Individual Consultancy – Compliance Consultant, Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), (Remote 3 months) REQ

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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, Education...

There are few greater challenges faced by the global community than the learning crisis. By 2030, nearly half of the world’s young people will be failing to learn. This ticking time-bomb for global development will undermine the achievement of all of the Sustainable Development Goals, and demands urgent global action.

In response, the Education Commission (chaired by Gordon Brown, former UK Prime Minster and UN Special Envoy for Global Education) and the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (chaired by Sir Ronald Cohen) have come together to create the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), an initiative to improve the education of 10 million children and young people. EOF will support governments over the next decade to improve outcomes in education and youth employment by paying for results delivered by innovative NGOs and social entrepreneurs. EOF will use several innovative finance instruments including development impact bonds (DIBs) to achieve this mission.

The fund will support improvements in the quality of basic education, and seek to ensure that no child is left behind, with a special focus on underserved populations including the hardest to reach rural populations, girls, children with disabilities, and refugees. It will measure (and pay for) what matters – both core skills like literacy and numeracy, but also critical 21st Century skills such as socio-emotional skills, ICT skills, and other broader fundamentals of a quality education. It will help close the persistent gap between the skills needed by employers, and those attained by today’s youth.

For all the above, EOF will pay almost entirely on the basis of the results achieved, ensuring that taxpayer-funded domestic resources, aid, and philanthropic funds are only used to pay for what works.

This is a game-changing way to finance results in education. It is more than just a fund – it is a powerful new set of partnerships and way of working. Rather than fragmented spending on inputs and activities, it aligns the whole system around a common, agreed set of outcomes. Rather than stifling NGOs with restricted funding, EOF empowers and supports them to innovate, adapt, and find context-specific solutions. And rather than being funded on the basis of emotional appeals about their impact, providers and investors will be rewarded based on independently verified results. This radical transparency will ensure that EOF, government policy makers and the broader donor community can systematically shift funds towards scaling programs that demonstrate the best results and value for money.

We believe this is the early stages of a much larger movement. As the development sector continues to shift away from traditional, activity-based funding towards results-based approaches, there is growing interest in outcomes funds and impact bonds, that go beyond outputs (the focus of most results-based aid to date) to reward outcomes. Shifting risk to the private sector, crowding in private capital and harnessing the capacity and capability of non-state actors has huge potential to achieve better outcomes and better value for money.

We hope you will join us on this exciting journey to launch the first large scale outcomes funds for development, in support of achieving inclusive and quality education for all.

How can you make a difference?

The broad objectives of this consultancy are:

• To develop mechanisms and operational manuals to apply UNICEF safeguarding rules and procedures to all downstream partners in EOF programs and monitor compliance with safeguarding regulations;

• To lead on carrying our provider due diligence and monitoring compliance with due diligence requirements;

• To carry out other project management tasks as relevant.

Under the supervision of the Project Lead, the Compliance Specialist will:

• Develop program processes and operational manuals to apply UNICEF safeguarding rules and procedures for programs developed;

• Regularly report on compliance with safeguarding regulations downstream partners;

• Build capacity around safeguarding in EOF;

• Carry out the due diligence of downstream partners and monitor their compliance with recommendations;

• Develop operational risk registers and monitor project finances.

The consultant will report to Amel Karboul and be supervised functionally by the program team.

Description of Assignment (Tasks, Smart Deliverables, Deadlines):

SAFEGUARDING - ONGOING

• Develop mechanisms and operational manuals and escalation pathways are in place to apply UNICEF safeguarding rules and procedures to all downstream partners in EOF programs;
• Monitor compliance with safeguarding regulations and provide safeguarding advice and guidance to EOF staff and downstream partners;
• Ensure safeguarding visibility across all EOF activities, and act as safeguarding lead for EOF senior leadership;
• Assist in building capacity at a partner level, including training, creation of safeguarding resources, and assist with safer programming.
• Maintain, update and deliver safeguarding training packages.
• Monitor compliance with global safeguarding and child protection standards in relation to core performance indicators.
• Coordinate Safeguarding Working Group meetings and manage agreed follow-up actions.

• Oversee effective safeguarding referral mapping to appropriate external bodies

  DOWNSTREAM PARTNER DUE DILIGENCE - ONGOING

• Collating and assessing the compliance of potential EOF RfP applicants, by reviewing audited financial statements, proof or registration, governance information, safeguarding policies, conflict of interest policies, gender, equity and social inclusion policies, anti-fraud, bribery and corruption policies;

• Conduct a detailed due diligence assessment of selected delivery partners, covering governance; organisational strategy, vision and values; fraud, bribery, corruption and money laundering; internal control; risk management and safeguards; ethics; staff capacity and capability; program management; financial management; audit; and policies, procedures and systems, and downstream partner due diligence.
• Identify areas of strength and areas for development for downstream partners, ensuring that adequate safeguards are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults.
• Assign downstream partners a risk rating and recommendations made for capacity strengthening where required.

• Map delivery chains to understand the number and complexity of suppliers involved in the program;

  • Develop a data management system to store due diligence data centrally for the full duration of the engagement with the delivery partner.

  • Feed into and inform reviews of EOFs Due Diligence processes and procedures to assist in their continual improvement.

  • Develop and oversee control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies;

  • Evaluate the efficiency of controls and improve them continuously.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT - ONGOING

• Develop and keep up to date the program operational risk registers, including fraud risks;
• Track project finances and help produce progress reports;
• Monitor transaction costs across programs;
• Support to preparing quality design of activities, program and projects that are linked to the program goals, end-of program outcomes, and approved annual plan;
• Support in organizing activities which may include coordination and liaising with program partners and stakeholders, technical support in managing the day-to-day operations of activities/program, documentation of proceedings, and drafting of activity accomplishment reports;
• Support M&E activities which may include providing technical support to surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and gathering of date and information;

• Provide support in conducting Quarterly Strategy Reviews, reflection and knowledge sharing sessions.

