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National Individual Consultancy: Capacity gap analysis of pupils’ councils to efficiently support child participation in decision making process related to school life and education

Chisinau

  • Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
  • Location: Chisinau
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Education, Learning and Training
    • Children's rights (health and protection)
    • Civil Society and Local governance
    • Adolescent Development
  • Closing Date: Closed

UNICEF Moldova is seeking the support of a National Individual Consultant, to conduct the capacity assessment to identify areas for improvement, develop a set of recommendations, very concrete and specific to address the identified gaps, and support the advocacy efforts of MECR and UNICEF to strengthen the policies and mechanisms aiming at pupils’ participation in decision making process at school and education.

UNICEF’s mission in Moldova is to make sure every child in the country is healthy, educated and safe from harm, therefore having the best start in life and a fair chance to reach her or his full potential and benefit from the country’s prosperity. We believe children have a right to live in a more equitable society, where their voices are heard, and needs met as a matter of priority in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. More information on what we do in Moldova is available at: https://www.unicef.org/moldova/

How can you make a difference?

1. Purpose of assignment

The purpose of the consultancy is to enhance the participation of adolescents in decision making related to school life and education, as well as identify the gaps and barriers that hinder the efficient functionality of pupils’ councils at local, rayonal and national levels.

2. Objectives of assignment

The objectives of the consultancy is to conduct the capacity assessment to identify areas for improvement, develop a set of recommendations, very concrete and specific to address the identified gaps, and support the advocacy efforts of MECR and UNICEF to strengthen the policies and mechanisms aiming at pupils’ participation in decision making process at school and education. The results of the capacity gap assessment will form the basis for developing of practical recommendations and a capacity building plan of actions to strengthen national and local pupils’ councils.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered

The consultant, under the supervision of the UNICEF Youth and Adolescents Development Officer will conduct the analysis within the timeframe specified. The analysis is expected to benefit from established best practices and principles, based on a mutually agreed methodology. The analysis should be conducted in a participatory manner, and through consultations with key stakeholders, particularly youth and adolescents who are considered the direct beneficiaries.

The consultant will be required to participate in an inception meeting with the Youth and Adolescent Development Officer at UNICEF Moldova, in order to gain an understanding of the national scope and requirements of this assessment. In consultation with UNICEF, the consultant will be required to produce an inception report, which will include a work plan, the final selection of national research sites and sample characteristics, as well as the research instruments. This activity should not take longer than five days to complete. The consultant will undertake ten working days conducting a desk review of legal-policy documents, secondary literature, annual reports and other programme documents related to pupils’ participation in decision making processes regarding education and school life. The desk review report will be submitted in Romanian to the Youth and Adolescent Development Officer of UNICEF Moldova. Over a period of 20 days, the consultant will conduct primary research in pre-specified schools and other educational institutions.

Primary research will be undertaken in coordination with UNICEF, as follows:

•Informant interviews with MECR and schools’ representatives responsible for establishing and coordinating pupils’ and students’ councils, including programs and projects related to participation and active citizenship;

•Online focus group discussions with adolescents disaggregated by age and gender, geographic distribution, disability and ethnic groups particularly from vulnerable groups;

•Interviews with Municipal/ Rayonal Directorate on Education (i.e. specialist responsible for pupils’ participation). Is expected that the consultant will organize at least five interviews in the selected administrative units.

Based on the findings of the policy review report and the capacity gap assessment, the consultant will organize an online validation meeting with key informants and representatives of the central and local authorities to collaboratively validate findings of reports and identify actions to improve policies and practices regarding pupils’ participation in decision making processes related to education and school life. Recommendations will be collected from all stakeholders and feed into a capacity building action plan that will guide MECR and UNICEF in further support strengthening the network of pupils’ councils at the school, rayonal and national levels.

4. Working arrangements and reporting requirements

The consultancy is remote – based, with at least 20 online meetings as agreed with the supervisor. The consultant should provide its own computer and recording tools when conducting interviews and focus group discussions.

The work will require online meeting and consultations with LPAs schools and pupils, as per their availability. The consultant is expected to cover costs, arrange and schedule such meetings. UNICEF will facilitate introductions to key informants.

The consultant will work under the oversight of Youth and Adolescent Development Officer of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.

5. Support provided by UNICEF

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work. UNICEF will provide with relevant documents and available research; contacts and lists of relevant technical people to work with, constant guidance and feedback in relation to consultant’s work.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

Specific requirements:

• Postgraduate diploma or degree in education, law, sociology, social policy or other relevant field;

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the area of child participation, non-formal education and/or youth policy development and evaluation. 

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in the area of child participation, non-formal education and youth policy development and evaluation. Previous engagement in capacity gap assessment; 

• Experience in working with the Government of Moldova;

• Experience in working with UNICEF or other UN Agencies will be an asset;

• Proven knowledge of international human and child rights standards (United Nations and European Union standards);

• Proven experience in writing qualitative research reports and capacity gap assessment;

• Fluency in Romanian language, possession of Russian language will be asset; Professional level of English, with good abilities in reading and writing.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

For more details on deliverables and minimum requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)

Download File TERMS OF REFERENCE Capacity gap analysis_VA.pdf

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain two separate attachments: Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal (templates below). Please secure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates.

Download File Technical Offer_Capacity Gap Analysis.docx

Download File Financial Offer_Capacity Gap Analysis.xlsx

Applications for this assignment must be received no later than: 16 December 2020

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: Individual Consultants and Contractors are responsible for paying own taxes derived from the earnings received from UNICEF.

 
This vacancy is now closed.
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