Consultancy 2: Consultancy to implement a lesson learning exercise on scale up strategies for innovative products (action phase – Consultant 2) - Part Time - 60 days (01 August 2022 to 31 Ja

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, childhood

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: This is a formative review and assessment of lessons learned on the strategies used by UNICEF’s Supply Division - SD for scaling innovation products. The purpose is to identify strategies that work and areas to observe in deciding the most effective approach to drive demand and make new and/or improved products more accessible to their target populations. By looking at past experiences with products in different sectors (WASH, education, health) and settings (humanitarian situations/emergency, country programmes, procurement services) this exercise will ultimately generate evidence to create a framework for decision-making, with supporting tools to facilitate carrying out these decisions.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES The review will have the following specific objectives: • To deep dive into SD’s product innovation experience over the past ten years, with some specific products as more detailed case studies, in order to understand the evolution of thinking on scaling, the routes taken, the challenges faced and the lessons learned with hindsight . Concretely, answers should be provided on what ‘what works to drive impactful demand and implementation of new innovative products’. Importantly, as variables are too difficult to isolate, causality cannot be directly established. Therefore, the researchers will need to formulate sharp, synthesized understandings, based on the most valid hypotheses. Practical examples reviewed during the data collection stage will encompass product innovations across various sectors within SD, including key cases in WASH, emergency response and health technologies. • To use the ‘synthesized understandings’ to produce a framework with decision-making tools for scaling innovation products, tailored to SD and aligned with its mission, strategies and targets, taking into consideration the different sectors and settings in which it operates. • To support SD in transitioning into use of the framework and tool(s), by identifying opportunities and criteria to apply, red flags to observe, corrective actions, mitigating measures, and performance measurements (in terms of success of the scaling strategies chosen). To achieve the objectives of this assignments, SD is looking for two consultants, who will be working as part of a team, embedded within SD’s Monitoring, Strategic Data and Evidence Centre – MSDEC (Consultant 1) and Product Innovation Centre – PIC (Consultant 2). Additional details are found throughout this ToR.

Scope of Work:

UNICEF Supply Division - SD, based in Copenhagen, manages the organization’s “supply function”, procuring goods and services from around the world to support country, regional and global programmes for children. In 2021, this procurement totaled over USD 7.1 billion across over 100 countries, broken down as $5.6b in goods and $1.5b in services. Among goods, major commodity groups include vaccines, nutrition supplies, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment and water/sanitation supplies. This reflects SD’s efforts to ensure access to critical and life-saving supplies and services both in development programmes and during emergencies. UNICEF globally operates under the guiding framework of the Strategic Plan 2022-2025, which focuses on synchronized action towards an inclusive recovery from COVID-19, acceleration towards the achievement of the SDGs and the attainment of a society in which every child is included, without discrimination, and has agency, opportunity and their rights fulfilled. Aligned with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, SD follows an Office Management Plan (OMP), which details global supply strategies that support UNICEF’s goals and the advancement of children’s rights.

PRODUCT INNOVATION Market influencing and product innovation is one of Supply Division’s ten global supply strategies for the period 2022-2025. Through this strategy, it is expected that new and innovative products that meet the needs of children are developed and commercially available and are bought and used in programmes and services by governments and partners at scale. Building on previous experience, over the past five years, UNICEF’s approach to innovation has gradually shifted from a focus on product research and development to more emphasis on scaling innovative products that are already commercially available, in order to make them accessible to children and their families worldwide. To succeed, a framework with more clear scaling paths, decision elements and adjustable considerations to specific products and contexts is needed. This will include not only activities managed in-house as Product Innovation Projects (PIPs), but also Product Innovation Efforts (PIEs) managed by other partners but with SD contribution.

STAGES AND DELIVERABLES The review will be implemented over a period of six months, divided into two main phases and four stages, each with specific objectives and deliverables. The two consultants will work simultaneously, with different levels of engagement throughout the process, as follows: • Phase 1: Research – 4 months This phase will be managed by MSDEC, in close cooperation with PIC. To be led by Consultant 1, embedded in the MSDEC team (supported by Consultant 2).

o Stage 1: Inception – 1 month (in-person or remote for Consultant 1) During this stage, the details of the review will be finalized, with agreement on the methodology, stakeholders to be engaged and selection of case studies, based on the existing portfolio of scaled products and the settings in which they are used.  Deliverable 1: Inception report. • Format: ppt slide deck (maximum 5 slides), containing: o Understanding of the assignment o Agreed adjustments to the ToR o Limitations of the exercise (what can be covered/done, what can’t). o Stakeholders and informants to be contacted during data collection o Workplan with key dates for consultation and deliverables

o Stage 2: Data Collection and Analysis – 3 months (in-person embedded for Consultant 1) During this stage, the review will move into data collection, systematization and preparation of the evidence base. Consultations with stakeholders, literature review, data analysis, and research on existing decision-making tools for scaling are examples of activities that will be carried out during this stage as part of the review.  Deliverable 2.1: Summary of key findings and conclusions from the review (e.g. what works to drive impactful demand and implementation of new innovative products, lessons learned with hindsight, what works and what doesn’t work for different products under different settings). • Format: ppt slide deck or word table document with summary of synthesized understandings and lessons backing up the framework (maximum 10 slides or pages in a publishable format).

