International individual consultancy for mapping of private sector with public and development sector in WASH, 20 w/d (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)

Consultant Programme & Policy Medical & Health

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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, Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and suitable hygiene

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.

UNICEF’s engagement with the Private Sector is evolving and UNICEF is actively seeking to engage with the Private Sector in all its programmatic plans, to accelerate and secure the achievement of the SDGs. Whilst UNICEF has developed a great expertise engaging with the public and social sectors, it is still a challenge to apprehend the complex world of the Private Sector, its stakeholders and dynamics and its diversity, and identify its potential in each country and the best modalities to engage with the private sector.

A key barrier to the implementation of WASH systems is that many citizens cannot pay for utility service models. COVID-19 has further depleted incomes, making commercial business models for WASH less likely and increasing risks of maintaining WASH infrastructure. According to the WASH Joint Sector Review conducted in 2021-2022, the total financing in the WASH sector equals 0.67% of the annual GDP which is approx. 54.5 million USD whereas based on SDG costing tool the total requirement on an annual basis to meet WASH SDGs in 213 million USD which is inadequate to meet national targets. There is a need to improve efficiency of the use of existing financial resources and increase innovative sources of financing, while exploring solutions that embrace innovative service delivery and sustainability models.

WASH financing is concentrated in the public sector. Thus, WASH delivery is often indicative of government operations. Numerous development and nonprofit programmes work to provide WASH services. Some governments have increased WASH financing as part of pandemic response efforts but in others, such as Tajikistan, funding is limited. WASH financing often relies on Official Development Assistance (ODA) as part of WASH funding. However, many countries have cut ODA funding to focus on addressing domestic pandemic needs.

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall oversight of the Chief, Child Survival, and direct supervision of WASH Specialist (international Professional), the International Consultant will provide remote support to the National Consultant with mapping of private sector in Tajikistan with the potential of partnership in the area of WASH with Public and Development sector in Tajikistan. The mapping will also be followed by the roadmap development process to determine the strategic director on private sector engagement in WASH in Tajikistan. The International Consultant is expected to work closely with the National Consultant to coordinate with relevant ministries that have key roles in WASH and PPP.

The main objective of this assignment is to conduct a mapping exercise of the private sector organizations that operate in Tajikistan having the potential to partner with the public and the development t sector in the area of WASH. The assignment should also address how the private sector can address WASH-related child deprivations. A second objective is to identify private sector business models which are currently being supported by WASH sector actors, to determine if the models are addressing current WASH deprivations and if the private sector activities can be sustainable without continued external financial support.

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

Estimated duration: 20 days (applicable between Nov, 2022 *-**June,* *2023)*

Duty station: *D**ushanbe,* *Tajikistan*

On-site *working* days:*** *N/A

Off-site working days: 20 days

Supervisor: WASH Specialist (IP), UNICEF Tajikistan

Reporting to: WASH Specialist (IP), UNICEF Tajikistan

The analysis should assess the role and motivation of business in the WASH and related supply and services sector. It should analyze the enabling environment, examining laws, policies and regulations related to business in these sectors to understand the incentives, gaps and constraints that significantly influence or determine business practices and their impact on water and sanitation services for children.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The private sector mapping exercise remaining within the WASH sector will identify current entrepreneurs and business providing goods and services in rural and urban context throughout Tajikistan. The assignment systematically should target achievement of the following;

1. Carry out initial brainstorming exercise with UNICEF and the National consultant to determine the best approach for identifying existing businesses that import, produce, or provide WASH services (or services that could be related to WASH) and analyze the impact of current policy, tax structures, and legal structures on these businesses. Advise based on previous experience and knowledge if the businesses should have focus on additional areas other than the following but at the same time support consultation process;

- Menstrual Hygiene Management: Reusable and disposable products from pads, panties, to cups.

- Hygiene: Soap, handwashing stations, and sanitizers, including dishwashing and clothes soap sometimes used for handwashing

- Sanitation: Goods and services, including international importers, small hardware stores, masons, or pit emptiers

- Water: Vendors, small-piped scheme operators, plumbers, area pump minders, point of use water treatment (chlorine/filters), commercial utility, and hardware store spare parts

- Waste Management: vendors working on collection, segregation, and recycling

- Clean energy: vendors, suppliers, manufacturers specifically focusing on solar energy and other clean energy options

2. Work together with the National consultant to develop a position paper specifying the most effective ways to engage with industries and even specific companies to deliver programmatic results for children at scale

3. Review and provide feedback to the analysis developed by the National Consultant based on the desk review and interviews with key stakeholder focusing on private sector business models which are currently being supported by WASH sector actors, to determine if the models are addressing current WASH deprivations and if the private sector activities can be sustainable without continued external financial support.

