Operationalization of the Principle of Mutual recognition in the implementation of the Joint UN 2gether 4 SRHR Programme

Consultant Programme & Policy Medical & Health

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Title of Assignment

Operationalization of the Principle of Mutual recognition in the implementation of the Joint UN 2gether 4 SRHR Programme

Requesting Section

HIV

Location

Home/Office Based: Virtual (with possible trip to Johannesburg)

Contract Duration

6 months

Number of working days

70 days

Planned Start and End Date

From: 1 February 2023

To: 31 July 2023

Background and Justification

The Joint United Nations (UN) 2gether 4 SRHR Programme is funded by Sida (Sweden) and brings together the combined efforts of UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO. The design and implementation of the programme is based on the comparative advantage and mandates of the respective agencies in support of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

One of the main guiding principles of the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme is Delivering as One UN. Thus, the four participating UN organizations (PUNOs) work closely towards a common goal of improving SRHR to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 - to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages - and SDG 5 - to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The joint programme is implemented in accordance with guidance by the United Nations Development Group using a pass-through modality, which limits transfer between PUNOs.

The programme presented a new opportunity for the agencies to collaborate and avoid fragmentation and duplication, with a focus on integration and health systems strengthening, retaining and leveraging progress in HIV to advance SRHR priorities, and maintaining a country focus. In the initial phase of the 2gether 4 SRHR programme (2018-2022), working jointly the PUNOs have substantially reduced the duplication of efforts and fragmentation of interventions by identifying one lead agency, developing one programme document with one budget and establishing one M&E and reporting mechanism. However, as noted in the 2gether 4 SRHR programme mid-term review report, differences in financial, administrative, supply and operational systems impede effective and efficient joint implementation.

In 2021, 21 UN agencies including, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO, signed the Mutual Recognition Statement, which represents a broad consensus on adopting common or shared services, without requiring a review of the provider’s policies and procedures. This is in line with the earlier adopted Mutual Recognition principle which allows a UN entity to use or rely on another entity’s policies, procedures, system contracts and related operational mechanisms for the implementation of activities without further evaluation, checks or approvals being required. The PUNOs participating in 2gether 4 SRHR recognize that the operationalization of the principle of mutual recognition in respect of the administration and implementation of programme activities would further facilitate active and efficient collaboration between agencies.

It is against this background that UNICEF is looking for a technical consultant to provide TA to the PUNOs in operationalizing of the Mutual recognition principle in implementing the 2gether 4 SRHR programme. Lessons learned from this consultancy offer broader relevance in implementing joint programmes at regional and global levels and in influencing the processes at global level for review of the Global guidance on Joint programming.

Scope of Work

Goal: The goal of this assignment is to reduce existing barriers to implement the 2gether 4 SRHR programme by operationalizing of the Principle of Mutual recognition in the regional of offices of PUNOs, namely UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO.

Objectives:

• A set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed to ensure effective and efficient implementation of programme interventions.
• Relevant technical, operational and administrative focal points from PUNOs are familiar with the Mutual recognition principle and SOPs adopted.
• Process and learning are documented and shared widely for broader us in joint programming.

Activities and Tasks:

1. Develop Inception report outlining the proposed methodology, workplan, and tools to be developed.
2. Conduct mapping of best practices in operationalization of the Mutual recognition principle in other regions and countries. As part of mapping, undertake a desk review of existing principles, policies, procedures, guidelines and operational mechanisms used in PUNOs.
3. Undertake key informant interviews with programme and operations focal points, and identify the main financial, administrative, supply and operational barriers impeding the use of the principle of mutual recognition and the implementation of the 2gether 4 SRHR programme along with suggestions for reducing those barriers.
4. Develop in consultation with PUNOs a set of operational level practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that the principle of mutual recognition is pit into effect.
5. Build the capacity and understanding of technical, operational and administrative focal points in utilizing SOPs.
6. Develop a report documenting the process and propose concrete solutions that can be incorporated into the Global guidance on Joint programming.
7. Develop and deliver a PowerPoint presentation (PPT slide deck) and conduct a dissemination webinar.

