Technical support to design and conduct Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) in Syria – International Consultant, Damascus, Syria, 48 working days within 4 months

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Monday 29 Aug 2022 at 20:55 UTC

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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, a voice.

BACKGROUND (RATIONALE AND CONTEXT):

According to the World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal 2016 Country Profile for Syria and to the USAID’s Climate Change Risk Profile for Syria, key historical climate changes in Syria include increased mean annual temperatures, decreased mean rainfall, increased the frequency and intensity of droughts, and increased frequency of heat waves, resulting in temporary temperature increases of up to 10o Celsius above average during spring and summer seasons. Projected climate changes include an increase in mean annual temperatures of 2o Celsius by 2050, a decrease in precipitation by 11 per cent by 2050, and an increase in the frequency of drought, sand and dust storms and coastal flooding (exacerbated by sea level rise). Syria is additionally vulnerable to salinisation of groundwater resources and drying up of surface water resources.

In this context, UNICEF Syria Country Office (SCO) is planning to conduct a Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC), examining the baseline situation of climate, energy and environment (CEE) related issues affecting children and how they relate to UNICEF’s priorities. The report will summarize inputs from stakeholders, government policies and relevant programmes in the Syrian Arab Republic. It will also provide recommendations on how UNICEF Syria Country Office could further incorporate and strengthen work on climate, energy and environment-related issues in its country programme.

How can you make a difference?

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY (PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT): The international consultant supports the WASH Section in producing a Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) for the Syrian Arab Republic. S/he will be responsible for collecting, compiling and reviewing key resources and coordinating the information gathering and review processes. In addition, the incumbent will also provide overall support in preparing the study by researching specific issues and drafting individual sections. The international consultant will also liaise with the climate, energy and environment team in HQ/NY.

Scope and methodology

The exercise will use desk review as the key method to collect and analyse secondary data, which will be supplemented with a number of individual interviews and consultation workshops with key stakeholders at national level.

Key questions, to cover:

External: Background Data/Information

External: Children needs and CEE issues

UNICEF country programme and CEE

Expected results: (measurable results):

1. Compile and systematize evidence and research related to energy, environment and climate change issues in Syria

- Review guidance materials and previous CLACs prepared in other UNICEF offices.

- Compile and systematize literature and key policy documents related to climate, energy and environment (possible examples include - National Development Plan, National Determined Contribution (NDC), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA), Climate Change Policy Framework, UN Strategic Framework) and UNICEF’s global and regional corporate priorities.

- Map efforts of different sections of the UNICEF Syria Office with linkages to disaster risk reduction, climate, energy and environment.

- Identify and compile information and reports on ongoing programmes and active stakeholders (from public, private and social sector) related to CEE in Syria.

- Identify data and information gaps related to children, environment and energy issues, including impacts of the private sectors, to be filled through interviews and/or in subsequent studies.

- Identify UNICEF’s comparative advantage, strategic partnerships and intervention platforms related to climate change in Syria.

- Identify climate finance opportunities in the country and region from public and private potential donors.

- Identify existing and potential opportunities to collaborate with the private sector in terms of communication (C4D through business) and innovation on services and products for the CEE (clean and affordable energy, etc).

- Explore bottlenecks which impede climate action, considering policies, institutional arrangements, budgeting, capacities, planning and monitoring, private sector actions and advocacy and enabling environment

- Identify and make recommendations on:

  • How the findings of the study can augment the Government efforts in addressing the impact of climate change, energy and environment on the target groups.
  • How UNICEF can improve its engagement and partnership in climate actions in the relevant sectors such as education, health, child protection, nutrition and WASH. Consider for the recommendations the cross-enablers such as Data, Research & Monitoring, Communication for Development, Public Finance and Fundraising as well as innovation.
  • How UNICEF can provide tools to integrate climate change concepts in educational, sports, and social institutions, such as procedures for rationalizing consumption of resources.
  • How UNICEF can improve its engagement and partnership in climate actions with the private sector, in line with the strategy of “harness the power of business for children”, considering all potential modalities of engagement (Core business and assets, advocacy, financing, changing business practices). This analysis could also include consultations with relevant National Committees of countries which have interests in supporting climate actions in Syria.
  • How to build resilience of vulnerable communities through climate change response, ecosystem preservation and livelihood protection.
  • How the recommendations can inform Syria’s National Communications, such as the Second National Communication, and its obligations to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
  • Opportunities for youth engagement as positive agents of change from planning to implementation to monitoring and evaluation phases to amplify youth voices and invest in their innovative ideas through strategic partnership with young people themselves or youth organizations.

2. Research and writing support

3. Overall editorial support

4. Administrative and planning support

SECTION IN CHARGE: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Damascus/Syria

LOCATION (GEOGRAPHIC AREA/ DUTY STATION):

On-site working days: 6 days in Syria (subject to getting the Syrian VISA – otherwise the days will be performed remotely)

Off-site working days: 42 days

48 days within 4 months period

DURATION:

The selected consultant will work for the period of 48 working days within 4 months period. It is anticipated that most of the work is done remotely while onsite support will be requested as required. The exact schedule of the activities will be agreed with the consultant based on the contract implementation progress.

SUPERVISOR: The consultant will be supervised and report to the UNICEF Syria WASH Manager with technical support from the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) Section. On a day-to-day basis, the consultant is expected to work closely and liaise with the Country Office Focal Points in programmes (mainly WASH and PM&E).

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS (PLEASE CHECK IF APPLICABLE):

Should “mission travel” be required, UNICEF will manage and pay for travel via Travel Authorization. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, the Basic and Advanced Security in the Field Trainings, Travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the contractor.

Travel cost shall be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals shall not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org). The consultant must travel on UNICEF approved airlines.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT (TASKS, SMART DELIVERABLES, DEADLINES):

PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The payments will be made against accepted deliverables , as per the following table:

To qualify as a champion or advocate for every child you will have…

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education:

Advanced university degree in geography, environmental science, natural resource management, meteorology, social and economic development, or related socio environmental areas. Alternatively, an advanced university degree in communications or journalism with demonstrated expertise on environment-related issues can also be considered.

2. Work experience:

Eight years of relevant professional work experience in environment and climate change related issues Work experience in the field, particularly experience in complex emergencies desirable. Professional experience in research and expertise in child rights and/or environment-related issues desirable within a UN context is desirable.

3. Technical knowledge/competencies:

- Excellent research, analysis and report writing skills are required

- Understanding of the Syrian context in relation to climate change is an asset.

4. Language:

Fluency in English. Fluency in Arabic language is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

Core competencies:

- Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)

- Works Collaboratively with others (1)

- Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)

- Innovates and Embraces Change (1)

- Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)

- Drive to achieve impactful results (1)

- Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

EVALUATION PROCESS (OF APPLICATIONS):

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application.

2. Financial quote as lump sum for professional fees

3. CV.

4. Two examples of previous, relevant work, e.g. evaluation reports and/or workshop reports. Inclusion of past work in relation to theories of change preferable.

5. Proposed approaches to capacity development in evaluation, considering the context in Syria. Technical proposal should also include a reference to past experience in facilitating workshops or training.

6. At least 3 Referees being current/previous supervisors

The application should be submitted by UNICEF’s Talent Management System (TMS).

The final recommendation will be made based on “best value for money”, i.e. the hiring section/office shall normally select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from among the candidates who are assessed as suitable for achieving all tasks on time, as per the criteria stipulated in this ToR, and based on the outcome of the evaluation/assessment conducted.

Remarks:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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.

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 (unless it is a full time Individual Contract, where the contractor is eligible for Paid Time Off and paid UN official Holidays) or 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.

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

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/

TOR CLAC Consultant - Syria

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