Consultancy Title: Technical support to improve Monitoring of UNICEF supported Adolescent and Youth Civic, Social and Economic Engagement Programmes

The objective of this consultancy is to strengthen capacity at country level, coordinate and technically support UNICEF country offices (ADAP, PME, ICT teams) and their partners in implementing/integrating the Engagement Monitoring System (EMS) in their adolescent and youth led civic, social cohesion and economic engagement programmes.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

 

LOCATION/DURATION:

Duration:  220 working days

 

Location: (Amman, Jordan)

On-site working days: 220 working days

Off-site working days: 0 working days

Field Missions/Travel: Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Djibouti and as requested by MENA countries (specific dates will be finalized in consultation with Country Offices)

 

Estimated Start Date: August 4, 2019

Estimated End Date: July 16, 2020

 

BACKGROUND:

The MENA Regional Office in collaboration with LCO Innovation/SPPME is supporting MENA country offices in monitoring Adolescent and Youth led Social, Civic and Economic Engagement through the development of a systematic data collection and analysis system, called the Engagement Monitoring System (EMS).

This is a unique system, the only one of its kind in UNICEF, which enables UNICEF country offices in obtaining routine monitoring data on Adolescent and Youth Civic and Economic Engagement Intervention. The system has been designed, tested, revised and operationalized in collaboration with UNICEF implementing partners. The data collected through EMS informs the programme’s progress, strengths and bottlenecks.

 

MENARO has been the technical lead for the EMS and MENA country liaison in the operationalization of EMS and the LCO Innovation team has supported the development and maintenance of the online EMS.

The EMS involves low-cost innovative technology which aims at replacing paper based data collection at the partner and UNICEF COs levels with a secure online database. This system integrates KoBo as a user-friendly data entry tool and Power BI as an analytical tool in a web-based platform. 2018 and early 2019 focused on transitioning the system from an external third-party data-server to the UNICEF Cloud/Azure platform. This ensures compliance of the system with UNICEF ICTD Policy on Information Security and also much more agile experience for the users.

 

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this consultancy is to strengthen capacity at country level, coordinate and technically support UNICEF country offices (ADAP, PME, ICT teams) and their partners in implementing/integrating the Engagement Monitoring System (EMS) in their adolescent and youth led civic, social cohesion and economic engagement programmes.  

 

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT[1]:

As indicated above, the objective of this consultancy is to ensure smooth operation of the EMS (this includes addressing country requests and solving technical issues in the currently deployed EMS) and support the Phase I countries in transitioning EMS to UNICEF Country offices and support Phase II countries in implementing and integrating EMS within their ongoing engagement programmes.

 

Support to Phase I EMS Countries (UNICEF Country offices of Syria, Jordan and Palestine):  Liaise with UNICEF Country offices and LCO/SPPME to ensure smooth operationalization of EMS in the new environment (UNICEF Azure Platform), updating/adding modules of the EMS and transitioning management of the EMS to countries.

 

Expansion of EMS to Phase II Countries (UNICEF Country offices of Sudan, Djibouti, Iraq and Libya):

Liaise with UNICEF Country offices and LCO/SPPME to contextualize EMS and build capacity of UNICEF staff and UNICEF partners to implement EMS in Phase II MENA Countries.

 

Improve the user experience of EMS:

Develop tools, advocacy briefs, liaise with LCO to improve the quality and usefulness of EMS

 

Documentation and dissemination

Update the framework, technical documentation of the EMS and ensure archive of key technical documents.

 

KEY DELIVERABLES:

Deliverables may include - but will not be limited to – the following deliverables[2]:

Support to Phase I EMS Countries (UNICEF Country offices of Syria, Jordan and Palestine):  Liaise with UNICEF Country offices and LCO/SPPME to ensure smooth operationalization of EMS in the new environment (UNICEF Azure Platform), updating/adding modules of the EMS and transitioning management of the EMS to countries.

1. Smooth operationalization of EMS in the new environment – This will include but not limited to:
   1. Addressing any errors or issues in the system within three days of being identified; (Ongoing)
   2. Supporting Country offices in using the data to improve the programmes - Updated dashboard(s)/partner/country and consolidated country reports available for every month (Every Month)
2. Updating PAR monitoring tools and adding new tools as the per the Theory of Change for Adolescents and Youth Engagement – this includes Participatory Action Research (PAR), Volunteer tracking, long term tracking, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) triangulation of data etc (By Dec 2019)
3. Support to UNICEF Jordan to build capacity of partners (especially, MoYS) to ensure that EMS and PAR/monitoring through EMS is being implemented, and data used to improve quality of MoYS adolescent and youth programmes. (By June 2020)
4. Support to UNICEF Syria to build capacity of government and NGO partners to expand EMS implementation across partners and governorates. (By June 2020)
   1. Data analysis and documentation for use in programme design and review to improve the quality of ADAP progamme.
   2. Capacity development: Train a pool of master trainers who can support the SCO in scaling up the EMS
   3. Support SCO to generate quarterly reports for management use.
5. In partnership with UNICEF Country offices develop and operationalize the strategy to transition EMS ownership to COs (manage, visualize and use the data for improving quality of the programmes). To ensure Phase I countries have in-country capacity by Dec 2019 to manage the EMS. (By Dec 2019)

