International Consultancy – Elaboration of the Eswatini 2021-2025 Country Programme Document.

Mbabane

Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
Location: Mbabane
Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Library Science
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the UNICEF Eswatini to elaborate and consolidate the next CPD and associated documents.

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 fulfil 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.

Background and Justification

The present UNICEF and Government of Eswatini Country Programme Document (CPD) 2016-2020 will end in December 2020 with the new CPD 2021-2025, currently under development in 2019. The new CPD is being designed to fully align with the National Development Plan (NDP) and Strategic Roadmap, the UNICEF Strategic Plan and Regional Priorities 2018-2021. The CPD is also being developed based on analysis and recommendations generated from the final evaluation of the current 2016-2020 and from the Country Programme Evaluation. The CPD elaboration process is should capture the alignment of the national priorities, the linkages with the Sustainable Development Goals, and UNICEF strategic plans, and promote synergies with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

UNICEF Eswatini is currently implementing the CPD roadmap and has undertaken (i) a sound reflection on the situation of children and adolescents; identification of key programme priorities, consistent with national priorities, UNICEF and UN Cooperation strategic frameworks, (ii) a broad consultation with national counterparts to agree on priorities and approaches.

UNICEF Eswatini is seeking a consultant to support the consolidation and finalization of the CPD required documents, including the CPD and results matrix, resource mobilization/partnership strategy and action plan, costed evaluation plan, Programme Strategy Notes (PSNs).

Scope of Work

Goal and Objective:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the UNICEF Eswatini to elaborate and consolidate the next CPD and associated documents.

Activities and Tasks:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and the overall guidance of the Representative, the international consultant will work closely with the programme team to conduct the following:

1. Undertake a desk review of existing country documentation (inclusive of Country Programme Evaluation (CPE), Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in Eswatini, draft Common Country Analysis, outcomes of the SMR exercises, gender reviews, National Plan for Sustainable Development, NDP) and data analysis;
Prepare and participate in strategic moment of reflection (SMR) and meetings on overall strategic focus of the new 2021-2025 country programme, specific strategies and potential country programme outcomes and outputs.

2. Consolidate and finalize the PSNs based on the outcomes of the SMR exercise, on overall strategic focus of the new country programme, specific strategies and potential country programme outcomes and outputs.

3. Prepare a first draft of the CPD, Results Framework, Country Evaluation Plan and Theory of Change (ToC) for the output areas, in line with the stipulated guidance and template, ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and the Government Strategic document (NDP and Strategic Roadmap);

4. Prepare, facilitate and participate in partner’s consultations on CPD. Incorporate discussions and comments from meetings with Government to produce a final draft CPD, with results framework.

5. Develop a resource mobilization/partnership strategy and Action Plan 2020-2021, and 3 concept notes/proposals for resource mobilization, covering the identified programme focus areas.

6. Provide ongoing RBM capacity development support to the Country Office throughout the process, including conducting a half day training on RBM principles in strategic planning as well as results-based reporting. Support the quality assurance review and finalization of RAM statements, taking into consideration feedback on quality review of 2018 statements. Provide face-to-face feedback to the Sections for improved understanding on RBM and areas for improvements.

7. Finalize the CPD draft after consultation and validation with key stakeholders after receiving final comments UNICEF, senior management and ESARO.

The consultancy and its approach will be informed by UNICEF’s Guidance, including the UNICEF Procedure on the Development, Review and Approval of Country Programme Documentation; SOPs for Programme Strategy Notes, the Programme Policy and Procedure Manual (PPPM) and refer to the RBM Learning materials for detailed guidance on the development of PSNs, CPDs and the CPMP/IB.

Outputs/Deliverables:

The consultancy will use the organizational guidance to undertake the following, in close consultation with the Country Office:

Key tasks	Deliverables	Estimate timeline	Deadline
Conduct a desk review of existing documentation. Consolidate and finalize PSNs.	3 x PSNs	5 days	4 October 2019
Prepare and participate in SMR and meetings on overall strategic focus of the new country programme, specific strategies and potential country programme outcomes and outputs.	A Powerpoint presentation (PPT) including the following areas: Country context for the CPD. SITAN; Programming spaces; UNICEF priority programme areas; Results matrix/structure; Outline of resources. CEP and monitoring. 3x Posters on ToC for each identified focus area of the Strategy Notes. SMR report	6 days	14 October
Prepare a first draft of the CPD, Results Framework, Country Evaluation Plan (CEP) and ToC for the output areas.	Draft CPD and results framework, CEP and ToC for outputs.	15 days	4 November
Prepare, facilitate and participate in partner's consultations on CPD validation.	PPT of CPD for validation. Report from Partners meeting summarizing meeting discussions and recommendations, and attendance records.	3 days	5-8 November
Update CPD documentation based on partners consultation and validation meeting.	Updated CPD, CEP and Results Matrix UNICEF will require 2 weeks period to review and provide on the draft CPD documents by 26 November	1 day	11 November
In consultation with UNICEF and key stakeholders, develop a resource mobilization/partnership strategy (2021-2025) and Action Plan 2020-2021, including a Partnership analysis, detailing partnership profiles who can contribute to the new CPD results and a partnership outlook. 3 x proposals for resource mobilization, covering the identified programme focus areas. 3 x 1-2 pager briefs/concept notes on programme focus areas as summaries.	Resource mobilization and Partnerships Strategy (2021-2025); and Action Plan (2020-2021). 3 x proposals and PPTs on programme focus areas. 3 x summarized concept notes (1-2 pagers) on programme focus areas.	10 days.	30 November
Provide ongoing RBM capacity development support to the Country Office throughout the process, including a ½ day refresher training on RBM principles in strategic planning and results-based reporting. Support quality assurance review and finalization of RAM statements, providing feedback to programme sections.	PPT for RBM training, training documentation, and attendance register. Final 2019 RAM statements.	5 days	By 22 October
Finalize the CPD draft documents after consultation and validation with key stakeholders after receiving final comments UNICEF, senior management and ESARO.	Final CPD, results matrix, CEP. UNICEF will require 2 weeks period to review and provide on the final documents by 16 December (contract conclusion by 31 December).	5 days	2 December

