substantial experience in the relevant subject matter. It is envisaged that all of the project’s experts should possess at least three years relevant experience.

All STEs must have the ability to work in English. Knowledge of the Azerbaijani and/or Russian languages would be considered an asset, as would prior experience in Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, and/or Central/Eastern Europe.

Terms of Reference for short-term experts will be elaborated by the Project Leader/RTA at the work plan preparation stage. The exact number of STEs per activity should be agreed upon during contract negotiations. There should be a pool of short-term experts to ensure smooth implementation of the project. STEs should be identified by the Project Leader/RTA and will be agreed with the Beneficiary administration in the course of design and delivery of the project.

The STEs shall have:

• a university degree in a relevant subject • a minimum of five years’ experience in their respective field • an excellent command of written and spoken English; an active command of

Azeri and / or Russian would be an asset • experience in Phare / ENP-East countries as well as in other projects relating to

statistics would be an advantage.

This is the general profile of the STEs. However, this profile could vary depending on which component is under consideration. The table below is a rough guide.

A strong involvement of RTA is foreseen, but his/her days are not included in the table.

Table of indicative STE days and skills by Component.

Expert needed Expertise

Statistical Quality Management Experts

Senior management experience over the statistical production process in at least one statistical domain

Metadata Experts Statistical subject matter and IT skills; implementing metadata frameworks

GIS Experts IT skills; experience in geography and cartography in addition to experience in statistical production/dissemination

Household Survey Experts Experience in design and execution of household surveys and in poverty analysis

Social Protection Experts Experience in production of disability and invalidity

20

statistics, and the use of both administrative sources and surveys, as well as knowledge of ESSPROS

In addition to their missions in Azerbaijan, the STEs are expected to contribute actively in developing programmes for the study visits proposed in the project.

NSIs wishing to make a proposal should consider suitable arrangements with institutions from other countries to ensure that they will be able to provide the volume and the variety of short-term expertise which is required for this project. 3.6.Reporting and monitoring The MS Project Leader must draw up Interim Quarterly Reports and a Final Report and (s)he will be responsible for submitting them to the relevant authority.

For templates and requirements to reporting and monitoring, see the Twinning Manual

Project Steering Committee (PSC) The PSC will be convened at least every three months. The PSC will be chaired jointly by the MS PL and the BC PL. The PSC composition will be defined in the Contract according to requirements set in the Common Twinning Manual. Representatives from the PAO of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the EU Delegation, the RTA counterpart and BC PL as well as the RTA, MS PL and BC component leaders will participate in the PSC meetings. Observers from other institutions who may be involved from time to time in cross-cutting issues e.g. Representatives from other administrations or short term experts, may also be invited if necessary. The PSC will follow the achievement of project results and timely implementation of project activities in order to identify and rectify any problems that may arise in the course of the implementation of the project.

The secretarial support of the PSC will be provided by the RTA and RTA Assistant, who will prepare the agenda of meetings, documents to be discussed as well as minutes of meetings.

The working language of the Project implementation will be English. Translation and interpretation will be provided where necessary and where permitted in the provisions of the Twinning Manual.

4. Institutional framework

The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SSC)

The SSC, established in accordance with the Law "On Official Statistics", is an independent, central economic body regulating the statistical and registration activities and operating within the system of the central executive bodies.

The SSC is composed of: the Central Statistical Office (174 employees, excluding the support staff), the Main Computing Centre (173 employees, excluding the support staff), regional statistical offices (970 employees, excluding the support staff), the Research, Design and Technology Centre of Statistical Information (26 employees) and a Training Centre.

Based on the Statute, the SSC is highly centralised at two levels: central and regional. There are 83 district (city) statistical offices (including Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic - NAR). In addition to the other district offices, the distribution of these statistics offices includes: 7

21

corresponding to the NAR, 11 in Baku city and 10 in the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh. Each office employs on average 7-12 people. The main functions of the SSC, as determined by the Statute concerning the management of the quality of statistical data and IT dissemination, are the following:

• gather substantial and reliable statistical data from all legal entities • obtain the necessary information (without payment) from natural persons

(entrepreneurs) for statistical observations on their social-demographic condition and entrepreneurship activity

• make corrections to reports in the case of distortion of data; set out compulsory tasks to be implemented by legal entities and natural persons for the reflection of these corrections in primary statistical and accounting records and in other documents; require necessary information and references from them relating to this issue

• determine the coverage, type, periodicity and subject-matter of each element of information on existing resources, and on the economic, demographic, social and ecological situation in the programme of annual statistical activities

• analyse social processes; assess the living level of the population in terms of household expenditures; conduct exercises on socio-demographic phenomena; and carry out surveys

• analyse statistical data using advanced methodologies and modem information society technologies

• provide corresponding government bodies with the required information • render data-analysis and other paid services to legal entities and natural persons • administer the necessary measures designed to prevent access to, and dissemination

and use of, confidential statistical data in violation of the law The main departments that will benefit from EU assistance are the following:

• Quality Management and IT • Data Dissemination • Population Living Standards and Household Budget Surveys • Service Statistics

Other Departments of the SSC will, to varying degrees, contribute to and benefit from the project. Opportunities for inter-departmental cooperation should be seized in the implementation of the Twinning Activities. This would include also the deeper involvement of subnational agencies where relevant, for example on GIS. Cross- Ministry representation could be considered in the selection of the personnel to attend local training sessions and to go on study visits. Annex 3 gives the structure of the SSC. The Quality Management and IT Department (QMIT) The need to establish a quality management system with the aim of improving the quality of statistical products and the efficiency of the entire statistical production process was pointed out in the Adapted Global Assessment Report carried out in June-December 2010. The SSC is committed to ensuring a high standard of quality of statistics and Quality Management. The Quality Management and IT Department was created in December 2011 for more systematic and comprehensive quality management and control. The staff number of the department is 6.

The main functions of the department are (1) to ensure quality management of the statistical data (development of general rules and standards, organization of all statistical processes within the framework of the SQMS and control of its implementation); (2) to develop standards and organize a statistical metadata system; (3) to obtain conformity certificates for the quality

22

of the statistical data and processes; and (4) to ensure the harnessing of modern IT technology and the establishment of information security.

The Department will be responsible for the creation of a Quality Management System and a Statistical Metadata System. Data Dissemination Department (DDD) The main functions of the DDD, responsible for the dissemination of the official statistical data, are the following:

• Provide users across the country with the statistical information they require while protecting confidentiality

• Prepare, publish and disseminate periodic statistical bulletins • Update user databases for dissemination and publication

The staff number of the department is 10.

The DDD will be responsible for the implementation of the GIS. In that respect, this department has already benefited from the TAIEX Programme, (see Section 1.4 on Related Projects).

Population Living Standards and Household Budget Survey Department (PLSHBSD) The main responsibility of the department is to carry out household surveys, a task that involves the development of sample designs and survey methodologies, the preparation of questionnaires, specifications for programmers including data entry and edits, the organization of the fieldwork, data analysis and dissemination. The department is also responsible for data analysis and dissemination of survey results.

The number of staff of the department is 5.

The department will be responsible for the elaboration and execution of the relevant methodology of the EU-SILC surveys.

Service Statistics Department (SSD) The department consists of 15 staff members, of which 3 are responsible for the statistics on Disabled persons and Invalids.

The main functions of the department are as follows: (1) preparation and dissemination of the final reports, statistical bulletins and other statistical publications based on information collected on disability statistics, and (2) compilation of the data in line with international concepts, definitions, classifications and methods.

The legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan on State Statistics provides procedures and measures to ensure the application of the confidentiality principle. As a producer of official statistics and as coordinator of the national statistical system of Azerbaijan, the SSC plays a pivotal role. This coordinating role is reflected in the Programme of Statistical Work as well as in the State Programme on Improvement of Official Statistics for 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. On the whole, the SSC and its regional offices have sufficient capacity and means to cover the Programme of Statistical Work and also the measures planned in the State Programme for improving Official Statistics in 2013-2017.

5. Budget

23

The total budget for this Twinning Project is €1,200,000.

6. Implementing arrangements 6.1. Implementing Agency responsible for tendering, contracting and accounting

Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Azerbaijan Landmark III 11th Floor 90A Nizami Street AZ1010 Baku Phone: (+994 12) 497 20 63 Fax (+994 12) 497 20 69 Website: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/azerbaijan

6.2. Main counterparts in the Beneficiary country

Project leader:

Mr.Alkhan Mansurov Head of Department on Coordination of Statistical Works State Statistical Committee Inshaatchilar Avenue AZ-1136 Baku Tel. (+994 12) 439 81 04, (+994 12) 439 81 04 Email: [email protected]

RTA counterpart: Mr.Farhad Aliyev Head of International Relations Sector Coordination of Statistical Works Department State Statistical Committee Inshaatchilar Avenue AZ-1136 Baku Tel. (+994 12) 539 77 64, (+994 50) 388 50 56 Email: [email protected]

