Individual Consultancy: Individual International Consultant to Develop Monitoring Evaluation Learning (MEL) Framework for Community Based Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition program in L

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UNICEF is a UN organization mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF is working with its partners to support the Government to realize children's rights on survival, development, protection and participation.

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, support

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UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for an Individual Consultancy: Individual International Consultant to Develop Monitoring Evaluation Learning (MEL) Framework for Community Based Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition program in Lao PDR. The duration of this assignment starting is 1.5 months. The consultant will be required to work remotely due to travel restrictions into Lao PDR

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Working closely with the SPME and the H&N section, consult with the following partners (remotely) based on their involvement in the two programs design and implementation;

Partners

Community Based Maternal and Child health and Nutrition

staff in UNICEF office

Ministry of Health

USAID

local CSOs

LWU, LNF, NCAWMC

National Tropical Public Health Institute

World Bank/ EU

UN Agencies (WHO/UNFPA)

INGOs (WVI)

The consultant is expect to discuss with the above stakeholders to develop a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plan, including a logical framework and theory of change that establishes concrete measures for achieving and capturing results, incorporating required indicators from national M&E framework, and the USAID strategy as the case may be. In addition, for the USAID project incorporate the project's Project Appraisal Document, the U.S. Foreign Assistance Framework, USAID Forward, and other initiatives/policies as applicable. MEL plan should be aligned with national policies and strategies of the respective programs.

The consultant is expected to use the guidance notes and the template provided by UNICEF and the donor partner (USAID) to develop and finalize the plan (attached). The MEL plan should include the following:

• Develop a ToC and the Logic model, including a summary description of the activity theory of change from activity planning documents. Insert a graphic of the activity logic model. ToC will include information on the following:

• The context in which the development problem is situated;

• If-then (causal) outcomes needed to achieve the desired change;
• Major interventions that the activity will undertake to catalyze these outcomes;

• Key assumptions that underlie the success of this theory

• Overall MEL framework;

• Summary of indicators and targets (table format) and a detailed indicator tables noting data sources and collection methodologies noted for each indicator, and a Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS) as reference by the donor;
• Description and table showing linkages between the MEL plan and annual Work Plans;
• Overview of the Recipient's data collection and reporting process and systems to ensure that quality data are collected and available to inform management decisions;
• The evaluation and learning plan;
• Identify and formulate the loop for new learning and performance information back into the activity strategy to inform program management and support ongoing Government of Laos policy dialogue opportunities.
• Include gender sensitive indicators that focus on gender equality and female empowerment. Specifically, the indicators shall be designed to track changes in key gender gaps and male and female roles.
• Disaggregate information by gender and age and should provide an analysis of the differing impacts on women, children and vulnerable groups to ensure Integrating Gender Equality and Female Empowerment in the Program Cycle of the two programs, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning framework.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will need to have:

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced University degree in statistics, social science or a related field

Knowledge and Skills

Highly experienced (5 -8 years) in developing MEL, ToC and has knowledge of current tools of monitoring and evaluation including RBM. Additional experience working on USAID MEL is an asset.

Competencies

Ability to work independently but in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders

Languages

Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

1. Submission of applications:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and upload the following documents to: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

• Letter of Interest (cover letter)
• CV or Resume
• Performance evaluation reports or references of similar consultancy assignments (if available)
• Financial proposal: All-inclusive lump-sum cost including travel and accommodation cost for this assignment as per work assignment.

The deadline for applications is [14/09/20]

2. Assessment Criteria:

A two stage procedure shall be utilized in evaluating proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared.

Applications shall therefore contain the following required documentation:

1. Technical Proposal, including a cover letter, updated CV, and copies of 2 relevant evaluations performed earlier by the consultant.

2. Financial Proposal: Lump-sum offer with the cost breakdown: Consultancy fee

No financial information should be contained in the technical proposal.

For evaluation and selection method, the Cumulative Analysis Method (weight combined score method) shall be used for this recruitment:

a) Technical Qualification (max. 100 points) weight 70 %

• Degree Education in statistics, social science or a related field (30 points)
• Knowledge of developing MEL, ToC and has knowledge of current tools of monitoring and evaluation including RBM. (20 points)
• Experience in working with UN, international organizations on MEL (30 points)
• Quality of past work (MEL presented) (20 points)

b) Financial Proposal (max. 100 points) weight 30 %

The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened /evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum 70 points score in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

The Contract shall be awarded to candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores, subject to the satisfactory result of the verification interview.]

every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity 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:

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