All country offices will have to identify a focal person, who will be trained to build capacity of partners (the consultant will provide indirect support through the country office focal person. The CO has also to support and take ownership of the system (By Dec 2019)

 

Expansion of EMS to Phase II Countries (UNICEF Country offices of Sudan, Djibouti, Iraq and Libya):

Liaise with UNICEF Country offices and LCO/SPPME to expand EMS to Phase II MENA Countries.

6. Support Phase II countries in developing country specific modules for EMS. Support the development of the Arabic and French version of EMS and the user-friendly manuals on EMS (If not fluent in French, the consultant will work with a French language expert identified by UNICEF MENARO to develop the manuals and conduct training for partners in French) (By Dec 2019)
7. Capacity development of UNICEF supported partners implementing and integrating EMS within their online/offline civic, social cohesion and economic engagement programmes. (Aug 2019 – June 2020)
8. Smooth operationalization of EMS for Phase II countries – This will include addressing any errors or issues in the system within three days of being identified; Updated dashboard(s)/partner/country and consolidated country reports available for every month. (Monthly once the EMS is operational in new countries)

In partnership with Phase II country offices develop a strategy for transitioning EMS to countries. All country offices will have to identify a focal person, who will be trained to build capacity of partners (the consultant will provide indirect support through the country office focal person. The CO has also to support and take ownership of the system (By June 2020)

 

Improving the user experience of EMS:

9. Review EMS and present ideas for system improvement (Ongoing)
10. Support quality control efforts to ensure data reliability (Ongoing)
11. Develop user friendly manuals on EMS, advocacy briefs and updated evidence briefs on EMS (Updated every two months)
12. Conduct webinars to strengthen capacity on EMS (As needed by Country offices)
13. Given the dynamic nature of the EMS and the engagement programme, there will be unplanned changes or demands on the monitoring system which will need to be accommodated in the TOR tasks of the consultant to support COs in implementing quality social cohesion, civic engagement and entrepreneurship engagement programme reaching the most vulnerable adolescents and youth

 

Documentation and dissemination

14. Update the monitoring framework of the EMS (By Aug 2019)
15. Technical documentation of changes in updates regarding the EMS including documentation for hosting. (By Dec 2019)  
16. Properly archive tools, reports and other documentations related to the EMS (Ongoing)
17. Document good practices in EMS (including HIS); Monthly regional and country reports; quarterly updates to be shared with country teams and regional colleagues (As given)

 

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (IF APPLICABLE):

Monthly deliverables linked to the above tasks will be finalized and agreed by the consultant and supervisor within the first 2 days of every month.

 

 

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

Mission travel: Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Iraq, Djibouti and as requested by MENA countries (specific dates will be finalized in consultation with Country Offices)

 

Please note, specific dates for travel will depend on requests from country for in country capacity development and technical support.

 

For individual contractors and consultants, all travel arrangements to commence the assignment, including insurance and visas, will be managed and paid by the individual.  Therefore, expected travel costs must be included as a budget item in the financial proposal.  Should “mission travel” be required, UNICEF will manage and pay for travel via Travel Authorization.  However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites:  Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, the Basic and Advanced Security in the Field Trainings, Travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

 

Travel cost shall be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel.  Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals shall not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).  The consultant must travel on UNICEF approved airlines.

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1.         Education: Bachelor’s Degree in arts and humanities, social sciences and/or research methodologies or other relevant field.

2.         Work experience: At least 2-3 years of experience in research methodologies, monitoring and analytical reporting writing and experience in supporting monitoring of adolescent and youth programmes.

3.         Technical knowledge:

• Professional experience with monitoring and ability to work with large data sets including experience with online data collection tools is required.
• Good knowledge of online/offline data collection platforms – Kobo, Saiku, Power Bi and other online platforms is required.

4.         Language: Oral and written fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French an asset.

 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

Monthly payments:  Lump sum payment will be made monthly, based on a progress report on key deliverables defined in the beginning of every month – and will depend on EMS development with PRIME – LCO and operationalization of EMS at country level. The payments will be inclusive of all professional fees, daily allowances, living allowances, and other administrative costs.  Overtime, weekend and official holidays will not be compensated, nor will any holiday/leave time be granted.

