Individual Consultancy to assess UNICEF Uganda’s System Strengthening approach for 2 months for international professionals only

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For every child, Health

Background and Purpose

Systems Strengthening (SS) is one of the key implementation strategies outlined in the UNICEF Uganda Country Programme 2021 – 2025. UNICEF’s national level System Strengthening efforts take place through strategic engagement with relevant line ministries and local district administrations to ensure a harmonized, coordinated and well institutionalized sector-driven support.

System Strengthening is further defined as a key avenue to strengthen policy implementation and social sector service delivery at the sub-national level. Stronger local government systems and capacities optimize conditions for programme planning and implementation towards achieving results for children at the district-level, while facilitating the child-focused national policies, programmes, and services to reach every child, particularly the most marginalized.

UNICEF Uganda currently translates District Systems Strengthening (DSS) approach as a set of actions that support the districts, through existing government structures, to take full control of the preparation and implementation of their district plans and coordinate expertise and resources across public, private, and non-government service providers to achieve their goals. UNICEF Uganda has identified three areas of focus for specific support to the districts within the DSS approach: (i) Management Information Systems; (ii) Coordination; and (iii) Programme Monitoring.

However, the concept of System Strengthening, including DSS, is often elusive and different approached are taken by different sectors given the nature of the services delivered through the respective system. It is also often conceptualized and delivered in different ways by the government, non-government, and development partners, increasing the risk of confusion as the beneficiaries of the DSS by various partners are all the same one district level administration. Lessons from the basic services disruption during COVID-19 lock-down have been a wake-up call highlighting the continuous importance of strengthening of public systems.

How can you make a difference?

Justification:

UNICEF Uganda dedicates substantial resources to programme delivery through local governments and has continued to pursue ways to strengthen local governments’ capacities. However, despite strong examples of long-standing engagement with district local government, there are still gaps in the common institutional understanding of how to implement a DSS approach across UNICEF Uganda in a systematic and well-coordinated way for stronger programmatic results for children. As such, UNICEF Uganda seeks the support of an external consultant to support a stock taking exercise on UNICEF’s Uganda implementation of the DSS strategy and propose adjusted and more strategic approach towards a DSS implementation with potential to bring impactful and transformative results for children.

The objective of the consultancy is to:

• Assess UNICEF Uganda’s current approach to District-level System Strengthening (DSS), to highlight its opportunities and challenges
• Recommend a new strategic repositioning of UNICEF Uganda DSS approach, towards a more effective engagement with systems at national and district levels to bring quality and transformative results for children in Uganda.
• Recommend the partnerships that UNICEF would need to forge at the national and sub-national levels to ensure effective systems strengthening (within the UNDS and among development partners, policymakers, and national ministries).

The consultancy will critically review the DSS approach implemented by UNICEF Uganda against national local decentralization efforts including the newly revised Local Government Management of Service Delivery (LGMSD) framework and the recently adopted Parish Development model (PDM) a last mile strategy for service delivery by the Government of Uganda for improving incomes and welfare of all Ugandans at the household level.

The recommendation of the study will support the repositioning of UNICEF as part of the Mid-term Country Programme review process.

Description of the Assignment:

Under the leadership of UNICEF’s Chief of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and in close collaboration with the Chief Social Policy and sector Chiefs, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of government led decentralization efforts and UNICEF approach towards district system strengthening. The consultancy will focus on three key activities: a) desk review of national decentralization policy and plans, including the recently adopted PDM model; b) stock taking of the current UNICEF Uganda DSS approach (sector specific focus and zonal office delivery); c) critical analysis of the alignment of UNICEF’s DSS approach to national agenda and the internal goals of UNICEF Country Program Document 2021-2025; and will conclude with a structured report providing key recommendations for strengthened and harmonized approach towards a district system strengthening across UNICEF sectors and programmes.

1. Desk review of national decentralization policy and plans, including the recently adopted PDM model

The consultant will review key national decentralization policies, including, but not limited to the Local Government Act, The National Decentralization policy and the adopted in 2021 Parish Development model. Key question addressed by the review and/or interviews with key informants will focus on:

• Outline key national priorities and vision of Uganda’s decentralization policy, including how the decentralization policy has evolved throughout the years
• Summaries key efforts of development partners in Uganda supporting the evolution and implementation of the decentralization policy and how these have contributed to an improved delivery of social services for children
• Analyze the availability and capacity of the existing governance structures facilitating system strengthening, including collaborative efforts across government levels and between formal and non-formal actors
• Outline key successes and challenges of the implementation of the decentralization policies in Uganda, including reflect on the adequacy of financial resource allocation supporting the implementation of the decentralization policy. A sector specific snapshot should be part of this review. This component should reflect specifically on the implementation of the decentralization policy and how this has contributed or slowed down the realization of children rights (with focus on UNICEF supported social sectors).

