Home based consultancy - Documenting UNICEF work to establish and implement one stop shop services for children victims of sexual violence - (56 working days between November 2023 and March

Contract

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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, an advocate

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

One stop shop services for children victims of sexual violence and other forms of violence provide child-friendly, comprehensive assessment and forensic criminal investigation, multi sector collaboration/protection, family support and therapy, physical and mental health care. Examples are the Children’s Advocacy Centres (CACs) in the USA and Canada and the Barnahus (children’s house) approach, in Nordic nations, Western and Eastern Europe. UNICEF review of the evidence on effective interventions and strategies to prevent and respond to sexual abuse and violence against children has found that one-stop services such that bring together forensic services, medical help and support with legal proceedings and counselling are yielding encouraging evidence of positive outcomes for children and families. UNICEF have been actively engaged in supporting governments to implement one stop shop services, mainly following the Barnahus (Children’s House) model, in various countries in Europe and Central Asia. One-stop shop services such as Barnahus is an inter-agency approach brings together all relevant services under one roof to avoid re-victimisation of the child and provide every child with a coordinated and effective response. The core purpose of Barnahus is to coordinate parallel criminal and child welfare investigations and support protection, recovery and justice for child victims of violence in a child-friendly and safe environment. The relevance of the Barnahus and similar one-stop shop services for child rights is underscored by the recent recommendations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Committee to numerous states to adopt and implement this innovative approach. These recommendations highlight the alignment of the Barnahus model with the fundamental principles enshrined in the CRC, with emphasis on the right of every child to protection, support, and a life free from violence and abuse. Furthermore, the Icelandic Barnahus model has acquired recognition as a promising practice by the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. This recognition has without any doubt charted a clear path and garnered interest by many countries in Europe and Central Asia. The Barnahus model has become today an inspirational touchstone, motivating many countries to take their first steps in establishing a Barnahus. UNICEF ECARO is seeking an experienced international consultant to document the establishment and implementation of ‘one-stop shop’ services in 5 countries countries (Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia and Ukraine). A specific focus will be given to the work of UNICEF and its partners in support of national governments in this process, documenting efforts and achievements. The documentation will highlight specificities and similarities in terms of achievements, lessons learned, processes undertaken, coordination mechanisms, establishment of the model and contextualization within each country's legal and institutional framework. This documentation will serve as a comprehensive resource to showcase the organization's role in supporting governments and increasing visibility as a key actor in child protection. The documentation will showcase how UNICEF's support extends beyond the establishment of one-stop shop services, emphasizing the long-term commitment to strengthening national child protection systems. By capturing the nuanced processes, challenges, and successes, this documentation will contribute to the organization's visibility as a vital catalyst in shaping effective child protection approaches that resonate within diverse legal, policy, institutional and social contexts.

Action to End Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: A Review of the Evidence 2020 | UNICEF

Scope of Work: The scope of this assignment encompasses the comprehensive documentation of the endeavors by UNICEF and its partners in implementing the one-stop shop/Barnahus model in 5 distinct countries (Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Ukraine). The documentation will encompass a thorough exploration of the organization's contributions, processes, outcomes, and impact within each country's unique legal and institutional framework. The scope extends to developing case studies for each country, synthesizing findings into individual reports, and culminating in a synthesis report that captures overarching achievements and lessons learned across all countries.

In particular, the international consultant will be assigned to:

• Conduct desk review and interviews with key stakeholders involved in Barnahus or other similar one-stop shop, integrated services introduction and implementation, including government representatives at national and local level, local partners, key experts and beneficiaries. • Analyse the diverse legal and institutional contexts in which these services were introduced and operate and the coordination mechanisms established to facilitate successful implementation and integration of these types of services in diverse legal and institutional contexts, including the enabling environment, the role of the different sectors, the interplay between national and local governance, the services provided, the embedment in the wider child protection system, the geographical coverage, and the different standards and protocols put in place. Analyse the role and added value of UNICEF and its partners and long-term impact on child protection systems. • Develop case studies for each country, detailing the Barnahus establishment and implementation process, challenges faced, and lessons learned as well as highlighting achievements, best practices, and contextualized approaches. • Analyse the case studies against the Barnahus quality standards established by the Promise network, while also framing the analysis within the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the European Union legal framework. This assessment will ascertain the degree of adherence to the key principles of Barnahus, such as multidisciplinary collaboration, child-centred approach, access to justice, and provision of specialized services. Analyse the level of integration of the different sectors and disciplines with particular focus on the effective integration of the justice/criminal investigation as part of these services. Analyse the interplay of one-stop shop/Barnahus with other services that support a child-friendly justice system, such as child-friendly interview rooms, and make recommendations for maximising their impact. The analysis will identify areas of alignment and highlight any deviations, areas for improvement or innovative approaches in each country's implementation. • In the synthesis report, comprehensively capture and distil the insights, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from the introduction and implementation of One-stop shop/Barnahus in various countries. This report will serve as an essential learning tool for countries aspiring to establish child-friendly services and emphasizes the adherence to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Union legal framework and will provide actionable insights and recommendations that can guide countries towards successful, child-centred, and rights-based one-stop chop/Barnahus implementation. • Create a visually engaging presentation that succinctly summarizes the organization's work and impact in implementing the one-stop shop/Barnahus model. Utilize visual aids, infographics, and key statistics to effectively communicate the key milestones, lessons learned, and the transformative impact on child protection systems.

