Individual Consultant to prepare Data Analysis & Development of the Children’s Climate and Disaster Risk Analysis Report

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, a clean environment

Location: Home based with no expectation of travel

Duration: 60 days over a period of 3 months

Start Date: 15 June 2023 (est.)

End Date: 15 September 2023 (est.)

Supervisor: Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (PM&E) Specialist

BACKGROUND

UNICEF places a high priority on the availability of recent and reliable information for monitoring the situation of children, young people and families, for developing evidence-based policies and programmes. In the Eastern Caribbean, climate and environmental hazards, shocks and stresses are having devastating impacts on the well-being of children. The awareness of the urgency of a decisive response at all levels is also rising, making climate change and environmental degradation an increasingly prominent issue in public policy, as the climate crisis is challenging children’s access to water, health, nutrition, education, protection or participation rights.

In 2021, UNICEF released The Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI). The CCRI provides the first comprehensive overview of exposure and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change from a child's perspective. The report is a contribution towards an increased understanding of the multifaceted impact climate change has specifically on children and of the actions required to increase children’s adaptive capacity and resilience. The CCRI ranks countries based on children’s exposure to climate and environmental shocks, such as cyclones and heatwaves, as well as their vulnerability to those shocks, based on their access to essential services. Currently most countries in the Eastern Caribbean are not included in the index due to the lack of available data, despite certain data sets existing in various national institutions, including both social sectors as well as climate and disaster offices.

The Children’s Climate and Disaster Risk Model (CCDRM)[1], is a sub-national version of the CCRI model. The model and platform are being built as country-specific subnational tools and their development includes a collaborative approach that links CCDRM information to national and regional decision-making. Implementing the model and geospatial platform involves working together, openly sharing data and expertise, and jointly coming to common conclusions to guide planning and actions. The CCDRM relies on diverse data sources, such as hazard maps and data, census data, Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) and other relevant cross-sectoral data sets.

UNICEF ECA is currently implementing the CCDRM : Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis, to gain insight into the underlying issues causing child vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. UNICEF ECA is relying on the CCDRM to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on 1) Shock exposure to capture the likelihood of children, young people and communities in an area to be exposed to hazards, shocks and stresses; and 2) Vulnerability to capture the underlying factors that render exposed children, young people, their families and communities susceptible to the negative effects of hazards, shocks and stresses. The model also considers economic, political and social characteristics and circumstances of communities and systems that reflect their readiness and ability to withstand harmful effects of hazards, shocks and stresses.

To support national efforts in the pilot countries, network meetings were conducted with the Government and key stakeholders to consult on the adaptation of the CCDRM model to the respective country contexts. The development of the CCDRM model is ongoing and expected to be completed in June, providing necessary data for analysis after the model is finalized.

UNICEF ECA is seeking a consultant to provide support in the areas of data analysis and dissemination initiatives under CCDRM initiative.

The Children’s Climate and Disaster Risk Model (CCDRM)[1], is a sub-national version of the CCRI model. The model and platform are being built as country-specific subnational tools and their development includes a collaborative

[1] The CCRI-DRM initiative includes a subnational risk assessment model and interactive geospatial platform that can be used for analysis. The tools build on the global UNICEF CCRI as their main reference.

Please reference full Terms of Reference for additional detail: Full ToR

GOAL & OBJECTIVE

Under the supervision of the PM&E Specialist and in close technical collaboration with the DRR-CEE Programme Specialist, and Heads of Sections (Programme Specialist), the Consultant will support in the areas of data analysis and the development and dissemination of the Children's Climate Risk Index: Eastern Caribbean Report (ANB, DOM, SKN)

This assignment will involve:

1. Developing a country analysis report covering the three countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica and Saint Kitts & Nevis) and one synopsis for each of the countries. The report is expected to analyze the results from the CCDRM study against the prevailing condition and the countries plans highlighted in the National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and their implementation plans, disaster management plans and other key documents and provide, analyze and interpret what these vulnerabilities mean for children in ECA, and provide key conclusions and recommendations for advocacy messages summarizing key issues (for each country as well as and recommendations for senior government officials and other decision-makers as well as a roadmap and recommendation for the office to integrate the results into their work-planning. Furthermore, the report should analyse the benefit, if any, of having a sub-national model instead of a country vulnerability profile or a regional model.
2. Validating the findings of the report with technical working groups in the three countries.
3. Finalizing the report based on feedback from the technical working groups and formulating the results to highlight key findings and advocacy results

Activities & Tasks

This assignment will involve developing a Children’s Climate and Disaster Risk Analysis Report covering, but not limited to, the following tasks:

• Develop an inception report to outline[2] the overall structure and content of the Children’s Climate and Disaster Risk Analysis Report, including analyzing and presenting the CCDRM results, methodology and conceptual framework of ECA subnational CCDRM model in all three countries, as well as summary of literature review of ECA risk context and recommendations for action;
• Provide an analyses and snapshot of prevalent and evolving climate change and disaster risks, drawing from the UNICEF-supported CCDRM exercise and the existing literature available with UNICEF, Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the respective governments and other partners (relevant documents will be provided before inception;
• Review and analyze the findings and results emerging from the CCDRM exercise to highlight key risks and issues relative to hazards and child vulnerabilities at both national and sub-national levels. Produce the content necessary for infographics and visuals such as graphs, diagrams and tables to illustrate key points;
• Intepret data and produce conclusions on what the data means for the children of the region and to help accelerate action to better prepare for response, reduce disaster risks and adapt to changing climate conditions, with a focus on children and adolescents and their families and communities.
• Develop a summary for each country and key advocacy messages and for senior government officials and other decision-makers to facilitate advocacy and communication around climate action and disaster risk reduction.

[2] For reference: a) this outline in Spanish for the subnational INFORM model, b) outline for the CCRI 2021 draft methodology report. Honduras INFORM methodology report; Honduras INFORM flyer; Honduras INFORM Risk index (one-page overview); What is INFORM (one page overview).

WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Consultant will report to the PM&E Specialist and work closely with UNICEF Specialists and Deputy Representative. In addition, h/she will collaborate closely with PM&E Specialist for technical guidance and inputs, with the Climate, Environment & DRR Officer and National Coordinators for links with Government stakeholders, in particular the established TWGs. Additionally, UNICEF ECA will facilitate contacts with relevant government and partner organizations for local insights and expertise on the subject matter. UNICEF HQ Child Risk Data experts will be engaged and provide technical guidance and support throughout the process.

The Consultant will provide weekly updates (as necessary) with regards to progress, challenges encountered, support required and proposed solutions

OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLE: Reference ToR

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables which receive satisfactory quality review. In general, individual contracts shall not allow for fee advances.

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

An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher)

• Economics, Environment and Climate, Disaster Risk Management, Natural Resources Management, International Studies or any other related field.
• At least five (5) or more years working in a field related to social sciences, statistics, demography, or other related technical field with considerable measurement or analysis component.
• Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:
  • In depth practical experience and skills in quantitative research methods, statistics, and evaluation.
  • Proven ability in coordination of research, dialogue and synthesis of complex information in strategic reports. Strong analytical skills and proven experience in data analyses is an asset.
  • Recognized experience in conducting research, study exercise, especially as a main writer of research reports.
  • Knowledge and experience in conducting similar analysis on national climate change and disaster risk reduction strategies, policies and programmes will be an asset
  • Solid experience in writing and editing publications and reports, preferably related to climate, environment and disaster risk reduction
  • Experience in report writing with UNICEF/UN/international organizations. Knowledge of UNICEF’s writing and branding standards preferable
  • Knowledge of the climate change, environment and disaster risk management issues, especially in the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills and ability to manage diversity of views in different contexts, especially in the finalization of research reports.
  • Strong presentation and communication skills in English (fluency required);
  • Strong coordination skills and ability to adhere to deadlines;

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

The assignment will be undertaken from consultant’s own location. The consultant is expected to provide his/her own computer equipment and ensure reliable internet access.

Regular progress updates will be agreed and provided at the start of the assignment and will include a mix of brief written updates; and meetings. Ad hoc meetings will be scheduled and prioritized as required. Meetings will monitor work plan milestone dates – to ensure appropriate time is allocated for feedback to and from the documents.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:

Before commencing work, a consultant shall submit a statement of good health and take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement, including confirmation that he or she has been informed of the inoculations required for the country or countries to which travel is authorized only if applicable. Consultants shall assume all costs that may occur in relation to the statement of good health. Consultants are required to certify that they are covered by medical/health insurance.

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.

RECOURSE:

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. Performance indicators against which the satisfactory conclusion of this contract will be assessed include: timeliness/quality of submission and responsiveness to UNICEF and counterpart feedback.

TITLE RIGHTS:

All materials created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, this contract and any intellectual property rights thereof, including but not limited to patents, copyright and trademarks, shall be jointly owned by UNICEF and the Contractor. At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law governing such rights. Any third party usage shall require written permission from both parties.

TRAININGS:

Consultants and Individual contractors, even those working from home, must complete the following online courses prior to signature of contract. All certificates should be presented as part of the contract:

• Ethics and Integrity at UNICEF
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment & Abuse of Authority
• Sexual Exploitation Abuse (PSEA)

Consultants and Individual Contractors must complete the following course before commencement of any travel on behalf of UNICEF.

• BSAFE Security Training

Any consultant or individual contractor who is issued a UNICEF email address must complete the following courses no later than 30 days after signature of contract.

• General Information Security Awareness Course
• Fraud Awareness

HOW TO APPLY:

Prospective consultants should apply through UNICEF jobs website no later than 31 May 2023. The application package should include the following:

1. A cover letter;
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae
3. A proposal stipulating all-inclusive fees, including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable.

Fo****r every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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.

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:

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.