Re-Advertisement: Field-based Consultant in Vitebsk* (National, Belarus) - Req

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Re-Advertisement****: Field-based Consultant in Vitebsk* (National, Belarus)

Section/Division/Duty Station: Child Protection (CP) and Emergency Sections, Programme, UNICEF Belarus CO

Duration: January 15, 2024 to July 15, 2024

Home/ office Based: Remote (with office visits upon request/needs)

* Field coordination, monitoring and reporting on programme implementation in the Vitebsk region

BACKGROUND

Refugees and migrants' influx to Belarus

Since February 2022, Belarus has experienced a significant influx of refugees and migrants, with over 118,500 Ukrainian individuals seeking safety within its borders. Out of these refugees, approximately 31,000 Ukrainians have officially registered and are residing in Belarus, including 2129 in Vitebsk region. The situation poses challenges in terms of addressing the urgent needs of these people and providing them with appropriate support and assistance. In response to this humanitarian crisis, UNICEF in Belarus has been actively collaborating with national and regional partners such as Vitebsk Branch of Red Cross, Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Ministry of Emergency to identify the most pressing needs and offer information on life-saving messages, cash aid, mental health and social support to refugees and migrants during their stay in Belarus.

Importance of Early Childhood Development

Early childhood, and specifically the period from 0 to 3 years, plays a critical role in a child’s overall development. For every three months that a young child spends in an institutionalized environment, one month of development is lost. Extended periods of institutionalization can lead to significant damage to the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of boys and girls, with potentially irreversible consequences. Recognizing the significance of this developmental stage, it becomes imperative to ensure that children grow up in supportive and nurturing family environments.

Childcare in Belarus: Focus on De-institutionalization

The Government of the Republic of Belarus and UNICEF in Belarus place a high priority on protecting the rights of children to grow up in supportive family settings. To achieve this, community-based support services have been identified as crucial for families with children, aiming to enhance their capacity to care for and nurture their children. Measures such as fostering and family-type group homes have been introduced to provide family-like environments for children in need.

Despite these, there are still 5,881 children live in residential institutions (2020[1]). Even considering the 35% decrease of children baby homes during the last 5 years, 459 children remained in these homes in 2020 and more than a quarter of these children were with disabilities (CWD) (120), highlighting the need for targeted support. Overall, there are 2366 CWD in residential care institutions[2] (40% of all children).

The Government’s 2020-2023 intersectoral plan on de-institutionalization for children and youth, chaired by the Ministry of Education, stipulates development of complex measures aimed at strengthening interagency cooperation in prevention of institutionalization and deinstitutionalization of children, with special focus on children under 3 years old (U3) and those with disabilities.

The Role of UNICEF in Belarus and the Program Scope: UNICEF in Belarus recognizes the importance of strengthening Belarus’s social work and childcare systems to better support vulnerable families and prevent situations that may lead to children being separated from their families. This work needs to be focused on the following key areas:

• Strengthening social work. This includes improving case management, individual support plans, and implementing positive parenting responses to assist families at risk.
• Building sustainable childcare alternatives. This includes needs assessment of children currently in institutional care and develop strategies for transferring them to family-based care alternatives
• Enhancing intersectoral responses and coordination. Childcare responses span across multiple ministries, and UNICEF in Belarus seeks to integrate intersectoral coordination to ensure effective support for children and families.
• Reviewing situation of vulnerable child groups including potentially migrant and/or refugee children

Target groups and participating institutions: This work will primarily target families with children U3 and CWD in Vitebsk oblast with a focus on prevention of institutionalization.

• children/adolescents and families from vulnerable groups in Vitebsk Oblast, including with disabilities and special needs as well as migrants and/or refugees.
• families of children U3 and CWD raised in Vitebsk oblast residential care institutions engaged in the project; biological and foster parents raising CWD.
• specialists from the education, health and social protection systems providing support for families raising children U3 and CWD.
• specialists providing selection pre-service and in-service training programmes for perspective and active foster parents.

Four residential care institutions are planned to be involved in the project implementation, comprising almost 300 children with 90% of those with disabilities: 1) Vitebsk Oblast Baby Home (Health System); 2) Bogushevsk Residential Care Institution for Children and Young People with Disabilities (Labour and Social Protection System); 3) Begoml Auxiliary School for CWD (Education System); 4) Vitebsk Children’s Home (Education System).

