International Consultant to develop a Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children from Violence against Children 2024-2027

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Monday 20 Mar 2023 at 22:55 UTC

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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, protection from any harm.

The right of every child to be protected from all forms of violence (physical, sexual, psychological violence and neglect) is set out in the CRC and other international human rights treaties and standards. In particular, Article 19 of the CRC calls for legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to be put in place to protect the child from all forms of violence and abuse. Montenegro is committed to ending violence against children and has made significant strides in the past decade to align its legal and strategic framework with international standards on the protection of children from violence. This commitment has been reflected in the country’s ratification of all relevant UN and Council of Europe (CoE) treaties including the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (the Lanzarote Convention) and Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention). Protection of children from violence is also guaranteed by Montenegros Constitution and is an integral part of the countrys strategies and action plans for EU accession (Action Plan for Chapter 23), as well as for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Goal 16.3). Since 2017, Montenegro has gained recognition as one of the pathfinding countries in the Global Partnership to End Violence against Children. Protection of children from violence is also guaranteed by Montenegros Constitution and is an integral part of the countrys strategies and action plans for EU accession (Action Plan for Chapter 23), as well as for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Goal 16.3). Legal and policy framework have been largely aligned with relevant international standards, institutional capacities have been built, capacities of different sectors’ professionals strengthened and family and community-based services that can prevent violence expanded.

The adoption of the Government’s first ever Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children from Violence 2017-2021 reaffirmed its commitment to improve the legislative and institutional frameworks. In 2021, the implementation of the Strategy was analyzed with UNICEF support, and remaining gaps, bottlenecks, and lessons learned were identified and recommendations provided for development of a new four-year strategic framework. The analysis on the implementation of the 2017-2021 Strategy pointed out that the next policy document needs to be based on a detailed analysis of children’s needs with measures particularly targeting the most vulnerable and at-risk groups of children. The analysis also recommends, in addition to reaching a consensus on what constitutes violence against children, an in-depth review of the existing data on violence against children. The next Strategy needs to consider the necessary financial resources for the implementation of all the envisaged measures and clear monitoring and evaluation framework. Despite all the efforts invested in the previous period there remains a high prevalence as well as wide-spread societal tolerance towards violence against children in Montenegro. Latest MICS data (2018) for Montenegro show that violence against children is still a key issue - 66% of children were estimated to have experienced violent discipline by their family members in the last month preceding the survey. For children with disabilities this situation is even worse with 83 per cent estimated to have suffered the same fate. Twenty-five per cent of 15-year-olds participating in the OECD PISA assessment reported being bullied at least a few times a month . The EU Progress Reports for the past several years have been highlighting gender-based violence and violence against children as issues of serious concern, as well as limited awareness on access to justice and protection mechanisms. To respond to some of these challenges, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare started with the implementation of an initiative to strengthen national child protection system for prevention and protection of children from all forms of violence and exploitation in December 2022, with UNICEF technical and EUD financial support. Within this initiative, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has undertaken to draft a new four-year costed Strategy for the prevention and protection of children from violence. In addition to policy development, the initiative includes capacity development support to foster increased inter-sectoral cooperation to better prevent and protect children from violence, including sexual violence, sexual abuse, and gender-based violence across the sectors. Within the scope of this consultancy the international expert is expected to work jointly with the national expert who will provide support primarily in data collection and methodology including defining outcomes and outputs as well as drafting the Strategy. The Strategy will foster an intersectoral approach and will include interventions and measures to be implemented by all relevant sectors i.e. social welfare, education, health, law enforcement, judiciary, to prevent and protect children from violence and strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation.

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of the assignment is to provide support to the Government of Montenegro i.e. the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in strengthening the child protection but also education and health systems to create a safe and protective environment and enhance prevention and protection of children from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. More specifically the international consultant will provide technical guidance and support to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and its Working Group in developing an evidence-based four-year costed Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence. The Strategy will include specific outcomes, outputs and activities with related indicators and budgeted action plan with clear monitoring and evaluation framework. The Strategy will also include the first 2 years Action Plan for its implementation. The objective of the consultancy is to provide direct and continuous assistance to the Working Group through drafting the Strategy, provision of relevant guidance, inputs, feedback, addressing comments and recommendations as well as presentation of the key elements to the Working Group and/or interested public during the Strategy drafting process. The Strategy will be drafted using the Methodology for Policy Development, Drafting and Monitoring of Strategic Planning Documents of the General Secretariat of the Government of Montenegro. In addition, the 2017-2021 Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence Evaluation Report analyzing the previous Strategy will be consulted both before and throughout the development of the new strategy. The Strategy development process will consider engagement and voices of children and youth that will take active part in the process. The consultant will take into consideration the views and opinions of children throughout the whole process.

Under the direct supervision of UNICEF Child Protection Officer, the International Consultant is expected to undertake in close cooperation with a UNICEF National Consultant (selected to provide support in the same process) the following tasks: • Desk review of all available relevant international standards and best practices, national strategic, legal and other documents (reports, analyses, data) relevant to prevention and protection of children from violence (including but not limited to CRC, CRPD, Istanbul Convention, Lanzarote Convention), Recommendations of the CRC Committee for Montenegro, CEDAW Recommendations, GREVIO and GRETA reports, EUD Progress reports for Montenegro, the 2017-2021 Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence Evaluation Report (4 days); • Interviews and consultations to collect data and information from the relevant professionals from the following key stakeholders: Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Institute for Social and Child Protection, NGOs, professionals of Centres for Social Work, and other relevant stakeholders and professionals as needed, including collection of children’s views opinions (4 days); • Drafting the Inception Report with an outline of the Strategy containing e.g. key strategic directions, outcomes, outputs etc with particular attention paid to gender component and cross-sectoral nature of the Strategy to be agreed with the MLSW (4 days); • Drafting of the Strategy (first draft) with specific outcomes, outputs and activities with related indicators and budgeted action plan with clear monitoring and evaluation framework, with particular attention paid to gender component and cross-sectoral nature of the Strategy (7 days); • Participation at minimum three meetings of the Working Group for the development of the Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence (3 days); • Presentation of draft Strategy to the members of the Working Group for the development of Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence (2 days); • Support to the MLSW in presenting the draft Strategy at the public discussion (1 day); • Drafting the final version of the Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence based on feedback received from the Working Group and UNICEF (3 days). The version cleared and approved by UNICEF Montenegro will be considered as the final version.

