Since Phase I, the European Union (EU) supported Child Grants Programme has provided significant support to build the capacity of the Department of Social Welfare – today the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) -to enable its staff to deliver social protection services to vulnerable populations. Among other support, there was the deployment of international technical assistance through the private firm Ayala Consulting for at least 4 full years. There have been additional significant investments to support the system and governance mechanism of the CGP. The technical assistance provided by Ayala Consulting has contributed to strengthen the CGP’s processes as well as the capacity of MOSD staff at both central and district levels to manage and monitor social protection programmes. It has also contributed to the design and implementation of several pilots (a conditional cash transfer (CCT) and an integrated social safety nets design (ISSN)) as well as the development of a Management Information System (MIS) and a National Information System for Social Assistance (NISSA).
During the CGP Mid Term Review in August 2013, the continuation of capacity building within the MoSD was identified as a key priority if the country wants to build a sustainable and comprehensive system of social protection. The capacity development strategy required should put great emphasis on strengthening the knowledge of MOSD staff in management and monitoring of social protection interventions in a way that guarantees quality of services to vulnerable households/populations.
Hence, the proposed consultancy will contribute to provide timely technical assistance to the MOSD and contribute to support the CGP team at central and district level in the management, implementation and monitoring of social protection activities including the CGP, ISSN and the integrated community development pilots.
2.Objectives
Given that Government is rapidly moving towards systems of social protection, the consultancy is required to provide on-site daily technical assistance to MOSD staff to implement social protection programmes like the CGP and ISSN; furthermore building the general capacity of MOSD staff on social protection. Expected results include:
- Finalize the design and support implementation of the ISSN pilot, including consideration of synergies with the community development activities.
- Provide technical guidance and training to MOSD staff at central and district levels to support implementation of ISSN and CCT pilots.
- Provide technical advice to MOSD staff in management, implementation and monitoring of the CGP and ISSN pilot.
- Provide technical guidance on the design of social protection initiatives.
- Provide quality assurance of activities related to CGP, ISSN and any related social protection interventions.
3.SPECIFIC TASKS
- Participate in Technical Working Group meetings and provide technical support and advise to implement recommendations.
- Provide extensive support to the ISSN pilot’s implementation throughout its project cycle.
- Provide technical guidance and orientation for CGP expansion activities including data collection, enrollment, validation and payment.
- Develop a training plan based on needs and provide on-the-job training to central and district level MoSD staff.
- Support in the monitoring and logistical planning of field activities.
- Support development of a field monitoring / spot check plan covering all social assistance programmes under the MOSD.
- Support the development and implementation of a case management strategy for CGP, ISSN and CCT involving districts and community council staff.
- Conduct/organize joint field trips with MOSD/UNICEF/EU to monitor implementation of annual work plan.
- Advise on a process evaluation to be carried out within 12 months of the start of implementation.
- Provide any social protection related support on tasks requested by MOSD management.
- Collect and document lessons learned on the field and make the appropriate recommendations to improve the current design.
- Provide support to the MOSD to draft quarterly implementation reports on social assistance activities.
4.EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
- ISSN pilot design completed and quality assurance provided for its implementation.
- Guidance, technical support, and quality assurance provided for CGP expansion activities.
- A training plan on social assistance developed.
- MOSD relevant staff trained and supported in management and monitoring of ISSN and CGP and other social assistance intervention.
- Quarterly implementation reports delivered.
- TWG and steering committee meetings recommendations monitored and implementation of recommendations supported.
- Technical assistance and quality assurance provided to NISSA expansion preparation activities.
- Monthly reports to document status of implementation of social protection workplan.
5.SUPERVISION AND PLACE OF WORK
Under the overall supervision of UNICEF Chief Social policy, the consultant will directly report to the head of the Planning Department at the MOSD given the absence of the Director Social Assistance.
The Consultant will be assigned to work directly and on a daily basis with the CGP unit staff at the Ministry of Social Development.
6.PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- Monthly payment will be issued based on the approval of the monthly implementation report by the Ministry and UNICEF. The monthly implementation report will summarize progresses on implementation of planned activities during the month. It also highlights challenges, recommendations and suggests the work plan for the next month.
- The Final payment will be linked with a full implementation report during the 9 months of consultancy. This report will document key progress, achievements, challenges and proposed recommendations.
7.DESIRED BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
He/she will have following expertise:
- At least a master’s degree in development, economics or programme/project management.
- At least 7 years of professional experience in the field of programme / project management.
- Practical experience on implementation and monitoring of social protection programmes in developing countries.
- A good knowledge of social protection systems will be significant asset.
- At least 3 years of regional experience and good knowledge of working with Government.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good negotiation and leadership skills.
- Good command of IT software particularly database systems.
- Initiative and self-management.
8.GENERAL CONDITIONS: PROCEDURES AND LOGISTICS
The consultant will be based in the Ministry of Social Development. According to the field visit plan, Travel Authorizations will be delivered to him/her and DSA by UNICEF for his/her missions in the field.
9.POLICY BOTH PARTIES SHOULD BE AWARE OF:
- Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
- Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
- 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.
- No consultant may travel without a signed travel authorisation prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
- Unless authorised, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In exceptional cases, the consultant may be authorised to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct route” but this must be agreed to beforehand.
- Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
- Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for Consultants/Individual Contractors prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
- The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant upon arrival, at the HR Section.
How to apply:
Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that they forward their applications (a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc), quoting the indicative fee range with the title of the consultancy to: cmasilo@unicef.org, copying oniang@unicef.org
All applications should be sent by cob 14 November 2014.
Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
