International Consultancy – Elaboration of the UNICEF 2022-2026 Country Programme Document & Country Programme Management Plan

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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.

How can you make a difference?

Location: Remote

Duration: 130 days (over a period of 11.5 months) - Start Date: 01/01/2021 End Date:15/12/2021

Background and Justification:

The present Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) 2017-2021 will end in December 2021 with the new CPD 2022-2026, to be developed concurrently with the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026. The new MCPD will be designed taking into consideration the Multi-Country Office (MCO) strategic moment of reflection conducted in 2019, the Multi-Country Common Assessment (MCCA), the UNSDCF, the findings and recommendations from the Multiple Country Programme Evaluation (MCPE) of the current MPCD. The CPD elaboration process should also align with sub-regional, regional and national priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and UNICEF strategic plans, and promote synergies with the UNSDCF.

UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area is currently implementing the CPD roadmap and has undertaken the analytical phase, including a sound reflection on the situation of children, adolescents and young people; gender programmatic review; and is currently undertaking a Country Programme Evaluation, which will be finalized in February 2021. The MCPE does not review the Multi-Country Programme Management Plan (MCPMP) and effectiveness of the office structure.

The objective of the consultancy is twofold: First to support the UNICEF ECA to elaborate and consolidate the next MCPD 2022-2026 and associated documents, including identification of key programme priorities, consistent with national priorities, UNICEF and UN Cooperation strategic frameworks, (ii) and development of the theories of change and programme strategy notes guiding the new multi-country programme implementation.

Second, the consultancy will provide strategic guidance and analytical support to the review of the UNICEF MCPMP 2017-2021, leading to the preparation of a the new CPMP that can best achieve the aims of optimizing UNICEF’s presence and in the sub-region, with a staffing structure commensurate with likely funding availability for the next country programme. The support will:

  • Optimize UNICEF’s presence under the foreseeable circumstances and ensure efficient and effective coordination.
  • Facilitate the most appropriate presence of UNICEF staff, to best support the achievement of programme objectives over the new country programme in the most cost-effective and practicable manner possible.
  • Ensure a staffing structure that is commensurate with likely funding scenarios and able to cope with funding fluctuations as effectively as possible.

The review will focus on the following key areas:-

  • Sub-regional and national perspectives, including: mapping UNICEF’s activities at the sub-regional and national levels; reviewing the functions of its remote/outpost offices and staff; determining the mechanisms for CO-Outpost communication, coordination and support; and the articulation of a sub-regional programme strategy.
  • Programmatic perspective, including: scoping the level of UNICEF’s engagement with Government and other institutions based at national and sub-regional levels; scoping out the level of UNICEF’s engagement with Barbados-based institutions; gauging other factors influencing UNICEF’s presence; assessing options for providing programme support at national levels, as well as implications from a cross-cutting programme perspective; and articulating a strategy for achieving appropriate level of presence in the Eastern Caribbean Area;
  • Operational perspective, to assess the practicalities of operating in Barbados, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago and supporting Outposted staff/offices, including reviewing travel, transport provision, supplies, office space, administrative issues and financial processes, with due consideration to the ongoing ‘One-UN’ process in country and globally as well as greening;
  • Human Resources perspective, consisting of a review of rules, regulations, procedures and options relating to changes in staff locations, considering alignment with other UN agencies, as well as developing options for supporting staff well-being and engagement;
  • Financing perspective, including developing potential fund-raising scenarios for the new CPMP period and analysing costs;

Based on the findings from the reviews of these different perspectives, scenarios for achieving the new MCPMP will be developed and analysed, leading to the preparation of a strategy and new MCPMP that is fit for purpose.

Scope of Work:

Goal and Objective: The purpose of this consultancy is to support the UNICEF ECA to elaborate and consolidate the next MCPD 2022-2026 and associated documents. In addition, as a part of the process, the consultancy will provide strategic guidance and analytical support to the review of the UNICEF MCPMP 2017-2021, leading to the preparation of a new MCPMP that can best achieve the aims of optimizing UNICEF’s presence and in the sub-region, with a staffing structure commensurate with likely funding availability for the next multi-country programme.

Activities, Tasks & Deliverables:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative (for the MCPD) and technical supervision of the Operations Manager (for the MCPMP) and working in close collaboration with the Senior Management Team and the Country Management Team, the international consultant will work closely with the country office team (CPD/CPMP task team) to conduct the following:

Tasks/Activities/Deliverables/Number of Days/Due Date of Payment:

Tasks/activities:

Deliverables:

Number of days

Due date

Payment

1. Develop a work plan for the assignment

Work with the CPD/CPMP Task Team to develop a detailed work plan for delivering the assignment, taking into account the initial inputs being prepared by the programme sections, outposted/offices and operations.

  • Work plan developed and approved.

5 days

UNICEF feedback will be provided in 5 days.

10%

By 30 January 2021

2. Review documentation to consolidate and prepare dialogue on strategic focus of programme.

Undertake a comprehensive review of existing documentation (inclusive of CPE, SITAN, CCA, outcomes of internal SMR exercise (2019), gender programmatic reviews, UNSDCF, National Plans; and sub-regional and regional strategies and plans) and data analysis;

Prepare and coordinate internal meetings with staff to guide strategic focus of the new multi-country programme, specific strategies and potential country programme outcomes and outputs (aligned to the UNSDCF results)

  • Analysis paper includes consolidation of UNICEF’s strategic areas for programming in the sub-region.
  • Problems/Solutions matrix for strategic focus areas.
  • Report summarizing office discussions.

20 days

20%

April 2021

3. Draft and finalize CPD documents

Consolidate and finalize the PSNs based on the outcomes of the internal reflection/discussions, on overall strategic focus of the new country programme, specific strategies and potential country programme outcomes and outputs

Draft of MCPD, Results Framework, Country Evaluation Plan (CEP) and ToC for the output areas, in line with the stipulated guidance and template, ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and national development plans as well as sub-regional plans.

Incorporate feedback from CO and LACRO to produce final draft MCPD documents.

  • Draft MCPD & programme strategy notes developed for each Outcome area; and Theories of Change.
  • Final MCPD and associated documents (including CEP and Results Matrix).

30 days

20%

May/June (draft) 2021

Final due August in line with the UNSDCF

4. In depth review and sub-regional analysis.

Work with staff to assess the extent of UNICEF’s country-based activities and the fit with desired results for children. Assess the functions of outposted staff/offices and the mechanisms for communication and coordination between persons/offices.

Carry out RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) analysis and mapping according to positions, function area, CO/outposted office location.

Feedback to staff to improve office understanding role and responsibilities. Based on analysis; develop recommendations with staff.

Analysis paper on sub-regional and national perspectives, consolidating inputs from staff (programmes and operations), including full RACI analysis, culminating in recommendations for improving office set-up and interaction between outposted and country offices.

Summary of analysis (staff presentation).

20 days

10%

June 2021

5. Analysis of options for optimal location of staff

Work with Programme Sections to assess the level of UNICEF’s engagement with Government and other partners in countries.

Develop estimates of staff time required to support programmes. Analyse previous travel patterns.

Produce costed options for transport requirements, office space and staff relocation, working with Operations.

Analysis paper on options for optimal staff location, including implications for shifts in location from present set up

Analysis paper includes consolidation of programme sections review outcome and recommendations. It also takes into account Operations section proposals for back office functions and programme support.

The document should set out the options and recommended way forward to enable ECA CO to best achieve the aims of the mutli-country programme. This should include scenario for restructuring – for the staff retreat.

10 days

10%

August 2021

6. Assessment of funding prospects (cost analysis)

Working with programme sections and LACRO private/partnerships section, assess likely funding available to the country programme.

To be submitted jointly with the CPMP in August 2021

Paper on assessment of funding options (draft for Activity 5: Analysis of options)

5 days

10%

August 2021

Final to be submitted jointly with the CPMP in September 2021

7. Consolidation of analysis, development of scenarios and development of new MCPMP

Consolidate the results of tasks 4, 5 & 6, along with any other necessary information, and develop scenarios for achieving the aims of the MCPMP review.

Facilitate discussion of the scenarios with CO management and staff, including during the staff retreat, culminating in the preparation of the and new MCPMP.

Support the development of the full CPMP.

