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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. 

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UNICEF’s current five-year country programme of cooperation in Iran (2023-2027) is aimed at ensuring that all children and adolescents, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from an integrated social protection system, which meets their needs for health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and overall protection and well-being of children in both development and humanitarian settings. The programme also aims to ensure that children’s participation and inclusion in their communities are fully realised, allowing them to reach their full potential. 

How can you make a difference? 

Female economic participation in Iran is strikingly low, especially among younger women.  Official statistics highlight a significant gender gap in unemployment, with young women (15-24) experiencing a rate of 32.5%, nearly double that of young men (17.2%). Although women of working age slightly outnumber men, a much smaller proportion of women actively participate in the workforce, revolving around 15%. This underutilization of female human capital poses a substantial obstacle to Iran's development.

Adding to this challenge, Iran's demographic landscape is changing.  Young women, particularly those in rural areas or informal urban settlements, are already more vulnerable socio-economically than their male counterparts in both urban and rural settings.  This vulnerability is exacerbated by age, with the income gap widening in older age groups.  For example, the average income decile for urban men aged 25-35 is over 5.5, while for women in the same demographic it is around 4.3. This gap is smaller for those under 25 and larger for those over 35. 

A particularly vulnerable group within this context is female-headed households (FHHs).  These households often face unique challenges in achieving economic independence and social well-being.  Job loss, combined with increased family responsibilities, exacerbates their vulnerability and heightens the risk of intergenerational poverty.  The highest unemployment rates among women are concentrated in the 15-24 and 18-35 age groups, coinciding with typical childbearing and child-rearing years, further compounding the challenges faced by FHHs.  In Iran, over 3.5 million households are headed by women, with over 50% classified as vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

To maximize the impact and sustainability of these interventions, a Human Centered HCD approach will be adopted. The HCD framework will facilitate a collaborative process involving community members, government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant actors, fostering stronger partnerships and ensuring implemented solutions are truly community-driven and sustainable.

 OBJECTIVE / SCOPE OF WORK 

The primary objective of this consultancy is to ensure the effective implementation of the Cash Plus Project in six counties, empowering Female Heads of Households (FHHs) and vulnerable young girls through a human centered approach.  This will be achieved through two major objectives:  1. Conducting a Needs Assessment and Labor Market Analysis to inform Learning-to-Earning Opportunities and  2. Implementing a Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework

 A crucial element of the Cash Plus Project's human-centered approach is the provision of individualized case management support to each group of eight to ten female heads of households (FHHs) or vulnerable young girls.  This support is provided by dedicated social workers who, in turn, receive professional supervision.  The necessity for case management stems from the complex and multifaceted challenges often faced by FHHs and vulnerable young girls. Social workers play a vital role in this process by working directly with each FHH and young girl to develop individualized case plans.  These plans are based on a thorough assessment of their specific needs, strengths, and aspirations.

The consultancy team works closely with the social worker team to coordinate activities and ensure that the project's learning-to-earning component aligns with the broader goals identified through case management. This collaborative effort includes partnerships with government entities, notably the Ministry of Cooperative, Labor and Social Welfare (including its various departments), the Social Welfare Organization, and the Technical and Vocational Training Organization, to leverage existing resources and ensure coordinated service delivery. 

 METHODOLOGY 

The consultancy team will use a mixed-methods, participatory approach, grounded in Human Centered Design (HCD) principles, which informs different components of the project. The HCD involves establishing forums, participatory data collection, and feedback mechanisms. The other activities also involve Needs Assessment & Labor Market Analysis: Desk review, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and analysis to identify viable opportunities, and training gap analysis; M&E Framework: Baseline data collection, regular monitoring, impact evaluation, and reporting; and Data Management: A clear plan for collection, storage, analysis, and reporting. This mixed-method approach ensures community ownership, rigorous data collection, and effective project implementation. 

 

ACTIVITIES, DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES, BUDGET PER DELIVERABLE 

 The consultancy will be structured around key deliverables, each linked to specific activities and timelines. The consultancy team will provide detailed reports and actionable recommendations for each deliverable. 

Phase	DELIVERABLE	ACTIVITIES	ESTIMATED DAYS TO COMPLETE	PAYMENT PERCENTAGE
Phase 1: Inception & Assessment	Inception Report & Detailed Work Plan	- Initial consultations with UNICEF and stakeholders  - Desk review of existing documents and data  - Development of a detailed work plan with timelines and methodologies  - Submission and approval of inception report	15	10%
	Needs Assessment & Labor Market Analysis Report	- Design data collection tools and methodologies  - Conduct field research to collect the data, among other methods, interviews, focus groups, and surveys.   - Analyze collected data and synthesize findings  - Develop recommendations for career paths and learning-to-earning opportunities  - Submission and approval of Needs Assessment & Labor Market Analysis Report	30	20%
	Learning-to-Earning Program Design & Implementation Plan	- Based on the assessment, design detailed learning-to-earning programs  - Develop an implementation plan outlining roles, responsibilities, timelines, and partnerships.  - Submission and approval of Learning-to-Earning Program Design & Implementation Plan	15	10%
Phase 3: Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting	M&E Framework and Tools	- Develop a comprehensive M&E framework, including indicators, data collection methods, and reporting mechanisms.  - Design data collection tools (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides).  - Submission and approval of M&E Framework and Tools.	15	10%
	Service Provision Support (Working closely with social workers)	- Train social workers on the labor market situation and learning-to-earning/cash plus program design and plan  - Coordinate activities with social workers to identify bottlenecks and challenges and develop solutions.	Ongoing throughout the consultancy	10%
	Progress Reports (Baseline, Two Mid-terms, Final)	- Collect and analyze data on project progress against established indicators.  - Prepare and submit regular progress reports to UNICEF, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.  - Conduct a final evaluation of the project, assessing its overall impact and effectiveness.  - Develop a comprehensive evaluation report, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations.  - Submission and approval of Final Evaluation Report	Ongoing throughout the consultancy	30%
Phase 4: Project Closeout	Final Project Report & Documentation	- Compile a comprehensive final project report summarizing all activities, outputs, and outcomes of the consultancy.  - Ensure proper documentation of all project materials, including data, reports, and training materials.  - Handover of all project deliverables to UNICEF.	15	10%