The entire process is expected to take 50 working days, over a period of 3 months, starting after the contract is signed.

Work relationships:
The assignment will be supervised by the Deputy Representative with support from the M&E Specialist. The assignment will be carried out remotely and in-country according to the table above. In addition, the Consultant will collaborate closely with the Chief of Sections and technical experts to enhance the quality of the deliverables. This group will review all the products and provide detail comments related to the quality of analysis and reporting. The consultant is required to address all comments of the group completely and comprehensively.

The consultant will be expected to report to the Deputy Representative regularly on progress being made on the contract. Periodic discussions will also be carried out during the consultancy period to monitor progress and constraints, support required and proposed solutions.

Payment Schedule

Fee payments will be made upon acceptance and approval planned deliverables based on the following payment schedule.

Scheduled payments payment upon completion of the tasks/activities (deliverables) in the agreed work plan, as following.
• Payment 1: 30% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the 3 x PSNs; PPT for the SMR; and 3x Posters on ToC for each focus area of the PSNs; and final SMR reports (from UNICEF SMR and with Partners).
• Payment 2: 40% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents:
- Draft CPD and results framework, CEP and ToC for outputs.
- Partners meeting PPT of CPD for validation.
- Report from Partners CPD validation meeting.
• Payment 3: 40% of the consultancy fee on submission by the consultant, and approval by UNICEF, of the following documents:
- Final CPD, results matrix, CEP.
- Resource mobilization and Partnerships Strategy (2021-2025); and Action Plan (2020-2021).
- 3 x proposals and PPTs on programme focus areas; and 3 x summarized concept notes (1-2 pagers) on programme focus areas.
- PPT from RBM training and attendance register.
- Final 2019 RAM statements.

The Consultant’s fee may be reduced if deliverables are not fulfilled to the required standard.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

The required background, experience and competencies for the consultant are as follows:

Education: Advanced degree in social science (sociology, economics, development studies, etc.) or related fields relevant to the assignment;

Experience:
• At least 10 years of proven solid experience in programme design, development and planning, programme cycle management.
• Prior documented experience drafting a UN Agency Country Programme Document or UNDAF is required.
• Experience in developing resource mobilization strategies, plans, proposals/concept note and documentation.
• Substantive knowledge in UNICEF practice areas.
• Proven facilitation skills in the context of participatory strategic and operational planning exercises.
• Proven ability to deliver quality output including reports writing and making presentation under tight deadlines.
• Strong writing and analytical skills for quality report writing.
• Strong presentation and communication skills in English (fluency required);
• Previous work experience with UNICEF in a similar capacity is an advantage.

Administrative issues

The consultant will work remotely (7 days), with travel to Eswatini (43 days).
During the periods in which the Consultant is working remotely, conference/skype calls will be held as required.

Conditions

• The successful consultant is expected to work with the provision of his/her computer and administrative support.
• During the time the Consultant is in-country, an office space will be provided at the UN Building. No equipment or office supplies will be provided by UNICEF.
• The Consultant is expected to travel to Eswatini to conduct part of the assignment. When in Eswatini, an office space will be provided by UNICEF, however, the Consultant may work from a different location, as agreed.
• The Consultant is expected to organize own internal travel in the country to complete the assignment and should be factored into the financial submission. UNICEF will not provide transport for duty-related travels/meetings.
• All travel is by most economical fare and reimbursement as per UNICEF policy.

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, maybe necessary”.

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please submit the following documents, using the website applications link by 29 August 2019
1. CV
2. Cover letter - highlighting relevant experiences and skills related to the assignment in no more than two pages
3. Financial proposal – Please provide an all-inclusive fee (monthly fee, living allowance, logistics, in USD) required to undertake this assignment.

Candidates are expected to be available from 23 September 2019 to take on the assignment.

Applications submitted without a fee/rate and the detailed financial proposal will not be considered.

If you have not been contacted within a month of the closing date please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret emails will be sent only to shortlisted/contacted candidates

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, 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.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: