International Consultancy : New Country Programme Development Technical Support Consultant (Open to Non-Malawian Nationals Only)

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, Health...

The Malawi Country Office (MCO) is currently implementing its sixth country programme of cooperation (2019-2023). The current country programme document (CPD) summarizes UNICEF's contribution to the realization of the rights of every Malawian child, especially the most disadvantaged. It is anchored to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (2019-2023). The current CPD is aligned to the Malawi UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2019-2023). It is also premised on the previous UNICEF Strategic Plan (2017-2021) and Gender Action Plan (2017-2021).

The CPD was largely informed by the 2017 Situation Analysis, the Gender Programmatic Review (2018), Common Country Analysis (2018) and the various programme strategy notes developed in 2018. The CPD summarizes the rationale and scope in a more integrated life cycle approach based on school, health facility and community platforms. It represents UNICEF's contribution to national efforts to fulfil obligations toward implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments and to achieve the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development goals for Malawi.

The CPD, which started in 2019, is currently in its penultimate year and will be concluded in 2023 and hence, the need to start preparations for the development of the next country programme. The situation analysis of children’s and adolescents’ rights and well-being, which is at an advanced stage of implementation, will be instrumental to inform the formulation of the next country programme. In addition, three other in-depth thematic analyses, which will also provide key inputs for the next CPD are currently underway. These include the climate landscape analysis for children, working with the business sector to deliver results for children, and the Gender Programmatic Review. It is also important to note that the common country analysis was conducted in 2020-21 and plans are underway to update it in 2022.

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative - Programmes and the overall guidance of the Representative, the international contractor will work closely with the Chief of Programme Planning & Monitoring and all Section Chiefs to:

1. Faciltate the strategic moment of reflection on current CPD, based on the SitAn, Key Deprevations Document (2022) and MICS 2021 (consultant will be based in Malawi).

2. Facilitate, review, compile and critique the MCO team’s inputs in order to draft the overarching programme rationale, outcome and overarching theories of change, outcome results and resources plans, results and resources framework, costed evaluation plan, and explanatory notes that will guide the design of the next country programme in line with country programme planning guidance 2.0. This also includes facilitating consultations workshops with key stakeholders to validate theories of change. (consultant will be based in Malawi).

3. Using the OSEB classic 6,000 word CPD template, draft the next CPD that is derived from the UNICEF Strategic Plan (2022-2025) with a high-level theory of change, and that is aligned to UNSDCF 2024-2028; MIP 1 priorities and Malawi Sustainable Development Goals. (consultant will support from his or her base, full guidance will be provided on the requirements as per latest country programme planning guidance, style and templates).

4. Facilitate the draft CPD validation workshop(s) with key stakeholders (Government of Malawi, UN, CSOs, development partners and members of UNICEF Executive Board in Malawi). (consultant will be based in country).

5. Finalize the 2024-2028 Country Programme Document incorporating feedback from validation workshops (consultant will work from his or her base).

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

Academic qualification:

• At least a Masters degree in a relevant field (international relations, development studies, business administration, social sciences, demography, economics, statistics).

Work experience:

• At least ten years of strategic planning and programme design experience in social development field is required.

• Proven track record of experience in design of UN and UNICEF country programme documents and results frameworks is required.

Proven track record in results-based management practice including in programme design (prioritization, programme strategy notes, theory of change, results framework and results-based budgeting) is required.

• Proven track record in facilitating multi-stakeholder groups as well as consultation with vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents, is essential.

• Experience in development and humanitarian programming in the Eastern and Southern Africa is an asset.

• Experience in conducting situation analysis of children’s and adolescents’ rights and well-being is an added advantage.

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of results-based management principles and practice.

• Sound and up to date knowledge and expertise in human rights-based approach to programming, gender-responsive, equity-focused and risk-informed programming.

• Sound and up to date knowledge of UN and UNICEF policies and practices in programme design.

• Conversant with the Convention on the Rights of the Child as it relates to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child.

• Working knowledge of Malawi and Eastern and Southern Africa geographic and socio-economic situation.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking

• Strong coordination and facilitation skills

• Works collaboratively with others

• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

• Drive to achieve results for impact

• Ability to work under pressure and to manage different expectations

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications

Languages:

• Fluency in English language combined with strong oral, presentation and written communication skills is required.

Please refer to the attached full Terms of Reference TOR for MCO CPD Contractor.pdf for more details on the consultancy and requirements.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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.

HOW TO APPLY...

Interested consultants should provide the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Brief technical proposal (no longer than five pages) demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the assignment and approach/methodology to the assignment
3. Financial proposal including a breakdown of their all-inclusive fees (including professional fees, travel, living cost, visa and other costs). Financial Proposal for Consultancy.xlsx Complete the attached form.
4. References details

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. The candidate may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).