Madagascar: Consultant Child Protection Program Research Specialist, Antananarivo- Madagascar

Title: Child Protection Program Research Specialist

Type of nomination: Individual Consultant (SSA)

Duration: 11 months

Location: Antananarivo

Starting date: June 2016

Opening date: 07 June 2016 Closing date: 14 June 2016

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.

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.

1. BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world with a GNI per capita of US$440^[1], and it is ranked 155th out of 187 countries according to the UNDP 2014 Human Development Index. In 2013, 91 per cent of Madagascar’s 21 million people lived on less than US$2 per day^[2]. In this context of high level of poverty prevailing in the country together with socio economic decline, deterioration of social services and weakened rule of law, children in Madagascar suffer from many forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, including corporal punishment (at school and at home), sexual violence and exploitation, child marriage (one of the highest in the world), forced labor and debt bondage, particularly in the context of worst forms of child labor (mainly in domestic work, agriculture and mining).

The main challenges to establish a comprehensive child protection system in Madagascar are: a) lack of national policy frameworks and capacity to implement them within the Government, adequate coordination and resources allocated to child protection sector which face major challenges in fulfilling their obligations; b) lack of knowledge on legal frameworks; c) lack of an effective and continuous monitoring and reporting system on child protection issues and availability of reliable and accurate data; d) lack of capacity of stakeholders to protect children; e) deeply rooted social behaviors that contribute to child abuse and exploitation; and f) lack of availability and quality care services for victims.

Few studies have been undertaken on violence against children or child exploitation, such as the National Survey on MDG’s indicators conducted between 2012 and 2013. The study revealed that 14 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 years old were victims of sexual violence. The report also provided other child protection indicators: 17 per cent of children under 5 do not have their birth registered and 13 per cent of children do not live with their biological parents. They are the first to fall through the cracks in protection systems; their fragile status makes it more likely that exploitation, violence and abuse they might experience will be unnoticed and unchallenged.

However, these studies only show the prevalence of violence against children and not the circumstances and the drivers in which violence occurs, the knowledge or perception of communities, parents and children on violence against children and existing protection mechanism and structure. It is fundamental to collect the accurate information on these indicators to build a protective environment for children.

In the new 2015-2019 Program of Cooperation between the Government of Madagascar and UNICEF, one of the main objectives of the Child Protection Component is to strengthen the child protection system through the development of a national policy and legal framework to better protect the children of Madagascar from all forms of violence and exploitation.

Against this background, UNICEF with the National Counterparts (Government and CSOs members) will undertake, starting in 2015 -2016, a Violence against Children Study (VACS)^[3]. The study will inform and guide Government actions and programs for combating and responding to violence against children in Madagascar. The results of the study will be compiled and disseminated.

For these purposes, UNICEF is seeking an experienced International Program Research Specialist who would ensure the coordination of the VAC study.

1. Objectives

Under the supervision of the Chief Child Protection, the incumbent of this post will be responsible for overall coordination of the VAC study in link with National Counterparts and the Institutional Consultant who technically conduct the VAC Study.

1. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

[1] World Development Indicators 2014; 2013 data.

[2] 2012/2013 MDG survey.

[3] For the purposes of the present TOR, “violence” is understood to mean” all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse” as listed in article 19, paragraph 1, of the CRC.

itle: Child Protection Program Research Specialist
Type of nomination: Individual Consultant (SSA)
Duration: 11 months
Location: Antananarivo
Starting date: June 2016
Opening date: 07 June 2016 Closing date: 14 June 2016

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.

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.

I. BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world with a GNI per capita of US$440 , and it is ranked 155th out of 187 countries according to the UNDP 2014 Human Development Index. In 2013, 91 per cent of Madagascar’s 21 million people lived on less than US$2 per day . In this context of high level of poverty prevailing in the country together with socio economic decline, deterioration of social services and weakened rule of law, children in Madagascar suffer from many forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, including corporal punishment (at school and at home), sexual violence and exploitation, child marriage (one of the highest in the world), forced labor and debt bondage, particularly in the context of worst forms of child labor (mainly in domestic work, agriculture and mining).

The main challenges to establish a comprehensive child protection system in Madagascar are: a) lack of national policy frameworks and capacity to implement them within the Government, adequate coordination and resources allocated to child protection sector which face major challenges in fulfilling their obligations; b) lack of knowledge on legal frameworks; c) lack of an effective and continuous monitoring and reporting system on child protection issues and availability of reliable and accurate data; d) lack of capacity of stakeholders to protect children; e) deeply rooted social behaviors that contribute to child abuse and exploitation; and f) lack of availability and quality care services for victims.

