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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS/ CONSULTANTS
PART I
Purpose of Assignment
Provide expert technical assistance to COs supporting government counterparts in setting standards or benchmarks as part of their national programmes.
Requesting Section
ESARO Education.
Location of Assignment
65% of the consultancy will be developed remotely/home-based.
35% of the consultancy will require travel to ESAR countries (minimum of two and maximum of three; tentatively Tanzania, Eswatini, Mozambique).
Duration of contract
40 work-days distributed in a 6-month period (approximately 9 work-days on mission in targeted countries).
Start date
From: 01/04/2019
To: 30/09/2019
Background and Justification
One of the efforts in the region, aligned to SDG indicator 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, is establishing more rigorous system to asses learning achievement. Indicator 4.1.1 of the SDGs states: “Proportion of children and young people (a) in Grade 2 or 3; (b) at the end of primary education; and (c) at the end of lower secondary education achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex”. Assessment systems can administer tests with normative or a criterion-referenced approach. The former assesses a particular domain and places each pupil’s result in relation to the results obtained by other pupils who took the same test. This is useful to check for progress of pupils and to make comparisons between groups, but it does not lend itself to establish whether a minimum proficiency level has been achieved. The latter, criterion-referenced tests, places each pupil’s result in relation to a criterion, standard or benchmark. These criteria can be set to reflect under-performance, achievement of a minimum proficiency level and high proficiency level. Therefore, it is advisable for assessment systems in the region to develop criteria that clearly indicate and define what are the various levels of performance being assessed in their tests to report on the SDGs and in order that assessment can better inform curriculum development, policy reform and classroom work.
Although SDG goals set their indicator for assessments mid-way and at the end of primary education and at the end of lower secondary education, achievements at these levels are dependent on earlier learning. Since one of UNICEF’s priorities is the promotion of early learning, it might also be relevant to establish appropriate benchmarks for emergent literacy and early numeracy. Similarly, benchmarking levels above lower secondary would be useful to establish minimum achievement levels for young people who are striving to obtain basic skills and life competencies.
Several countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa region are working to improve their assessment systems to obtain more accurate information that feeds into the education system. For example, Mozambique CO is assisting government counterparts in developing tests that can be compared across years relying on IRT and Rasch measures. Angola is initiating the development of their own assessment systems attempting to meet current theories of measurement and reporting. The United Republic of Tanzania has administered the tools from the initiative “Measuring Early Learning Quality and Outcomes” and applied IRT principles in their analysis. Namibia is currently working in a reform of its assessment system that includes working with the Data Must Speak initiative to merge assessment and EMIS data to create associated factor relations and value-added estimations. Madagascar is establishing a new government unit that will be responsible for standardizes and non-standardized learning assessments. These and other countries in the region would benefit from greater knowledge on standard-setting, benchmarking and establishing criteria of performance when developing their tests and, once these have been administering, in establishing reporting criteria (e.g., not proficient, minimally proficient, proficient, highly proficient and the definitions of what pupils know and are able to do at each level). This requires technical knowledge on standard setting techniques, such as the Angoff method, the bookmark procedure, the analytical judgment method, integrated judgment methods, statistical procedures for standard setting (e.g., cluster analysis). COs would also be better prepared to assist government partners if they understand the possible implications of setting this standards in the socio-political environment in which the education systems operate.
To address these various needs, UNICEF ESARO wished to engage the services of a consultant with a high-level of expertise in standardized assessment and benchmarking procedures to support COs. The consultant will visit two to three COs (tentatively the United Republic of Tanzania and Mozambique) to work with the COs and their government counterparts. The consultant will investigate the country’s efforts for improvement of its assessments systems, help them prioritize the set of benchmark or standards that require development and provide training on that procedure. The experience gathered during these visits will provide the basic inputs to write a brief on standard-setting for the region, including comments on UIS’s anchoring mechanism.
Scope of Work
Purpose of assignment:
Conduct an analysis of the countries where assessment reform or introduction of new assessments would benefit from early implementation of standard-setting/benchmarking analysis/procedures. Based on this analysis, tailor and deliver a training for COs and government partners. Based on the overall experience and analysis, prepare an informative brief on standard-setting in the region.
TA details/reference to AWP areas covered:
This consultancy will be funded by grant SC189904 under Output 2 of the Education Section’s 2019 Rolling Work Plan (Outcome 2: Enhanced capacity of COs to design, implement, monitor and evaluate risk informed education program that ensure that girls and boys, including those with disabilities, complete early learning, primary and secondary education with grade level learning outcomes; WBS: 240R/A0/10/801/006/007). This task is aligned to Activity 8: Strengthen technical capacity of standard setting bodies, including inspectorates, governance goodies and quality assurance organs using frameworks of accreditation and certification.
Major assignments/Responsibilities:
The consultant will:
Conduct a thorough review of standardized assessment in the region, including a review of their procedures to establish performance levels (where information is available). This should include a review of documents (including grey literature), information available on the web and regional report (e.g., SACMEQ and PASEC country and regional reports).
Identify potential countries for the training and in-depth review and provide a recommendation to establish with UNICEF ESARO the countries that will be targeted for training.
Visit the selected countries, train personnel from UNICEF CO and government partners and prepare a report of the training, including recommendations for further developments.
Based on the review (item no. 1) and the reports from the training workshops (item no. 3), the consultant will write a regional brief providing background information and recommendations for the Regional Office to move forward on the support to the improvement of assessment in the region.
Work relationships/Reporting to:
The consultant will work under the supervision of ESARO Education Specialist for Results Based Management and under the overall general guidelines provided the Regional Education Advisor.
Activities:
The consultant is expected to conduct the following activities:
Prepare, in consultation with ESARO Education, a workplan. This workplan should contain major milestones, proposed dates and work methodology.
Prepare a report containing the review of assessment in the region. The report should identify that would benefit from a training workshop and deep-dive into standard-setting.
Conduct the workshop in at least two countries (tentatively the United Republic of Tanzania, Eswatini and Mozambique) and prepare a report on the workshop with all materials used in the workshops presented as annexes to the report.
Prepare a brief on assessment, including recommendations on standard-setting contextualized to the ESA region.
Desired competencies, technical background and experience
The individual assigned for this work must have:
Education: Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Education, Development or related field (PhD preferred).
Proven experience in standard setting and standardized assessment.
At least 5 years of relevant professional work experience in research, surveying, evaluation or assessment of social constructs.
Competencies: Excellent communication skills; excellent analysis skills; good team work; good drive for results.
Fluent written and spoken English required. French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
Administrative issues
The consultant will provide his/her own computer and other specialized equipment necessary to satisfactorily conclude the consultancy.
Travel expenses from the home country of the consultant to the UNICEF office of each site (i.e., the city where the UNICEF office is in the country where the field work will be conducted) and travel within that city will be covered by the consultant. Tentatively, the countries to be included are Tanzania, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Mozambique. Therefore, travel to Dodoma, Mbabane and Maputo should be considered when budgeting travel.
Living expenses during the field visits will be covered completely by the consultant, for up to three countries. The consultant should estimate each visit to last 3 work-days (not inclusive of travel).
UNICEF will provide a locale, stationery and refreshments to conduct the workshops/training sessions.
UNICEF and the consultant will agree jointly on any additional materials or supplies necessary.
UNICEF ESA Regional Office will liaise with the Country Offices to make preparations for the mission visits.
The consultant is expected to be available for at least one remote conversations each week. These will be scheduled and agreed upon with UNICEF ESARO.
Conditions
The daily rate, the cost of international travel and any related living expenses when on mission to two-three sites within the ESA Region are included in the total cost of the consultancy.
The consultant is responsible for purchase of her/his own insurance.
Due to security issues, the consultant will be required to stay in housing that meets UN security standards. UNICEF (either RO or CO) can make recommendations on housing options.
The consultant will be responsible for his/her own computer and additional specialized equipment to conduct the assignment.
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.
No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email. Signed contract copy or written agreement must be received by the office before Travel Authorization is issued.
The selected consultant will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.
UNICEF reserves all copyrights on material, including data analysis, documents, photographs and graphic designs. No data or findings can be published without the permission of UNICEF and any publications arising from the work will be co-authored with UNICEF staff. The use of UNICEF material for any purpose, including repackaging in hard copy or compilation for CD-ROM or any other electronic media, is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. The unauthorized use of the UNICEF name and logo is against international law and is expressly forbidden.
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
How can you make a difference?
Under the supervision of theHealth Specialist andguidance from the National EPI Manager, the incumbent will dedicate 70% of the time working at the Ministry of Health Immunization program. The Health Officer will provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance, from planning to delivery of results, by preparing, executing, managing, and implementing a variety of technical and administrative tasks to facilitate Immunization programme development, implementation, monitoring progress, evaluating and reporting of results.
Support to Immunization programme development and planning
Conduct and update the situation analysis for the development, design and management of Immunization programme. Research and report on development trends (e.g. political social, economic, health) for higher management use to enhance Immunization programme management, efficiency and delivery of results.
Contribute to the development and establishment of Immunization programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning through analysis of Immunization programme needs and areas for intervention and submission of recommendations for prioritization and setting of goal.
Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of Immunization programming processes by executing and administering a variety of Immunization technical programme transactions, preparing materials and documentations, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support Immunization programme planning, results-based planning (RBM), and monitoring and evaluation of results.
Prepare required documentations and materials to facilitate Immunization programme review and approval process
Immunization Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and National and County Immunization partners to discuss operational and implementation issues, provide solutions, recommendations, and/or to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and decisions. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, Immunization programme reviews with government and other counterparts to assess performance and to report on required action/interventions at the higher level of Immunization programme management.
Monitor and report on the use of Immunization programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), and verify compliance with approved allocation and goals, organizational rules, regulations, procedures, as well as donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
Prepare regular and mandated Immunization programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
Technical and operational support to Immunization programme implementation
Conduct regular Immunization programme field visits and surveys and share information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices on health and Immunization related issues to support Immunization programme implementation, operations and delivery of results.
Networking and partnership building for Immunization programme
Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with Immunization national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to enhance programme implementation and build capacity of Immunization stakeholders to deliver concrete and sustainable results.
Draft communication and information materials for UNICEF CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fund raising for health including Immunization programmes.
Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building for Immunization programme
Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of Immunization stakeholders.
Apply innovative approaches and promote good practices to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable Immunization programme results.
Assist with oversight of research and ensure results are available for use in knowledge products.
Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of Immunization stakeholders.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, pediatric or child health, family health, global/international health, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field. Training in Vaccinology, Immunization Middle Level management and or Operational Level
A minimum of two years of professional experience in Immunization at National and or County level is mandatory
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.
How can you make a difference?
The overall purpose of the Knowledge Management Officer is to provide support to country offices for documentation of learning and to ensure this learning is readily available for country offices to use to improve programming.
The Knowledge Management Officer will work under the overall guidance of the Regional Advisor for Nutrition and the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist (NIS). In addition, the incumbent will work closely with the Regional Office Knowledge Management (KM) Specialist as well as with other Knowledge Management Focal Points in the Regional Office.
Working closely with the Nutrition Specialist (NIS) as well as the ESAR Nutrition Section and in collaboration with the Regional office KM specialist, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:
Support countries in ESA region to document lessons learned and best practices for dissemination through regional and global channels, publication or other channels including the SDG Knowledge Platform.
Support countries to develop visibility products in collaboration with Communication Section in the Regional Office.
Support countries in the region that received thematic funds from the Netherlands (GTF-N; 18) to document baseline data and progress in implementation of the grants.
Support countries in the region that received thematic funds from the Netherlands to document lessons learned, process and intermediate outcomes of proof-of-concept interventions and to generate annual field notes and case studies as per grant requirements.
Prepare, analyze and summarize data related to emergency nutrition programming especially in Southern Africa for sharing with the technical working groups including the Regional Inter-Agency Standing Committee (RIASCO) and the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FNSWG).
Support nutrition assessments and Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analyses, with a focus on the Southern Africa countries.
Build and maintain a regional repository of knowledge products for nutrition, including studies, field notes, lessons learned and best practices from the region that are already in existence.
Documentation of major nutrition-related meetings, including the Regional Nutrition Network Meeting.
Support the NIS specialist to prepare documentation on progress against stunting reduction in the region (aligned with the mid-term review of the Regional Office Management Plan (ROMP) in 2019):
Support compilation of regional nutrition database and analysis of trends, for the output indictors as well as outcome indicators.
Support dissemination of key topics (lessons learned, best practices, innovations, etc.) through the ESA Regional Nutrition Information Focal Point quarterly conference calls and/or through ESAR Webinar series.
Key expected results
At least 2 lessons-learned documents produced and disseminated throughout the region.
Support and guidance provided to all countries that received GTF-N funds for development of field notes.
Southern Africa nutrition situation / up-date information provided to RIASCO and FNSWG.
Regional repository of knowledge products established and maintained.
Key knowledge topics disseminated through Regional platforms, including on-line meetings and webinars.
Final approved Nutrition Network Meeting report available as per SOP timelines (draft within two weeks and final within one month of meeting).
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
University Degree in Public health Nutrition, Epidemiology, Nutrition Information Management, Knowledge and Information Management, or related technical field;
A minimum two years of progressively responsible professional work experience in nutrition information and/or knowledge management;
Experience of working within UNICEF or other UN entities is an asset;
Prior experience with knowledge management, network support and information sharing
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge ofFrench and/or Portuguese an asset,
Excellent writing and editing skills in English.
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.
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS/ CONSULTANTS
PART I
Title of Assignment
Individual Consultant for Technical Assistance in Education and Skills
Section
Education
Location
UNICEF ESARO, Nairobi, Kenya with travel in the ESA region as necessary
Duration
128 days within a period of 7 months
Start date
From: 15 January 2019
To: 31 August 2019
Background and Justification
UNICEF seeks to contribute to the realization of the rights of all children, especially the most disadvantaged. Since learning and skills development are key areas to achieve this envisaged impact, UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2018 – 2021 in its goal area 2 includes a focus on strengthening education systems to effectively support children and adolescents to learn and to develop skills for personal empowerment, active citizenship, non-violence, gender equality and employability, both in and out of schools, including in humanitarian situations.
Investing in adolescents’ learning and skills development – including in particular, the most disadvantaged adolescents – is a priority that UNICEF has identified for the second decade of a child’s life. This priority links directly to the achievement of SDG targets, including those related to ending poverty in all its forms, enhancing education and life learning opportunities and promoting employment and decent work for all. Strategies adopted by UNICEF to provide better opportunities for adolescents to be productive and break intergenerational cycles of poverty include 1) accelerating programming for the retention of primary school students, transition to post-primary education and secondary completion with a focus on quality and learning outcomes; 2) investing in programmes that nurture adolescents as innovators and critical thinkers, both through formal or non-formal learning environments; 3) supporting social protection approaches that build the skills and knowledge required for employability and entrepreneurship; and 4) eliminating child labour, in particular hazardous work, for children who are old enough to work.
UNICEF is working towards strengthening policy and programme interventions that improve skills development for adolescent boys and girls (10-17 years) by contributing to their learning of content and skills and by providing them with increased opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and citizenship. This area of work will follow a multi-sectoral approach and build on the evidence and expertise generated by the various sections within UNICEF (education, child protection, adolescents and social inclusion) as well as the expertise of other organizations.
Since issues of employability and employment require an approach that links both the supply and demand side, collaboration between key multilateral actors is a critical component of our work and it is built on 1) good practices in areas of learning and employability of adolescents; 2) the complementarity of roles between these organizations; and 3) lessons learned from existing regional/country level collaboration in the area of learning and employability.
UNICEF’s work on skills development has a clear focus on the most disadvantaged adolescents, both those who are 10-14 years and who dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out, and older adolescents who are not in school or training or employment. Hence all programming aims to be multi-sectoral and address issues of exclusion, among others through social inclusion schemes, addressing social norms as well as providing better learning and employability opportunities for young people.
Scope of Work
Goal and Objective: Under the supervision of the Regional Education Advisor the consultant will provide technical advice for scale up of country office programming on skills for employment and transitions to the workplace. The consultant will bring an understanding of existing evidence and multi sectoral interventions in adolescent skill development and employability, including social inclusion, and apply a participatory and consultative process to the development of products and programs. The consultant will support the development of the programming documents for Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, with specific attention to the joint results frameworks (Including Theory of Change, Results and Indicators). The consultant will coordinate with country office focal points on planning and drafting programme documents and support timely and quality inputs on programme design from the involved agencies, the donor and the private sector. The programme design will be in line with the Global Visioning paper on “Inclusive Jobs and Education for displaced persons and host communities”.
Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered: This assignment supports output 1 of the Education AWP: Quality evidence and partnerships for risk-informed programming and financing to ensure that girls and boys including those with disabilities complete primary and secondary with grade level learning outcomes, under activity 5: undertake research on skills deployed in the informal economic sector in both rural and urban settings to inform better strategies for adolescent education and employability
Activities and Tasks:
Support country office partnerships with Dutch government (Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda) with stakeholder engagement and participation: review and quality assure format and programme of consultations with stakeholder groups
Conduct regional mapping of actors involved in skills work in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, along with other countries, in collaboration with those Country Offices.
Support country offices to produce high quality programme documents, by providing technical assistance and quality assurance to:Intervention logic/theories of change
Results frameworks with clear monitor
Support country offices to develop quality, costed implementation plans, including agreement on the role of participating agencies and necessary collaboration
Support country offices with communication with Dutch government, as well as with responses to feedback.
Support UNICEF in its outreach to organizations to discuss potential deepening of cooperation (e.g. UNICEF focusing on second decade of life and transferable skills, World Bank Group focusing on skills, learning and employment, and ILO focusing on vocational skills and employability; UNHCR on education and skills among children on the move);
Develop guidance for COs on education programming for adolescents based on the Global Skills for All Framework, the Regional Adolescent and Young People Investment Case Framework and the mapping of current skills work
Support COs on equipping marginalized adolescents and young people with skills to succeed in life, livelihoods and work (e.g. alternative pathways, accelerated learning, second chance education, innovative approaches to secondary, blended learning).
Undertake research on skills deployed in the informal economic sector in both rural and urban settings to inform better strategies for adolescent education and employability.
Work relationships: The consultant will be engaged with ESARO Education, Child Protection and PPP teams: with Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda UNICEF staff involved with the development of the Dutch partnership; and with UNHCR, ILO, IFC, World Bank and the Dutch government. The consultant will report to the Regional Education Advisor in the Education Section, ESARO.
Payment Schedule
Interim payments are linked to deliverables. Payment is upon satisfactory completion of deliverables.
Desired competencies, technical background and experience
An advanced university degree in social studies, education or a related field (Master or above); with strong expertise in learning, education, skills and employability
At least eight years (8) of experience in the design, implementation and/or evaluation of education and/or training and skills and employability programmes in low or middle-income country contexts.
Experience in the design and/or implementation of programs to develop the skills of children and/or adolescents, to improve their employability, including engaging the private sector and initiatives to ease the transition to the work place.
Understanding of the evidence base on youth employment, including skills for employability.
Strong programme design skills, including capacity to prepare logical, coherent and consistent documents including evidence, theories of change/results frameworks, log frames and budgets; and experience in coordinating dynamic, multi-agency programmes
Evaluation and/or research skills an asset, including use of mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative).
Ability to work efficiently and effectively with project members in various locations and from different disciplines, including remotely writing and revising proposal documents.
Experience in and ability to coordinate UN agencies and interact at the professional level with donor representatives and other stakeholders
Excellent English speaking/writing skills required, another UN language an asset.
Travel
While the consultant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya- the work requires travel to Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda; each country will be visited twice for five (5) days each within the consultancy contract period. The consultant will be responsible for the logistical arrangements and cost implications of these visits and should include detailed, costed plans for this in the application.
Administrative issues
This consultancy is dependent on the availability of resources. The focal points for this contract are Abhiyan Jung Rana (Regional Education Advisor), Jess Shaver (Education Specialist) and the Dutch partnership coordinator in the Partnerships team (ESARO). Monthly progress meetings will be held face-to-face and remotely when necessary throughout the contract duration. Frequent (daily/ weekly) communication will be facilitated and expected for coordination purposes between the consultant, the CO and RO focal points.
Job Details
Through the “promise renewed” commitment, and as part of efforts to strengthen organizational capacity to support quality education for all children, UNICEF has re-emphasized its focus on equity which is at the core of the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Millennium Declaration and Education for All (EFA), UNICEF works to ensure the right of all children to education. One of the key outputs under Goal Area 2 “Every child learns” in the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan is “Countries have strengthened their education systems for gender-equitable learning outcomes” within which community participation in education is one of the five dimensions of an effective education system for learning outcomes.
In order to support progress towards the achievement of this output, UNICEF designed the “Data Must Speak” (DMS) initiative and successfully submitted funding proposals to the Global Partnership for Education and to Hewlett Foundation for its implementation. The DMS initiative: i) provides direct field support and capacity building of Ministries of Education for the design and use of monitoring tools enhancing social accountability/community empowerment and equitable education systems/management; and ii) supports analysis, dissemination and use of data on the impact of community involvement on school resources and performance. Started in 2014, the initiative is, in 2018, jointly implemented by Headquarters’ (HQ) and Regional Offices’ education teams in eight countries (incl. Madagascar, Namibia and Zambia and soon to join Angola). There is an increased demand from Country Offices (COs) of the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) to be part of it. While not all interested countries may join the initiative formally, reforms can be implemented to align the treatment they apply to data in alignment with DMS principles to ensure wider use and strengthened community participation. To meet the increase in demand, the additional support of a data specialist is required.
Under the guidance of the Regional Education Advisor and direct supervision of the Education Specialist (RBM), the incumbent will be part of the Basic Education and Gender Equality unit of the UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). The incumbent will also work in close collaboration with the System Strengthening, Innovation, Data and Evidence for Results (SIDER) team at UNICEF Headquarters Education as well as other colleagues of the Basic Education and Gender Equality unit of ESARO and other UNICEF regional offices. She/he will have close collaboration with other sections of UNICEF ESARO, in particular the Communication for Development (C4D) unit, and with Country Offices, staff of other UN Agencies, and Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors ensuring successful UNICEF education programme implementation in Eastern and Southern Africa.
How can you make a difference?
The Education Specialist will
provide direct field support and capacity building for the design and use of monitoring tools enhancing social accountability/community empowerment and equitable education systems/management for the implementation of the DMS initiative in ESAR;
monitor the implementation of DMS activities in participating countries to facilitate cross-pollination, South-to-South cooperation and alignment with UNICEF’s global and regional strategic priorities;
support analysis of data on the impact of community involvement on school resources and performance and its communication/dissemination in a user-friendly manner; and
serve as the technical regional focal point for the implementation of the recommendations of the formative evaluation of the DMS Initiative.
Major duties and responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Education Specialist (RBM) and with regular guidance from the Regional Education Adviser, the Education Specialist (DMS) will provide the following:
1. Build capacity and provide support to CO education teams and Ministries of Education for the design and use of monitoring tools enhancing social accountability/community empowerment and equitable education systems/management for the implementation of the DMS initiative, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Capacity building of CO staff and Ministries of education for designing monitoring tools, such as district/school profile cards and education equity indices.
Quality assurance of education indicators and data to be used in monitoring tools and related support to Education Management Information System (EMIS) strengthening
Technical support in collaboration with the C4D regional and HQ section for an effective plan for the dissemination and use of the monitoring tools
2. Monitor the implementation of DMS activities, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Effective and timely implementation of DMS in the participating countries
Cross-pollination and South-to-South cooperation
Support to alignment with UNICEF’s global and regional strategic priorities
3. Support analysis of data on the impact of community involvement on school resources and performance and its communication/dissemination in a user-friendly manner:
Support country-level analyses of available evidence on the impact of community/parental participation on school resources and performance, using EMIS and MICS data
Technical assistance and capacity building of CO staff and Ministries of education in disseminating and applying the results in education and C4D programming and planning.
4. Serve as the technical regional focal point for the formative evaluation of the DMS initiative, focusing on the achievement of the following result:
Lessons learned from the DMS activities in ESAR countries are reported and used for knowledge exchange within ESAR and more globally for informing the next implementation phases of the DMS initiative.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Science with a major focus on statistics or economics, or equivalent.
A minimum of fiveyears of relevant professional work experience at national or international levels in fields relevant to education economics and/or education Monitoring and Evaluation.
Experience working in the UN or other international development organization an asset.
Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French an asset.
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.
The functional competencies required for this post are:
Leading and Supervising (I)
Formulating Strategies and Concepts (II)
Analyzing (III)
Relating and Networking (II)
Deciding and Initiating Action (II)
Applying Technical Expertise (III)
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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
DURATION AND LOCATION
Duration: Six to eight weeks
Expected start date: January 2019
Reporting to: Supply and Logistics Manager, UNICEF Kenya
BACKGROUND
Procurement Services (PS) is a very relevant component of UNICEF Kenya Country Office (KCO) programmatic activities, implemented in partnership with the Government of Kenya (GoK).
Overall, in 2017 UNICEF KCO programmatic Supply throughput (goods) reached approximately US$19 million. PS on the contrary reached almost US$32 million in the same year. This shows UNICEF KCO’s extended added value to our partners through PS, representing more than 40% of the value of our actual programmatic supplies inputs.
To date, PS has been delivered to the GoK, and the Ministry of Health (MoH) in particular, at the National level. The CO has started working to develop PS at the County level, following the devolution of all Health-related services (except for Immunisation) to the newly established 47 counties in 2013, as per the 2010 Constitution. The devolution process has however experienced serious challenges, exposing the need for PS and extended Technical Assistance (TA) support to Counties, given the capacity gaps observed in all different sectors and areas of expertise, including Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM).
To support the devolved government structure specifically in PSCM, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNICEF and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in late 2014, a partnership aiming to strengthen our collaboration to guarantee effective PSCM support to the MoH and the newly created 47 counties.
Following the Government’s request for an Engagement Forum on Immunization Funding and Financing (EF), to bring together relevant stakeholders in government (MOH, Treasury, Council of Governors), Development Partners (World Bank, UNICEF etc.) and CSOs (CHAI, JSI, APHC and many others), UNICEF assisted the MoH in outlining the EF, funded the inauguration meeting and drafting the technical documents. However, since the inauguration meeting in February, progress has stalled and it seems the MoH has prioritised otherwise.
Universal Health Coverage and the Kenya Health Financing Strategy are important ambitions for the GoK, and it could potentially address the issues around long term financial sustainability for immunization and the Gavi transition. While there is a good opportunity to ensure domestic funding for immunization through KHFS, there is also a risk that immunization is adequately included, as we fail to address the long-term funding challenges.
RATIONALE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT
There is a need to further explore PS opportunities within the Health sector based on the Government needs, as well as others such as Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, or even Education. PS interventions could be seen as, not only an operational support, but also as a catalyst to better understand capacity gaps within our government partners in order to put in place relevant interventions to overcome the previous.
In order to identify such potential for systems strengthening, a scoping assignment will discuss in detail the ongoing challenges, while identifying underlying opportunities, with all relevant development sectors, being them the government of Kenya (at national and county level), all relevant ministries, as well as donors and even the private sector.
DELIVERABLES
Under the supervision of the S&L Manager, and with the support of the Chief of Health and UNICEF Supply Division, the consultant’s duties and responsibilities will include:
Map the currently existing Supply Chain environment, exploring gaps and new PS opportunities, both from an operational and systems strengthening perspective, within the Health and other sectors, based on Government needs, at both national and county level, engaging with all relevant partners, including but not limited to: all relevant ministries (national and county) and government entities, bilateral donors (USAID, DFID, JAICA, Others), other UN agencies (WHO, UNFPA, UNAIDS, WFO, Others), International Funding Institutions (World Bank, African Development Bank) and the private sector.
Collect and document all the information gathered from all previous meetings, discussions and exchanges, and present them to the following forums: i. all relevant UNICEF sections and Senior Management in draft format for their comments and remarks; ii. a final presentation incorporating all UNICEF comments to the MoH and the Council of Governors (at a minimum), in order to receive their inputs and assure full alignment from both the national Government and its 47 Counties.
Based on the above, together with other important developments and issues to be considered, develop a final report including key recommendations, as Kenya CO prepares itself to produce its Procurement Services Strategy for the next four years 2019-2022.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Master Degree in Business and Administration, Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Development or Public Finance, Economics or any other relevant discipline related to health supply chains financing.
Work Experience: Minimum ten years relevant work experience in health supply chain management, with special emphasis on health systems strengthening with development partners and governments.
Previous experience in health fiscal space analysis, health/immunization financing, setting up financial solutions for health (including trust funds etc) will be an advantage.
Competencies: The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies, considered to be necessary to this consultancy:
Core Competencies
Excellent communicator of verbal and written concepts to a government and international audience.
Able to quickly understand instructions, to proactively seek clarification when needed.
Able to work well in a team environment.
Functional Competencies
Works independently and problem-solving oriented.
Works in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
Demonstrated communication and relationship-building skills.
Proven capacity to work with and lead collaborative teams across different locations and with different technical skills.
Strong analytical skills that can lead to strategic conclusions and translated into a written document.
UNICEF CORE VALUES
Diversity and Inclusion
Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible.
Integrity
Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority.
Commitment
Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause.
EVALUATION PROCESS:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
Cover letter/application.
Financial quote for the consultancy at a daily rate in US Dollars.
CV.
Examples of previous, relevant work.
References.
Please indicate your availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.
Successful applicants will be invited to a telephone interview and will be evaluated by the following criteria:
Applicant x
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (max. 70 points)
Overall Response (20 points)
Understanding of tasks, objectives and completeness and coherence of response
Overall match between the TOR requirements consultant’s competencies.
Technical Capacity (50 points)
Relevance of consultant’s experience with similar projects and as per required qualifications
Quality of previous work
References
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION – Total Points
FINANCIAL PROPOSAL (max. 30 points)
Daily rate
Economy Air Ticket
Total estimated cost of contract (proposed contract fee only)
FINANCIAL PROPOSAL – Weight Combined Score
TOTAL SCORE
Kenya has experienced an impressive economic growth over the last few years. The economy has been growing at about 6% yearly in a generally stable macro-economic environment. Kenya, with a GDP per capita of US$1,366 in 2015 has shifted from low income country to lower middle income. Despite such an enabling environment Kenya’s children remain disproportionately represented among the poor and vulnerable. According to the 2015/2016 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIBHS), 41.5% of children are living below the national poverty line while a recent Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analyses (MODA, 2014) revealed that 45% of children are deprived in three or more basic needs necessary to their wellbeing. With a human development index of 0.555, Kenya is ranked 146 globally. The child poverty and deprivation findings indicates that in 2017, a total of 9.5 million children or 45% of all children under age 18 in Kenya experience severe child poverty.
In that context, UNICEF’s social policy programme aims to support child sensitive policies, strategies and financing to reduce monetary and non-monetary poverty, and vulnerabilities and to promote individual, household and community resilience to shocks and stress. In the last four years, UNICEF’s support to the Government has led to an improved inclusion of children in national and county plan which is a critical milestone.
How can you make a difference?
The Social Policy and economic specialist position will to lead the Public Finance for children (PF4C) work carried out by UNICEF Kenya Country Office. In this regard this position will provide technical and programmatic support with all sections/programmes to support the office in its efforts to leverage greater, more effective, and equitable domestic public investments in children and ensure results in the areas of health, education, HIV, nutrition, child protection, social protection, and WASH.
The Social Policy Specialist (Public Finance) will report to the Chief of Social Policy. The position will collaborate with: (i) government counterparts, including the Ministry of Finance (MoF), social sector ministries and Parliamentarians; (ii) external partners, including the World Bank, IMF, donors, other UN agencies and civil society organizations; and (iii) UNICEF technical staff from program sections as well as from UNICEF’s regional office.
Lead data and evidence generation to advocate for greater and better public investments in children (30%)
Provide technical leadership for the scaling up of UNICEF’s PF4C work in Kenya in line with the Country Programme Document. Develop and apply relevant PFM tools together with government counterparts and development partners, including budget briefs, thematic budget analyses, Citizens Budgets, the Open Budget Survey, subnational budget scorecards, subnational financial dashboards, Public Expenditure Reviews (PERs), Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS), cost efficiency and/or cost effectiveness analyses, expenditure incidence analyses, costing exercises, fiscal space analyses, financing and/or affordability studies, cost-benefit analyses, cost of inaction analyses, etc.
Serve as the country focal point of technical expertise in the area of PF4C. Monitor developments in technical area, as well as political and social developments, at the national and county levels. Regularly disseminates national and county budget data as well as information on systems and socio-economic trends and their implications for national and county programming.
Provides support in analyzing child poverty and its impact on children and its determinants and proposes appropriate responses in terms of government resource allocation policies and social welfare policies.
Lead UNICEF engagement in the national and county level planning and budgeting to influence allocation decisions and improve the performance of spending on children (30%)
Serve as the office focal point on SDG monitoring. Coordinates UNICEF’s advocacy and contribution to the formulation, review and monitoring of the Medium-Term plans (MTP), sector plans, County Integrated Development Plans, and County Annual Development Plans, etc. to ensure that child priorities are fully reflected. Lead office evidence generation in support of national and sector level development planning
Provides comprehensive yearly budget analysis using available national and county level budget information (Budget Briefs) and presents, discusses and advocates for recommendations from evidence generation activities to be adopted by the National Treasury, County Governments and social sector ministries in their annual planning and budgeting.
Advocates and provides technical support to the National Treasury to introduce or revise key PFM reforms so that they reflect child-focused priorities and deliver on expected results, including the Standard Chart of Accounts, program- or performance-based budgeting, inter-governmental fiscal transfer formulas and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
Facilitates and coordinates the national and county level dialogue with key financial decision makers at all levels of government to raise awareness around child rights and make the case for investing in children.
Develops partnerships with the National Parliamentary, Senate, County Assemblies, Office of Control of Budget and the Office of the Auditor General and builds their capacity to initiate child-sensitive legislation, approve the budget and provide effective oversight.
Child sensitive (planning and budgeting) capacity building and Empowering citizens (15%)
Closely works with the National Treasury Support, social sector ministries and PFM development partners to develop and build nationally owned multi-year PF4C capacity building plan with tools and materials that are embedded into the national PFM capacity development plan. Leverages with the National Treasury and relevant Ministries to ensure that key national and county level PFM stakeholders have the full PF4C capacities.
Supports national and county level the citizen participation in the budget process and monitoring and lead the development of easy and accessible tools and methods of reporting. Lead the partnership development with Civil Society organization and communities on budget transparency and accountability. Builds the capacity of communities and citizens in understanding and tracking how and how well public funds are spent, and work with local governments to establish feedback mechanisms.
Partnerships (10%)
Establishes and maintains an effective partnership with the National Treasury, Parliament, Council of Governors, County Governments, Office of the Controller of Budget, KIPPRA, KRA, other UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, NGOs, civil society and local leaders, the private sector to support sustained and proactive commitment to child sensitive planning and budgeting towards the realization of the rights of the most vulnerable children;
Identifies other critical partners, promotes awareness and builds capacity of partners, and actively facilitates effective collaboration within the UN family.
UNICEF Programme Management
Ensures that the social policy programme enhances policy dialogue, planning, supervision, technical advice, management, training, research and support for social protection results. Contributes to an effective planning, management and quality assurance of the social policy programme component
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher)in Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy or other relevant discipline is required.*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experiencein applications and advisory related to economic and social development and public financial management and development policy. Hands-on experience with PFM issues and development policy issues (poverty analysis, assessment, social sector analysis) is required. Experience in budget analysis, costing and developing investment cases in key sectors for children such as health, education, water and sanitation, social protection, nutrition is an asset. Working experience with multilateral or other non-profit international organizations in economic policy, macroeconomics development is desirable.
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 core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The competencies required for this post are:
Core competencies
Communication (II)
Working with people (II)
Drive for results (II)
Functional Competencies:
Leading and supervising (II)
Formulating strategies/concepts (II)
Analyzing (III)
Relating and networking (II)
Deciding and initiating action (II)
Applying Technical Expertise (III)
Job no: 517383
Work type: Internship
Categories: Internship
Duration of assignment: 6 months
Start date: 5th November 2018
Scope of work
Under the supervision and guidance of Quality Assurance Officer, the intern will carry out the following tasks:
Verify responses received from Implementing Partners certifying the details of their bank accounts and update all current signatories of the stated bank accounts and document any discrepancies between what is currently in the UNICEF database and actual confirmations;
Review micro assessments, spot checks and audits recommendations tracking tools for completeness. This will be done by comparing the findings that are captured in the tracking tools and compare with the findings as reported in the actual reports. Any omissions to be notified to the supervisor for corrective action;
Validate the details captured in the vendor master in relation to micro assessments by checking whether the correct type of assessment has been captured, the right risk rating and the correct date of assessment. This will be done through comparing the details as per the partnership analysis cube details from INSIGHT and actual physical micro assessment reports. Any noted discrepancies to be notified to the supervisor for corrective action;
Capture recommendations from assurance activities outside HACT/eTools such as cost reconciliations, campaigns monitoring etc, if any, into a tracking tool for ease of follow up;
Review completeness of documents in QA/VISION Hub SharePoint. This will be through confirming the type of documents already uploaded on SharePoint and the guidance issued by supervisor on the type of documents that should be therein. The intern will also confirm that all documents in the Quality Assurance folder on Pdrive have been migrated to SharePoint. Any noted discrepancies to be notified to the supervisor for corrective action;
Undertake any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor and provide an end-of-assignment report.
Work Relationship: The intern will work closely with the QA team and VISION Hub team. Intern will also be expected to work with different outcome teams and will develop positive working relationships with partners and overall UNICEF staff.
Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounts or related fields or in the final year of university
Desired competencies:
Core values required: Commitment, Diversity and Inclusion and integrity:
Core competencies: Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results
Conditions:
The intern will keep confidential any and all unpublished information made known to them during the course of their service as an intern and will not publish any reports or papers on the basis of information obtained during the period of their service, except with the authorization of UNICEF.
The intern shall prepare, on request, a short-written report at the end of their service.
UNICEF accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accident and/or illness incurred during the service as an intern, whether on or off UNICEF premises, and the intern must, therefore, provide proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan.
There is no expectancy of employment at the end of service as an intern.
UNICEF is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and that, therefore, the intern is responsible for obtaining them.
The intern will work from the UNICEF office in Gigiri, Nairobi.