Consultancy: PROSPECTS Partnership Consultant - Req. #

This consultancy will be responsible for supporting specific functions related to coordination and programme implementation of the PROSPECTS partnership, analysis and writing, capacity building and technical support as a part of UNICEF’s Migration and Displacement Hub. This will include the development of operational and planning documents, briefs and reports; supporting coordination mechanisms with global, regional and country teams within UNICEF and with partners on the PROSPECTS partnership; and policy analysis, technical support and capacity building support related to regional/country office specific developments for children in the context of migration and displacement more broadly.

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.

Consultancy Title: PROSPECTS Partnership Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: PG Child Protection/ Migration and Displacement Hub, Programme Division, NYHQ

Duration: 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025

Home/ Office Based: NYHQ / Remote

About UNICEF 

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

This consultancy will be responsible for supporting specific functions related to coordination and programme implementation of the PROSPECTS partnership, analysis and writing, capacity building and technical support as a part of UNICEF’s Migration and Displacement Hub. This will include the development of operational and planning documents, briefs and reports; supporting coordination mechanisms with global, regional and country teams within UNICEF and with partners on the PROSPECTS partnership; and policy analysis, technical support and capacity building support related to regional/country office specific developments for children in the context of migration and displacement more broadly.

Scope of Work:

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. UNICEF’s Migration and Displacement Hub (MDH) in Programme Group (PG) provides global programme leadership to achieve results for the most disadvantaged and excluded children everywhere, in response to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the international commitments related to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the follow-up of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). The MDH works to protect the rights of all children affected by migration by providing crucial programming support and policy guidance to country and regional offices, having a direct impact of the lives of children on the move. The MDH also guides policy dialogue with governments and civil society partners and supports corporate campaigns.

As a part of its portfolio, UNICEF’s Migration and Displacement Hub leads the strategic partnership, programme development and coordination for the Partnership for Improved Prospects (PROSPECTS) and supports UNICEF regional and country offices to effectively work on behalf of children affected by migration and displacement.

PROSPECTS aims to improve prospects for forcibly displaced persons and their host communities in selected countries in Africa and the Middle East, through a paradigm shift from a humanitarian to a development approach. Funded by the Government of the Netherlands, UNICEF operates PROSPECTS in partnership with five multilateral organizations: International Finance Corporation (IFC); International Labor Organization (ILO); United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and the World Bank (WB). In 2023, UNICEF will close out Year 4 of the first phase of PROSPECTS. In addition, in November 2022, the Government of the Netherlands officially informed UNICEF of their intention to fund a new cycle of the PROSPECTS Partnership - to help further transform the way governments and other stakeholders respond to forced displacement crises.

The Partnerships Consultant will support the Migration and Displacement Hub to launch a new four-year cycle of PROSPECTS. Working with the PROSPECTS team, the Partnerships Consultant will complete specific writing duties, while supporting coordination of the programme across Headquarters’ sections, regional and country offices as well as in coordination mechanisms with partners. Finally, the consultant will conduct background research, analysis and writing of briefs/reports related to critical developments along key migratory routes in support of UNICEF at global, regional and country level.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

1. Support donor and partner engagement for coordinated implementation of the PROSPECTS grant and Opportunity Funds through established mechanisms, such as the Global Steering Committee (GSC) and partner meetings.

• Prepare 10 Global Steering Committee and 8 partner meeting agendas, background materials, and talking points on programmatic approaches; contribute to 12 monthly Global Steering Committee meetings with donor and partner through participation, capturing notes and ensuring follow-up with the internal PROSPECTS team.
• Contribute to 8 ad-hoc partnership meetings in preparation for GSC meetings, providing recommendations on decision making and planning for key programmatic issues (e.g. MEL sessions, Opportunity Fund processes).

5 September 2024

15 September 2024

5 October 2024

15 October 2024

5 November 2024

15 November 2024

5 December 2024

15 December 2024

10 January 2025

31 January 2025

5 February 2025

15 February 2025

5 March 2025

5 April 2025

5 May 2025

5 June 2025

5 July 2025

31 July 2025

1. Support the internal coordination and operational management of PROSPECTS programmatic developments and grants.

• Prepare the agenda, resource materials and facilitate 12 biweekly calls with regional focal points and 6 monthly calls with HQ, regional and country office teams involved in PROSPECTS.

10 September 2024

17 September 2024

1 October 2024

15 October 2024

29 October 2024

12 November 2024

26 November 2024

10 December 2024

7 January 2025

21 January 2025

4 February 2025

18 February 2025

1. Support the development of operational and planning documents (i.e. policy matrices, accountability Framework)           

• Global policy matrix, accountability framework, and at least 3 operational and planning templates drafted.

30 Sept 2025

31 October 2025

30 November 2025

1. Facilitate the MAGRP Update Process     

• PROSPECTS Multi-Annual Global and Regional Programme plan updated to reflect new developments outlined in the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning session outcome document.   

November 2024

1. Produce analytical and strategic papers/ presentations and/or Briefing Notes - including for senior management, SG or SR report submissions (i.e. Senior Officials Meeting)        

• At least 8 papers, including presentations and briefing notes completed.      

30 September 2024

31 October 2024

30 November 2024

20 December 2024

31 January 2025

28 February 2025

31 March 2025

1 April 2025

1. Research and write briefs related to major regional developments on migration and displacement

• Write at least 4 analytic briefs, edit based on consultative process, finalize and support dissemination.    30 November 2024

28 February 2025

15 April 2025

30 June 2025

1. Serve as focal point for one region, providing technical support to Regional and Country Offices; Convene work planning session to identify priority needs, respond to queries related to programmatic challenges, coordinate requested capacity building support in collaboration with other members of the team and sectors.     

• Consultation discussion held with Regional Office, Regional workplan written and finalized; At least 4 trainings, technical support packages delivered based on workplan.

31 January 2025

31 March 2025

31 May 2025

31 July 2025

Qualifications

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in in Political Sciences/Economics/ Development Studies and related disciplines

 Work experience:

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

•     At least 3 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in coordinating complex partnerships.

•     Proven experience with Migration and displacement issues;

•     Proven experience with and a good understanding of UN (UNEG) reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

•     Preferably experience with working with UN/multilateral institutions.

•     Preferably experience with donor governments (Dutch Government etc.);

•     A good understanding of the Global Compact on Refugees, SDGs, and the SDG monitoring system.

•     Strong analytical and writing skills

•     Experience working in PROSPECTS Partnership is considered an asset.

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- 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.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

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

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

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. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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.