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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, protection 

Violence Against Children (VAC) and Violence Against Women (VAW) are pervasive issues affecting millions globally. According to UNICEF global data, the lives of approximately one billion children worldwide are impacted annually by these issues. In Moldova, two in five children have been subjected to violence. The numbers are remarkably similar for women, with two in five women and girls subjected to physical or sexual abuse since the age of 15[1]. These forms of violence coexist within the same environments, whether in households, communities or broader societal structures. Many types of harmful behaviours, particularly those that occur in the home, have common drivers such as gender inequality, power imbalances and socio-economic disparities.

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at preventing Violence Against Children (VAC) and Violence Against Women (VAW) through comprehensive social and behavior change (SBC) activities. Key activities will include the design and execution of targeted interventions (a) to raise awareness and promote community engagement through a door-to-door campaign, (b) development of a concept note for a study to explore the intersections of VAC and VAW in Moldova, and (c) the concept note for a mapping of existing parenting programs to enhance their effectiveness in addressing both types of violence and (d) providing support in the adaptation and organization of interpersonal communication skills training of the social workforce, ensuring that professionals are equipped to respond effectively to instances of violence and support affected girls, boys and women. Through these efforts, the assignment aims to foster a holistic approach to violence prevention, ultimately contributing to safer and more supportive environments for children and women in the Republic of Moldova.

1. Objectives of the consultancy 

The objective of this assignment is to:

1. Foster community-level awareness and engagement to prevent Violence Against Children (VAC) and Violence Against Women (VAW) by implementing a range of outreach activities, including targeted campaigns and community events that facilitate open dialogue about both forms of violence.
2. Strengthen understanding of VAC and VAW intersections in Moldova, including the dynamics of these forms of violence and how they reinforce each other.
3. Support system strengthening and capacity building among professionals by designing and organizing Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops focused on interpersonal communication for social workforce. This objective aims to ensure that social workforce members are well-equipped to effectively support affected children and women in their communities.

2. Details of how the work should be delivered

The requested services focus on the prevention of VAC and VAW in Moldova through the development and implementation of social and behavior change (SBC) initiatives. The consultancy will be framed by specific activities and interventions, aimed at raising awareness, building professional capacity, and generating knowledge to inform future strategies. The scope is realistic, taking into account available resources and time constraints. Key activities will address both community-level engagement and system-level strengthening to ensure an integrated and sustainable approach to violence prevention.

The key activities to be done are:

Design the door-to-door campaign package (awareness & community engagement) to engage Child Protection specialists to provide information on recognizing and preventing violence and build trust in available services. By targeting families and leveraging the trust in CP, the campaign seeks to build trust, improve awareness of prevention and response services, and encourage reporting among survivors of violence or children at risk. CP (Child Protection) specialists (including community social workers) will lead community-based efforts, conducting direct outreach to raise awareness of their roles, available services and increase trust in these mechanisms.

The campaign will be executed through the development of a community-based SBC communication package on ending violence against children and women in Moldova. In this regard, a set of materials and a guideline for professionals to conduct interpersonal communication at households and at community gatherings on ending violence against children and women in the home setting and informing about their roles and available services. As well, the campaign should include a series of training for the professionals on how to conduct such community engagement events. Awareness materials to increase the trust in professionals (videos, explainers, photo essays) should be proposed.

Development of a Concept Note for a study on VAC and VAW intersections that will explore common risk factors, common consequences, providing a deeper understanding of how these two forms of violence intersect. The consultant will work with key stakeholders, including relevant government bodies and partners, to define the scope of the study. The concept note will outline research methodologies, potential data sources, and key deliverables, ensuring that the study aligns with ongoing efforts in violence prevention and policy development.

Development of a Concept Note for mapping of parenting programs, assessing their ability to address both VAC and VAW. This will help identify gaps and opportunities for adapting programs to better prevent violence. The consultant will contribute to the development in collaboration with key partners. A stakeholder consultation process will help inform the mapping exercise, ensuring that the final concept note reflects the current landscape and needs for enhancement.

Support for Training of Trainers (ToT) on Interpersonal Communication Skills training package in designing and organizing Training of Trainers (ToT) the materials and workshops. These trainings will equip professionals to effectively support victims of VAC and VAW. The consultant will adapt existing training materials and develop new content where needed. The ToT sessions will be designed to create a multiplier effect, where trained professionals can further train their peers. Collaboration with UNICEF, relevant ministries, and social service providers will ensure that the trainings are contextually relevant and sustainable.

3. Deliverables and delivery dates

* Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature.

4. Work location and official travel involved

The work will require local travels in order to conduct in-person visits and consultations with the different government authorities, as per their availability. The consultant is expected to cover costs, arrange and schedule such visits, including transportation. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Advanced academic degree in communication, media, social sciences, or other relevant studies
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the field of communication, media, social and behavior change, child protection, GBV/VAC/VAW, including experience implementing or supervising campaigns
• Familiarity with child-sensitive language
• Demonstrated experience conducting VAC/VAW campaigns
• Advanced knowledge of in English and strong writing skills required
• Fluency in Romanian and Russian is required.

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. 

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)  

 2024_TOR_Nat Indiv Consultancy_SBC CP_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (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.  

 Technical Offer_SBC CP.docx

 Financial Offer_SBC CP.xlsx

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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 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.