Individual International Consultant on Social Protection in Emergencies

Consultant Programme & Policy

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 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, Social Protection

Background:

The East Asia and Pacific region is the most disaster-stricken region in the world, with 86 million people affected in 2016[1]. Viet Nam is one of the most hazard-prone countries in the East Asia and Pacific region, with frequent storms and flooding responsible for substantial economic and human losses. Over the past 20 years, disaster events in Vietnam have caused more than 13,000 deaths and property damage in excess of US$6.4 billion[2]. Almost 60 percent of Viet Nam’s land area and over 70 percent of its population are at risk of multiple natural hazards including typhoons, floods, droughts, saltwater intrusion, landslides, forest fires, and occasional earthquakes[3].

Viet Nam is considered the sixth most affected country in the world by climate change, with forecasts predicting temperature rises, greater incidence of drought and increased rainfall which will result in a rise in sea level of 1 metre in coastal regions by 2050[4]. It is estimated that the country loses 1-1.5 per cent of GDP annually to natural disasters, which hinders social and economic development[5]. According to the World Bank, Viet Nam’s lower than projected GDP growth in 2016 can partially be attributed to the agricultural losses due to the 2015-2016 drought and sea water intrusion[6]. From 2012 to 2014, estimates indicate that natural disasters caused about 240 deaths and $1.4 billion in economic losses[7]. The World Bank projects that Viet Nam could see losses of over 9 percent of GDP per capita in the case of a major disaster. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather has increased in recent years, including strong storms, unusually heavy rain, landslides, drought, salinisation and heatwaves[8].

Children’s basic needs differ from those of adults – they have child-specific vulnerabilities. A key challenge for families is how to maintain family welfare in the face of shocks[9]. Most families adopt one or more coping strategies, which are designed to mitigate the impact of shocks. But these are not always successful and can have negative indirect effects on children. Shock-responsive social protection contributes within an integrated system to help families and children manage the effects of shocks and build resilience. It helps households to maintain levels of consumption in the face of adverse shocks.

Cash transfers in humanitarian settings are increasingly seen as an efficient, cost-effective and timely means of strengthening resilience of affected communities facing a shock. In addition, through cash support, the affected communities coping mechanisms will be supported towards eliminating the need to resort to negative coping strategies with often long term negative impact on the well-being of families and children.

In Viet Nam, cash and voucher assistance (CVA) in emergencies has been implemented by many United Nations (UN) agencies and other international non-governmental organisations (INGOs)[10]. UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children (CCC), the core UNICEF policy and framework for humanitarian action, upholds the use of unconditional and unrestricted humanitarian cash transfers (HCTs)[11]. UNICEF first considers the possible use of existing national social protection systems. When this is not feasible or not aligned with humanitarian principles, UNICEF uses or sets up alternative system of implementation of humanitarian cash transfers. Yet, UNICEF’s support to date is still limited to the provision of in-kind assistance in emergencies, for example the installation of school-based water filtration systems and the distribution of water storage tanks, ceramic clay pot water filters, and child-friendly hygiene kits to households[12]. UNICEF’s global policy on Emergency Preparedness Procedures also defines responsibility of the country offices’ management to ensure that minimum preparedness actions, emergency readiness actions and standard operating procedures are in place and include all necessary elements for making and informed decision about the most appropriate transfer modality in case of an emergency. Against this backdrop, with the increasing demand to use CVA in emergency settings, UNICEF Viet Nam is keen on designing and strengthening the emergency cash-based programming across the organization.

Purpose and objective:

The overall objective of this consultancy is to support UNICEF Viet Nam Country Office (VCO) to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on social protection in emergencies and to provide technical support to build capacity for UNICEF VCO staff in effectively managing the social protection in emergencies programme supported by UNICEF. The SOP will support and facilitate the set-up and the implementation of quality, rapid and scalable social protection in emergencies in harmony with the Government system by

i. defining required processes and procedures,

ii. specifying the respective roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, both internally and externally involved,

iii. defining cooperation mechanism and working modalities between UNICEF and government, UN agencies and INGOs undertaking cash-based programming and

iv. providing documents of reference or technical guidance.

Scope and methodology:

In 2021, UNICEF and FAO Viet Nam commissioned the feasibility analysis on the delivery of cash assistance for children in emergencies in Viet Nam in close collaboration with the Social Protection Department, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). The purpose of this study was to explore options for cash transfer delivery mechanisms to respond to intensifying and recurrent natural disasters and to identify the operational needs to ensure timely and effective delivery of cash assistance to children. It aims to contribute to building a shock-responsive 'flex' within the regular social assistance system in the country.

UNICEF Viet Nam also developed and updated its internal Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) including the Minimum Preparedness Standard (MPS) on humanitarian cash transfers. This MPS includes initial exercises conducted by UNICEF such as the mapping of ongoing cash initiatives in the country and a preliminary operational feasibility assessment. This tool provides a simple, and light assessment to inform UNICEF’s position and approach to HCTs as part of a humanitarian response.

However, neither the feasibility analysis on the delivery of cash assistance for children in emergencies in Viet Nam nor the EPP include any specific guidance to UNICEF VCO on how to implement social protection in emergencies. It is expected that the consultant will utilise the above-mentioned feasibility assessment and plan as a starting point. The consultant will conduct additional desk review of existing documents on HCTs in both the country and within UNICEF, as well as interviews with related stakeholders including: the Government (MARD, MOLISA), at both national and sub-national level; UN agencies; INGOs; social organization (Red Cross), financial service providers and any others deemed necessary. All materials will be compiled and analyzed to inform UNICEF VCO’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on social protection in emergencies in Viet Nam.

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[1] UNICEF, 2018

[2] World Bank, 2017

[3] ibid

[4] ibid

[5] National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation to 2020

[6] World Bank, 2017

[7] Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2018

[8] Nguyen 2017 ppt

[9] UNICEF, 2019

[10] https://www.fao.org/vietnam/programmes-and-projects/success-stories/cash-transfer-programme-to-respond-to-covid-19/ar/

[11] UNICEF (2020). Core Commitments for Children.

[12] https://www.unicef.org/vietnam/press-releases/unicef-has-supported-over-80000-people-affected-typhoon-damrey

Specific tasks (total 60 days):

1. Conduct a feasibility assessment (20 days):

- Conduct a light feasibility assessment of situation, existing HCTs programme in the country and capacity of potential stakeholders. Identify suitable partners and mechanisms for implementing UNICEF-supported HCTs. The assessment should provide necessary elements for making an informed decision about the most appropriate transfer modality –i.e. cash, Cash Plus— and mechanisms in case of an emergency –i.e., whether through HCT with Government partner, through the national emergency response system,through the distribution of cash from UNICEF controlled accounts through a Financial Services Provider (FSP), or an NGO or mass organization contracted by UNICEF.

- The assessment should also examine the capacity of related stakeholders and the readiness of the system at both national and sub-national level in 1-2 selected provinces –e.g., Soc Trang or Da Nang.

- Facilitate discussions with Government and other stakeholders (including other UN agencies, INGOs and Viet Nam Red Cross involved in social protection in emergencies) about potential options and provide advice to UNICEF VCO in making decision about HCTs modality.

2. Develop the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on social protection in emergencies in Viet Nam (30 days):

- With reference to UNICEF procedure on cash-assistance transfers to beneficiaries programmes (Document Number: PROCEDURE/DFAM/2021/010, dated 22 November 2021) and based on selected HCT modality and mechanisms, develop a Standard Operating Procedure providing generic guidance on how to plan and implement social protection in emergencies, including but not limited to the following tasks:

- Defining the processes involved and the minimum documentation requirements,

- Specifying the respective roles and responsibilities of the Administration, Logistics and Programme section staff at different steps of the programme cycle.

- Identifying mechanism to promote coordination with UN agencies, INGOs and Government in delivery of HCT.

3. Provide technical support to capacity building for UNICEF VCO and related/selected partners to effectively implement and manage the social protection in emergencies (5 days):

- In collaboration with UNICEF Regional Office, prepare training materials based on the developed SOP and facilitate training with UNICEF and partners on implementing social protection in emergencies. A 2-3 day training course is expected to be conducted face to face at UNICEF’s office with the remote support of UNICEF Regional Office.