Incorporate staff feedback/comments on draft documents to produce final

Final MCPMP document/package

40 days

20%

By September 2021

Timelines may be adjusted dependant on the UNSDCF processes. The consultancy and its approach will be informed by UNICEF’s Guidance, including the UNICEF Procedure on the Development, Review and Approval of Country Programme Documentation; SOPs for Programme Strategy Notes, the Programme Policy and Procedure Manual (PPPM) and refer to the RBM Learning materials for detailed guidance on the development of PSNs, MCPDs and the CPMP/IB; as well as the UNSDCF Guidance and companion pieces.

The entire process is expected to take 130 working days, over a period of eleven and a half months starting after the contract is signed (from 1 January 2021). Fee payments will be made upon acceptance and approval planned deliverables, based on the above payment schedule.

Work Relationships: The assignment will be supervised by the Deputy Representative and work closely with the SMT and CMT. The tasks related to the MCPMP will be under the technical supervision of the Operations

Payment Schedule:

Scheduled payments upon completion of the tasks/activities (deliverables) in the agreed work plan, as following.

  • Payment 1: 10% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF of the work plan.
  • Payment 2: 20% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents: (i) Analysis paper on strategic areas for programming; (ii) Problems/Solutions matrix for strategic focus areas; (iii) Consolidated report from staff meeting;
  • Payment 3: 20% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents: (i) draft and final CPD, results matrix, CEP and programme strategy notes.
  • Payment 4: 10% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents: (i) Analysis paper and recommendations, including full RACI analysis; (iii) PPT summary of analysis
  • Payment 5: 10% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents: Analysis paper on options for optimal staff location.
  • Payment 6: 10% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents: Funding Analysis (document) on assessment of funding options.
  • Payment 7: 20% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents: the CPMP document/package; (ii) Document (Funding Analysis) on assessment of funding options.

The Consultant’s fee may be reduced if deliverables are not fulfilled to the required standard.

Required Education, Background, Experience & Competencies:

  • Advanced degree in the strategic management, business administration, policy, development studies, economics, development studies, etc. or related fields relevant to the assignment;
  • A minimum of 10 years mixed experience in senior positions in a large organization/office related to:
    • the private, public and not-for-profit sectors
    • in global, decentralized and multicultural organizations.
  • Proven experience in programme design, development and planning, programme cycle management.
  • Prior documented experience drafting a UN Agency Country Programme Document/CPMP or UNDAF/UNSDCF is required.
  • Proven facilitation skills in the context of participatory strategic and operational planning exercises.
  • Proven ability to deliver quality output including reports writing and making presentation under tight deadlines.
  • Strong writing and analytical skills for quality report writing.
  • Strong presentation and communication skills in English (fluency required);
  • Previous work experience with UNICEF in a similar capacity, is an advantage.

Administrative Issues:

The consultant will work remotely. Future travel may be required if travel restriction ease and the situation becomes favourable to travel as part of the assignment. All travel is by most economical fare and reimbursement as per UNICEF policy.

Regular conference/skype calls will be held as required with the teams to facilitate the work plan.

Conditions:

Before commencing work, a consultant or individual contractor 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. Consultants and individual contractors shall assume all costs that may occur in relation to the statement of good health.

Consultants and individual contractors are required to certify that they are covered by medical/health insurance.

The Consultant is expected to work remotely from his/her home base, with his/her computer.

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

The selected candidate will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

Required 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.

UN Human Rights and Responsibilities

UNICEF Information Security Awareness Course

Fraud Awareness

Recourse:

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. 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 requirements of the law governing such rights. Any third-party usage shall require written permission from both parties.

How To Apply: Prospective consultants should apply using this link https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/listing/ and typing 535889 in the search engine no later than 15 November 2021. The application package should include:

  1. CV
  2. Cover letter - highlighting relevant experiences and skills related to the assignment in no more than two pages
  3. Financial proposal – Please provide an all-inclusive fee (monthly fee in USD) required to undertake this assignment.
  4. Two recent examples of similar projects from organizations similar to UNICEF in size and scope.

Applications submitted without a fee/rate and detailed financial proposal will not be considered.

If you have not been contacted within a month of the closing date please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret emails will be sent only to shortlisted/contacted candidates.

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.

Added 3 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org