Roster: Consultants for the Outcomes Based Finance in Early Childhood Care and Education Team, Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), Hosted Funds, REMOTE, Req: 561147

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.

For every child, OPPORTUNITY

How can you make a difference?

Background on the Education Outcomes Fund

There are few greater challenges faced by the global community than the twin crises of learning poverty and youth unemployment. In response, the Education Commission and the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment came together to create the Education Outcomes Fund in 2018.

At the Education Outcomes Fund, we aim to improve the education and employment outcomes of children and youth by supporting governments to utilize a range of outcomes based finance (OBF) instruments at scale, including outcomes funds. We support improvements in the quality of education and skills programs, with a special focus on underserved populations. With these OBF programs, governments and other funders measure (and pay for) what matters – both core skills like literacy and numeracy, but also 21st Century skills, as well as other critical enablers of an equitable, quality education.

Paying primarily on the basis of the results achieved ensures that taxpayer-funded domestic resources and international aid, and philanthropic funds are only used to pay for what works. We believe this is a game-changing way to finance education that enables the emergence of powerful partnerships for public purpose. Our approach is at the cutting edge of development finance with significant potential to achieve better outcomes for children and youth around the world. Together with our partners, we believe this is the early stages of a much larger movement.

Background on EOF’s early childhood care and education (ECCE) portfolio

The Education Outcomes Fund developed a joint vision with the LEGO Foundation for how outcomes-based finance (OBF) can support ECCE outcomes. As part of this joint vision, we have launched an ambitious initiative that will undertake a portfolio of OBF programs in ECCE to showcase the potential (and limitations) of OBF in different settings while leveraging our program portfolio to contribute towards an increasingly vibrant ecosystem for OBF in ECCE.

Rationale for the roster of consultants

We are looking for short-term consultants with expertise on a range of topics in four different workstreams who will join forces with our team to ensure the success of this ambitious initiative. This call will allow the Education Outcomes Fund to identify a pool of consultant candidates with the relevant expertise and skills in four different workstreams. Please see ‘Additional Information for Applicants’ on how the consultant roster will be used.

Workstreams

Workstream #1: Ecosystem mapping, stakeholder and perception analysis, MEL for engagement strategy.

The Education Outcomes Fund actively engages in the global ecosystem for outcomes-based finance (OBF) in early childhood care and education (ECCE) and aims to contribute to this ecosystem’s vibrancy by sharing learnings, organizing convenings, and initiating broad-based partnerships. We are currently formulating a new strategy for our global-level engagements.

Under Workstream #1, we are looking for consultants who can support us in (1) conducting an ecosystem mapping exercise and a stakeholder perception analysis; (2) formulating a global engagement strategy; (3) developing and implementing a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plan for our global engagement strategy.

The estimated timeframe for Workstream #1 is as follows:

• For (1) and (2): May 2023 – December 2023
• For (3): May 2023 – May 2025 (baseline-midline-endline)

Activities may include the following:

1. Conducting an ecosystem mapping exercise and a stakeholder perception analysis
   • Collecting data and using collected data for mapping the ecosystem for OBF in ECCE with a view to provide a descriptive analysis on (1) the distribution/flow of financial resources, knowledge, expertise/know-how, and perceived influence; (2) key relations, partnerships and networks; (3) organisations that are more ‘central nodes’ in their respective networks or are ‘bridge nodes’ across different networks.
   • Conducting a stakeholder perception analysis by collecting and analysing primary and secondary data on selected stakeholders’ current level of interest in ECCE, EOF and/or OBF and perceptions about the viability/desirability/importance of ECCE, EOF and/or OBF. Generating actionable attitudinal and behavioural insights, including on environments/channels most influential for stakeholders.
2. Formulating a global engagement strategy
   • Providing technical advice to the Education Outcomes Fund for a critical review of its global engagement strategy and its sub-components including key partnerships, prioritized dissemination channels, and issue framing.
3. Developing and implementing a MEL plan for EOF’s global engagement strategy
   • Providing technical advice to the Education Outcomes Fund in developing a MEL plan appropriate for an iterative implementation approach to its global engagement strategy (including identification of appropriate indicators and data collection methods to monitor and learn from changes in what key stakeholders “think-feel-do” regarding OBF, ECCE and OBF in ECCE.
   • Undertaking data collection and analysis for executing the MEL plan for EOF’s global engagement strategy.