The person(s) in charge for Twinning at PAO in Azerbaijan:

Mr.Sahil Babayev, Director of PAO

Head of the Department on Cooperation with International organizations Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan 6th floor, Government House, 40 Uzeyir Hajibeyov Street Baku, AZ 1000 Republic of Azerbaijan Tel.: (+994 12) 493 88 67 (ext. 2115) Fax: (+994 12) 598 07 86 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



24

The SSC will need officially to appoint component leaders and set up working groups for each component during the inception period. These working groups should meet at least once monthly in order to identify bottlenecks and set revised milestones on the trajectory towards the achievement of the mandatory results. Minutes should be produced.

6.3 Contracts Only one Twinning contract is foreseen for this project.

A new Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union entered into force on 1st January 20132. This implies several changes to the Twinning contract templates. An updated version of the Twinning Manual and of its Annexes, incorporating these changes, is in preparation and shall be published soon on EuropeAid website3. The Twinning contract that shall be signed as a result of the present procedure shall follow the templates of the updated Twinning Manual and Annexes.

7. Implementation schedule (indicative)

7.1. Launching of the call for proposals: September 2013

7.2. Start of project activities: July 2014 7.3. Project completion: April 2016

7.4. Duration of the execution period: 21 months (+ 3 months for the start-up and closure of the project)

8. Sustainability The Twinning project will have to seek sustainable solutions and approaches based on the adoption of best practices and thus prepare the grounds for Azerbaijani enhanced compliance with the selected EU Acquis and specifically best European practices in the field of statistics.

All activities are designed to be automatically implemented or supported by the related roadmaps and instructions. This allows the Beneficiary Institution to be in a position to continue implementation of associated activities even after the completion of the twinning project activities.

Sustainability issues will be further elaborated in the course of the preparation of the project contract as a joint responsibility of the MS partner and the Beneficiary Institution. Besides, in the final report, twinning partners will include specific recommendations and strategies for consolidating and safeguarding the achievement of mandatory results in the beneficiary administration.

2 Financial Regulation: Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:298:0001:0096:EN:PDF

Rules of Application: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012 of 29 October 2012 on the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:362:FULL:EN:PDF 3 http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/overview/twinning_en.htm

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:298:0001:0096:EN:PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:362:FULL:EN:PDF#page=3

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/overview/twinning_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/overview/twinning_en.htm

25

To ensure sustainability, Beneficiary Institutions should be provided with the training materials (all handovers) in both languages, English and Azerbaijani. That means that a budget for the translation of Guidelines, Handbooks, Glossaries, Methodology Manuals, etc. developed within the project should be foreseen.

9. Cross-cutting issues

9.1. Equal opportunity The proposed project will comply with EU equal opportunity policies. Equal treatment of men and women in project implementation at all levels will be one of the most important principles in the project management and implementation. The beneficiaries are already equal opportunity employers. In particular, great attention will be given to the equality principle in the training of personnel and the recruitment of STEs. Of course, appropriate professional qualifications and experience will be the main decisive factors in personnel recruitment and evaluation but, subject to that, both women and men will have identical prospects.

9.2. Environment The principle of implementation of this Twinning project is based on a paperless work environment. This means, in particular, minimizing paper use during project implementation by the maximum feasible use of e-mails and, if available, project web-site and/or project electronic data base for cooperation between partners. Documents are automatically saved in electronic format.

ANNEXES 1. Logical Framework Matrix

2. List of Relevant Laws and regulations

3. The main structure of the SSC

4. Detailed Implementation Chart

26

Contracting period expires: 19/12/2015 Disbursement period expires:19/12/2017

EU Support to the State Statistics Committee in Modernisation of the National Statistics System of the Republic of Azerbaijan in line with EU standards

Total maximum budget: Euro 1,200,000 Budget year: 2010

Overall Objective Objectively Verifiable Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions

Support the State Statistical Committee (SSC) in its efforts to approximate to modern statistical methods and systems in line with European standards, including the improvement of dissemination of statistical data through statistical quality management system and GIS and the expansion of the coverage of disability statistics.

The SSC is brought closer in line with EU standards in specified statistical areas

• European Commission regular reports

• State Statistical Committee Reports

Project Purpose Objectively Verifiable Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions

To improve, in line with European standards, the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical production and dissemination, statistical quality management system and the quality of statistical data and metadata and to expand the coverage of the surveys on social and living conditions and of statistics on the disabled and invalids.

