Digital innovations and the determinants of differences between coverage and adequacy of social protection in urban and rural areas

Result of Service As a final result of the research, comparative quantitative and qualitative analyzes of the main digital innovations adopted in the response to covid-19 in the area of social protection will be presented and how digital innovations affect access to digital coverage in countries from different regions of the world. These results will inform policy makers in Brazil and around the world about the potential of these innovations to help achieve targets 1.3 and 1.5 of SDG 1.

Work Location Brasília

Expected duration 180 Days

Duties and Responsibilities The COVID-19 pandemic represented a covariant shock on a global scale and led almost all countries in the world to adopt measures that increased coverage and spending on social protection. This fact illustrates not only the importance of target 1.3, but also target 1.5 of the SDGs, which aims to “by 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations, and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to extreme events related to the climate”. and other economic, social, and environmental shocks and disasters”. The absence of adequate social protection mechanisms prevents those in situation of risk and vulnerability from being resilient to shocks and from overcoming them without resorting to short-term strategies that compromise inclusive growth and development. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was imperative for governments to extend coverage and adapt social protection systems to the risks posed by the pandemic and the measures restricting the movement of people, which jeopardized not only the sustainability of businesses, but also the livelihoods of the population. The research to be carried out by the consultancy will have the following objectives: · Document and analyze digital innovations adopted during the COVID-19 response; · Evaluate how the digitization of the social protection delivery chain affects (advantages and disadvantages) the access of the rural population to social protection in selected countries and draw lessons for Brazil; · Analyze the determinants of differences between urban and rural areas in the coverage and adequacy of the different components of social protection and compare with the performance of Brazil. The research reports will help to inform policymakers in Brazil and other countries around the world about international experiences regarding the use of digital innovation to expand social protection, with a particular focus on rural populations, and will also allow for a better understanding of the determinants of differences in coverage and adequacy of social protection between urban and rural areas.

Qualifications/special skills- An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences or economics or public/social policy. - minimum of 3 years of experience in social policy and social protection, including topics related to social coverage for vulnerable groups (rural population, children, women, etc.) and/or related topics. Experience using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research. - Examples of works carried out, published or not, related to the subject of the consultancy.

Languages- Fluency in Portuguese, English and Spanish

Additional Information Outputs/ Works Assignment: The consultancy will carry out research on digital innovations adopted in response to Covid-19 and the determinants of differences between coverage and adequacy of social protection in urban and rural areas, in 6 reports (products). The consultant should deliver the completed plans in the following order and dates: -Product 1. Technical document containing a review of the literature and methodology with the typology of digital innovations adopted in response to covid-19. To be submitted 30 days after start date. -Product 2 - Report with analysis of the main digital innovations adopted in the response to covid-19 in the area of social protection and at least 4 case studies covering different regions of the world, with one case study referring to Brazil. To be submitted 60 days after start; -Product 3 - Technical document containing the literature review, methodology and discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of digitalization processes in the social protection delivery chain for rural populations. To be submitted 90 days after start; -Product 4. Final research report containing Product 3 and at least 4 case studies on how digital innovations affect access to digital coverage in countries from different regions of the world. To be submitted 120 days after start; -Product 5. Technical document containing the literature review and methodology for case studies of countries with different combinations of coverage and adequacy of social protection according to data from the ASPIRE database of the World Bank. To be submitted 150 days after start; -Product 6. Report containing at least 4 case studies on how legislation and different social protection programs explain the level of coverage and adequacy in selected countries. In addition to reviewing legislation and indicators of coverage and adequacy, case studies should be informed by interviews with policymakers and national experts. To be submitted 180 days after start

The reports should be drafted in Portuguese in an editable format agreed with the supervisor.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.