Developing a synthesis of the report: Increasing Access and Equity in Early Childhood Education: An evaluation of results achieved in 5 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Develop a short (6-8 pages), reader friendly synthesis of the report: Increasing Access and Equity in Early Childhood Education: An evaluation of results achieved in 5 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF)

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR/ CONSULTANCY

FOR

Developing a synthesis of the report: Increasing Access and Equity in Early Childhood

Education: An evaluation of results achieved in 5 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Level of experience: Junior [ ] 1-3yrs  Medium [X] 4-10yrs  Senior [ ] more than 10yrs

Location: LACRO, Panama

Language(s) required: English

Closing date for applying to this consultancy: 25 May 2018

Estimated start date of this consultancy: 4 June 2018  Estimated end date: 8 June 2018

BACKGROUND:

Early childhood is the most rapid and significant stage of development in the life of human beings. It is the stage, which establishes the foundations for future well-being, lifelong learning, and participation.

According to recent scientific evidence, during this period the brain develops in an extraordinary way through a complex interaction of neuronal connections, which is influenced and defined by experience and environment, thus influencing children's cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. 

During early childhood, receiving adequate nutrition, early stimulation, learning opportunities, protection and sensitive and loving care are crucial so that children survive, progress, learn and participate: all these elements are necessary for children to reach their maximum potential. 

The region of Latin America and the Caribbean has achieved important progress towards universalization of access to one year of preschool. Particularly encouraging is that the advance has been generalized throughout the region including countries of mid-low income in Central America and the Caribbean. This advance has not extinguished the important disparities in the region.

An evaluation was solicited by the Regional Office of UNICEF for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNICEF - LACRO) with the purpose of identifying a framework of action to improve the advocacy, programming and actions that can be used by each country's offices to orient the development of policy, programs and strategies in favour of improving access for girls and boys to programs of early childhood education of quality, as well as to reduce the equity gaps and increase the enrolment rates at this level of education. The evaluation is opportune in that it will be used to prepare and refine the Management Plan of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean for the period 2018-2021, specifically for the components of education and early childhood development.

PURPOSE:

Develop a short (6-8 pages), reader friendly synthesis of the report: Increasing Access and Equity in Early Childhood Education: An evaluation of results achieved in 5 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

EXPECTED RESULTS (measurable results):

1. Produce an executive summary of the above-mentioned report, of around 117 pages, using language and style suitable for a semi-technical audience
2. Produce a 6-8 pager policy brief with the key results and recommendations from the report

 DELIVERABLES:

KEY QUALIFICATIONS, TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Advanced university degree in social sciences, communications, and/or public relations
2. Excellent writing skills in the English language
3. Strong analytical skills
4. Previous experience in producing reports with good standards and high quality
5. Four to ten years of experience

INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR'S WORKPLACE:

The selected contractor/consultant will perform the tasks remotely (home-based) and will be expected to join regular teleconferences to discuss progress and feedback.

FEES:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a financial proposal. Proven past experience and financial proposal will be taken into consideration during selection process.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates may submit their application in the following link: LINK

The pre-selection of candidates will be done after closing date. Please note only selected candidates will be contacted.

Interested consultants to indicate ability, availability and rate (daily) to undertake the terms of reference.

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.