Recrutement de 01 DIPAS regional action plan elaboration

Recrutement de 01 DIPAS regional action plan elaboration

Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Dakar
Level: Consultancy
Location: Senegal
Categories: Programme Management
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.

And we never give up.

For every child, Hope

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The overarching objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to UNICEF’s work on promoting the rights of children and adolescents with disabilities in WCAR, in line with the UNICEF DIPAS 2022-2030 and the UN UNDIS, upholding the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the key mandate.
To do so, this consultancy has a specific objective to provide facilitative and technical guidance to support WACRO in the development of its initial DIPAS regional action plan 2023-2025, as well as and accompany different sectors in early implementation of the plan, integrating rights of children with disabilities into programme and policy advocacy and support cross sectoral partnerships.
The process of developing the plan would contribute to and/or build upon the mid-term review of the Regional Office Management Plan (ROMP) 2022-2025. It is not intended to be the sum of country offices plan but to identify key gaps, policy trends, promising initiatives and results to be considered to pursue DIPAS goals and priorities.
The work will be done in close collaboration and coordination all Sections of WCARO, both Programmes and Operations, and in particular the regional disability focal points, with the support of the HQ PD Disability unit.

Background

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

After the adoption of UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), UNICEF has adopted its own organization-wide strategy – UNICEF’s Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS). DIPAS 2022-2030 sets out a vision of UNICEF investing more heavily in disability inclusion at all levels of the organization. To achieve this, the accountability framework determines that by 2025, all UNICEF regional offices will have to coordinate and support disability inclusion for programmes and operations in the region.
This is aligned with UNICEF’s mandate to reach the most marginalized and left behind and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, adopted in June 2019.

Regional Context

In West and Central Africa (WCA) region’s 24 countries, the majority adopt disability-inclusive programming approach. In all Programme areas particularly Education, Social Policy & Protection and Child Protection, disability inclusion is integrated in policy advocacy, programme design and results monitoring. In addition to this disability-mainstreaming approach, there are disability-targeted actions, as aligned with the “twin-track approach” of DIPAS (p.7). In 2021, WCAR’s spending towards disability was 3.4%, representing a third of the organizational target of reaching 10% by 2030 as per DIPAS.
On the internal / people management side, WCAR continues to promote an inclusive working environment through attraction, engagement, and retention of staff. Vacancy Announcements remind UNICEF’s commitment to inclusiveness, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
Implementation of the DIPAS must be contextualized to be responsive to the needs and policy/political contexts of diverse countries in the region. The UNICEF WCAR includes a range of countries with differing capacities to advance disability inclusion which need to be reflected in programs designs, approaches, and resources mobilized and leveraged.
Regional approach is critical to mutualize learning, tools, experiences, networks so that UNICEF is in the best position to work with stakeholders to ensure that children with disabilities and their caregivers have inclusive and safe access to services and resources they need, including in humanitarian and fragile settings.
To allow such contextualization, an initial DIPAS regional action plan will be developed by UNICEF RO in consultation with country offices for the period 2023-2025.

How can you make a difference?

Scope of work with key activities

The consultant will conduct below key activities:

