Purpose of Assignment
Technical support to UNICEF Kisumu Zonal Office
Location of Assignment
Kisumu, with potential travel to related counties
Duration of contract
4 months
Background and Justification
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
UNICEF Internal Work Plan: Improved Early Learning & Basic Education
Outcome 2: Improved Early Learning and Education: An increased proportion of children aged 0 to 18, especially girls from most disadvantaged counties, informal settlements and those affected by humanitarian crisis, access quality, gender- sensitive ECD and education services, with increased transition to secondary education.
Output 2.1: Increased enrolment and retention of girls and boys in pre-primary, primary and secondary education, particularly in the ASAL counties and informal settlements, targeting parents, teachers, communities and other partners to support children
Output 2.3: MoE has improved capacity to develop, review and implement gender-equitable education policy, including curriculum reform and strengthened information management, to improve learning outcomes and develop life skill for employment for girls and boys
Output 2.4: An increased number of counties have capacity to implement integrated ECD packages, including health, nutrition, WASH, protection, HIV and early learning for children 0- 6 years of age, in line with national standards and policy
Output 2.5: Government and non-government partners adopt risk-informed approaches to emergency preparedness, planning and response to humanitarian needs of the education sector
Scope of Work
The overall aim of the position is to support the basic education in Kisumu Zonal Office. Under the general supervision of the Chief of Field Office based in Kisumu, and in close technical collaboration with the Chief of Education, responsible officer will provide professional technical contribution to education programmes/projects design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis and progress reporting. Commitment for enhancement of gender-sensitive teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy focusing on Early Childhood Education, Emergency Education, primary education and children with special needs.
Programme/Project Management
Ensure the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective Education programmes and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation, including gender disaggregation at county and sub county level. Work with the county and sub-county/district counterparts from all relevant inter-sectoral departments as well as communities to design and develop annual work plans for the assigned county and sub-county within education programs.
Project Efficiency and Effectiveness
Enhance project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation, follow-on activities with various implementing partners, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and Education project status.
Undertake regular field visits to project counties and sub counties to monitor UNICEF supply and cash assistance. Provide technical assistance to counties and sub-counties counterparts in the implementation of all activities planned by Education section in the assigned counties. Support Operationalization and expansion of ECDE, education in emergency, and mainstream education. Support in conducting periodic project implementation reviews with MOE officials, County officials, CBOs, and NGO’s and prepare relevant reports and draft recommendations for changes in the county work plan as required.
Work Plan and Project Documentation
Mobilize all education stakeholders and facilitate stronger partnership for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of costed education strategic plan for the targeted counties. Analyse collected data and information and prepare progress reports including monitoring and reporting disintegrated indicators. Support MOE and target counties to use NEMIS for planning and monitoring Education project work plans. Assist in identification of required supplies and equipment. Support public education campaigns for creating greater awareness on educating girls and on the responsibilities of parent & communities in providing quality education to all children. Provide support to target counties in advocacy and implementation of Integrated Early Childhood Development including scale up or Model IECD, birth registration and implementation Nurturing Care Framework.
Project Implementation Information and Data
Initiate systematic follow-up actions for timely liquidation of Cash Assistance to counties. Evaluate and analyse financial and supply reports to ensure appropriateness of documentation, expenditure on project activities are within allotments. Report to supervisor/section head the outcome of review. Provide monthly briefs on progress and on emergencies as needed. Follow up on queries, including with government and by partners, or initiate corrective action on discrepancies. Assist County Level Education counterparts in developing overall capacity and in conducting rapid assessment at the time of emergencies, contribute to the development of appropriate responses, facilitate distribution of and monitoring end use of emergency education supplies. Update regularly the Emergency Focal Point/Officer on situation in areas of risk or affected and ensure smooth coordination of responses
Knowledge Sharing: Document good practices and draft relevant section(s) of program report, for management and for annual report.
Timeframe: The assignment is expected to be completed in 160 days, between March 2019 to June 2019.
Deliverables
Overall the successful candidate will hold the fort for the Education Officer who is away on Stretch Assignment. Specifically, in consultation with the Chief of Education and Chief of Kisumu Zonal Office the consultant will conduct a development of an action plan based on the scope of work and identify key deliverables including:
Support data compilation and development of accurate fact sheets for the Kisumu Region. Specifically prepare and share periodic situation analysis of the education status in target counties including regular collection and analysis of education data and indicators
Support county-level planning of education services in UNICEF Kisumu Zonal Office counties (assessment, consultations, capacity development, monitoring, policy implementation).
Coordinate and monitor ongoing activities at the ECD, primary and secondary levels and ensure that quality according to national standards.
Support and advocate for birth registration in select counites
Engagement with MOE and the County Government on upstream and downstream activities
Conduct HACT related Activities
Support Capacity building of ECD personnel on CBC
Provide inputs in the donor reports and proposals as per the need.
Other education related duties based on the scope of work mentioned above
Deliverables
Schedule of Payment
Development of an action plan based on the scope of work and identify key deliverables. Also Report on the achievements against the deliverable mentioned under scope of work
25%
Report on the achievements against the deliverable mentioned under scope of work # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9
25%
Report on the achievements against the deliverable mentioned under scope of work # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9
25%
Report on the achievements against the deliverable mentioned under scope of work # 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 8 & 9
25%
Administrative Issues
This is a field-based post (Kisumu Zonal Office), with regular travel to Siaya, Homa Bay and other target counties for implementation of ECD and education programmes. UNICEF will provide a laptop computer, UNICEF email address, and transportation in Kisumu zonal office regions only if relevant to carry out the tasks defined in the TOR.
Required qualifications, desired competencies, technical background and experience
Education
University Degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Social Sciences, Psychology, or other relevant to international development/social science field related to technical field is required.
Experience:
Five (5) years progressively, responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in programme planning and management in related field with emphasis on Education, Education in Emergencies and integrated early childhood development programmes
Specialist skills and attributes:
Understanding of national and international targets (SDGs) and Kenya Education system
Ability to coordinate and collaborate with County Level Government
Planning and monitoring skills; ability to organize work and projects.
Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions and to work as a team under pressure
Demonstrate ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.
Ability to work at sub-nationals and community levels especially
Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Kiswahili is an added advantage.
Conditions
The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.
The consultant will not be entitled to payment of overtime and will not be paid for weekends and public holidays. All remuneration will be outlined in the consultancy contract.
The consultant’s fees/rate will be negotiated with and finalized by the Human Resource Section.
The consultancy will not commence unless a contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
The consultant will not have any supervisory responsibilities within UNICEF nor responsibilities on UNICEF budgets and other resources.
As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary
