TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNICEF ALGERIA COUNTRY PROGRAMME DOCUMENT 2022-2026

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNICEF ALGERIA COUNTRY PROGRAMME DOCUMENT 2022-2026

 

 

The current UNICEF Algeria Country Programme Document (CPD) 2016-2021 is set to expire at the end of December 2021. UNICEF CPD was extended to 2021 in full alignment with the revised 2016-2021 UN Strategic Cooperation Framework (“Cadre de Coopération Stratégique ‘CdCS)” signed by Government of Algeria. Planning has commenced to develop the new CPD 2022-2026. The new CPD is being developed in full alignment with the priorities of the new Government Action Plan 2020 (GAP 2020), in line with the new Common Country Assessment (CCA) and new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Furthermore, the CPD will be designed to align to Vision 2030, the UNICEF Strategic Plan and also take into consideration conclusions from the UNICEF Country Office Mid-term Review completed at the end of 2019, the Strategic Moment of Reflection (SMR) planned for end novembrer 2020. Finally, the new CPD will be developed with an equity lens, and particular attention to gender and children living with disability.

The new CP provides an opportunity for the CO to streamline its focus and planned results, and to ensure that the office is ‘fit for purpose’ to deliver commitments made for children in the form of Sustainable Development Goals. The Country Programme (CP) development process will also include the development of a new Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP).
UNICEF Algeria is seeking an individual consultant to support the development of the CPD and supporting documents, including - but not limited to - an integrated results and resources framework (IRRF) and costed evaluation plan (CEP). The individual will also support the updating of Programme Strategy Notes (PSNs).

 

1) Goal and Objective: 

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNICEF Algeria to develop a new CPD and requisite supporting documents.

 

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

1. Inception report with detailed work plan, timelines for presentation to and endorsement of Country Management Team and approval of Representative;
2. Undertake a desk review of relevant  internal and external documentation such as current CPD, CCA, UNSCDF, GAP 2020 and MTR, SMR Report, evaluations, situational data, CO Annual Reports from the current CP, annual review presentations, studies and assessments;
3. Prepare for  and participate in meetings of strategic focus for the new 2022 – 2026 CP to define specific strategies and potential CP outcome and outputs. This includes an all-staff or retreat to deliberate on PSNs and draft CPD. It will also include conversations with UN and other development partners.
4. Prepare, facilitate and participate in stakeholder meetings and consultations on, and validations of, CPD. Incorporate discussions and comments from the meetings and consultations to produce final draft CPD and accompanying documents.
5. Quality assure PSNs (in particular theories of change and results structures) based on overall strategic focus of new CP, specific strategies and potential programme outcomes and outputs, with particular attention to use of relevant and context specific  standard indicators  and to principles and best practices of results based planning and monitoring.
6. Assist in the preparation of CPD drafts, IRRF and CEP, in line with the stipulated guidance and template ensuring alignment with requisite national plans and UNSDCF and any Joint Programmes or humanitarian plans.
7. Finalize the CPD draft and associated documentation, following consultation and validation with key stakeholders and final comments from various levels in UNICEF.
8. Keep the office up to date on progress and any constraintes with weekly Zoom, Skype or Teams calls.

The consultancy and its approach will be informed by UNICEF’s guidance, including the UNICEF Procedure on the Development, Review and Approval of CP Documentation; guidance for PSNs, the Programme Policy and Procedures Manual (PPPM) and refer to the RBM learning materials for detailed guidance on the development of PSNs, CPDs and the CPMP.

 

 

The assignment will be supervised by the Deputy Country Representative with support from the M&E Officer, and with overall guidance by the Country Representative. In addition, the consultant will collaborate closely with the Programme Specialists and Managers to enhance the quality of the deliverables. The Consultant will also contribute and support the interaction between CO programme team and regional advisers on PSNs and CPD drafts. The assignment will predominantly be carried out remotely, although some travel to the country is expected if the situation allows.

 

4) Outputs/Deliverables:  

 

The table below outlines key deliverables, timelines and schedule of payment.

Desired profile

 

Education:
Advanced degree in the social sciences (sociology, economics, development studies etc.) or related fields relevant to the assignment;
Experience:
* At least 8 - 10 years of senior level professional work experience at national and international levels
* Demonstrated experience in programme design, development and planning, programme cycle management.
* Thorough understanding of UNICEF programming guidance, UN Reform and UN-wide Country Frameworks.
* Substantive knowledge in UN practice areas is an asset and in particular programming in MENA country contexts
* Proven facilitation skills in the context of participatory strategic and operational planning exercises,
* Proven ability to deliver quality outputs including reports, writing and giving presentations.
* Strong presentation and communication skills in French and English; knowledge of Arabic would be and asset
* Previous work experience with UNICEF in a similar capacity is an advantage.

The consultant will work remotely during the duration of the consultancy, pending the lifting of travel restrictions. Zoom, Teams, Skype and WhatsApp calls will be held as required.
Conditions:
* The successful candidate is expected to work with provision of his/her computer and administrative support.
* The Consultant will not be authorized to use UNICEF vehicles for airport transfers and/or local transport needs except for stakeholder meetings. Local transport needs and terminals must be included in the financial proposal.
* During the time the consultant is in-country, an office space will be provided at the UNICEF offices, which would include access to WIFI and printer. In addition, UNICEF will provide transport for stakeholder consultations in-country.
* Travel to the country for a period of up to one month may be expected, COVID-19 travel and social distancing restrictions permitting.

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstance against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases 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 as applicable.
Policy stipulations to be aware of
* Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime.  All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
* No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
* For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by email.  Signed contract copy or written agreement must be received by the office before travel is initiated. Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
* Consultant will be required to complete online courses related to Ethics, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Security related trainings prior to taking up the assignment and/or travel.
* Consultant will be required to sign the Health Statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
* The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant upon arrival, at the HR Section.

Qualified candidates are requested to complete an application including profile to the respective advertisement on  https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ Please indicate your ability, availability and financial proposal/quote to complete the terms of reference above.

Rates must include all expenses related to the assignment (e.g. consultancy fee, travel/flights, field trips, living allowance).

If interested in this position, please submit the following documents, using website applications link by
1. Curriculum Vitae
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 (professional fee, living allowance, travel and communication logistics costs, in US$) required to undertake this assignment
Candidates are expected to be available from 15 October  2020 at the latest to take on the assignment.

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

If you have not been contacted within 1 month of the closing date please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret emails will be sent only to shortlisted/contacted candidates.

 

 

The evaluation will be based on the following methodology:
- Score for technical proposal  : 70 points
- Score for financial proposal : 30 points

Technical Criteria for Evaluation: education (15), revelant professional experience with similar assignments and solid experience in programme design, development and planning, programme cycle management related to UNICEF, knowledge of  UNICEF Algeria thematic areas of work (30), proven facilitation and drafting skills in the context of participatory strategic and operational planning exercises (20); availability (5).

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.