Method of Work: • Desk analysis of relevant information and materials including: relevant project documents, reports, and available data. • Conduct virtual or in-person interviews with UNICEF staff and stakeholders, depending on feasibility. In some countries this will be facilitated by local consultants. The international expert will prepare the questionnaires and guide the local consultant. • Review existing project documentation, reports, and data to supplement information gathered. • Collaborate closely with the organization's team to ensure accuracy and completeness of the documentation. The specific focus of the country case study will be discussed and agreed with UNICEF at the inception phase. • Utilize a participatory and consultative approach to engage stakeholders in validating the findings.

All reports to be submitted in electronic format by email to UNICEF Regional Child Protection Specialist in English.

Work Assignment Overview

Tasks / Milestone******Deliverables / Outputs******DeadlineTask 1: Inception and Stakeholder Engagement

Review relevant project documents, reports, and available data to understand the scope and context. Consult with UNICEF team in RO and COs to gather insights, expectations, and key stakeholders for interviews. Prepare and present the Inception Report.

Deliverable: Inception Report outlining the methodology, data interview plan and tools, and agreed-upon timeline.6 working days;

By 15 November 2023

Task 2: Data Collection and Interviews

Conduct virtual or in-person interviews with key stakeholders involved in Barnahus implementation in each country. Gather qualitative data on processes, challenges, successes, and coordination mechanisms. Obtain contextual information about each country's legal and institutional frameworks.

Deliverable: Comprehensive interview transcripts, organized by country14 working days;

By 15 January 2024

Task 3: Case Studies Development

Analyse interview data and other relevant sources to craft narratives that capture the Barnahus journey in each country.

Develop detailed case studies for each country, highlighting unique aspects, approaches, and outcomes and showcasing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Deliverable: Five distinct case studies, each approximately 10-15 pages long.15 working days;

By 05 March 2024

Task 4: Synthesis and Analysis

Analyse the collective findings from the case studies to identify overarching trends, common challenges, and best practices. Synthesize insights into a comprehensive report that captures key takeaways from all countries.

Highlight the organization's added value and long-term impact on child protection systems.

Deliverable: Synthesis report, approximately 30-40 pages long16 working days;

By 05 March 2024

Task 5: Visual Presentation and Finalization

Create a visually engaging presentation summarizing the organization's contributions and achievements. Incorporate key findings, visuals, and infographics to concisely convey the narrative. Collaborate with UNICEF to review and refine the presentation

Deliverable: Visual Presentation (PowerPoint or similar format)2 working days;

By 15 March 2024

Task 6: Submission and Review

Submit all deliverables to UNICEF for review and feedback. Revise and finalize the documentation based on feedback and input. Review the designed versions for finalization.

Deliverable: Finalized and reviewed documentation package.3 working days;

By 15 March 2024

Estimated Duration of the Contract

56 working days (between November 2023 and March 2024)

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy contract. Travel may be required as part of this assignment and associated costs will be reimbursed as and when they take place.

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule

Applicants are asked to submit a financial proposal equivalent to 56 working days to undertake the assignment. Please do not include travel fees as this will be reimbursed as and when they take place.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

• Advanced university degree in social science, sociology, communication, development studies or another related field
• At least 8 years proven experience and knowledge in relation to the ToRs areas: Proven experience in documenting complex projects or initiatives, preferably related to child protection or similar fields. Proven experience in child protection.
• Solid knowledge of one stop shop services like Barnahus.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle and complete multiple assignments with competing deadlines;
• Strong analytical skills to identify trends, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Demonstrated experience of producing high-quality reports and other documents to specified deadlines
• Ability to be flexible and deliver results under tight deadlines
• Excellent analytical , communication and writing skills to create clear and engaging documentation.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of any of the languages of the 4 countries involved is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Please include a full CV, and a Financial Proposal in your application by indicating your availability and a lumpsum based on 56 working days to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a professional fee will not be considered. 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. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.