Individual National Consultancy for Management and Implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation initiatives

Ashkhabad

Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
Location: Ashkhabad
Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Environment
- Security policy
- Meteorology, Geology and Geography
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
- Education, Learning and Training
- Conflict prevention
- Disaster Management (Preparedness, Resilience, Response and Recovery)
- Climate Change
Closing Date: Closed

Duration: 23/12/2019 – 07/12/2020 (11,5 months)

Location: Ashgabat city with visits to velayats

Background

In Turkmenistan, UNICEF supported implementation of the country wide Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives in schools, which include mainstreaming DRR into the curricula and undertaking School Safety Assessments. These initiatives also included UN’s efforts towards strengthening inter-ministerial and inter-sectorial partnership, particularly between the emergency department of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan (MoE) for ensuring effective prevention of and quick response in the emergency situations.

In 2019, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan intensified joint efforts to conduct the School Safety Assessment (SSA) across the country targeting 400 school and 210 kindergartens.

To support the Government of Turkmenistan’s efforts in implementing SDG 12 & 13 targets and indicators, UNICEF has implemented joint initiative on “Strengthening Resilience for Climate Change adaptation for Children” that is aimed at raising awareness and empowering children in schools to better adapt and mitigate impact of climate change and environmental risks. The interventions were piloted at 17 pilot schools in Dashoguz (due to its proximity to Aral Sea and resultant crisis) and Akhal (exposed to floods and mudslides) velayats.

As part of this initiative, the Climate Change, Environment and Energy (CEE) Curriculum was developed and incorporated in selected school subjects. UNICEF further supports the MoE in rolling out and strengthening methodology of teaching the new curriculum. In the framework of the Small-Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA) between UNICEF and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCS) the school- and community-based environment and climate change campaign initiatives facilitated opportunities for children to interact with their environment and apply knowledge gained at school.

To further support the Ministry of Education, UNICEF is seeking a local expert to support the implementation of the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation initiatives and further develop them, while working with relevant colleagues and partners to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Purpose of the assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Education specialist, the Consultant will provide technical support for effective and timely planning and implementation of the activities related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction for children in Turkmenistan in line with the AWP between UNICEF and the MoE.

Specific Tasks

Technical assistance in monitoring quality implementation and scaling-up of the CEE curriculum.

Support monitoring of the CEE curriculum in 17 pilot schools, and deliver reports based on the checklist and assess quality implementation.
Support the MoE and NRCS in adapting the criteria for Green Schools and implementing the initiative in pilot schools of Ahal and Dashoguz velayats;
Support the MoE and NRCS in conducting ‘Green School’ Campaigns and awareness raising for opportunities to use modern technologies among schoolchildren and teachers of 17 pilot schools and the relevant local communities;
Support the MoE and NRCS in implementation of an action plan for improvement of the school-facilities in the framework of 'Green school' initiative including environmental footprint assessment;
Support the NRCS and MoE in strengthening Eco clubs within the framework of piloting the Green School concept;
Support oversight and monitoring of progress of SSA of 780 schools and 300 kindergartens conducted by the MoE;
Contribute to the interaction with the Ministry of Defence on setting up the SSA sustainability mechanism to ensure further implementation and scaling up;
Support monitoring and implementing disability-inclusive DRR;
Support development and piloting of the disability-inclusive DRR/Climate Change training materials in the educational institutions for the children with disabilities across the country;
Contribute to on-going update of the legislation with focus on strengthening resilience for Climate Change adaptation for children;
Contribute to and support in coordinating, documenting and reporting of DRR/Climate Change related programme activities (narrative and financial reporting, updates, presentation materials, etc) including donor report;
Undertake additional roles and duties for other projects in the same thematic area as required.

Workplan and Deliverables

The consultancy duration is 11,5 months from 23 December 2019 to 07 December 2020. The distribution of key tasks by months is suggested below. This will be followed by a more detailed and specific workplan once the consultant is on board. The consultant is expected to work at the UNICEF office with visits to velayats.

Reporting requirements

The consultant will report to the Education Specialist of UNICEF Turkmenistan Country Office, providing monthly and final report on implemented activities.

Payment schedule

The monthly rate of professional fees will be paid in USD and in accordance with the complexity of the ToR and the level of the expertise required.

The contract fee will be paid by bank transfer on a monthly basis upon submission of the monthly report with the required deliverables certified by the Education specialist of the UNICEF Turkmenistan Country Office.

Work arrangements

Day to day supervision will be provided by the Education Specialist of UNICEF Turkmenistan Country Office. Additional guidance and lead will be provided by the Deputy Representative, and the consultant is expected to coordinate and work closely with colleagues from different sections as required, in particular the emergency preparedness focal point. The consultant will provide an update on a monthly basis on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements.

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the selected organization and provide formats for reports, feedback and guidance on performance and all other necessary support so as to achieve objectives of the research, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to expert’s performance and quality of work.

Work location is UNICEF office, Ashgabat, with visits to Velayats based on the agreed work plan. UNICEF will provide the consultant with an office room, laptop and access to relevant documents/materials.

Travel related expenditures are not included within contract terms, all travel must be arranged in accordance with UNICEF Procedure on Travel (DFAM Policy 5/Supplement 4 of 19 August 2016).

UNICEF General Terms and Conditions

UNICEF’s general terms and conditions will apply to the contract awarded to the vendor. Please note that, in the evaluation of the technical merits of each proposal, UNICEF will take into consideration any proposed amendments to the UNICEF General Terms and Conditions. Proposed amendments to the UNICEF general terms and conditions may negatively affect the evaluation of the technical merits of the proposal.

Qualifications and skills required

Advanced university degree in the area of Environment Studies, Public Administration, Management, Social Science or other related fields;
At least 3 years of professional work experience in the field of climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction programs;
Demonstrated expertise in analysis and reporting of quantitative and qualitative data;
Strong analytical and conceptual thinking;
Good communication and advocacy skills;
Excellent networking and interpersonal skills required;
Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner;
Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to contribute to a team;
Knowledge of English and Russian languages is required. Knowledge of Turkmen would be an asset;
Previous experience of working with UN is an asset.

Application process

Interested candidates are requested to apply online via UNICEF Hiring Portal and in addition to duly filling in the online application form, submit the following documentation