TOR - Monitoring and Reporting Consultant (For South African Nationals ONLY)

UNICEF is part of the team assigned by the Resident Coordinator to support the Department of Social Development COVID-19 response.

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.

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Background and Justification 

The Republic of South Africa was one of the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). On 5 March 2020, the National Department of Health announced the first confirmed case of the disease. Since then the number of confirmed cases has risen to over 1,600 and 11 death as at 6th April.

The Government of South Africa has taken measures to address the spread of COVID-19. On March 15, 2020, South Africa declared COVID-19 a State of National Disaster and announced urgent and drastic measures to manage the disease, protect the people and reduce the impact of the virus on the society and on the economy. Travel ban including revoking of VISAs for nationals from high risk countries. Schools closed 2 days early earlier than originally planned. To further curb the spread of COVID-19, Government declared a Nation-wide 21-day lockdown, effective from 27th March.

UNICEF is part of Government-led coordination structures. UNICEF is part of the Education Sector Interim Steering Committee charged with coordinating sector response.  The UN Country Team is supporting the Department of Social Development to develop a plan for addressing the social impact of COVID-19.  UNICEF is part of the team assigned by the Resident Coordinator to support the Department of Social Development COVID-19 response. Internally, the Emergency Management Team, part of Country Management Team (CMT), is leading the coordination of UNICEF response. CMT is holding ad hoc meetings to review and monitor UNICEF COVID-19 response.

As more efforts and resources are being invested into UNICEF COVID-19 response, better monitoring and reporting of UNICEF's contributions to government- and UN-led COVID-19 response are required. 

Scope of Work 

Under the guidance and supervision of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, the consultant will assist in monitoring and reporting of UNICEF COVID-19 response by carrying out the following tasks:

• Develop improved monitoring systems and tools for key indicators for COVID-19 response;
• Assist programme sections for carrying out remote programme performance monitoring;
• Analyze data from multiple sources to extract critical information for programming;
• Lead and quality assure office-wide reporting on COVID-19 response to donors, regional office, headquarters and UN country team in South Africa; 

Payment Schedule

Payment will be against deliverables as identified in the table above 

Desired competencies, technical background and experience  

Education) University degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Political Science, Public/ Social Policy, Social Development, with specialized training in Statistics, Quantitative Research or Secondary Data Analysis.

Work Experience)

At least two years of relevant professional work experience required. For Master's degree holders, the exemption of work experience requirement can be considered.

Skills)  

Strong teamwork skills, analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills, strong writing and communication skills and the aptitude to handle competing messages and priorities with multiple audiences. 

Languages)

Fluency in English is required.

Administrative issues 

The Consultant reports to the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. Most of the scheduled meetings and progress updates will be done via Skype, email and telephonic conversations during the time of the lockdown, or in-person after the lockdown throughout the contract duration. Availability of personal resources, focal points/contacts and how they will be accessible. 

Conditions  

The consultant will use their own computer. Desk and workplace will be provided by UNICEF when the consultant comes to the office. In case of travel, the consultant will be responsible for all travel arrangement, and all applicable DSA will be paid for duty travels. 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, may be necessary.

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

Risks 

External factors that go beyond the consultant's capacity might affect the timely delivery of the deliverables. The deliverables are crafted in such a way to mitigate this risk. 

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their application to the following link: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=531151 by 29 April 2020.

This notice will also appear on http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/, http://www.unicef.org/southafrica, UN Job List, UN Jobs.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in ZAR) to undertake the terms of reference above (including admin cost if applicable).   

Applications submitted without a fee rate will not be considered.

We invite you to watch a short video on the system on how to apply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePgDIQ9RVYs&feature=youtu.be 

If you have not been contacted within 1.5 month of the closing date please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret emails will be sent only to shortlisted/contacted candidates. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from South African nationals, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization 

"UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks"

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.