 Deliverable 2.2: 5 short (1-pager) documents on product scaling, with examples of products that have scaled successfully or not, based on different types of funding (government, donors, private resources), and the factors supporting and/or hindering scaling. • Format: Five 1-pager documents in a defined template  Deliverable 2.3: 5-page article for peer-reviewed journal publication, on product scaling, with examples of products that have scaled successfully or not, based on different funding modalities, with an analysis and comparison of the different situations. • Format: Five-page article in an agreed format, appropriate for peer-reviewed journal publication.

• Phase 2: Research to practice (action) – 3 months (with some overlap with Phase 1 above) This phase will be managed by PIC, in close cooperation with MSDEC. To be led by Consultant 2, embedded in the PIC team (supported by Consultant 1).

o Stage 3: Framework preparation – 1 month (in-person embedded for Consultant 2) During this stage, the consultant will use the results of the Phase 1 review and, in consultation with PIC and other relevant centres and stakeholders, will prepare a practical framework and tools for decision-making on scaling innovation products.  Deliverable 3: Framework and supporting tool(kit) for Decision-Making on Innovation Product Scaling – a tool or set of tools for decision-making on scaling routes for different products in different settings, based on the evidence described in Deliverables 2.1 and 2.2. • Format: ppt slide deck with framework and tools (maximum 10 slides)

o Stage 4: Transition into Action – 2 months (in-person embedded for Consultant 2) This stage is built into the review concept as a way to support SD in taking up and using the framework generated in the exercise. Once the framework has been prepared, the next step will be the preparation of a user guide, including opportunities and criteria to apply, red flags to observe, correction routes, mitigating measures, performance measurements (in terms of success of the scaling strategies chosen based on the use of the tool). If there is an opportunity to apply the framework during this stage, this will also be documented and factored into the guide and used as an opportunity for adjustments. In close cooperation with PIC, the consultant will support the organization and management of up to 6 workshops with SD and relevant staff across various countries and regions to introduce the framework, practice its use and start up changes in culture and practices to implement scaling based on the new approach.  Deliverable 4.1: User guide to Framework for Decision-Making on Innovation Product Scaling. • Format: ppt slide deck - maximum 10 slides

 Deliverable 4.2: Series of 6 workshops, with SD, RO and CO staff, and selected key partners, focusing on the practical use of the framework. • Format: online workshops delivered through MS Teams or Zoom for up to 20 participants in various regions and countries (maximum 6 workshops); possibility for in-person workshops to be considered N.B. All deliverables are expected to be reviewed and agreed to by UNICEF SD before finalization.

Work Assignment Overview Tasks/Milestone: Stage 3: Framework preparation Deliverable 3: Framework and supporting tool(kit) for Decision-Making Timeline:31/11/2022 Stage 4: Transition into Action Deliverable 4.1: User guide to Framework for Decision-Making Timeline:31/12/2022 Stage 4: Transition into Action Deliverable 4.2: Series of 6 workshops focusing on the practical use of the framework. Timeline:31/01/2023

TIMEFRAME AND PHASE SUMMARY* Scope of work Timeframe Key Resources (Consultant 2)

Stage 3: Framework preparation

August – November 2022 - (20% time commitment) from August to October

Phase 2: Research to Practice

November 2022 – January 2023 (60-70% time commitment) from November to January

*Note this timeframe may shift back depending on actual start date.

ANNEX 1: QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE REVIEW

The key questions to be addressed in this review were developed based on the specific objectives above and are provided below. However, the full and final list of questions will be discussed and agreed with the selected consultant during the inception phase.

Phase 1: Research

During this phase, the review will focus on existing examples to distil lessons learned from product scaling up experiences.

• What have been the most successful cases of innovative product scaling up in UNICEF, in terms of i) addressing demand and ii) implementing with impact for children?
• What were the processes and routes taken to drive scaling of these products?
• What were the most significant factors that contributed to scaling success?
• What were the key challenges in the process?
• Are there specific lessons that can be learned from scaling in different country contexts, sectors and types of products?

Phase 2: Research to practice

This phase will focus on the development of a framework, based on lessons learned, that can be applied to scaling up innovative products and thus maximize their use and impact.

• What factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding on a pathway to scaling?
• What are the most likely scaling routes and how should decisions be made when planning the course of action?
• How should decisions be made in regards to engaging stakeholders (UNICEF and partners) in the scaling process?
• How can progress, results and challenges be measured and addressed during the scaling phase?