Deliverables that will be included in the progress report will include - but will not be limited to – the following deliverables[3]

Deliverables Timeline Maintaining and ensuring smooth operation of the EMS in the new UNICEF Azure Cloud   Refinement of country specific English and Arabic quantitative and qualitative tools (addressing any technical issues) Addressing any errors or issues in the system within three days of being identified Monthly issue logs with COs and UNICEF Lebanon with clear follow up actions Ensure data entry review Coordinate monthly/regular meeting with EMS focal points Support in creating profiles for new COs who want to join the EMS Reports on the transition of the EMS system to COs Reports on the inclusion of new tools (eg., PAR) into the EMS Document and update EMS manual based on EMS changes and circulate with COs and partners Build capacity of COs and IPs to manage the EMS Monthly regional and country reports Hosting and Quality Assurance Ensure compliance with UNICEF guidelines and processes Liaise with ICTD to Ensure database hosting, data protection, etc. in compliance with UNICEF policy on Information Security and norms In the very few limited cases wherein Government partners will implement out of school programmes for vulnerable young people, the consultant will be working closely with UNICEF country teams (for example State of Palestine) to build capacity of government partners to host the country data and ensure security of EMS prior to transferring data to government partners These deliverables will be included in every month’s deliverables   Updating PAR monitoring tools and adding new tools as the per the Theory of Change for Adolescents and Youth Engagement – this includes PAR, Volunteer tracking, long term tracking, FGD triangulation of data etc   Dec 2019 Capacity Development to ensure smooth operation, use of EMS data and transition of EMS management to UNICEF country offices Supporting Country offices in using the data to improve the programmes - Updated dashboard(s)/partner/country and consolidated country reports available for every month Support in COs and partner capacity building trainings   These deliverables will be included in every month’s deliverables Support to UNICEF Jordan to build capacity of partners (especially, MoYS) to ensure that EMS and PAR/monitoring through EMS is being implemented, and data used to improve quality of MoYS adolescent and youth programmes.   Dec 2019 Support to UNICEF Syria to build capacity of government and NGO partners to expand EMS implementation across partners and governorates. Data analysis and documentation for use in programme design and review to improve the quality of ADAP progamme. Capacity development: Train a pool of master trainers who can support the SCO in scaling up the EMS Support SCO to generate quarterly reports for management use. Dec 2019 In partnership with UNICEF Country offices develop and operationalize the strategy to transition EMS ownership to COs (manage, visualize and use the data for improving quality of the programmes). To ensure Phase I countries have in-country capacity by Dec 2019 to manage the EMS. Dec 2019 Expansion of EMS to Phase II Countries (UNICEF Country offices of Sudan, Djibouti, Iraq and Libya): Support Phase II countries in developing country specific modules for EMS Capacity development of UNICEF staff and UNICEF supported partners implementing and integrating EMS within their online/offline civic, social cohesion and economic engagement programmes. By February 2020 (Aug 2019 – June 2020) Smooth operationalization of EMS for Phase II countries – This will include addressing any errors or issues in the system within three days of being identified; Updated dashboard(s)/partner/country and consolidated country reports available for every month. (Monthly once the EMS is operational in new countries) Jan 2020 In partnership with Phase II country offices develop a strategy for transitioning EMS to countries. June 2020 Improving the user experience of EMS: Review EMS and present ideas for system improvement (Ongoing) Support quality control efforts to ensure data reliability (Ongoing) Develop user friendly manuals on EMS, advocacy briefs and updated evidence briefs on EMS (Updated every two months) Conduct webinars on the EMS (As needed by Country offices) Given the dynamic nature of the EMS and the engagement programme, there will be unplanned changes or demands on the monitoring system which will need to be accommodated in the TOR tasks of the consultant to support COs in implementing quality social cohesion, civic engagement and entrepreneurship engagement programme reaching the most vulnerable adolescents and youth   These deliverables will be included in every month’s deliverables Documentation and dissemination Update the monitoring framework of the EMS (including the FAQs, the conceptual document, the advocacy briefs etc)   August 2019 Technical documentation of changes in updates regarding the EMS including documentation for hosting.   December 2019 Properly archive tools, reports and other documentations related to the EMS (Ongoing) Monthly regional and country reports; quarterly updates to be shared with country teams and regional colleagues (As given) This will be included in every month’s deliverables Document good practices, advocacy briefs, country case studies on EMS (including HIS); Sept 2019; Dec 2019; March 2020; June 2020

 

 

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application.
2. Financial quote as lump sum for professional fees, and lump sum for travel/administrative/subsistence, if applicable.
3. CV
4. Examples of previous, relevant work as applicable
5. Proposed methodology/approach to managing the project.
6. 3 Referees

 

Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

 

 “UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.”

 

 

of the selection process.