KAP Study on Children with Disabilities in Vanuatu (Consultancy)

UNICEF, with funding from DFAT is currently implementing the second phase of Rights, Education and Protection (REAP II) programme. The DFAT-UNICEF REAP II (2015-2019) is based on UNICEF’s progress in promoting and implementing measures to mainstreaming disability throughout all its programming areas. The REAP II programme addresses both the sub-regional (Pacific Islands) and one in-depth country context (Vanuatu). The desk review and rapid situation analysis conducted in 2016 identified the need to carry out a Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) study that will propose immediate, effective and appropriate measures to raise awareness throughout society, and to combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices relating to children with disabilities, including those based on sex and age, in all areas of life. UNICEF is therefore seeking a suitable consultant to undertake the above study from which finding will also be used to guide sectoral plans and policy formulation by the Government of Vanuatu, as well as provide baseline for addressing the issue of behaviour change towards children with disabilities

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Assignment

The KAP study will provide the basis of subsequent programming under the REAP II programme implementation by UNICEF and its partners in health, education, child protection and WASH.  The findings of the KAP study will also be used to guide sectoral plans and policy formulation by the Government of Vanuatu, as well as provide baseline for addressing the issue of behaviour change towards children with disabilities.

Objectives of the study: 

The objective of this KAP Study will be to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the society towards children with disabilities, children with disabilities themselves and their peers without disabilities.

The specific objectives of the study are to:

• Assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the society (families communities , service providers and decision makers) towards children with disabilities, children with disabilities themselves and their peers without disabilities
• Assess the life satisfaction and perception of children with disabilities towards  their own impairment  and that of their peers with disabilities
• Analyse  the root causes of stigma and discrimination  faced by children  with disabilities in Vanuatu and the drivers of current attitudes
• Establish a baseline to inform future interventions and strategies in communication for behaviour and social change to address the stigma and discrimination faced by children with disabilities.

Assignment Tasks

The KAP Study will focus on one province, Penama, where REAP II programme will be implemented. The target group will include adults (decision makers and service providers) in general society, parents and care givers of children (0-17 years) with disabilities, children and youth with disabilities between the ages of 10-21 and their peers without disabilities in the same age group. The sample size will endeavour to the extent possible to be representative of the diversity of the population.  The study is expected to respond to but not limited to the following research questions:

1. What are the cultural and religious beliefs, local attitudes and level of knowledge that hinder equal participation of children with disabilities?
2. What are the trends and disparities in parenting practices and other factors related to child development for children with and without disabilities?
3. What are the parenting practices and other factors that support children with disabilities’ access to basic services across:

1. health and hygiene
2. nutrition
3. responsive caregiving
4. support for early learning
5. Education (primary, secondary, vocational or other)

6. child protection

1. Are there any existing initiative for community based rehabilitation, inclusive community development (do they cover children with disabilities) and what is the interest for such initiatives?
2. What kind of support or service exists for parents and families to care for their CWDs?
3. What are the main barriers to access to services, participation and inclusion?

Methodology:

The consultants are expected to present, in detail, their approach, methodology and tools, with an action plan and time frame that addresses the expected outputs, with reference to the overall and specific objectives as well as budget. At the minimum, a mixed method study is envisioned comprising of two components: Part 1 - Quantitative Survey and Part 2 - Qualitative Survey.

The study protocol will use representative sampling as appropriate, considering both quantitative (survey) and appropriate qualitative approaches. Two sets of tools will be developed; a questionnaire to administer the quantitative component of the survey and second set of questionnaire to target the focus groups and in-depth interviews under the qualitative component of the survey. The findings of the survey will, whenever possible, be disaggregated by age, gender, ethnicity, geographic area, rural/urban, and other standard socio-economic characteristics.

The questionnaire will contain modules related to KAP in all areas of importance related to children with disabilities, their families and caretakers.  The content of the modules will be developed in collaboration with UNICEF. Consultant is encouraged to tap into existing tools and questionnaires developed for MICS, other national household surveys and WHO developed tools.  Building on survey tools used elsewhere, the consultant will customize the data collection instruments in accordance with the recommendations of the members of the survey advisory group.

The Survey will be carried out in an ethical way that is sensitive with regards to different cultures, local customs, religious beliefs and practices, personal interaction and gender roles, disability, age and ethnicity. In addition, requirements for participant informed consent and confidentiality will be maintained, including children participating in the Survey. Ethical clearance will be sought as may be required.

Expected Deliverables

1. Survey questionnaires
2. Survey Report
3. Annexes (tables, graphs and charts)
4. PPT Presentation with Speaker Notes
5. Data Sets

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

Ten years of professional work experience relevant to conduct of KAP studies is required. Advanced degree in human rights, law, social work, political science or any relevant social sciences. A study team with multi-disciplinary background such as disability, statistics, research and analysis, social sciences and development is preferable.

Years of relevant experience

The suitable consultant(s) should have experience in designing, conducting, and managing surveys related to children’s issues and/or social development. Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research is required; experience of consulting with children and adults with disabilities and experience in conducting surveys with children is an asset. The consultant(s) should have experience in producing high-quality reports and analysis. Work experience with UN and international organizations is an asset.

Languages

The consultant(s) must have good inter-personal communication and negotiation skills. Excellent English report writing and editing skills and additional knowledge of Bislama is an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

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 our organisation.