Review relevant global and regional UNICEF documentation on disability inclusion in general across programmes and operations, including the regional action plan templates provided by HQ. In particular, review the existing documents, reports, and materials on the situation of children and youth with disabilities in the region; and draft the background section of the plan;
Guided by the WCARO Disability Focal Point and Senior Management, and in collaboration with HQ Specialist, support establishment and coordination of a RO team (TBC) for development of the DIPAS Action Plan and its implementation;
Support RO to conduct a survey with COs in the Region to inform the development of the DIPAS regional initial action plan across programs and operation;
Support consultations with UNICEF regional and COs disability focal points, task teams, and OPDs. During the consultation process with COs: (1) identify countries with high potential for becoming pathfinder on DIPAS implementation; (2) identify and support the development of CO case studies on disability inclusion that could be used for external publication, resource mobilization, etc.; and (3) identify capacity development needs on disability inclusion for successful DIPAS implementation, propose way forward for RO to support capacity development on disability inclusion across the region;
In collaboration with the HQ Specialist, draft regional initial action plan 2023-2030 and share with relevant RO, CO and HQ stakeholders for review and feedback;
Revise draft regional initial action plan based on feedback and comments;
Conduct a joint meeting with Deputy Regional Director, regional advisors and operations chief to review and validate the DIPAS regional initial action plan in consultation with COs and HQ;
Finalize the regional initial action plan;
Organize and lead a regional event to present the plan to partners and donors;
Support the RO in the early implementation of the regional initial action plan by accompanying on demand from different RO sectors or COs which may require technical assistance;
Support the RO and COs to strengthen disability inclusion monitoring and reporting for the Strategic Plan indicators, COARs, RAM, etc.
Work Assignments Overview Deliverables/Outputs Delivery deadline
(1) Review relevant global and regional UNICEF documentation on disability inclusion in general across programmes and operations, including the regional action plan templates provided by HQ. In particular, review the existing documents, reports, and materials on the situation of children and youth with disabilities in the region; and draft the background section of the plan. Regional overview of the situation of children and youth with disabilities completed 8 days
2) Guided by the WCARO Disability Focal Point and Senior Management, and in collaboration with HQ Specialist, support establishment and coordination of a RO team (TBC) for development of the DIPAS Action Plan and its implementation. A RO team (TBC) for development of the DIPAS Action Plan and its implementation established and operational. 1 days
(3) Support RO to conduct a survey with COs in the Region to inform the development of the DIPAS regional initial action plan across programs and operation, including compiling and analyzing the results of a survey. Survey results compiled and analyzed to inform the development of the regional action plan 7 days
(4) Support consultations with UNICEF regional and COs disability focal points, task teams, and OPDs. During the consultation process with COs: (1) identify countries with high potential for becoming pathfinder on DIPAS implementation; (2) identify and support the development of CO case studies on disability inclusion that could be used for external publication, resource mobilization, etc.; and (3) identify capacity development needs on disability inclusion for successful DIPAS implementation, propose way forward for RO to support capacity development on disability inclusion across the region. Consultations for regional action plan carried out 10 days
(5) In collaboration with the HQ Specialist, draft regional initial action plan 2023-2030 and share with relevant RO, CO and HQ stakeholders for review and feedback; Draft reginal initial action plan developed and shared for review 7 days
(6) Revise draft regional initial action plan based on feedback and comments Regional action plan revised 5 days
(7) Conduct a joint meeting with Deputy Regional Director, regional advisors and operations chief meeting to review and validate the DIPAS regional initial action plan in consultation with COs and HQ Regional action plan validated 3 days
(8) Finalize the regional initial action plan Regional action plan finalized and endorsed 5 days
(9) Organize and lead a regional event to present the plan to partners and donors Regional action plan presented 5 days
(10) Support the RO in the early implementation of the regional initial action plan by accompanying on demand from different RO sectors or COs which may require technical assistance Brief report on the support provided and outputs 30 days
(11) Support the RO and COs to strengthen disability inclusion monitoring and reporting for the Strategic Plan indicators, COARs, RAM, etc. Brief report on the support provided and outputs 2 days
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in studies related to disability issues. Candidates with qualifications in social policy, international development or other related fields will also be considered if they also have extensive experience working on disability issues and expertise in this field
A minimum of ten years of professional experience working on issues related to persons or children with disabilities in the context of low-and middle-income countries.
Strong technical experience of national regional and/or global level work on disability issues, including programme planning and implementing and guiding monitoring and evaluation efforts.
Experience supporting disability inclusion in emergency context is an asset.
Experience working in the West and Central Africa region is an asset.
Experience working with UN Agencies and/or other international development organizations and of UN programming and planning processes is an asset.
Strong and positive interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively with others
Strong and effective coordination skills across multiple partners at different levels
Competence in using Microsoft programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as SharePoint
Competence using other key online tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom and in organizing activities on these platforms
Ability to work independency and responsibly
Fluency in English and French; working knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset.
Requirements

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system /P11/ Resume
Academic credentials/certificates
Consultancy proposal
Financial proposal that will include
Costs for each deliverable and total all-inclusive (lump sum) fees for the whole assignment
Travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TO
Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
Previously relevant consultancy products & final evaluations (if available)
Indicate your availability
At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.
For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

 To view our competency framework, please visit  here.

 UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

Advertised: 15 Aug 2023 Greenwich Standard Time
Deadline: 22 Aug 2023 Greenwich Standard Time