4. Jointly with the National Consultant develop a costed Roadmap taking into account sequential activities specifying key stakeholders to determine a strategic direction of private sector engagement in WASH in line with existing policy frameworks.

5. Virtually support the final workshop, collect feedback and incorporate in the final report/mapping/roadmap

6. Carry out final review of the report and roadmap before submission to UNICEF

WORK ASSIGNMENTS, DELIVERABLES & PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

Nos.

Deliverables

Estimated days

Payment schedule (details in budget

1

Inception report is prepared and shared for review and feedback

2 days

First instalment against completion of deliverables No. 1, 2,3 and 4 (40%)

2

Conduct a discussion with the National Consultant on desk review results

1 days

3

Carry out initial brainstorming exercise with UNICEF and the National consultant to determine the best approach for identifying existing businesses that import, produce, or provide WASH services (or services that could be related to WASH) and analyze the impact of current policy, tax structures, and legal structures on these businesses.

Also, advise based on previous experience and knowledge if the businesses should have focus on additional areas other than the following but at the same time support consultation process;

5 days

- Menstrual Hygiene Management: Reusable and disposable products from pads, panties, to cups.

- Hygiene: Soap, handwashing stations, and sanitizers, including dishwashing and clothes soap sometimes used for handwashing

- Sanitation: Goods and services, including international importers, small hardware stores, masons, or pit emptiers

- Water: Vendors, small-piped scheme operators, plumbers, area pump minders, point of use water treatment (chlorine/filters), commercial utility, and hardware store spare parts

- Waste Management: vendors working on collection, segregation, and recycling

- Clean energy: vendors, suppliers, manufacturers specifically focusing on solar energy and other clean energy options

4

Work together with the National consultant to develop a position paper specifying the most effective ways to engage with industries and even specific companies to deliver programmatic results for children at scale

2 days

Second instalment against completion of deliverables No. 5,6, and 7 and 8 (60%)

5

Review and provide feedback to the analysis developed by the National Consultant based on the desk review and interviews with key stakeholder focusing on private sector business models which are currently being supported by WASH sector actors, to determine if the models are addressing current WASH deprivations and if the private sector activities can be sustainable without continued external financial support.

4 days

6

Jointly with the National Consultant develop a costed Roadmap taking into account sequential activities specifying key stakeholders to determine a strategic direction of private sector engagement in WASH in line with existing policy frameworks.

4 days

7

Virtually support the final workshop, collect feedback, and incorporate in the final report/mapping/roadmap

1 day

8

Carry out final review of the report and roadmap before submission to UNICEF

1 day

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered, or for failure to meet deadlines.

Due to COIVD19, the work and d****eliverables are subject to change. C****onsultancy company n****e****e****d to be flexible to adjust to any unforeseen adjustments that might occur during the implementation.

Upon completion of the deliverables, all documents specified in the deliverables shall be developed and submitted to the UNICEF in soft copy:

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results The evaluation of the results will be based on:

1. Technical and professional competence (quality of the products delivered to UNICEF);

2. Scope of work (Including methodology)

3. Quality of work (quality of documents submitted);

4. Quantity of work (completing the tasks indicated in the table above within the set timeframe)

In addition, such indicators as work relations, responsibility, drive for results, and communication will be taken into account during the evaluation of the Consultant’s work.

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

▪ Education: An advanced University degree environmental studies, public health, business management and development, economics, commercial finance, law other relevant field of study. Relevant experience could be used in lieu of relevant degree

▪ W****ork Experience: At least 6 years proven experience in similar work especially engagement in the WASH sector is required. Additionally, extensive experience in policy drafting and technical strategy matters, especially in WASH (experience private sector engagement/PPP models is preferred). Past work experience with UN, especially UNICEF is advantageous

▪ T****echnical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of the WASH enabling environment is required specifically working on review and development of policies, mapping, public and private sector financing and engagement, strategies, and national level roadmaps

▪ Competencies: Strong coordination skills, analytical and conceptual thinking. Ability to work with large teams and guide policy discussions. Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills with stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe.

▪ Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian and Tajik is Preferable

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.

2. A technical proposal with proposed approach to managing the consultancy deliverables, showing understanding of tasks.

3. Financial quote for the consultancy in USD per deliverable, also stating the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in dollars.

4. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.

5. Applications without a financial quote will note be considered.

Queries can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “I****n****ternational individual c****onsultancy to carry out mapping of private sector with potential of partnership with public a****nd d****evelopment sector in WASH in Tajikistan”

Applications must be received in the system by 16 Oct 2022 on our 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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Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org