ANNEX 2: METHODOLOGY

The first phase of the review will take a predominantly qualitative approach focusing on desk review of key documents and some quantitative data, key informant interviews with UNICEF staff and other stakeholders as appropriate. Documentation will be provided to the consultant during the inception phase, while a few have already been identified and are available through the links in this ToR.

The second stage will be more practical, where the synthesized learnings from the first phase will be used to produce a practical framework for scaling. The consultant will also need to engage with key stakeholders within SD and the field.

Applicants are requested to explicitly acknowledge the scope and objectives of the review in their own words to ensure alignment with UNICEF’s goals. Additionally, applicants can propose an approach that they deem appropriate and workable, respecting the specific scope of the engagement. They may decide to include additional activities and elements at their discretion. For example, demonstrated applicability of innovative review topics, methods or approaches that the applicant wishes to incorporate will be favorably reviewed.

Due to the nature of this review, most of the work is expected to be carried out in person, in the SD office in Copenhagen.

ANNEX 3: IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT

The review will be implemented by two individual consultants, working part-time (up to 60-70%), based in SD, embedded in the MSDEC Evidence Team (phase 1) and PIC (phase 2), and in close collaboration with relevant procurement centres. The consultants will be supervised by SD’s Research and Evaluation Manager (MSDEC), and accountable to the Review Reference Group.

Estimated level of engagement of consultants:

• 6 months each with a range of 20-70% level of effort (equivalent to 3 person-months of full time work, or 60 person-days each).
• Mostly in person work from the SD office, embedded with the MSDEC Evidence Team, PIC and relevant procurement centres.
• Some overlap will be built into the process, so that the consultants have the opportunity to discuss and work together to build coherence and continuity. The overlap period is detailed in the project timeline.

The Review Reference Group (RRG) will consist of up to ten UNICEF staff members, including key product managers in SD, CO staff, PD, Office of Innovation, etc. The RRG will be the sounding board to the review, defining and agreeing on strategic directions, providing inputs into products and ensuring quality of all deliverables.

Estimated level of engagement of RRG:

• One meeting per month (total 6 meetings);
• Approximately one product to review per month (total 6 products, averaging 8 pages).
• Ad-hoc consultations and advice by e-mail if needed.

The review will also have a Project Management Team (PMT), composed of up to four members of MSDEC, PIC and (as needed) colleagues from procurement centres directly involved in the research (e.g. through case studies). The PMT will be responsible for day-to-day management and overview of the project, ensuring that all stages and deliverables of the review are implemented timely and effectively.

Estimated level of engagement of PMT:

• One meeting per week of 30 minutes (total up to 20).
• Approximately one product to review per month (total 6 products, averaging 8 pages).
• Ad-hoc consultations and advice by e-mail if needed.

ANNEX 4: QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Consultant 2 should have the minimum qualifications listed below:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field;
  • *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• At least five years of experience in leading participatory reviews and/or strategic planning exercises;
• Advanced knowledge of product innovation, ideally from a non-business setting;
• Working knowledge of the UN and UNICEF experience is preferred;
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; advanced knowledge of other official UN languages would be an advantage (especially French and/or Spanish);

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

EVALUATION PROCESS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter
2. Financial quote at a daily rate in US Dollars including all taxes
3. Highest Education Degree (scanned copy)
4. UN P11
5. Detailed technical proposal
6. Examples of previous, relevant work
7. At least 3 References from previous direct Supervisors ( email and phone contact if applicable)

ANNEX 5: ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSALS

Technical Proposal

The cover letter should indicate that the application is for Consultant 2.

Applicants should submit a detailed cover letter that outlines their relevant experience and qualifications, and explains their approach to completing the key deliverables outlined above. Any specific experience with similar reviews or assessments should be highlighted (e.g. function positioning or product-programme integration within humanitarian and development organizations).

If needed, UNICEF may request applicants to conduct a brief presentation of their proposals and clarify details before making a final decision on contract award.

Financial Proposal

Applicants should propose an all-inclusive lump-sum amount, expressed through a daily rate, for this assignment. Travel and DSA for trips to Copenhagen in line with the schedules outlined in this ToR should be included in the proposal as separate budget lines. Fees for shortlisted candidates are subject to negotiation prior to contract award.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applications must be submitted through the UNICEF electronic application system by 26 July****. Please indicate your availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a technical proposal and daily rate will not be considered.

UNICEF considers best value for money as a criteria for evaluating potential candidates. As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible fee. Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel insurance.

Successful applicants will be evaluated by the following criteria:

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (max. 75 points) Overall Response (25 points) Understanding of tasks, objectives and completeness and coherence of response Overall match between the TOR requirements and proposal Technical Capacity (50 points) Relevance of consultant’s experience with similar projects and as per required qualifications References FINANCIAL PROPOSAL (max. 25 points) Daily rate Travel costs Total estimated cost of contract (proposed contract fee only) FINANCIAL PROPOSAL - Weight Combined Score TOTAL SCORE (max. 100 points)

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. The candidate may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).

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Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org