- Conduct pre and post training assessments and develop a final report which also reflects the course evaluation.

4. Development of fundraising concept note (5 days):

- Based on the outcomes of feasibility assessments draft a concept note (max 5 pages) on shock-responsive social protection for fundraising;

- Develop a theory of change (TOC) and logframe as annexes to the concept note.

Conditions of Work:

- The consultant will work under the supervision of the Section Chief of Social Policy and Governance in close collaboration with the Emergency team, Programme Sections, the Regional Office and Government counterparts, especially MOLISA, MARD, social organizations (Viet Nam Red Cross) and local partners from selected provinces.

- The assignment is a combination of home-based and in-country work, with an estimation of 2 official travels, including a 8-day period for feasibility assessment and a 5-day period for in-country training in selected provinces and cities of Viet Nam. The consultant is expected to work independently. The consultant will need to organize own travel to and within the country, including ticketing and visa, and will be reimbursed on actual expenditures based on the most direct and economical route in economy class. UNICEF will pay the daily subsistence allowance as per UN-approved rate. The consultant must be fit to travel, be in a possession of the valid UN DSS Basic and Advanced Security certificates, obligatory inoculation(s) and have a valid own travel/medical insurance with hospitalisation and repatriation coverage. The dates for the travel will be determined in consultation with the Social Policy Specialist and the Country Office.

- UNICEF will provide support to secure meetings with relevant stakeholders and provide administrative support for the organization of any national and local level, arrangement of interpretation and translation service. The consultant(s) will provide their own computer and communications equipment (laptop, telephones, etc).

- All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.

- No work or travel may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.

Payment Schedule:

Payment for the assignment will be made upon the delivery of key deliverables in three instalments as follows:

- The 1st payment upon the delivery of activity 1 (30%)

- The 2nd payment upon the delivery of activity 2 and 3 (40%)

- The last payment upon the delivery of activity 4 (30%).

Performance indicators for evaluation:

- Quality of deliverables meet the standards set by UNICEF and specifications outlined in the contract.

- Deliverables are submitted in a timely manner as indicated in the contract.

- Technical assistance delivered in a contextualized and tactful manner, drawing on the inputs from UNICEF and partners.

- Performance evaluation will be completed at the end of the assignment.

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

- An advanced university degree in the International Development, Social Policy, or related discipline required;

- Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience on social protection and cash transfer programming, ideally with demonstrated experience in emergency settings. Working experience in Asia and the Pacific (particularly in Southeast Asia) will be an asset.

- Demonstrated expertise on gender- and child-sensitive social protection concepts, theories and practices;

- Demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness as well as assessment, operational design and implementation of cash based programming, preferably from a multi-sectoral perspective;

- Demonstrated experience on social protection systems strengthening desirable;

- Demonstrated experience in producing training materials and delivering capacity building to multi-sectoral teams.

- Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills;

- Proven ability to manage multi-sector projects and to work under minimum supervision;

- Familiarity with international norms and standards for humanitarian action;

- Familiarity with the work of the United Nations an asset;

- Fluency in verbal and written English.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Assessment criteria

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

Technical Qualification (max. 100 points) weight 70 %

Financial Proposal (max. 100 points) weight 30 %

Technical Evaluation: 100 points, weight 70%:

- An advanced background degree or equivalent in the International Development, Social Policy, or related discipline required; 30 points.

- At least 8 years of relevant work experience on social protection and cash transfer programming, ideally with demonstrated experience in emergency settings and/or working in Asia or ASEAN; 30 points.

- Familiar with government system work, especially in social protection and emergency response at national and sub-national level; 20 points.

- Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills; 20 points.

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 if needed.

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply in UNICEF Vacancy link and upload the following documents:

- 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:

Consultancy daily fee

International travel to/from Vietnam (if applicable). The travel cost shall be based on the most direct and economy fare

In-country travel for xx days, per-diem to cover lodging, meals and any other cost associated to take over the full assignment

Medical insurance (health and accidental death, medical evacuation) for the entire duration of the contract.

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.

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.

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Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org