Individual consultancy: To undertake a situation analysis, develop an Early Childhood Development (ECD) strategy note and programme, and related advocacy, partnership and resource mobilization strategies, Mozambique

The Government of Mozambique approved a national integrated early childhood development strategy (Estratégia do Desenvolvimento Integrado da Criança em Idade Pré-escolar) in 2012 which aims to promote children’s survival, growth and holistic development from birth up to entry into primary school, but there has been a lack of inter-sectorial coordination and oversight. A myriad of NGO partners engage in a variety of initiatives again with little coordination and oversight. Mozambique Country Office therefore seeks to recruit an experienced consultant (P5) to undertake a situation analysis and develop an Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) strategy note and programme, and related advocacy, partnership and resource mobilization strategies.

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 AND OBJECTIVE

Under the management and guidance of the Chief of Education/ECD focal point, in collaboration with Programme Coordination and the Chiefs of Section, the consultant will support MCO in developing a strategy and programme document for implementing IECD in the current country programme (from 2018 – 2020) and into the new country programme. The programme document should be developed based on the latest insights of ECD research, a situation analysis, as well as closely linked to the overall country programme, and UNICEF regional and global priorities.

METHODOLOGY AND TECHNICAL APPROACH

The ECD strategy note and programme document should be developed using a participatory and consensus-building approach in close consultation with senior management and relevant staff from various sections in UNICEF and key development partners and after a thorough analysis of the situation. More specifically, the overall programme document should include the following components specified under activities and tasks.

ACTIVITIES AND TASKS

1) Develop a brief Situation Analysis based on: (a) a desk review of existing policies, strategies, frameworks and relevant documents on ECD which identifies bottlenecks, gaps and opportunities for implementing IECD in the Mozambique context; (b) a mapping of existing relevant services and service providers (government, non-government), which identifies gaps and opportunities; and (c) a desk review of relevant UNICEF global, regional and country office strategies and programmatic documents

2) Develop an ECD Strategy Note and Programme Document which identify a programmatic and operational structure for implementing IECD as part of and beyond the current Country Programme from 2018 onwards, aiming to create synergies between sections as well as clear accountability and responsibility among UNICEF staff. The suggested structure should take into account good practices from similar approaches in other countries. In particular, the Note should include a theory of change for IECD in line with the overall programme structure of the current CPD and clear linkages with regional and global results structures.

3) Develop an ECD Advocacy Strategy which should outline key stakeholders’ perception related to ECD and provide recommendations for related (evidence-based) advocacy products.

4) Develop an ECD Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Strategy which identifies potential partners and donors for joint IECD programmes and programming. The Strategy should be based on a mapping and analysis of the IECD related partner and donor landscape and priorities and outline specific areas for IECD programme proposals for selected donors. It should also make a clear recommendation on the way forward for collaborative action with PATH in one of the districts in the province of Nampula.

DELIVERABLES

• Work-plan including bibliography and list of people to meet (1 week)
• Situation Analysis, including schedule and desk review list (2 weeks)
• Strategy note including Theory of Change (ToC) – (2 weeks)
• ECD Programme Document including results, operational structure, partnerships and resources.
• ECD Advocacy strategy (1 week)
• Partnerships and resource mobilization strategy (1 week)
• Recommendation on collaborative action with PATH in one district in Nampula (1 week)
• Final report and presentation to CMT (1week)

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION.

The consultant will report to the Chief of Education/ECD focal point.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

Academic Qualifications. Advanced university degree (Masters as a minimum) in early childhood development, social sciences, clinical psychology, education and/or international health, nutrition or child protection with ECD specialization.

Work Experience. At least eight years of professional work experience in the area of ECD programming, including with UNICEF (relevant experience with other relevant organisations may be considered). Proven experience with participatory and consensus-building approaches.

Technical Knowledge Required. Knowledge of UNICEF’s global ECD programme priorities, guidance and approaches. Knowledge of current state-of-the art ECD related theories and practices. Knowledge of programme development including HRBAP, RBM and Theory of Change. Knowledge of UNICEF programme visions, goals and strategies. Strong understanding of UNICEF programmes and familiarity with Regional context

Language Proficiency. Fluency in English, good working knowledge of Portuguese (Spanish may also be considered)

Other. The consultant should be sensitive to beliefs and act with integrity and respect to all stakeholders.  In the report the consultant may not refer to individual children.  The consultant may not share findings with media in Mozambique or abroad concerning individual children or individual institutions. 

APPLICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

The selection of the consultant will be based on a “best value for money” principle.  As such consultants, in addition to submitting their CV and cover letter, should also indicate their all-inclusive fees (including travel, subsistence costs, etc.) for the services to be provided.  The office shall select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from the list of individuals who are deemed technically suitable for achieving all tasks in time.  Applications submitted without financial information will not be considered.

OTHER

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 organization.