REGIONAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the implementation of the regional activities in Education in Emergencies including those agreed with regional partners, such as CECC-SICA, RET and the Regional Group for DRR. The development of an Education in Emergencies Regional Toolkit as part of the Education in Emergencies Group’s Workplan. Support UNICEF Country Offices and Ministries of Education to promote activities to strengthen education in emergencies within the region

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR/ CONSULTANCY

FOR

A REGIONAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT

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

Location: UNICEF Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACRO)

Language(s) required: English and Spanish, French will be an asset.

Estimated start date of this consultancy:  2^th July 2018  Estimated end date: 21^st December 2018

Closing date for applying to this consultancy: June 25, 2018

BACKGROUND:

Global and regional discussions

For children in emergencies, education is lifesaving. Schools give children stability and structure to help cope with the trauma they have experienced.  Schools can protect children from the physical dangers around them, including abuse, exploitation and recruitment into armed groups. In many cases, schools also provide children with other lifesaving interventions, such as food, water, sanitation and health. 

Numerous experiences over the last two decades reveal that educational systems are severely damaged or disrupted by armed conflicts, natural disasters or pandemics. UNICEF in alliance with partners from the Regional Group for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Education Sector has contributed to identify priorities and disseminate knowledge by participating in regional and global events, such as the Regional and Global Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change. UNICEF and the Regional Group work in developing capacities, developing and disseminating teaching and learning materials, exchange of experiences and cooperation. 

UNICEF works to support the Ministries of Education and partners in alliance with the Regional Group for Disaster Risk Reduction in the education sector whom has been contributing to these challenges for the past years, it is constituted by the regional representation of agencies of the United Nations System, International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Donors and Humanitarian Action Agencies linked to education. UNICEF and its partners have developed documents, tools and material to be used by people across the region. These documents need to be part of an accessible tool, indicating how, where and who should use each one of these.

We work to make sure that while in school, children can learn, despite their circumstances. We provide teachers with training and learning materials. We help children develop skills to deal with disaster as well as reduce risk exposure.  We work with teachers, parents and the community to assure that children get the care and love they need in these circumstances. We work with governments to include disaster risk reduction program in their planning.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the implementation of the regional activities in Education in Emergencies including those agreed with regional partners, such as CECC-SICA, RET and the Regional Group for DRR. The development of an Education in Emergencies Regional Toolkit as part of the Education in Emergencies Group’s Workplan. Support UNICEF Country Offices and Ministries of Education to promote activities to strengthen education in emergencies within the region.

EXPECTED RESULTS (measurable results):

Under the guidance of the Education Specialist complete:

• A final report of the education sector participation in the VI Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in collaboration with Regional Disaster Risk Reduction for Education partners.
• Provided support to priority Countries on program development and implementation regarding DRR preparedness and response.
• Regular reports on the implementation of the DRR Regional Group Action Plan 2018 co-leaded by UNICEF and Save the Children, in coordination with other REDLAC members.
• Communication tools, documents and graphic elements on Education in Emergencies and DRR for advocacy and information purposes.
• Final version of the Education in Emergencies Toolkit in Spanish in line with the Global Education Cluster. Elaborated in collaboration with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction for Education partners.

DELIVERABLES:

• Work-plan of the consultancy on Education in emergencies
• Report of the education sector activities in the VI Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction agreed with regional partners, including communication and visibility activities and approved by the Education in Emergency Specialist.
• Outline for the Education in Emergencies Toolkit in Spanish agreed with the regional group, including general structure, sub sections, categories and potential documents to be included.
• Monthly progress reports on the implementation and advancement of the agreements between LACRO and regional partners such as CECC-SICA, RET and others. These progress reports should include relevant mails, documents, agreements, actions, FACE and ICE forms.
• Contribute with the preparation of the terms of reference for Education in emergencies consultancies and follow up the on-time deliverable of agreed products.
• Updated version of the DRR Regional Group 2018 Action Plan and status of activities implementation.
• Draft of the Education in Emergencies Toolkit in Spanish. i) Folders ordered by topic, ii) Including description of each document, iii) key relevant presentations Spanish, iv) general structure, v) minutes and reports of meetings and activities.
• Coordinate the production, edition and publication of Education in Emergencies and DRR relevant documents.
• Final version of the Education in Emergencies Toolkit in Spanish approved by the Education in Emergencies Specialist after previous consultation with relevant regional partners.

 KEY QUALIFICATIONS, TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Experience working in the UN system agency or UN organization is an asset.
2. Advanced University Degree in education, humanitarian actions, human rights or other social science field.
3. Previous work experience and knowledge on UNICEF programmatic work and priorities in Education, especially in Education in Emergencies.
4. Professional experience in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
5. Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish. Knowledge of French will be an asset.

INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR’S WORKPLACE:

The individual contractor/consultant will work from UNICEF Regional Office in Panama City, Panama; and may be asked to work weekends and holidays, as required.

FEES:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a financial proposal. Proven previous experience and financial proposal will be taken into consideration during selection process. Travel will be covered by UNICEF as per policy. Costs of known trips should be included in the financial proposal.

HOW TO APPLY:                                                                                                                                                 

To apply, click on the Apply link found either at the beginning or at the end. Submit a cover letter, CV, and economic proposal.

In case of doubts please send your comments to lacro-ops@unicef.org at least 3 working days before the deadline.

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