Intl. consultant for the review and revision of Institutional WASH standards in Tajikistan (4 months), Dushanbe, Tajikistan

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Friday 10 Sep 2021 at 18:55 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,

Key WASH indicators for Tajikistan remains less than optimal. Tajikistan is a member of the High-Level Panel on Water launched by the World Bank and the United Nations and has announced its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-6) to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. Tajikistan also committed to achievement of the SDGs and recognized the access to WASH in schools and health facilities as important favorable conditions for sustainable development in its National Development Strategy 2030, National Water Sector Strategy (2020 – 2030) and Water and Sanitation Plans and National Programme for Children that are in the process of development and endorsement.

To contribute to the progressive realization of the Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), UNICEF Tajikistan introduced a WASH in Institutions component as part of the Country Program of cooperation with the government of Tajikistan. The introduction of this element is in response to the request from government to support the design and implementation of the national WASH programme and a believe that improvement of WASH infrastructure in social institutions, coupled with hygiene promotion intervention, will contribute to reducing infant deaths, preventing communicable diseases among children.

Tajikistan has been using WASH standards and guidelines for Health Care Facilities (HCFs) and schools that are outdated. There is no availability of targeted studies or assessments reflecting on the effectiveness of use of these standards highlighting key gaps in practice and learning from experience. However, there is some evidence base put together through assessments carried out by different organization on broader WASH standards and its compliance in the country[1].

[1] http://www.tajwss.tj/new/images/Report_standards_norms_final_report.pdf

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall oversight of the Chief, Health and Nutrition, direct supervision of WASH Specialist (international Professional), the International Consultant for WASH Standards Review will provide technical guidance and support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSP) and Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), specifically Sanitary and Epidemiological Services, Construction Department and other governmental counterparts to review and update the WASH standards for primary and secondary health care facilities and schools guided by global standard and contextualization needs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

  1. Conduct a desk review of the existing sources of information including current standards in schools and health care facilities, previous work done by the government and development partners, relevant policy and regulatory documents and generate the analysis brief on the current findings, gaps and challenges with UNICEF, MoHSP and the TWG.
  2. Work with MoHSP and MoES along with relevant TWGs to identify a representative sample of health care facilities (HCFs) and schools respectively that would support the fact finding survey ( a small number of facilities). Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with relevant staff of the HCFs and schools and relevant departments (using a questionnaire agreed by the relevant departments in the Ministry, sector partners and UNICEF) and end users (community) to be carried out in order to understand compliance of the current WASH standards in HCFs and challenges associated with it. Subsequently, produce a report to be shared with relevant stakeholders.
  3. Data collection and key informant interviews are carried out with key stakeholders identified in coordination with the MoHSP and MoES along with UNICEF and in accordance with the methodology developed
  4. Hold joint consultations with the relevant TWGs or separately with stakeholders as needed, using the findings of the assessment, with representatives of relevant ministries and departments to share analysis of the assessment carried out and targeted recommendations revision of standards.
  5. Based on the consultations with the TWG, bilaterally with the partners and findings of the fact finding survey on compliance of standards, preparation of the updated standards document along with a report on with key observations, justifications and recommendations on specific changes to the existing standards.
  6. Conduct workshop with relevant Ministries, government departments and development partners to present and build consensus on the proposed standards. Once consensus is established, final proposed standards to be submitted to UNICEF and MoHSP/MoES
  7. Share all findings, conclusions and recommendations from the process with MoHSP and UNICEF.
  8. Conclude the process by incorporating feedback on the draft report
  9. Provide logistical and advisory support in consultation process, in organizing and facilitating the workshop with key stakeholders to collect information and feedback on the Review Report of WASH Standards;
  10. Provide required support to the Working Group to address / incorporate comments obtained from key stakeholders.

    KEY DELIVERABLES/TIMEFRAME/PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

#

Tasks/Milestone

Deliverables/Outputs

Number of days

Payment schedule

1

Produce inception report on how tasks will be carried out with clear timeline of each deliverable and adopted methodology

Inception report

3 working days

2.

Conduct a desk review of the existing sources of information including current standards in schools and health care facilities, previous work done by the government and development partners, relevant policy and regulatory documents and generate the analysis brief on the current findings, gaps and challenges with UNICEF, MoHSP and the TWG.

Findings of the desk review

10 working days

3.

Work with MoHSP and MoES along with relevant TWGs to identify a representative sample of health care facilities (HCFs) and schools respectively that would support the fact finding survey ( a small number of facilities).

Questionnaire for conducting the KIIs agreed by the relevant stakeholders is developed

Detailed methodology of the assessment including tools used for data collection and KIIs

3 working days

30% upon the completion and submission of deliverables 1-4

4.

Data collection and key informant interviews are carried out with key stakeholders identified in coordination with the MoHSP and MoES (including the end users) along with UNICEF and in accordance with the methodology developed. The purpose of this data collection is to gather data on the level of compliance of current WASH standards, challenges faced and identifying potential options that are technically feasible.

