Consultant Crisis & Emergency Response Programme & Policy

Contract

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Title of consultancy:

Individual International Consultancy to Support Strengthening National Capacity on Child Protection in Emergencies in Turkmenistan

Funding Code

WBS: 4360/A0/06/880/005/002-Emergency Preparedness,

SM210664

WBS: 4360/A0/06/883/002/004, non-grant

Type of engagement

Consultant

Individual Contractor Part-Time

Individual Contractor Full-Time

Duty Station:

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Consultant sourcing:

National International Both

Consultant selection method:

Competitive Selection (Roster)

Competitive Selection (Advertisement/Desk Review/Interview)

Request for:

New SSA – Individual Contract

Extension/ Amendment

If Extension, Justification for extension:

Supervisor:

Start Date:

End Date:

Number of Days (working)

Emergency Officer

01 November 2022

17 December 2022

12 days

Background

Turkmenistan is vulnerable to climate change and has experienced historical records of heat waves and extremely cold winters. In recent years the increased occurrence of extreme weather events and natural hazards has been observed at the regional and national levels. Climate change projections predict warming of 3°C by the 2050s and of 5°C by the end of the century, with sub-regions predicted to become even warmer. Climate analysis shows that within the Central Asia region Turkmenistan is among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change causing disasters of different natures. In addition to increasing temperatures, direct threats to the well-being of children in the country are also caused by an increased occurrence of droughts, floods and wildfires, air pollution and environmental contamination of water and soil.

Recognizing that climate change and environment degradation are threatening the well-being and quality of life for children, particularly with reductions in water availability and water and air quality the most likely to have the strongest impacts on children, Turkmenistan has adopted a series of measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation striving for more rational use of scarce natural resources and enhanced disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response.

The refugee influx from Afghanistan is still one of the highest emergency risks for Turkmenistan. In case the security situation in Afghanistan continue to deteriorate, it has the potential to generate a refugee influx to neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan. The displaced population, upon arrival in the country of asylum, faces several risks including the legal status, physical risks, lack of assistance schemes, interrupted education, collapsed community and family support networks etc. These risks are more severe for separated and unaccompanied children, who may face child trafficking, PSEA, other physical abuse, child marriage, gender-based violence and exploitative labour.

Emergencies are situations or events that threaten the health, safety, security, or well-being of a community and especially of children. They demand immediate and urgent action, especially during the first few hours of a disaster. Emergencies often escalate into full-fledged humanitarian situations if we do not respond to them in a timely and effective manner. They can be caused by either natural or man-made hazards. In the case of Turkmenistan earthquakes, floods, and other natural hazards are the primary cause of emergencies. Child protection, along with other emergency responses such as shelter, water and sanitation, health, and food aid, revitalises and strengthens the psychosocial state of children affected by conflict, displacement, and disasters.

Experience shows that displacement, separation from family, injuries and diseases are all conditions that threaten the safety and well-being of children in emergencies. More critically, incidences of violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect increase in the aftermath of a disaster because of weakened child protection systems. Child protection in emergencies becomes imperative and an absolute priority. Therefore, raising awareness and advocating for child protection preparedness for emergencies, and ensuring priority in humanitarian action, is an important first step. We need to integrate child protection in all areas of humanitarian work in Turkmenistan ensuring that children are at the centre of all emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

UNICEF continues to provide global leadership in the protection of children in emergencies due to its mandate and works with national partners laying the foundation that will ensure the rights of the children are properly addressed in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Considering the necessity, UNICEF Turkmenistan proposes to continue its support to develop capacities for the protection of children in emergencies.

In 2021 “Joint Action Plan for 2022 under the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in coordinating emergency preparedness and response between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations” was signed and under “Pillar III: Cooperation to strengthen preparedness and response, including during pandemics” a capacity building activity was planned on Child Protection issues in Emergencies for the staff of the National Red Crescent Society, specialists on social work, social service providers, representatives of local authorities as well as members of relevant sectors including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Defence.

The planned initiative on promotion of the Child Protection in Emergencies will require additional technical assistance and practical experience due to its sensitivity and being conducted for the first time in Turkmenistan.

With this ToR, UNICEF is seeking for international expertise to support the Ministry of Défense, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Ministry of Education and National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan in developing training modules and delivering capacity-building training in Child Protection in Emergencies for selected personnel of the abovementioned counterparts.

Objective of the Assignment

Under the overall guidance of the Emergency Officer, the international consultancy will be supporting UNICEF Turkmenistan partners from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, National Red Crescent Society and child protection bodies at regional and etrap levels in strengthening capacities on Child Protection in Emergencies and contingency planning through organization and holding training sessions. The eexpected outcome of the assignment is the increased awareness of child protection in emergency issues, familiarity with the Child Protection in Emergencies Contingency Plan for Turkmenistan and child protection roles in response to emergencies.

Scope of Work

1. Provide expertise to the national partners in international best practices on Child Protection in Emergencies taking in consideration the Minimum Standards in Child Protection and Education, as well as UNICEF Core Commitments for Children and other related frameworks.
2. Develop a training package introducing the key principles of the Concept of Child Protection in Emergencies with a particular focus on psychosocial support to children affected by emergencies.
3. Conduct a three-day induction training introducing the Concept of Child Protection in Emergencies training sessions online for the target audience using the developed training package. One of the outputs of the training will be the development of a Child Protection in Emergencies Contingency Plan for Turkmenistan.