• Program processes and operational manuals to apply UNICEF safeguarding rules and procedures for programs developed;

• Regular reports on compliance with safeguarding regulations downstream partners;
• PowerPoint presentations and training packages developed for downstream partners;

• Safeguarding training sessions delivered to downstream partners and EOF staff;

• RfP due diligence assessments for potential downstream partners;

• Detailed due diligence assessment reports with actions and risk ratings for downstream partners developed;
• Delivery chain maps for downstream partners;

• Written inputs and presentations to inform EOF due diligence processes;

• Program operational risk registers developed and monitored;

• Project financial trackers developed and kept up to date
• Inputs to program design and development
• Organising meetings and taking minutes of meetings;

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

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Law or another business related area. A Bachelor’s may be considered in lieu of masters with additional 2 years of experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project delivery, particularly in due diligence (including safeguarding), financial reporting, procurement, and grant management;
• Proven track record of working on the implementation of safeguarding requirements;
• Experience working in Africa / the Middle East is preferred (but not required).

Key skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication, liaison, facilitation and interpersonal skills;
• In-depth knowledge of, and experience in implementing good practice in safeguarding including familiarity with international safeguarding standards, ideally in EOF program locations;
• Financial acumen and the ability to interpret and analyze financial reports;
• Sound problem solving and decision-making skills;
• Ability to work, even under pressure, independently and as part of a team;
• Used to managing difficult conversations and emotionally demanding situations with sensitivity and compassion.
• Highly organised with excellent information and database management skills.
• Eagerness to maintain and develop knowledge and skills through regular training and professional development.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced computer literacy including but not limited to MS Office applications particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Fluency in English is required
• Proficiency in French, Arabic or other languages in Africa or the MENA region is preferred

Key Competencies

• Build and maintain partnerships: you are able to build a network of external stakeholders and alliances with government counterparts, civil society, the media and the private sector, in order to promote and advance the work of the organization. You possess excellent communication skills and are able to engage existing and potential partners including Government, donors, investors and providers and build trust-based relationships in support of EOF’s vision.
• Think and act strategically: you understand the big picture and are able to identify potential opportunities for action and challenges that exist. You form sound evidence-based judgements in the delivery of results. Whether working on programs or contributing to the growth and development of the EOF team, you are able anticipate risks and identify strategic opportunities.
• Process management: you are able to manage complex processes including multiple projects and workstreams in constantly changing environments. You manage workplans and ensure their timely execution through an adequate distribution of tasks.
• Quality control: you are able to ensure the quality of the documents produced by yourself or more junior members of the team, demonstrating excellent attention to details.
• Drive to achieve results for impact: you commit to action and assume responsibility and ownership for your own performance and the associated outcomes.
• Innovate and embrace change: you are open to and propose new approaches and ideas. You adapt and respond positively to change. You have an entrepreneurial mindset, you are a self-starter able to take initiative and ownership while seeking input when appropriate. You thrive in a nimble start-up environment, where everyone can and should take initiative beyond a narrow scope of work and respond to shifting priorities with agility.
• Work collaboratively with others: you establish and maintain mutually supportive working relationships, demonstrating sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds, respecting differences and ensuring that all can contribute and succeed. You enjoy team work and remain mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside your immediate area of responsibility.
• Manage ambiguity and complexity. You demonstrate resilience and composure, get things done despite challenges and maintain performance levels in pressured, adverse and uncertain environments.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and ethical awareness: you are self-aware of your own strengths, limitations, working style and deeply held convictions and biases. You display ethical awareness through behaviours that are consistent and compliant with the standards of conduct for international civil servants, UNICEF’s values and relevant UNICEF policies and procedures.
• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for education, global development and innovative finance.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Tools.

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 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 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.

Remarks:

Applicants are invited to include a cover letter of interest, CV, your approach to the assignment, technical proposal and proposed fees (daily in British Sterling), to undertake the above TOR. Applications submitted without a proposed fee, will not be accepted.

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

The duration of this contract is for three (3) months with potential to be extended.

PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Select proposed methodology Monthly

Monthly payments: Lump sum payment will be made monthly, inclusive of all professional fees, daily allowances, living allowances, and other administrative costs.

Should “mission travel” be required, UNICEF will manage and pay for travel via Travel Authorization. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, the Basic and Advanced Security in the Field Trainings, Travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel cost shall be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals shall not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org). The consultant must travel on UNICEF approved airlines.

UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

DUTY STATION

Home-based. International travel to deliver project objectives is expected once the Covid-19 travel restrictions have been lifted.

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.

EOF is hosted by UNICEF. The Fund is administered under UNICEF’s financial, human resources and administrative rules and regulations, while operations are run by the Fund’s own independent governance structure that provides strategic guidance and oversight to its investments. EOF’s day-to-day activities are carried out by a Secretariat under the direction of the Education Outcomes Fund, Director.

If selected for this post, the resulting appointment will be limited to EOF, a UNICEF hosted fund. While UN staff regulations and rules, as well as UNICEF policies and procedures, apply during the appointment, certain provisions therein may apply differently due to the limited scope of the appointment.

This applies equally to UNICEF internal candidates, if they are selected for and appointed to this post. The scope of their appointment will thereafter be limited to EOF, and in order to return to a UNICEF appointment outside EOF, they will need to be selected in a competitive recruitment exercise. In particular, they will not be eligible or subject to rotation exercise, conversion to a continuing appointment, or priority in selection process for UNICEF posts outside EOF, during their appointment.