Individual interview records and report is shared on understanding the effectiveness of the current WASH and HWM Standards in HCFs and challenges associated with it produced and shared with UNICEF, MoHSP and relevant stakeholders.

Brief report on the outcome, observations, challenges and recommendations

12 working days

5.

Hold joint consultations with the relevant TWGs or separately with stakeholders as needed, using the findings of the assessment, with representatives of relevant ministries and departments to share analysis of the assessment carried out and targeted recommendations revision of standards

Consultation records and briefs

5 working days

30% upon completion of deliverables 5-7

6.

Based on the consultations with the TWG, bilaterally with the partners and findings of the fact finding survey on compliance of standards, preparation of the updated standards document along with a report on with key observations, justifications and recommendations on specific changes to the existing standards.

Report with observations and recommendations and updated proposed standards

15 working days

7.

Conduct workshop(s) with relevant Ministries, government departments and development partners to present and build consensus on the proposed standards. Once consensus is established, final proposed standards to be submitted to UNICEF and MoHSP/MoES

Workshops are conducted and key notes on findings and way forward are shared and presented to UNICEF, MOHSP and MoES.

6 working days in total for both HCFs and schools (1 day of preparation for each workshop and 1 day of carryout the workshop and 1 days for sharing findings)

7

Share final findings, conclusions and recommendations from the process after the workshop and establishing consensus with MoHSP, MoES and UNICEF.

Draft Report that contains specific findings, conclusions and recommendations for revision of WASH and HWM Standards to comply with the current environment and context in Tajikistan followed by a presentation.

7 working days

40% upon completion of deliverables 7-8

8

Conclude the process by incorporating feedback on the draft report

Final Report to be shared with UNICEF and MoHSP

10 working days

Note: Due to COVID 19, the work and deliverables are subject to change. Consultant need to be flexible to adjust to any unforeseen adjustments that might occur during the implementation

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

Estimated duration: 70 working days within 4 months (Sep-Dec, 2021)

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

On-site working days: 70 w/ds

Off-site working days: n/a

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 (e.g. No. of meetings with the stakeholders);
  3. Quality of work (quality of methodology, draft, and final report);
  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:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, civil engineering, water engineering, sanitation engineering or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience: a minimum of eight years of professional work experience in the field of IPC, WASH, Environmental Sanitation, application of National IPC, WASH in HCF and Schools Standards in the country context, regulatory and legislative WASH reviews. Experience working with top management of national ministries and local authorities, experience in designing, reviewing the policy documents and conducting social researches would be an advantage.

Competencies: Strong analytical and conceptual thinking. Excellent writing skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills with stakeholders and the ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to a tight timeframe.

Language: Excellent working knowledge and communication in English is required. Knowledge of Tajik and Russian is an asset.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

  1. Cover letter/application/CV.
  2. A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing the project, showing understanding of tasks.
  3. Work plan.
  4. Financial quote for the consultancy in USD per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in USD.
  5. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
  6. At least two references

Queries can be sent to: [email protected] with subject line “Consultancy to provide Technical Assistance to Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSP) and Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) in review and revision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) standards for Health Care Facilities (HCFs) and Schools” Applications must be received in the system by the September 10, 2021 (deadline extended) at our website: http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/543925?lApplicationSubSourceID=

Travel costs and DSA will be covered in accordance with UN rules and regulations. No other remunerations apply. As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible cost.

Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel insurance.

EVALUATION PROCESS AND METHODS:

Individual consultants/contractors will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis methodology. The award of the Contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the highest score out of a weighted set of technical and financial criteria.

During the selection, the ratio between the technical evaluation and commercial offer is 70 to 30.

Only candidates who obtain a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Criteria evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Financial Proposal

Please provide an all-inclusive price for delivering professional services in accordance with the assignment described under this TOR.

The formula for the rating of the Financial Proposals will be as follows:

FP Rating = (Lowest Priced Offer / Price of the Offer Being Reviewed) x 100

Insurances: UNICEF does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for consultants and individual contractors, and consultants and individual contractors are not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to United Nations staff members. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming all costs related to required inoculations, vaccinations and medical examinations. Consultants and individual contractors are fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the period of their services as they consider appropriate. The responsibility of UNICEF is limited solely to the payment of compensation for service-incurred death, injury or illness as per the provisions detailed below.

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.

Ethical considerations: Adequate measures should be taken to ensure that the process responds to quality and ethical requirements. The contracted consultant should be sensitive to beliefs, manners, and customs and act with integrity and honesty in their relationships with all stakeholders. It should also protect the anonymity and confidentiality of individual information.

Mandatory trainings: Consultants and individual contractors, regardless of contract duration, must complete the applicable mandatory trainings. The link will be provided during the selection process for the successful candidates.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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.

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.

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