Workplan and deliverables

It is expected that, in the given timeframe, the consultant will perform the following tasks and deliverables to achieve the objectives of the assignment:

Work Assignment Overview

Tasks/Milestone:

Deliverables/Outputs:

Timeline:

Days

1. Develop and deliver the training package introducing the Concept of Child Protection in Emergency with consideration of Turkmenistan child protection system:

- Review and analyse available materials on the child protection system of the country

- Develop training materials targeting the key principles of Child Protection in Emergencies and considering the context of the country;

Training package (Concept Note, training plan, slides, handouts, videos, notes) for three half-day training, online training

14 November

5 days

2. Deliver training sessions to develop the capacities of targeted stakeholders in Child protection in Emergencies:

- Deliver three-day online training to selected personnel of the national key emergency preparedness and response partners;

- Deliver a half-day online training to the representatives of local authorities of selected regions of Turkmenistan, as well as the administrations of selected schools;

Three-day online training

30 November

4 days

3. Develop Contingency Plan for Child Protection in Emergencies

- Hold a half-day consultation with the stakeholders to explain the need for Contingency Plan to support child protection in emergencies and why it can be a useful tool for interested parties

- Draft Child Protection in Emergencies Contingency Plan for Turkmenistan describing roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in response to emergencies

Child Protection in Emergencies Contingency Plan and Final consultancy report

10 December

3 days

Reporting requirements

All reports to UNICEF should be submitted in English. The training materials will be developed and delivered preferably in both English and Russian.

Payment schedule

The payment will be made in instalments, according to the following schedule.

Deliverable

One instalment: 15/12/2022, upon satisfactory implementation of tasks 1, 2 and 3 as per the above table. The instalment will include 12 consultancy days.

Work arrangements

Day to day supervision will be provided by the Emergency Officer of the UNICEF Turkmenistan Country Office. Additional guidance and lead will be provided by Child Protection Specialist and the Deputy Representative. The consultant will communicate with UNICEF Emergency Officer and Social Protection Specialist to support close collaboration and teamwork of the working group through phone, email, and ad hoc in-person or online meetings and keep UNICEF informed about work progress and emerging issues if any. The consultant will submit final report in accordance with the timeline and in the format specified by UNICEF Emergency Specialist.

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the selected consultant and provide format for report, feedback and guidance on performance and all other necessary support to achieve objectives of the exercise, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to expert’s performance and quality of work. UNICEF will provide logistical support for organisation and coordination of meetings. The consultant will work remotely. Meetings and trainings with the participation of the international consultant will be conducted online. No travel is required for this consultancy.

General Terms and Conditions

UNICEF’s general terms and conditions will apply to the contract awarded to the vendor. Please note that, in the evaluation of the technical merits of each proposal, UNICEF will take into consideration any proposed amendments to the UNICEF General Terms and Conditions. Proposed amendments to the UNICEF general terms and conditions may negatively affect the evaluation of the technical merits of the proposal.

UNICEF retains the right to patent and intellectual rights, as well as copyright and other similar intellectual property rights for any discoveries, inventions, products or works arising specifically from the implementation of the project in cooperation with UNICEF. The right to reproduce or use materials shall be transferred with a written approval of UNICEF based on the consideration of each separate case. Consultant should always refer to UNICEF Turkmenistan support in developing the materials when publishing the results of the research conducted while in Turkmenistan in academic journals, books, and websites.

In the event of unsatisfactory performance, UNICEF reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In case of partially satisfactory performance, such as serious delays causing the negative impact on meeting the programme objectives, low quality, or insufficient depth and/or scope of the assignment completion, UNICEF is entitled to decrease the payment by the range from 30% to 50% of the contract value as decided jointly by the Contract Supervisor and Operations Manager.

Minimum Qualifications required:

Bachelors

Masters

PhD

Other

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Advanced university degree, preferably in the social sciences, law or other relevant fields. (15pts)
• At least, five years of professional work experience at the national level in child protection. The experience of working in emergencies will be great asset. (20pts)
• Flexibility and team working skills. (10pts)
• Excellent presentation and communication skills. (10pts)
• Experience in developing training programs on Child Protection in Emergencies. (15pts)
• Experience in conducting training/workshops on Child Protection areas of interventions. (10pts)
• Fluency in Russian and English is required- written and oral. (20pts)

Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should include

• A cover letter, including
  • Assessment of suitability vis-à-vis the requirements of this ToR;
  • A summary of experience in similar assignments;
  • Links to/attachments of examples of similar work;
• CV of the candidate (including qualifications and experience)
• References

Financial Proposal

Candidates are expected to submit a lump sum financial proposal to complete the entire assignment based on the terms of reference. The lump sum should be broken down to show the detail for the following:

Items

Quantity

Unit cost

Total in USD

Number of working days

12

Other: Specify

N/A

Total in USD

Evaluation criteria

=

Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits and subsequently on its price. In making the final decision, UNICEF considers both technical and financial aspects to ensure the best value for money. The Evaluation Team first reviews the technical aspects of the offer, followed by a review of the financial offers of the technically compliant candidates. The proposal obtaining the highest overall score after adding the scores for the technical and financial proposals together, that offers the best value for money will be recommended for award of the contract.

A cumulative analysis will be used to evaluate and award proposals. The evaluation criteria associated with this TOR are split between technical and financial as follows:

75 % Technical

25 % Financial

100 % Total

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.

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