National Consultant - for Lessons Learned Study on National Social Protection Response (Social Cash Transfers) to COVID-19 (Open to Myanmar National Applicants Only)

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Individual Consultant (National) for Lessons Learned Study on National Social Protection Response (Social Cash Transfers) to COVID-19

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Background

While the covid-19 disease has been spreading around the world uniformly, the direct and indirect impacts associated to the disease have differed quite significantly from country to country. With the society, families and children experiencing different kind of impacts, we should also expect a range of different policy and programmatic options to be considered in order to fine-tune the response to the country context.

In Myanmar, we are currently witnessing indirect impacts of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) and preventive measures associated to the containment of covid-19 to be higher than the direct impacts – a scenario that can certainly change. While further analysis is required to understand the full implications of the crisis, we have observed how the NPIs/preventive measures have targeted the slow-down/limitation to the movement of people and goods, which had a negative impact on the economy and ultimately resulting on socio-economic impact on families and children. In this situation, investment in social protection can both improve the response and also reduce the cost of COVID-response. Risk adjusted social protection response can potentially build the resilience of the households by supporting the prevention of COVID-19 and mitigation of its social and economic impacts.

The Government of Myanmar has recently announced a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package (CERP) where a vertical expansion of the existing MCCT covering 240,000 beneficiaries and Social Pension covering 200,000 beneficiaries is proposed. This will provide an additional one-off/top up of MMK 30,000 ($20) in the month of June/July 2020 as a top-up to the regular MMK 45,000 provided on quarterly basis to the MCCT beneficiaries in Chin, Rakhine, Naga, Kayah and Kayin States. In addition to this, a one-off cash grant for pregnant women around the country (except MCCT implementing states/regions), a cash grants to IDPs and Persons with disabilities is being explored and further planned. In order to continue the cash transfer payments, DSW has already introduced set of risk-adjusted procedures to be implemented in conjunction with strengthened programme communication and social and behavioural change communication.

Objectives of the consultancy:

The main objective of the consultancy is to conduct lessons learning study of the national social cash transfers particularly MCCT and Social Pension’s one-off payments managed by DSW/MSWRR. This is also in line with the recommendations from the recently conducted formative evaluation of the MCCT in Chin and Rakhine States suggesting to further strengthen M&E systems to generate timely feedback requiring adjustment in the design and implementation aspects of the cash transfer. The learning study will develop a knowledge products for UNICEF and DSW/MSWRR emphasizing: i) review on implementation process, feedback mechanism; ii) assess effectiveness of the additional cash in backdrop of COVID-19 challenges, also considering gender and age differential needs are considered in the additional support; iii) document best practices, iv) suggest operational and strategic lessons for shock-responsive social protection programming which will include adjustments and adaptations to the MCCT and will provide inputs for the proposed Child Allowance and Disability Grants.

Geographic Area:

The consultancy assignment is based in Nay Pyi Taw and will require telephonic/zoom interaction with the key implementing agencies and partners. The consultant will have face to face meeting with Government department and agencies. The consultant is expected to be in Nay Pyi Taw for at least 30 working days with at least 3 trips to MCCT areas (Chin, Rakhine, Kayin and Kayah) if situation allows for travelling and meeting with states/regions level Government departments and partners. For the field travels (elsewhere from Nay Pyi Taw), the actual expense will be reimbursed, and consultant should get prior approval from both DSW and UNICEF before travelling. If consultant is not from Nay Pyi Taw, he/she is expected to come and stay in Nay Pyi Taw for 30 working days with at least 4 round trips to Nay Pyi Taw.

Duration:

The consultancy will be 30 working days spread over 4 months.

Description of Assignment

Tasks 1

Inception report includes learning study approach and workplan

Deliverables 1:

Narrative report of learning includes sample, key areas of learning/key questions, semi-structure questionnaires and work plan for assignment.

Tasks 2:

Preliminary findings report and validation with relevant stakeholders

Deliverables 2:

Preliminary report of analysis after data collection/ interview with stakeholders, PDM data analysis and validate the information through stakeholder consultation process.

Tasks 3:

Final report, PowerPoint presentation and a 4-pager briefing note/knowledge product which is approved by both DSW and UNICEF.

Deliverables 3:

Final report of the learning study, the PPT and 4 pager briefing note for the (virtual) workshop to present the study outcome to all stakeholders (both in English and Myanmar language)

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

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social sciences/Development study or any other relevant degree.

Work Experience: Three years of relevant professional work experience in data, analysis, monitoring, research and evaluations. Experience of Myanmar is essential.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and fluency in another UN language an asset. Fluency in Myanmar is highly desirable.

Additional desirable qualifications:

• Professional technical knowledge/expertise in Research activities; assessment, data collections, data analysis, reporting.
• Professional technical knowledge/expertise qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Professional technical knowledge/expertise in research study design, good interview skills, reporting and presentation.
• Experience in assessment, data collection, data analysis and reporting especially in capacity constraints environment/developing countries is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills under the challenging context.
• Ability to write clearly in plain and understandable English and Myanmar.
• Human Rights, Gender equality and diversity awareness is an asset.

The detail Terms of Reference and the Expression of Interest form to complete and include in your application can be accessed here;

TOR-National Consultant for Learning Study_edited.docx

Expression of Interest_ Lesson learned study, social cash transfers.doc

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

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.