Note: 

• The budget for each deliverable will be determined based on the scope of work, resource requirements, and prevailing market rates. 

• The timelines are indicative and may be adjusted based on project needs and unforeseen circumstances. 

QUALIFICATIONS, SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES 

•  Education: Advanced degree(s) (master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as social sciences, economics, development studies, gender studies, health, or a related discipline. Specific expertise in areas like labour economics, social protection, community development, or M&E would be highly advantageous. 
• Team Composition: The consultancy team should ideally be multi-disciplinary, comprising individuals with expertise in the following areas project management, research and analysis, gender and social development, monitoring and evaluation, community engagement, and economic development and livelihood.  

• Language Skills: Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required for project manager. Knowledge of Farsi is required for all.  

• Specialized Experience of all team members combined

• Experience in Iran (or similar context) 

• Experience with Female-Headed Households

• Experience in Labor Market Analysis 

• Experience in Program Design and Implementation

• Experience with Cash Transfer Programs (Preferred)

• Experience with Community-Based Approaches

• Experience with M&E 

• Additional Competencies: 

• Experience of working with the national social protection stakeholders required. 

• Ability to synthesize knowledge and effectively express ideas in writing and ability to coordinate with external partners is required. Strong analytical writing and communication skills, and the ability to draft text clearly and concisely in English and Persian required. 

• Previous working experience withing the UN system is an asset. 

 

CONDITIONS OF WORK 

The work will be done inside of Iran. The consultancy team should have office space and equipment independent of UNICEF. The nature of the work requires desk research, focus group discussions, stakeholder engagement, interviews, surveys, and other forms of engagement with the stakeholders, all of which will be accommodated by the consultancy team.

 The consultancy team shall take out and shall maintain for the entire term of the Contract, for any extension thereof, and for a period following any termination of the Contract reasonably adequate to deal with losses: (a) insurance against all risks in respect of its property and the equipment used for the performance of the Contract; (b) workers' compensation insurance, or its equivalent, or employer's liability insurance, or its equivalent, with respect to the consultancy team personnel sufficient to cover all claims for injury, death and disability, or other benefits required to be paid by law, in connection with the performance of the Contract; and, (c) liability insurance in an adequate amount to cover all claims, including claims for death and bodily injury, products and completed operations liability, loss of or damage to property, and personal injury, arising from or in connection with the consultancy team’s performance under the Contract, including liability arising out of or in connection with the acts or omissions of the consultancy team’s personnel, agents, invitees, subcontractors, or the use, during the performance of the Contract, of transportation vehicles. 

The Consultant will pay the costs of the required travels and UNICEF will not have the obligation to facilitate the travels. 

 The consultancy team must ensure the physical and psychological safety of the children and adolescents and other stakeholders when interacting by applying the safeguarding guidelines. The consultancy team shall be responsible for any costs or claims associated with any illness, injury, death, or disability of the consultancy team personnel, if any. The consultancy team shall ensure that all his/her personnel used to perform obligations in connection with this Contract are adequately covered by insurance for any service-related illness, injury, death, or disability. UNICEF accepts no responsibility for providing any corresponding insurance coverage. 

 

NOTE FOR APPLICANTS:  

The Consultancy team should submit a technical proposal including a plan and a timeline for conducting the consultancy and an overview of the subject to demonstrate his/her knowledge. 

Please submit a financial offer along with your proposal, which contains the following information: 

Financial offer (detailed itemized Gantt Chart for 130 business days with financial component for each activity) 

Curriculum Vitae of the team lead and all team members, if applicable. 

Attachments as per the supporting documents required.  

Two references to be introduced to provide testimony on past performance. 

Sharing samples of similar successful projects delivered is a plus. 

• If short-listed based on the submitted technical and financial proposal, you may be contacted for an in-person interview, to discuss further details. 

 

Appendix 1: Principles in Design and Approach

The following principles in addition to the standard considerations should be taken into contemplation other principles and guidelines are embedded in UNICEF values and guidelines.

Equity and Inclusiveness

UNICEF has an equity focus that informs the targeting of interventions and the need to address the specific barriers affecting marginalized groups. 

Life-cycle approach

UNICEF’s mandate spans the whole life cycle of children and adolescents and can ensure coherence and continuity in programming.

Participation and Engagement

Participation is a fundamental right of every child – children of all ages, from all communities, of all abilities, and in all parts of society. 

Child Safeguarding and Protection

Children and adolescents should be protected before, during, and after their participation in the programme.

Gender Sensitive and Responsive

The analysis of needs and capacities should also be at least gender sensitive and responsive.

Risk-informed Development-Based Interventions

This programme should be considered as a risk-informed development intervention with the set objectives.

Leveraging Networks and partnerships

Partnership and wide network engagement are keys to a successful delivery.

Monitoring and Evaluation

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 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 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.