Workstream #2: Outcome measurement, data collection and evaluation studies for OBF programs in ECCE

High quality data collection, evaluation studies, and outcome measurement are at the heart of OBF programs’ success. In ECCE programs using OBF, high quality data collection and accurate measurement of outcomes are critical for defining appropriate payment metrics against which results are paid, for ensuring that the right incentives are in place, and for service providers being able to adapt and improve their intervention in real-time. Relatedly, high quality independent evaluation studies play an important role for the success of the OBF program and for EOF’s ability to leverage the OBF programs for contributing to global knowledge base on ECCE and OBF. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness analysis can facilitate findings from evaluation studies to inform government’s policy decisions.

Under Workstream #2, we are looking for consultants who can support us in (1) outcome measurement; (2) data collection; (3) evaluation studies; (4) cost-effectiveness analysis.

Activities may include the following:

Outcome Measurement

1. Evaluating existing measurement tools (for both learning environments and for early childhood development outcomes) vis-à-vis their use in OBF programs in ECCE.
   • Provide technical feedback on the pre-selected measurement tools on various aspects including but not limited to their reliability, validity as well as ‘resilience to gaming’ to assess their suitability to OBF.
   • Provide technical advice about the limitations of the tools identified as ‘most appropriate’ for OBF and the ways in which these limitations could be incorporated into the design of the portfolio of OBF programs.
   • Provide technical advice to define the minimum criteria that a currently in-use tool in a specific country would need to meet to be used for an OBF program.
2. Adapting country specific ECCE measurement tools to be used in the OBF program in that country.
   • Using the minimum criteria developed as part of (1), providing technical advice for the adaptation of an existing ECCE measurement tool in a given country.
   • Designing and overseeing the piloting phase of the adapted tool for its finalization.
3. Developing a learning agenda and designing a research framework to pursue the learning agenda.
   • Providing technical advice to the Education Outcomes Fund for the development of a learning agenda for EOF’s ECCE program portfolio to advance our understanding about the opportunities/constraints regarding measurement of ECCE learning environments and early childhood development outcomes in OBF programs.
   • Designing a research framework that would enable the Education Outcomes Fund to pursue the developed learning agenda.

Data Collection

1. Assessing options for data collection methods.
2. Developing tools to guide the preparation of relevant implementation documents for data collection, such as ToR for data collection, data collection/management guides for service providers.
3. Designing, piloting, and launching of the relevant data platforms for service providers.

Evaluation Studies

1. Assessing research methodology and design options for impact and process evaluation studies for OBF programs in ECCE (quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods including but not limited to randomised controlled trials, non-experimental research, process tracing, implementation studies);
2. Assessing research methodology and design options for other components of the learning agenda of the OBF programs in ECCE.
3. Building on the research methods assessments concluded under (1) and (2), preparing the ToR for the respective studies to be conducted; supporting EOF team in hiring and overseeing the work of an external evaluator.

Cost Effectiveness Analysis

1. Providing technical advice on cost-related technical issues, including but not limited to per child cost calculation, cost data collection, cost data comparison.
2. Providing technical advice on technical issues related to cost effectiveness analysis in ECCE interventions, including but not limited to: (i) cost effectiveness analysis incorporating multiple outcomes of ECCE, (ii) cost utility analysis incorporating community and caregiver preferences across ECCE’s multiple outcomes, (iii) additional analytic tools for using program cost effectiveness analysis to inform budget simulations for scaled up implementation.
3. Developing generic tools for cost effectiveness analysis that EOF can use across its programs and portfolios.

