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.

Background

In Mali, children face a variety and multiple forms of abuse and exploitation at different level; within their families, in their communities, on the streets as well as in institutions, that are supposed to protect them. The crisis that Mali has experienced since 2012 has had an enormous impact on the lives of children through various forms of grave violations of their rights, namely the recruitment and use of children, sexual violence, exposure to remnants of war and improvised explosive devices, in addition to other child protection issues affecting them before the crisis (violence, abuse, ill-treatment, etc…). The conflict has led to a massive displacement of populations from the Northern regions to the Southern regions and neighboring countries (Mauritania, Niger, Algeria, Burkina Faso) and thus causing the separation of children from their families and communities.

The Child Protection sector suffers from the lack of information and reliable data that will serve to guide priorities. Additionally the weak mechanisms and tools for monitoring and overseeing the interventions in the field, it is difficult to measure progress, identify constraints and opportunities, to make the necessary adjustments and capitalize on achievements.

UNICEF Mali is in the process of developing the new Country Programme 2020–2024. In order to feed this process the Child Protection programme is developing the new child protection programme strategy for 2020-2024. An important component of the programme strategy is a solid identification of priority problems which will guide the logic of the new programme and its theory of change.

 Objectives

The consultant will support the Child Protection Manager and the section in the analysis and evaluation of the child protection situation in Mali and will then support the child protection team in better defining innovatives  strategies and activities to be included in the next 5 years programmatic cycle.

Justification

The child protection section is currently undergoing the important process to develop the Programme Strategic Note for the new 5 years cycle. This process involves among other steps conducting an analysis and evaluation of the situation, identify priorities and strategies in order to feed the child protection component of the new country programme 2020-2024. The child protection section is therefore seeking a consultant to provide support to the child protection manager and the team in the different phases of the development of the new Programme Strategic Note.

Scope of Work

The consultancy will be conducted in different phases/blocks and both remotely and in Mali, following the critical moments of the programme strategic note development process.

Specific Tasks

• Analyze all available documents, including the ongoing UNICEF SitAn and other existing documentation (ex recent Save the Children SitAnalysis) with a specific focus on inequities, gender inequalities, vulnerabilities and risks (home based)
• Identify priority problems/issues based on their criticality and scale and how they affect differently girls and boys during their life cycle (home based + in country with travel in the regions)
• in consultation with the team, conduct a causal analysis of each prioritized child protection problem and support the team in the development of the theory of change for each component of the new child protection programme (in country)
• participate to key strategic workshops in country
• analyze and revise existing opportunities with the different partners and explore new ones (in country)
• Contribute and revise the Child Protection programme strategic note for the definition of the next Country Programme (home based)

Expected Deliverables

1. A strategic note (maximum 10 pages) containing child protection priority issues with a specific focus on inequities, gender inequalities, vulnerabilities and risks. The note should contain their criticality and scale and how they affect differently girls and boys during their life cycle.
2. causal analysis of each prioritized child protection problems and theory of change for each child protection programme component
3. revised strategic note (around 15 pages)

Location

Home based with regular skype consultation (or other types of remote communication) with the Chief of Section Child Protection and in country at key strategic moments. 2 trips are planned in Mali + in country travel.

Terms of Payment:

Payment will be based on reception of satisfactory deliverables.

Expected background and Experience 

Qualifications:

• Master university degree in social work, human rights, law, or related field (Masters or equivalent level)
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work in strategic planning, project/program formulation and Human Right Based Approach (HRBA), with a particular focus on child protection issues
• Previous relevant working experience in West Africa would be an asset
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Excellent analytical and written skills
• Fluency in written French and English
• Experience working with UN/international organizations

Work Experience:

At least 5 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in education with a specific focus on education and socio economic reintegration of youth who are out of schools; and/other related areas (at the international and/or in a developing country is an asset).

Work experience of UN system is an asset.

Language skills required:

Good knowledge of French and English

Other skills and requirements for the application:

Good knowledge and use of Microsoft Office word, excel and power point

Applicants should apply by sending their technical and financial offer.

General Conditions Procedures and Logistics:

•  the round trips to Bamako will be the responsibility of the consultant
•  it is up to the consultant to have the necessary computer equipment for his consultation
•  transport for field missions will be provided by UNICEF

Competencies:

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication (II)
• Working with people (I)
• Drive for results (I)

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating strategies and concepts (I)
• Analyzing (II)
• Applying technical expertise (II)
• Learning and researching (II)
• Planning and organizing (II)

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.

Remarks:

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

Apply here