2. Stock taking of the current UNICEF Uganda DSS approach (sector specific focus and zonal office delivery)

The consultant will review (both document review and interview with key stakeholders) the evolution of UNICEF’s Uganda approach to DSS as an overall office strategy and how it has been approached and implemented through respective Country Programme Components. Key question addressed by the review will focus on:

• Review the formulation and key strategic focus on the DSS approach in UNICEF Country Programme Document (CPD), including a historical evolution of intent and approaches from past to current Country Programme implementation
• Review and/or compile lessons learned from the past CPD implementation and reflect how these have been taken up (or not) into a revised design and strategic intent of the current DSS strategy implementation
• Review and compare sector specific approaches in implementing the DSS strategy within the current CPD (2021-2025) (maturity in implementing the strategy in each sector, what DSS means for them, specificity of the DSS sector approach). The review should draw parallels with regional/ global guidance and national priorities in looking for alignment or divergence of intent or ways of delivery
• Review local/ zonal office implementation of the DSS
• Articulate best practices applied by sectors/zonal offices and how those can be scaled up.

3. Critical analysis of the alignment of UNICEF’s DSS approach to national agenda and the internal goals of UNICEF Country Program Document 2021-2025 and recommendations on the way forward

• Outline key successes and challenges in implementing the DSS in UNICEF (alignment, cross-sectoral collaboration, internal and external collaboration, similarities, and divergence in approaches)
• Reflect on UNICEF’s alignment (or divergence) with global/national priorities, the specific UNICEF niche and if and how UNICEF has leveraged the DSS engagement towards achieving strong results for children.
• Reflect on UNICEF’s comparative advantage (within the larger local governance partnership) and outline how UNICEF can leverage the DSS approaches towards achieving greater results for children
• Assess the existing systems within UNICEF’s 29 focal districts, with special attention paid to the ability (or inability) of the districts to deliver results for children within the areas where UNICEF provides monetary and technical support.
• Assess the gaps in the district systems and discuss the range of interventions and resources required to ensure that those systems are functional and able to delivery results for children.
• Recommend adjustment and alignment of approaches and relevant diversification of partnerships, external and internal collaboration. As required, develop respective practical tools and internal guidance, accountability framework and recommend related capacity building efforts. The recommendations should specifically outline alignment with national priorities, especially regarding the Parish Development Model concept, the Local Government Management of Service Delivery (LGMSD) framework, and the upcoming Lower Local Government (LLG) performance assessment system.

Major Tasks:

1. Outline proposed approach and roadmap for the assignment, using discussions with focal points who have been involved in DSS implementation to date.

2. Desk review of national decentralization policy and plans, including the recently adopted PDM model.
3. Stock taking of the current UNICEF Uganda DSS approach.
4. Critical analysis and recommendations on the way forward

Deliverables:

1. Inception report within 2 weeks

2. Summary report with finding (national/ development partners’ priorities; capacity, effectiveness, efficiency of existing governance structures; key successes and challenges contributing to realization of child rights)

Power point presentation

3. Summary report with findings (strategic focus and strategic focus shifts, lessons learned, success and challenges, best practices. Sector specific summaries)

Power point presentation

4. Final report with key recommendation (strategic shifts, alignment of efforts, recommended entry points and new ways of engagement)

5. A set of practical tools and internal guidance, accountability framework, recommend capacity building efforts.

Power point presentation. Presentation to the CMT

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

Education:

• Advanced university degree in Public Administration, Public Policy/Governance, Development Planning, Programme Management, or related fields
• At least eight years’ professional experience, three of which should be at a professional level working with government or development partner agency in the areas of good governance, public administration reform, or community development. Hands-on experience with local governance issues, and support to strengthen local government capacity building would be desirable.
• Good understanding of government systems, procedures and processes in coordination, planning, monitoring, and budget management and oversight at all levels (especially district) is desirable.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including an ability to build rapport with individuals and groups across organizational departments and agencies.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Evaluation Criteria:

The Technical proposal is weighted at 75% and 25% for the financial proposal.

Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by HR.

Payment Schedule:

Payment is linked to agreed deliverables upon satisfactory completion and certification of deliverables by the supervisor.

Risks associated with the contract:

In case programme sections present varying awareness and understanding of the District Systems Strengthening approach; the consultant will need to dedicate time to provide an orientation on strategic grounding and approaches based on documented good practice.

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics

The Consultant will report to the Deputy Representative for overall guidance on the assignment. He/she will collaborate with the Chief of Field Operations on technical matters related to the assignment.

The Consultant will be responsible for their own logistical arrangements. However, Field Operations and Zonal Offices will facilitate any consultations, including feedback sessions and other similar missions to the field as needed.

• The consultancy will commence only when contract has been signed.
• Consultants will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, if applicable.
• The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant upon arrival, at the HR Section.
• No contract may commence unless the consultant provides a certificate of completion of a mandatory course on “prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse”. A certificate to be submitted with the signed contract should have been obtained in the last three months.
• Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays
• Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement and are paid according to satisfactory completion of deliverables
• Clearance from DHR will be required for former UNICEF staff
• Clearance from the Government required for civil servants
• Appointment under this consultancy is 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.

How to Apply:

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 offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors 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.

Qualified and experienced candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest including a Technical Proposal outlining a road map for review and implementation timeline. In their letter of interest, candidates should highlight their previous work experience relevant to the assignment, the attributes that make them suitable, and their proposed approach to the assignment. The applicant should also submit a Financial Proposal outlining the total costs for this consultancy with payment linked to the main deliverables outlined above. The financial proposal should indicate an all-inclusive lumpsum fee composed of consultancy fees, travel costs and subsistence/living allowances (where applicable).

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.

Remarks:

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.