Few studies have been undertaken on violence against children or child exploitation, such as the National Survey on MDG’s indicators conducted between 2012 and 2013. The study revealed that 14 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 years old were victims of sexual violence. The report also provided other child protection indicators: 17 per cent of children under 5 do not have their birth registered and 13 per cent of children do not live with their biological parents. They are the first to fall through the cracks in protection systems; their fragile status makes it more likely that exploitation, violence and abuse they might experience will be unnoticed and unchallenged.

However, these studies only show the prevalence of violence against children and not the circumstances and the drivers in which violence occurs, the knowledge or perception of communities, parents and children on violence against children and existing protection mechanism and structure. It is fundamental to collect the accurate information on these indicators to build a protective environment for children.

In the new 2015-2019 Program of Cooperation between the Government of Madagascar and UNICEF, one of the main objectives of the Child Protection Component is to strengthen the child protection system through the development of a national policy and legal framework to better protect the children of Madagascar from all forms of violence and exploitation.

Against this background, UNICEF with the National Counterparts (Government and CSOs members) will undertake, starting in 2015 -2016, a Violence against Children Study (VACS) . The study will inform and guide Government actions and programs for combating and responding to violence against children in Madagascar. The results of the study will be compiled and disseminated.

For these purposes, UNICEF is seeking an experienced International Program Research Specialist who would ensure the coordination of the VAC study.

II. Objectives

Under the supervision of the Chief Child Protection, the incumbent of this post will be responsible for overall coordination of the VAC study in link with National Counterparts and the Institutional Consultant who technically conduct the VAC Study.

III. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

1. Management support to the section on conducting VAC Study
2. Support the Section in establishing the strategies on conducting VAC study
3. Coordinate work progress monitoring and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards and report to Chief Section critical issues for timely action.

4. Provide technical assistance/advice to colleagues in the Section National Counterparts and the Institutional Consultant on all aspects of programming and implementation of VAC Study

5. Program development and planning

6. Provide technical assistance and operational support to the preparation/design and conduct/update of the VAC Study to ensure that current comprehensive and evidence based data on child protection issues are available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy advocacy, intervention and development efforts on child rights and business principles and protection to set program priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans.

7. Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues, partners and the Institutional consultant to discuss strategies and methodologies and to determine national priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.

8. Provide authoritative technical and operational support throughout all stages of VAC Study processes (till planification to final report/restitution) to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programs/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.

9. Program management, monitoring and quality control of results

10. Rights based and results based programming approach fully incorporated into all phases of VAC Study processes

11. Plan and/or collaborate with UNICEF Planning and PSE sections to establish benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators, strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for VAC Study.

12. Participate in major monitoring and evaluation exercises, with stakeholders involved to assess progress and to address required actions/interventions to achieve results.

13. Monitor VAC Study progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.

14. Plan, monitor and control the use of program resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) certifying/verifying compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.

15. Prepare/coordinate the launch event of the final results restitution of VAC study

16. Advisory services

17. Provide technical advice to key government officials, NGO, UN system and other country office partners on policies, strategies, best practices and approaches on VAC study

18. Coordinate/ensure the availability of technical expertise (with Regional Office/HQ) to ensure timely support throughout all stages of VAC study processes.

19. Prepare policy papers, briefs and other strategic program materials for management use, information and consideration based on VAC Study main results.

IV. QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCIES

1- Qualifications :

• An advanced university degree in economics, statistics, econometrics, social sciences, development, planning, evaluation or program management, in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in social development planning and management including research and evaluation activities in child protection and/other related areas at the international level.
• Relevant experience in child protection and related areas,
• Program/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is an added advantage.
• Professional technical expertise in Evaluation Process Management
• Expertise in Coaching & Training
• Knowledge of human rights issues, specifically relating to children and the current UNCEF position and approaches
• Fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of Malagasy language is an asset.
• Good knowledge of Malagasy culture

2- Core Competencies required

• Drive for Result
• Working with People
• Good communication skills

3- Functional Competencies required

• Leading and Supervising
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Analyzing
• Persuading and Influencing

4- Core Values required

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

SUBMISSION

Interested candidates are requested to apply only online via the link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=496293 , and should attach a cover letter, detailed CV, a copy of the national identity card or passport, a copy of the highest accredited diploma, and a financial offer in US Dollar.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Incomplete or late submission after the deadline (14 Juin 2016) will not be considered. Only candidates shortlisted will be contacted and will receive an official response to their application.
Our job applications are also available on the site http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/
Further information, please contact: hrantananarivo@unicef.org
* See the list of accredited institutions on the link: www.whed.net