Consultancy on mapping staff functions and related tasks to assess the workload for UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Programme and Operations staff and propose solutions

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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.

How can you make a difference?

Location: Home-based/Remote

Duration: 30 working days

Start date: 15 November 2020 End Date: 31 January 2021

Supervisor: Representative

Background and Justification:

A staff survey conducted in July 2020 as part of the preparation to feed into the CMT meeting on staff concerns raised the issue of workload. Specialists indicated that they do not have enough time to focus on their technical work, as they use a significant portion of their time on administrative and management tasks. They also noted a number of redundancies in work processes. Other programme staff also raised similar concerns. A recommendation was hence made to do a mapping of staff functions as part of a retreat so we can see realistically what everyone does and design a strategy to effectively balance the workload and eliminate duplications in the ECA.

The concern about the workload and unfair distribution among staff is not new, it can be documented in the different staff surveys over the last years including the 2020 global staff survey. Please reference the main findings from these surveys in the attached full Terms of Reference.

Scope of Work:

Overall objective: Under the direct supervision of the Representative with the support from the Operations Manager and the Staff Association Executive Committee, support the Eastern Caribbean Office to map and analyse key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks; identify less efficient or heavy processes, potential duplications and propose recommendations for simplifications and optimal and fair distribution of tasks among programme and operations staff.

Methodology:

Reference the full methodology in the attached full Terms of Reference

Deliverables:

1. Concept note of maximum 3 pages describing how the consultant will perform the expected duties
2. Preliminary report
3. Final report

Payment Schedule:

Payment, upon submission of deliverables which receive satisfactory quality review in line with below schedule:

• 1st payment of 20% (2 days): upon submission by the Consultant of the concept note
• 2nd payment of 80% (28 working days): upon submission by the Consultant of the final report

The payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables mentioned above.

Desired Competencies, Technical Background and Experience:

a. Education: Advanced university degree (a master’s degree) relevant for the field of work.

b. Relevant experience, knowledge and skills:

• At least 8 years of work with UNICEF in Programme or Operations Sections
• Experience in and knowledge of UNICEF policies, rules, regulations, processes and business system
• Excellent communication in English as well as facilitation skills
• Retired UNICEF staff are encouraged to apply to this consultancy

For every Child, you demonstrate UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Result

Administrative Issues:

The Representative will serve as the primary contact for the Consultant. The work of the Consultant will be supported by the Operations Manager, the Deputy Representative, as well as the Committee of Staff Association.

Conditions:

The Consultant is expected to work remotely in case she/he is not based in Barbados.

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

The selected candidate will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

Selection Process:

A desk review and technical assessment will be completely on a shortlist of Candidates who meet the minimum requirements. The short-list of candidates may be subject to interview with the UNICEF Panel in order to find the applications that are technically responsive. Operations will support the financial negotiations. The contract will be awarded to the most competitive proposal.

Required Trainings:

See consultant required trainings in the attached full Terms of Reference.

How To Apply:

Potential candidates should apply through UNECEF's e-recruitment system using the link: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/534833 and submitting the below documents by Friday October 16th, 2020.

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover letter - highlighting relevant experiences and skills related to the assignment in no more than 2 pages
3. Technical proposal of no more than 3 pages
4. Financial proposal – Please provide an all-inclusive fee, indicating the daily fee.required to undertake this assignment.

Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by the UNICEF ECA Human Resources Unit.

Candidates are expected to be available from 15 November 2020 to take on the assignment.

Applications submitted without a fee/rate and detailed financial proposal will not be considered.

FULL TERMS OF REFERENCE ToRs - functions-tasks mapping 5 OCT2020 FV ADV.pdf

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.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

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.