Individual Contractor – Technical support on the rollout of UNICEF work on social protection, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (EAPRO), Bangkok, Thailand, Job No

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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 fulfilling 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 better future

UNICEF works to ensure the rights of all children in the East Asia and Pacific Region. This means the rights of every child living in this country, irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion or ethnicity, to:

• survival – to basic healthcare, peace and security;
• development – to a good education, a loving home and adequate nutrition;
• protection – from abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour and other forms of exploitation; and
• participation – to express opinions, be listened to and take part in making any decisions that affect them

How can you make a difference?

The Social Policy and Economic Analysis Section, UNICEF East Asia Pacific Regional Office (EAPRO) is seeking an individual consultant to support the rollout of UNICEF work on social protection. In line with UNICEF’s internal documents and commitments made since its 2019 Global Social Protection Programme Framework, the consultant will support UNICEF’s work in addressing economic and social vulnerability to give every child an equal chance. Yet, new threats for children are emerging which social protection can help to mitigate, such as climate change, urbanization, demographic change, and humanitarian crises. The consultant will support progressive realization of universal social protection coverage with the objective of breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and ultimately transforming the lives of children and families.

Social protection is a sector dedicated to addressing these economic and social vulnerabilities. It cannot stand alone and must be part of an integrated approach of social services for children. It is expected therefore that the consultant works across sectors within UNICEF to maximize the impact of the work. He/she will undertake work at the regional level and provide technical assistance and quality assurance to Country Office programming, research and initiatives under the supervision and guidance of the Regional Adviser, Social Policy and Economic Analysis and in consultation with the Regional Emergency Advisor for humanitarian related topics.

Work Assignments:

The consultant will broadly perform tasks in the five working areas as highlighted below:

1. Support UNICEF Offices in East Asia and Pacific in technical areas of social protection system strengthening and child poverty reduction

• Under the guidance of the Regional Adviser for Social Policy and Economic Analysis coordinate UNICEF regional-level programmes and partnerships in support of SDG Target 1, 2, 3 and 5.
• Provide technical assistance to UNICEF Country Offices along the key action areas in strengthening social protection systems and their child-sensitivity: i) a foundation of evidence (including evaluations); ii) policy, legislation and financing; iii) child-sensitive programming related to social transfers (including Cash Plus), social insurance, family-friendly policies and social service workforce; iv) integrated administrative systems; and v) social protection along the triple nexus.
• Provide technical assistance to UNICEF Country Offices in terms of knowledge generation, information sharing, as well as preparation of strategies, ToRs, use of tools as well as other activities in related areas.

2. Facilitate consolidation of knowledge among countries, promote country to country collaboration, and maintain a regional resource repository for UNICEF EAP engagement in social protection

• Regularly scan the horizon, ensure the regional network is aware of the latest knowledge and best practice in social protection related technical areas.
• Map social protection schemes/modalities developed in COs and review robustness to apply in both development and humanitarian settings.
• Participate in relevant international/regional events, networks and processes, support training for and tools used by Country Offices and partners.
• Liaise with consultants, partners and local counterparts such as educational institutions, think-tanks, and civil society organizations.

3. Assist undertaking regional research as well as providing quality assurance to Country Office research in social protection

• Identify as well as provide feedback on research priorities and terms of reference and support identification of consultants.
• Review draft reports and studies.
• Provide research guidance and editorial support as required.
• Coordinate layout and publication of advocacy products.

4. Assist the Regional Adviser for Social Policy and Economic Analysis in other areas of work of the Social Policy and Economic Analysis Section

• Assist the Section in the implementation and managing of the Section AWP and carry out other relevant tasks as requested.

Work Schedule:

To maintain some levels of flexibility to adjust the Section work plan in response to any rapidly changing situation or shifted priority, the professional payment will be made based upon a submission of monthly progress report in relation to and/or beyond the above-mentioned assignments.

Since the individual contractor is expected to be based in Bangkok, he/she is expected to work at UNICEF premise at least one day per week.

Deliverable:

1. An Inception Report to be presented to the Regional Adviser on Social Policy and Economic Analysis within the first three weeks subsequent to the commencement of the consultancy. The Inception Report should demonstrate approach, methodology and work plan for the assignment.
2. Progress Report (monthly) showing the progress made in the achievement of the consultancy work plan agreed upon as well as the challenges faced.
3. A Final Report on all activities undertaken during the consultancy period and recommendations in respect of future and continuing activities necessary in order that the implementation of the social protection and child poverty initiatives continues smoothly

Duration of Contract: The assignment will last initially for a period of 11.5 months starting 1 November 2022 to 15 September 2023. The contract has a possibility of extension proven good performance and pending funding availability.

Official Travel: Travel as assigned by the Regional Adviser for Social Policy and Economic Analysis.

Work Location: The social protection consultant will work in Bangkok during the contract period with at least one day per week presence in the UNICEF premise.

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

• Master’s degree in social sciences, public policy or related field

• Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience in social protection and poverty reduction

• Previous experience in preparation of research papers and analytical reports

• Demonstrated capacity to synthesize complex information

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated capacity for achievement of deadlines

• Familiarity with the work of UNICEF in social protection and poverty reduction

• Knowledge of East Asia and Pacific Region is an asset

Interested candidates are requested to submit CV or P-11, full contact information of minimum 3 references, availability, and proposed monthly professional fee in USD by 25 October 2022****.

FORM P11.doc

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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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:

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.

UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.