Outputs/Deliverables:

1. Inception report detailing the proposed methodology for meeting deliverables of this consultancy, including workplan and relevant information gathering and reporting tools e.g. interview/ consultation guide and list of key stakeholders to be interviewed.
2. Draft mappingreport outlining existing policies, guidelines, documented good and promising practices, lessons learnedand proposing a set of indicators to be developed.
3. Finalize the mapping report incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
4. Draft SOPs based on the mapping report and consultation with key focal points that includes clear processes, roles and responsibilities, timeframes, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

5. Finalize the SOPs based on incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

6. Conduct a webinar to build capacity and understanding of technical, operational and administrative focal points in utilizing SOPs.

7. Develop a report (max 10 pages without annexes) documenting the process of operationalizing the Mutual recognition principle and finalize it incorporating feedback from focal points.

8. Final dissemination webinar conducted and learning from the entire process ate shared widely.

   Working relationships:

   The consultant will report to the UNICEF Senior HIV Specialist with guidance from the UNICEF Regional HIV Adviser, UNFPA 2gether 4 SRHR programme manager and the Regional Inter-Agency Working Group (RIWG) members, operation, supply and administrative focal points of PUNOs.

Payment schedule:

#

Deliverable

Duration (estimated # of working days)

Schedule of payment

1. Inception Report + tools

5

10%

2. Draft and finalize mapping report

15

3. Draft SOPs

30

4.

Finalize SOPs

10

60%

Conduct a capacity building webinar

3

6.

Draft and finalize the consultancy report

5

7.

Conduct a dissemination webinar

2

30%

Total

70 days

100%

Performance will be evaluated on alignment with TOR, timeliness and quality of work. Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of all deliverables as per above schedule.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

1. An advanced university degree in Business Administration, Financial Management, or another relevant technical field is required.
2. Specialized training in IPSAS and SAP or other ERP is highly desirable.
3. A minimum of ten years of experience in operations is required which includes financial and contract management, budgeting and budget management.
4. Experience in a UN system agency and understanding of UN processes and procedures is essential, including experience in developing administrative policies and SOPs.
5. Prior experience in conducting similar capacity building webinars and/or meetings is highly desirable.
6. Demonstrated ability to working in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships, including with national-level stakeholders.

7. Must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values of:

   1. Respect
   2. Integrity
   3. Trust
   4. Accountability
   5. Sustainability
   6. Care
8. Language: Excellent English oral and written communication skills.

Administrative issues

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work.

The consultant is expected to be home/office-based virtual working with potential travel for field visits depending on COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2023 for which the UNICEF office would cover DSA and travel costs. For regional/international consultants, travel will be in economy class. If the consultant is required to quarantine while traveling, UNICEF will pay for the quarantine if not organized by the host country.

Risks

As a remote assignment, there is the potential risk that the deliverables will not be met in a timely manner. To mitigate this, regular calls and email touchpoints between the consultant and UNICEF will be conducted to check in on progress and address any potential bottlenecks.

Conditions

• The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts and consultants.
• The consultant will use their own equipment including computer and data to produce deliverables. All communications shall be done through virtual platforms (Teams, Zoom).

• The consultant will work remotely but may be required to undertake mission/s as found necessary

• Travel expenses for official in-country trips, including living costs (DSAs), will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs.

• No travel should take place without an email travel authorization from UNICEF prior to the commencement of the journey from the duty station.
• Standard UNICEF procedures will apply for invoicing and all other financial management requirements set out in the contract.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and P11 form to the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System).

A technical proposal (max 8 pages, excluding annexes) should be submitted. The technical proposal must contain background, objectives, methodology, description of relevant experience, samples of SOPs and other documents developed (as annex), workplan with timelines, and implementation approach.

Interested candidates to indicate ability, availability, and daily rate expressed in US$. The financial proposal should include cost of travel to Johannesburg as a separate item.

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.

Admissibility of offers

Offers that meet the general, specific, legal, and technical conditions requested in this poster will be admissible. Any offer submitted late will not be considered.

Apply now

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org