The estimated timeframe for Workstream #2 is as follows:

• For Outcome Measurement: May 2023 – May 2024
• For Data Collection, Evaluation Studies and Cost Effectiveness Analysis: May 2023 – May 2025

Workstream #3: Knowledge Products

The Education Outcomes Fund will be conducting research (desk reviews, participatory research, interviews, focus group discussions, secondary (qualitative or quantitative data) analysis) to produce a series of audience-tailored knowledge products (e.g., information briefs, guides, case studies), which may take the form of print materials, slide decks or multimedia materials. Topics of knowledge products may include ECCE financing, innovative financing in ECCE, OBF in ECCE, among others.

Under Workstream #3, we are looking for consultants who can support us in conducting desk research and secondary data analysis, and drafting information briefs, guides, ‘lessons learned’ analysis, and other knowledge products. Only those applicants with previous experience in leading the preparation of information briefs, advocacy notes, guides and analytic reports, and with knowledge of critical issues in ECCE and/or innovative finance and OBF will be shortlisted.

The estimated timeframe for Workstream #3 is May 2023 – May 2025.

Workstream #4: Designing Learning Processes and Materials

The Education Outcomes Fund will be designing and undertaking several internal and external ‘learning journeys’ as well as developing learning materials for technical capacity strengthening. Among the topics that may be covered in these ‘learning journeys’ and materials are:

• designing and implementing OBF programs; procurement and contracting of OBF programs; long-term effects of OBF programs
• phases of ECD; early years pedagogy, learning through play and holistic skills, inclusive ECCE
• more and better financing of ECCE: innovative financing instruments, data management in ECCE, data and evidence informed ECCE policy making, quality standards and quality assurance systems in ECCE

Under Workstream #4, we are looking for consultants who can support us in:

1. identifying the scope, learning goals, delivery method and pedagogical approach of different ‘learning journeys’ based on learner needs.
2. designing ‘learning journeys’ including curriculum, learning materials, assessments.
3. delivering ‘learning journeys’ (online, in-person, hybrid).

The estimated timeframe for Workstream #4 is as follows:

• For (1): May 2023 – May 2024
• For (2) and (3): December 2023 – May 2025

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in economics, statistics, public policy, education or another related field.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience as senior-level work/consultancy with a focus on the selected workstream and successfully leading the implementation of at least two programs/initiatives directly relevant for the selected workstream).
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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:

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.

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.

Instructions for applicants

We welcome applications from candidates globally. You can apply using the link in this portal. We will need all three elements completed/submitted to be able to review your application.

1. The UNICEF online application form.
2. Your CV (no photographs; no information on age or civil status).
3. A cover letter with the following specifications:
   • The cover letter should be no more than two pages (1200 words) if you’re applying for a single workstream. For each additional workstream, the cover letter can have additional 600 words;
   • The cover letter must clearly indicate:
   • Workstream(s) for which you wish to be considered.
   • Relevant expertise, skills, and experience in the selected workstream(s)
   • Minimum and maximum number of days that you could be available for a consultancy from 1 May 2023 to 1 May 2024
   • Earliest date and periods of availability for consultancy from 1 May 2023 to 1 May 2024
   • Daily consultancy rate in USD.

Additional information for applicants

This call aims to solicit applications from individuals who are interested in providing consultancy services in one or more of the workstreams described above. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. At the end of the selection process, a consultant roster with multiple workstreams will be created. We expect the selection process to be completed in 6-8 weeks for Workstream #1 and Workstream #2; and in 10-12 weeks for Workstream #3 and Workstream #4. Once created, the consultant roster will remain valid for a period of 24 months.

Once a consultant roster is created, when a task that requires a particular expertise arises, the Education Outcomes Fund will approach one or more consultant candidates in the pertinent workstream(s) of the roster with a specific Terms of Reference to discuss availability and interest, as well as further assess expertise and experience vis-à-vis the specific terms of reference.

As previously indicated kindly note that the selected applicants are solely responsible to ensure that the visa (if applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. 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.