An interagency task force consisting of representatives from education, health and social protection sectors will be created to coordinate the de-institutionalization (DI) process at oblast level. This group’s capacity needs to be strengthened by additional capacity development sessions with international experts. It is also planned to develop the roadmap for DI for 4 residential care institutions for further approval by the Oblast Executive Committee. Assessment of children from 4 residential care institutions is planned with the development of individual plans for their deinstitutionalization based on an assessment methodology developed in partnerships with an international expert and further supervision of this work.

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: The purpose of this consultancy is to provide field monitoring on status of children in vulnerable groups (especially children 0-3, CWD at risk of losing their parental care, migrants, and refugees) and project coordination on ‘De-institutionalization and social care in Vitebsk oblast’. The consultant will facilitate activities within Programme Contract Agreements (PCA), concluded with respective entities in Vitebsk oblast on “Prevention of institutionalization and deinstitutionalization of children U3 and those with disabilities” project which is run within ‘Family for Every Child’ initiative. In addition, the consultant will support the implementation of additional social care interventions in Vitebsk oblast, such as the development of inclusive playgrounds and mobile rehabilitation room for children with disabilities. The consultant will be responsible for data collection, supervision, documentary support, and provision of timely reporting by partners.

Scope of Work:

Strengthening Childcare Systems, De-Institutionalization Efforts: The consultant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Field monitoring: conduct regular field visits to above-mentioned residential care institutions and project sites to monitor the implementation of activities and assess their impact according to PCAs, arrange programme visits for UNICEF staff.
• Project coordination: facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the interagency task force, local partners to ensure smooth project implementation and explore development of community services.
• Data collection: collect relevant data and information to assess the progress of the project and its compliance with the PCA indicators.
• Document support: maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of project activities, outcomes, and challenges faced during the implementation.
• Reporting: provide timely and comprehensive reports, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvements.

Field Monitoring on vulnerable child groups, especially in humanitarian/ emergency context: The consultant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assessment and monitoring: conduct rapid assessments of the situation on the ground and through social listening in traditional and social media. Collect and analyse data related to the needs of refugee and migrants' families with children, as well as the availability and functionality of essential services like healthcare, nutrition, education, social protection, and WASH.
• Emergency response coordination: coordinate UNICEF’s development and emergency programme interventions, collaborate with various partners, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other UN agencies to ensure a coordination and efficient emergency response.
• Child protection: report on child rights violations, case of exploitation, abuse, and separations from families to ensure that children are provided with the necessary support and protection to prevent further traumatization.
• Advocacy and communication: convey urgent needs of refugees and migrants’ families with children to decision-makers, participate in Country Office efforts to garner support and resources for the emergency response, ensure proper visibility
• Quality assurance: ensure that partners’ interventions meet high UNICEF standards of quality and align with the organization’s principles and guidelines. Provide technical support and guidance to partners serving as a liaison between Emergency, Child Protection, Communication Teams and partners.
• Reporting and documentation: timely and accurate reporting on the emergency situation, progress of interventions, and challenges faced using developed indicators and making contribution to reporting tools such as SitRep
• Capacity development: field monitor may be involved in providing training and capacity-development support to partners and local stakeholders
• Logistics and supplies: distribution of essential supplies such as goods certificates, tablets, hygiene kits.
• Community Engagement: work closely with affected and host populations to do outreach work, conduct needs assessment and collect feedback
• Partnership: Support the office in establishing new partnerships and strengthen existing one to foster sense of ownership

Supervision and collaboration with other sections: The consultant will be working under direct supervision of Child Protection Officer with dotted reporting line to Emergency coordinator. The consultant will be working with all UNICEF sections to plan and monitor the programmes as per needs.

Travel Requirements: Travel to cities and villages of Vitebsk region and northern part of Minsk oblast is expected at least 3 to 8 working days per month. Monthly travel plan will be discussed and agreed with the supervisor and relevant sections.

Support and Training: It is expected that consultant will undergo orientation sessions with Emergency, Child Protection and Communications Teams, as well as obliged to familiarize and know well such documents as Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies, Guidance on Social Media Use, Methodological Note on SBC Indicators.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables / Delivery Deadline:

1. Participate in the monitoring and coordination of activities in the Family for Every Child program and DI/institutionalization prevention of children 0-3 and CWD project in Vitebsk

• Arrange regular meetings with partners - 15 January 2024 – 15 May 2024
• Three (3) meetings organized, involving Vitebsk partners, UNICEF and Vitebsk administration (conducted every two months), with summary report and follow up actions documented
• Collect data, report on project interventions, track indicators, and provide advice or suggestions for improvement according to objectives - 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • Twelve (12) bi-weekly reports submitted to UNICEF CP officer on development of project, project interventions with recommendations for adjustments
  • Six (6) monthly detailed reports submitted on progress of partners, assessing PCA indicators and tasks
  • Six (6) program visits to implementation sites/trips within the region to assess conditions of children living in institutions
• Negotiate with partners and local authorities on project implementation and interventions
  • Three (3) PCAs concluded with implementing partners for 1 April 2024 – 30 April 2024
  • Three (3) programme visits of the CO team arranged on quarterly basis - 31 January 2024 - 15 May 2024
• Coordinate installation of 2 inclusive playgrounds in Vitebsk oblast – 30 May 2024
  • Two (2) meetings with the inclusive playground task force arranged
  • Two (2) reports on community engagement submitted
  • Two (2) opening ceremonies coordinated and facilitated
• Monitor interventions conducted by P4EC and coordinate monthly meetings with the international consultants - 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • Six (6) monthly reports submitted
  • Six (6) monthly meetings with international consultants organized

2. Participate in the monitoring and coordination of activities in emergency response and emergency preparedness

• Provide oblast situation monitoring on a bi-weekly basis for evaluation to the Emergency Coordinator on the situation with refugee families with children from Ukraine and Middle – 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • Twelve (12) program visits to implementation sites/trips within the region to assess conditions of refugees
  • At least Twelve (12) weekly monitoring reports submitted
• Distribution of humanitarian aid - 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • Weekly distribution reports submitted
  • Humanitarian aid distributed weekly
• Establish contacts with the government authorities, non-government, and UN partners to ensure an immediate response as necessary on the ground, exchange information on UNICEF response with local partners - - 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • At least twelve (12) meetings with the government authorities, non-government, and UN partners held
  • Participate via phone/Teams in weekly emergency meetings with the UNICEF Belarus Country Office Weekly Teams emergency meetings with the UNICEF Belarus CO
• Regular situation analysis by assessing local mass media - - 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • Weekly reports of local mass media screening
• Monitor promotion and visibility of the projects - - 15 January 2024 – 15 June 2024
  • Visibility and promotion monitoring sections included in each monthly report on both emergency and DI components of the ToR

Travel (if required as per TOR): Local travels in Belarus, based on the scheduled activities within TOR.

* The consultant will be based in Vitebsk with regular monitoring visits (as per agreed plan) in the Vitebsk region and northern part of Minsk oblast in consultation with CP and Emergency sections. The consultant will be invited to visit Minsk city and other regions for office-based events and meetings.

Qualifications

Education: Higher education in civics, public administration, psychology, social work, social development, community development or another relevant technical field.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• At least 5 years of work experience in the field of performing the tasks described above
• Experience in interaction with state and international organizations, social service systems
• Experience of facilitation of the dialog with the local authorities on the project implementation.
• Experience of work with UN entities in Belarus is an advantage;
• Availability to perform the ToR requirements and meet deadlines;
• Strong managerial and organizational skills
• Fluency in local and Russian languages is a must, and a good knowledge of English will be a significant plus
• Experience in emergency situations will be a plus
• Strong skills in field monitoring, data collection, and data analysis. Experience in using monitoring and evaluation tools and methods.
• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Forms)

Competencies:

• Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, child rights, and relevant international conventions and guidelines related to children’s right and wellbeing.
• Cultural sensitivity, flexibility, adaptability, and ability to work under challenging and rapidly changing circumstances.
• Upholding high ethical standards, particularly in relation to child protection and vulnerable populations.

Remarks: Candidates who applied previously do not need to reapply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Requirements: Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

• Interested consultants should provide a letter of interest describing how they can contribute to the interventions listed under roles and responsibilities and why they should be selected for this position. In addition, they should share their latest CV and financial proposal to undertake this job.
• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include/ reflect Financial Offer _CP Emergency field monitor Vitebsk_UNICEF Belarus.docx:
  • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR. Consultants are responsible for arranging their own transportation arrangements. UNICEF can provide office vehicle for some duty travel missions with prior agreement as per monthly travel plan approved by the supervisor
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability
• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

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:

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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.

[1] http://dataportal.belstat.gov.by/Indicators/Preview?key=142352#

[2] http://www.childrenportal.belstat.gov.by/#/page/5