1. Improved organisation and management of the quality of the statistical production and dissemination processes across the SSC in line with EU quality standards

2. Statistical Metadata System strengthened in line with EU or other international standards.

3. Geographic information System (GIS) enhanced as a tool for improved analysis and dissemination of statistical data in a manner that meets users’ needs

• EC Azerbaijan regular reports • Reports of external evaluation • Joint Monitoring Committee

protocols • Monitoring reports • Quarterly progress reports • Final report • Number of Trainings • Number of Users

The Government of Azerbaijan maintains its commitments regarding adoption of statistical methods and systems in line with European standards

27

4. Relevant methodology of the SILC survey based on EU regulations is elaborated; questionnaires and relevant instructions developed and tested ready for a pilot survey, on the basis of which a plan for the main survey will be prepared

5. The statistical concepts of disability are modernised and the coverage of disability and invalidity statistics extended

Results Objectively Verifiable Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions

Component 0: visibility and organisation of Twinning

Kick-off meeting, closure meeting, Steering Committee meetings, visibility and awareness

Meetings relevant to the Twinning organisation conducted

The information about the start of the project is disseminated amongst the stakeholders and the media

The information about the implementation of the project is distributed amongst the stakeholders and journalists

• The minutes and agenda of the kick-off, closure and Steering Committee meetings

• List of attendants • Leaflets, brochures, banner • Press releases

• External partners will be able to attend the meetings

• Collaboration and cooperation among the stakeholders

• Possible institutional changes do not affect the existing roles and responsibilities of related institutions and departments

28

The stakeholders and the media informed about the results of the project


The organisation and management of the quality of the statistical production and dissemination processes across the SSC are improved in line with EU quality standards

• A SQMS Plan revised and completed.

• Quarterly monitoring reports produced on the implementation of the Plan.

• A total reduction in statistical errors spread across the statistical business process.

• Guidelines and Manuals for SQMS produced.

• The training programme; eight trainers trained in error detection and correction.

• Diagnostic tables and indicators produced on questionnaire replication.

• Apply European Standards for the quality reporting on a pilot survey in one statistical domain, and use the experiences from this exercise in other statistical domains.

• Improved SQMS Plan • Quarterly monitoring reports on

implementation of Plan • Study visit report • Quarterly monitoring reports • Guidelines and Manuals for SQMS • Recommendations from the pilot study




• Required data are available

29


The national metadata system is strengthened and aligned more closely with international and EU standards

• A national metadata system established in one statistical domain.

• Guidelines and Manuals on metadata developed and customised to the needs and circumstances of SSC, Azerbaijan.

• A national metadata strategy developed. • A suitable metadata system applied for

one full statistical business process of one thematic area.

• Training programme; five trainers capable of providing training on ESS Metadata Handler and of Eurostat’s Euro-SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMS).

• Report on the implementation of a suitable metadata system

• Report on the pilot study • Study visit report • Guidelines and Manual on metadata





Component 3: Development of a GIS application as a dissemination tool

A GIS application is developed as a dissemination tool of spatial statistical data in line with EU practices

• Report, with recommendations, on users’ needs completed.

• Report on the definition of the functionalities and architecture of GIS in spatial statistics produced.

• Implementation of GIS in statistical dissemination.

• On-line user interface on spatial statistics completed; report on user-access and feedback compiled.

• Guidelines and Glossaries on GIS in

• Report on users’ needs • Report on the definition on

functionalities and architecture of GIS

• Guidelines and Glossaries on GIS • Promotional brochure on spatial

statistics • Study visit report • Materials of the Conference with

participation of spatial statistics users





30

spatial statistics for SSC developed. • A promotional brochure on spatial

statistics using GIS produced.


A cross-sectional pilot of SILC is conducted and preparations for the main survey are completed with the aid of the EU DESAP and in line with the appropriate EU regulations.

• Time table for pilot SILC survey completed.

• All preparations for the SILC pilot completed according to EU SILC framework regulations.

• A survey database including good data from the pilot in place.

• At least 8 SSC officials trained in sampling theory and related software.

• Guidelines for implementing relevant EU-SILC regulations developed.

• The pilot evaluated according to the EU DESAP checklist.

• A prototype quality report of the pilot, including the quality of the results, finalised

• A plan for the main SILC survey developed.

• A number of multidimensional social and distributional indicators on poverty, material deprivation and social exclusion developed.

• Time table for pilot SILC survey • Plan for SILC survey • The pilot quarterly progress report • The prototype quality report on the

pilot • Study visit report • Project quarterly report





31


Modernisation of disability and invalidity statistics

• The number of additional data sources that are used for the compilation of disability and invalidity statistics in Azerbaijan is increased

• The training programme; 3 trainers trained in ESSPROS

• Training programme in ESSPROS • Study visit report • Project Quarterly report





Activities

Means (indicative)

Assumptions

Component 0: visibility and awareness

Activity 0.1.: Kick-off event

PL, interpretation, small catering

Activity 0.2.: Quarterly meetings of the Steering Committee

PL, RTA, interpretation

Activity 03 : Organise at least once a year a thematic visibility event

RTA, STE, interpretation

Activity 0.4 : Project wrap-up meeting PL, RTA, interpretation, small catering

32



flight tickets; per diems; incidentals, interpretation;

STE, translation

SSC staff is made available and motivated to attend the training sessions

Activity 1-2. Improve SQMS planning and execution

STE, interpretation, translation

Activity 1-3: Introduce EU and international standards



Activity 2-1: Knowledge transfer and skills enhancement

STE, translation

flight tickets; per diems; incidentals


Activity 2-2: Develop a strategy for a national metadata system


Component 3: Development of a GIS application to use as a dissemination tool

Activity 3-1: Knowledge transfer and skills enhancement.

STE, translation



Activity 3-2: Organise user-needs assessment of a spatial statistics


Activity 3-3:Develop a GIS application for dissemination of spatial statistics




STE, translation

33


Activity 4-2: Preparing the pilot survey STE, interpretation, translation

Activity 4-3 Conducting the pilot STE, interpretation, translation

Activity 4-4: Analysing the pilot data STE, interpretation, translation



STE, translation

flight tickets; per diems; incidentals, interpretation; SSC staff is made available and motivated to attend the training sessions

Activity 5-2: Methodological development


34

ANNEX 2: Legal Framework

• Law "On Official Statistics", adopted in 1994 (last updates from 2011) • Statute of the State Statistical Committee, approved in 2005 • Statute of the department and regional offices of the State Statistical Committee • Regulation of the State Statistical Committee, adopted by the Board of the SSC

in 2007 • Policy of the State Statistical Committee for the Dissemination of Official

Statistical Information • State Programme on Improvement of the Official Statistics in the Republic of

Azerbaijan in 2008-2012, approved in 2007 • State Programme on Development of the Official Statistics in the Republic of

Azerbaijan in 2013-2017 • Law "On Freedom of Information", approved in 1998 • Law "On prevention of disabilities and impaired health of children and

rehabilitation and social protection of the disabled and children with impaired health", approved in 1992

• Law "On Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities", n° 686-IIIQ and the law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Ratification of Optional Protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities", adopted in 2008

• Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers "on Approval of Rule on Submission of Data in e-Form to the State Statistical Agencies for Conducting State (Regional) Surveys, approved in 2010

• State Program for Poverty reduction and sustainable development in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2008-2015

• Global Assessment of the National Statistical System of Azerbaijan, 2010

• Policy of the State Statistical Committee on Dissemination of Official Statistics

For more information see http://www.stat.gov.az/menu/3/Legislation/law_az_en.pdf

http://www.stat.gov.az/menu/3/Legislation/law_az_en.pdf

35

ANNEX 3: STRUCTURE OF THE SSC

Deputy Chairman

Department of Coordination of Statistical works

First Deputy Chairman

Department of Agriculture and Environment Statistics

Department of Service Statistics

Department of Statistics of Food Security and Balances

General Department (as Secretariat)

Main Computing Centre

Educational Centre

Department of Data Dissemination

Department of Price Statistics

Department of Statistics of Population Living Standards

& Households Budget Survey

Department of Accounting and Supply

Personnel Department

Department of Regime and Confidential

Clerical Works

Local

Statistical Bodies

Department of National Accounts and Macroeconomic

Indicators Statistics

Department of Industry and Construction Statistics

Department of Population andGender Statistics

CHAIRMAN

Deputy Chairman

Department of Quality Management and IT

Department of Labour Statistics

Department of Trade Statistics

Scientific-Research and Design Technological Centre

of Statistics

Chief of Administration

36

ANNEX 4: Detailed Implementation Schedule

Implementation schedule (in quarters)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Call for proposals

Contracting

Implementation

Duration of the execution period:

• 21 months (+ 3 months for the start-up and closure of the project)