International consultant to develop Sub-national level Vulnerability Index, Intervention mapping and Advocacy briefs, 40 w/ds, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
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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, every right,
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
Background:
As a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the government of the Republic of Tajikistan is making efforts in realization of the children’s rights. To monitor the situation of children and progress in realization of their rights availability and use of quality disaggregated data is paramount. In its latest Concluding Observations to Tajikistan, the CRC emphasized that data concerning all persons under 18 are essential to analyse the children’s situation and design targeted policies. It also recommended that the data collected and generated from the State party’s Statistics Agency be disaggregated, inter alia, by age, sex, geographic location, ethnicity, and socio-economic background and is effectively used to inform policy makers, and that efforts be made to increase the capacity of the governmental agencies to analyse the data. A vulnerability analysis to monitor the situation of children with a focus on inequities across geographical locations is a critical tool in ensuring that no one is left behind, as it helps identify and address the specific needs and challenges of marginalized and at-risk populations. If the situation of children is known and understood, action can be taken to make it better.
In 2021 UNICEF Tajikistan developed the Vulnerability Index as a tool to identify where the greatest needs and highest levels of vulnerability are, based on the most up-to-date administrative data at the district level. The tool compiles existing administrative data on child related indicators including the SDGs across several sectors into a composite index and sub-indices for tracking on a more frequent basis at the subnational level (using the administrative data as an alternative source). In 2023 UNICEF Tajikistan started the implementation of the new Country Programme for 2023-2026. Considering the evolving socio-economic landscape in the country and need to feed updated vulnerability analysis in the planning of policies and programmes there is a need to review and update the vulnerability analysis to better target its interventions based on existing evidence.
Methodological enhancement: Based on experiences and lessons learned the methodology for vulnerability index and UNICEF intervention mapping needs to be reviewed, validated and updated to ensure robustness and relevance. The updated methodology is required to be statistically robust , providing a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making.
Opportunities: The assignment presents an opportunity to enhance UNICEF's ability to identify the vulnerable areas and communities with the greatest need. By revising the vulnerability index and improving the Intervention Mapping, UNICEF can better target its programmes and resources, maximizing their impact on children's well-being.
In this regard, collaborating with government agencies, development partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other partners is essential to gather accurate and comprehensive data. UNICEF Tajikistan is committed to further work with the government and other partners to promote the use of existing data to inform the decisions related to children using such prioritization tools. This collaboration also presents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships for child-centered development and strengthen the capacity of duty bearers in evidence-informed decision making in Tajikistan.
UNICEF Tajikistan is also developing a sub-national Child Climate Risks-Index (CCRI)- Disaster Risks Monitoring (DRM) index. CCRI-DRM is a composite index that helps to understand and measure the likelihood that climate, environmental and other types of shocks and stresses lead to the erosion of development progress, the deepening of deprivations, and humanitarian crisis that affect children and vulnerable households and groups. It seeks to identify which areas are at risk of deepening child deprivations and humanitarian situations affecting children as a result of their exposure to these shocks and stresses and to understand the underlying factors that could contribute to these risks. The sub-national vulnerability analysis will also learn from and contribute in the overall effort towards CCRI in the country.
Considering the mentioned issues, challenges, opportunities, and potential benefits to the government and development partners, UNICEF Tajikistan seeks to engage an international individual consultant to undertake the task of reviewing the methodology and updating the Sub-national/District Vulnerability Index (including the UNICEF Intervention Mapping), as well as to develop a series of thematic advocacy briefs based on vulnerability data.
How can you make a difference?
The primary goals of this consultancy are to update the existing vulnerability index and dashboard, overlay it with UNICEF programme data, and to develop a series of analytical thematic briefs based on vulnerability data, with the overarching objective of enhancing the effectiveness of UNICEF's child-centered programs and promoting evidence-based programming.
The specific objectives of the assignment are as follows:
1. Review and update the UNICEF Vulnerability Index and UNICEF Intervention Mapping to produce a coherent tool for evidence-based decisions on resource allocation and programming.
1.1. Conduct the desk review of the existing literature on vulnerability mapping and composite indicators on child wellbeing and/or child rights
1.2. Review the existing District Vulnerability Index (including the methodology and data) and UNICEF Intervention Mapping
1.3. Identify gaps and limitations of the current methodology of the Vulnerability Index and UNICEF intervention mapping and suggest ways of enhancing the methodology to ensure statistical robustness, precision, relevance and coherence (including the software to be used)
1.4. Conduct the mapping of existing administrative data and explore potential enhancement of the methodology based on existing statistics and administrative data.
1.5. Incorporate the latest available data on key socio-economic indicators, including but not limited to poverty, education, health, and child well-being
1.6. Develop a refined, statistically sound vulnerability index and UNICEF intervention mapping dashboard that accurately reflects the current vulnerabilities faced by children and communities in Tajikistan and serves a practical tool for UNICEF and its partners to make informed decisions on resource allocation and program implementation
1.7. Provide clear and up-to-date maps and visual representations of the vulnerability index for easy interpretation
1.8. Identify opportunities to link/feed information from vulnerability index to the CCRI-DRM and integrate learning from the CCRI-DRM vulnerability analysis into the sub-national/District Vulnerability Index.
2. Develop thematic advocacy briefs utilizing infographics based on the vulnerability data (at least 2; and ideally interactive briefs)
2.1. Work closely with relevant UNICEF staff and, if relevant, government partners (e.g. Agency on Statistics under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade) to identify relevant topics and data for advocacy policy briefs.
2.2. Propose an outline for the data-sensitive thematic advocacy briefs. Collaboration with Programme experts is critical, to ensure the technical inputs are provided to enable the drafting of the narrative.
2.3. Prepare a series of thematic advocacy briefs based on the most recent disaggregated data on child well-being and child rights.
2.4. Conduct a capacity development session on data analysis and use for writing evidence-based advocacy briefs and infographics.
The assignment encompasses a range of activities designed to update the District Vulnerability Index and revise the UNICEF Intervention Mapping document for Tajikistan, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of UNICEF's child-centered programs and contributing to government initiatives. The scope of the assignment includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
Review of Existing Documents
a. Conduct a comprehensive desk review of the existing District Vulnerability Index and UNICEF Intervention Mapping document including CCRI-DRM.
b. Identify gaps, limitations, and areas for improvement in the methodology and data sources used in these documents.
c. Validate the methodology of the District Vulnerability Index with UNICEF Regional and/or Headquarters experts.
Data Collection and Analysis
a. Gather the most recent and relevant data related to key socio-economic indicators affecting child well-being, such as poverty, education, health, WASH and child protection.
b. Perform data analysis, including statistical assessments, to understand vulnerability patterns, trends, and disparities in different districts of Tajikistan.
Methodological Enhancement
a. Enhance the methodology used in the District Vulnerability Index and the UNICEF Intervention Mapping document to ensure statistical robustness and precision.
b. Develop and apply a more sophisticated statistical approach that accurately represents the current vulnerabilities faced by children and communities.
Updating of District Vulnerability Index
a. Create an updated and statistically sound District Vulnerability Index, incorporating the latest data and improved methodology.
b. Develop clear and up-to-date maps and visual representations of the vulnerability index for each district in Tajikistan.
UNICEF Intervention Mapping
a. Align the UNICEF Intervention Mapping document with the updated District Vulnerability Index, ensuring its relevance to current conditions.
b. Strengthen the methodology used in the Intervention Mapping document, providing a solid basis for identifying and prioritizing interventions.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
a. Collaborate with government agencies, development partners, NGOs, and other relevant partners to gather necessary data and insights.
b. Engage in dialogue with government representatives to ensure the assignment's outcomes align with national priorities and development plans.
c. Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing child vulnerabilities in Tajikistan.
Capacity Building
a. Provide technical support and capacity building to UNICEF Tajikistan staff as needed to ensure they can effectively use the updated documents for program planning and implementation.
b. Transfer knowledge and best practices related to vulnerability assessment, data analysis, and intervention mapping to UNICEF staff and government counterparts.
Final Reporting
a. Prepare and submit a final report (or online pages) that comprehensively summarizes the methodology used, data sources, findings and recommendations.
b. Include visual aids, maps, graphics, and other tools in the report to support the understanding and application of the District Vulnerability Index and the UNICEF Intervention Mapping document
Work Assignment
Tasks/Milestone: (in line with the scope elaborated in section-III)/Deliverables/Outputs/Anticipated Timeline
% of payment
1) Review the existing databases and dashboards, sectoral data sets, statistical publications and documents. Inception report including:
- proposed methodology for the vulnerability index (including the list of composite and sectoral indicators), intervention mapping and - topics for data sensitive advocacy briefs,- topics for data sensitive advocacy briefs; 7 w/d, Jan. 2024, 1st payment, 15%
2) Review and update a) Vulnerability Index methodology with dashboard and b) UNICEF Intervention mapping dashboard
a) Vulnerability Index with:
Validated, statistically sound methodology
Updated database and dashboard based on district-level data
b) Updated UNICEF intervention mapping database and dashboard linked to the Vulnerability Index; 19 w/ds, Feb.-March 2024, 45%
3) Develop thematic advocacy briefs based on disaggregated data; Data-sensitive briefs on at least four priority topics; 12 w/ds, April 2024
4) Write the final report and instruction for further update by UNICEF staff. Final report that comprehensively summarizes the validated methodology (including indicators, data sources) findings, lessons learned and recommendations. Instruction on the use of the Vulnerability Index and further update; 2 w/ds, 40%
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education: Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in a relevant field, including the following:
Social Sciences
Data management
Statistics and Data Analysis
Public Health
Economics
Dashboards and GIS systems
Experience: - At least 5 years of professional experience in working with statistics, information systems, or quantitative research.
Understanding the complex socio-economic factors affecting child well-being. - Explicit experience in developing dashboards, using PowerBI, Tableau, Infogram, GIS or other software
Proficiency in statistical analysis is required for this assignment. The consultant should be well-versed in data analysis, interpretation, and modeling to ensure the methodology used is statistically robust and precise.
Proficiency in research and data collection methods is required to gather and analyze data on socio-economic indicators.
Solid knowledge and experience in working with administrative data and composite indicators
Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowing of Russian is an asset.
REQUIREMENTS:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
CV/Cover letter
Completed EOI form (Annex2 & 3 attached) Templates EoI & Financial Offer .docx
Completed financial proposal (Annex 3), including travel cost as per Travel Plan: approximately 1 trip for 7 w/ds (travel cost will be done as per agreed Travel Plan) within the country.
Contact of three references
Travel involved: 1-week travel to Tajikistan
Applications must be received in the system by 20 November 2023 on the UNICEF website.
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.
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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Updated 5 months ago
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Source:
unicef.org
