National, individual consultant to support coordination of the Protection of the most vulnerable children and families affected by COVID-19 initiative

Contract

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1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

On 26 March 2020 Montenegro formally declared epidemic COVID-19 on its entire territory. Even though, the country successfully responded to the first wave of the pandemic, the 2nd wave, which started in June 2020, brought the new reality for the country, which has positioned Montenegro as one of the most affected countries per capita in Europe. Affected population in Montenegro from the start of the pandemic is 12,127 (6,093 males and 5,443 females). The situation is concerning given that Montenegro is in the group of countries with the highest number of infected persons per 100,000 inhabitants (638 on 100.000). Such a high number of coronavirus positive cases is significantly above EU average.

In addition to its immediate human impact, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a disruptive effect on the economy and on people’s lives. It represents a huge burden for Montenegro`s health and social and child protection systems and caused an important disruption in the education sector – which has been investing efforts to bring children back to schools and adjust working methods for those in the state of need.

The Rapid Impact Assessment of Socio-Economic effects of COVID-19 in Montenegro showed that the pandemic has been exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities, while also exposing other segments of society to new vulnerabilities. As children were disproportionately affected by poverty before the COVID-19 crisis (32% vs. 24% national relative poverty rate), the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 is felt hardest by children.

In addition, children and adolescents have been exposed to exacerbated challenges with online learning, often associated with poor access for some groups (from single-parent households, foster families, belonging to minority groups, with disabilities, from rural areas etc.), more prominent need for psychosocial assistance due to mental health problems among children and adolescents, increased levels of violence against children and gender-based violence, exploitation and other harmful practices. Some of the children and families lack the essential supply, such as hygiene kits, diapers, food, clothes, etc.

Children affected by COVID-19 and their families face various stressors including social isolation, fears, rumours, exclusion and stigma. Front line staff operate in stressful working environments and face their own fears about the disease. At the same time the exposure to neglect, violence, including sexual violence, physical and emotional abuse is on increase. Marginalized and vulnerable children are at higher risk of these secondary impacts, including children with disabilities, children belonging to minority groups and children on the move.

In order to prevent and address the secondary impact of the outbreak and to minimize the human consequences of the outbreaks UNICEF supports the system response in areas of risk communication and community engagement, early childhood development, education, child protection, social protection, adolescent empowerment and participation and provision of essential wash supplies.

In the light of deepened vulnerabilities and emerging needs determined by the Rapid Impact Assessment of Socio-Economic effects of COVID-19, UNICEF is seeking a national consultant who will coordinate the short-term humanitarian initiative “Protection of the most vulnerable children and families affected by COVID-19”, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade through Association Group 484.

2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of this assignment is to support the UNICEF Country Office to Montenegro to effectively deliver humanitarian support and assistance to the most vulnerable children and families affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The Consultant will ensure that Project implementation, monitoring and reporting as well as delivery of resources and supply, in close cooperation with UNICEF partners.

3. METHODOLOGY AND TECHNICAL APPROACH

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Child Protection Officer and in close collaboration with the Education, ECD and Operations Officers and other UNICEF Montenegro staff in charge for Programme, Operations, Communication (including C4D) and Supply.

A detailed work plan with the time frame will be developed and agreed with the supervisor.

4. ACTIVITIES AND TASKS

Under the direct supervision of UNICEF Child Protection Officer, the consultant will be responsible for accomplishing the following tasks:

Provide technical support to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of the “Protection of the most vulnerable children and families affected by COVID-19”, initiative as follows:

• Coordinate the overall Project implementation in a successful, responsive and timely manner. Ensure regular reporting and adjustments of the work plan;
• Provide technical and administrative support to respective Programme Officers and Operations in coordination-related activities, including by organizing or participating in meetings, events, committees or groups, including supporting the organization and content preparation for the events, workshops, meetings, as required;
• Draft Terms of Reference for the consultancy services and provide technical support to CSOs in preparation and monitoring of the implementation of grant agreement schemes;
• Provide direct technical assistance to Programme and Operations section in the process of planning and purchase of necessary equipment and supply, including liaison and coordination with respective partners;
• Manage day-to-day correspondences with both internal UNICEF and external partners.
• Consolidate all information necessary for monitoring and reporting on the Project;
• Ensure regular reporting of updated data for all indicators of the results framework to be shared with the Donor;
• Ensure visibility of the donor and other partners in all project phases;
• Provide support to the development and preparation final narrative and financial report to the donor and ensure full compliance with grant agreement.

5. REPORTING AND TIMEFRAME

Monthly reporting.

6. MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION

Management: The Contractor will be supervised by the UNICEF Child Protection Officer.

Organization: National, individual consultancy is required for this consultancy. The consultancy assignment is home based.

Schedule: This assignment will commence byNovember 5th, 2020 and end on February 5th, 2021.

Payment schedule: Payment will be on a monthly schedule, upon submission of monthly progress report and signed invoice. The report should be submitted to UNICEF supervisor and cover reflection of the expertise and services provided, as well as advancements and challenges observed.

UNICEF recourse in the case of unsatisfactory performance: 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.

7. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Social Policy, Law or a related field is required.

• Advanced degree would be considered as an asset.

  Experience:

• At least (three) 3 years of relevant working experience, i.e. project management and coordination;

• Experience in working with vulnerable groups is considered as an asset, and in particular in
• humanitarian context;
• Previous experience in project cycle management, financial and administrative management would be an asset;

• Experience in working with UN/UNICEF or other international organizations will be considered as an advantage.

  Language:

• Proficient command of English and Montenegrin is required.

Other:

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience and ability to work in intercultural environments.
• Ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects / tasks.
• Time management skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• A creative mind with an ability to suggest improvements.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

8. APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• To apply for a vacant position, please submit CV, cover letter and P-11 form;

• The candidates are requested to submit a financial offer as a separate document consisting of breakdown of the applicable costs for the whole period.

  9. SELECTION METHOD

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 – Interview evaluation process / Maximum points: 70

1. Technical Criteria - Interview – 70 % of total evaluation– max. 70 points

• Education: 20 points

• Previous experience: 20 points

• Technical questions at the interview: 20 points

• Other: (Language/IT skills, etc): 10 points

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 professional fee only for the services to be provided.

• Financial scores will be calculated using the formula [lowest offer / financial offer of the candidate x 30].

10. REMARKS:

Upon conducting the recruitment process and prior 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.** ​

• Ethics and Integrity at UNICEF;
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority;
• Sexual Exploitation Abuse (PSEA);

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.

• Information Awareness Security Course;
• UN Human Rights and Responsibilities.

​​​The above courses can be found on Agora through the following link: UNICEF Mandatory Training - Learning Courses.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply.

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.

***

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process