The consultant will be the lead in the process and will work in a team with a national expert. Both are expected to work both in the field and from home. The detailed timeline will be agreed with UNICEF and Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

Work Assignment Overview

Estimate

Tasks/Milestone: Deliverables/Outputs: Timeline budget

Desk review of all available relevant international standards and best practices, national strategic, legal and other documents (reports, analyses, data) relevant to prevention and protection of children from violence (including but not limited to CRC, CRPD, Istanbul Convention, Lanzarote Convention), Recommendations of the CRC Committee for Montenegro, CEDAW Recommendations, GREVIO and GRETA reports, EUD Progress reports for Montenegro, the 2017-2021 Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence Evaluation Report (4 days);

Desk review conducted

By 17 April 2023

Interviews and consultations to collect data and information from the relevant professionals from the following key stakeholders: Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Institute for Social and Child Protection, NGOs, professionals of Centres for Social Work, and other relevant stakeholders and professionals as needed, including collection of children’s opinions (4 days);

Interviews and consultation with stakeholders organized

By end April 2023

Drafting the Inception Report with an outline of the Strategy containing e.g. key strategic directions, outcomes, outputs etc. with particular attention paid to gender component and cross-sectoral nature of the Strategy to be agreed with the MLSW (4 days);

Inception report drafted

By mid-May 2023

Drafting of the Strategy (first draft) with specific outcomes, outputs and activities with related indicators and budgeted action plan with clear monitoring and evaluation framework, with particular attention paid to gender component and cross-sectoral nature of the Strategy (7 days);

Drafted Strategy (first draft)

By 31st May 2023

Participation at minimum three meetings of the Working Group for the development of the Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence (3 days);

Three meetings of the WG held with the Consultant participation

By 30th July 2023

Presentation of draft Strategy to the members of the Working Group for the development of Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence (2 days);

Presentation delivered

By 30th July 2023

Support to the MoLSW in presenting the draft Strategy at the public discussion (1 day);

Draft Strategy presented to public

By end September 2023

Drafting the final version of the Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Violence based on feedback received from the Working Group and UNICEF (3 days).

Comments included and document finalized

By mid- November 2023

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

Education:

Advanced university degree in legal, social work, psychology, social policy or a similar technical field. PhD will be considered a distinct advantage;

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in policy and legislation development in the area child protection, particularly in relation to prevention and protection of children from violence. Good knowledge of the reform processes in the social and child protection system in Montenegro; Familiarity with the local context in Montenegro is a distinct advantage; Previous experience of collaboration with the UN is an asset.

Language: Fluency in both Montenegrin and English is required.

Other: Excellent writing skills, presentation skills, strong strategic and analytical skills, demonstrated by proven record of concise and clear publications and reports relating to analysis of social and child protection policies, strategies and plans development, etc. As a part of technical evaluation, applicants are requested to provide a recent piece of work. Experience in working with policy makers and multiple government stakeholders for multisectoral approach is a strong advantage; Strong communication and negotiation skills, participatory planning skills; Demonstrates tact and high sense of responsibility and discretion. Ability to work under pressure and strict timelines Demonstrates integrity and high ethical standards. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Payments: The payments will be made upon successful completion of the deliverables and submission of invoices. 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.

Mandatory learning: Upon conducting the recruitment process and prior to the signing of the contract, the consultant will be required to complete the following online courses. All certificates should be presented as part of the contract. 1. Ethics and Integrity at UNICEF 2. Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority (PSEAA) 3. Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse (PSEA)

Before commencement of any travel on behalf of UNICEF, the Consultants and Individual Contractors must complete course on General Information Security Awareness Course. In addition to above, 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: 1.Fraud Awareness; 2.General Information Security Awareness Course (only for consultants/individual contractors with a UNICEF email address). The above courses can be found on Agora through the following link: AGORA: Log in to the site (unicef.org). Course completion certificates should be shared and retained with the human resources unit of the hiring office.

Selection methodology: All applicants will be screened against qualifications and requirements set above. Candidates fully meeting all the requirements will be further evaluated based on the criteria below. The proposal will be evaluated against the following criteria: A) Technical criteria – Technical evaluation process / Maximum points: 70 1. Technical Criteria – please select: Interview -70 % of total evaluation– max. 70 points • Education: 20 • Previous experience, where a recent piece of work needs to be provided by the applicant within application: 25 • CV, Motivation/ cover letter and proposed work plan: 20 • Other 5 Only candidates who obtained at least 70% of points from the technical part (who will score at least 49 points) will be qualified for considering for financial proposal evaluation B) Financial criteria – evaluation of financial proposal - Maximum points: 30 The applicants are requested to submit their financial proposal consisting of a professional fee for the services to be provided. The applicants are requested to submit their lump sum financial proposal consisting of a daily professional fee, proposed travel costs for north, central and south area of the country and daily subsistence allowance (DSA) when applicable which will be paid up to a maximum of the official UN rate. Reimbursement of travel costs / accommodation expenses will be based on actual expenses. Travel costs and Financial scores will be calculated using the formula [lowest offer / financial offer of the candidate x 30].

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.

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

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