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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to innovation

How can you make a difference? 

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of the assignment is to develop on-demand data updating protocols for the update of the national social registry data covering the three pre-identified options.

SCOPE OF WORK

Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered: The assignment for the consultancy will contribute to the achievement of Output 3.1 of the SP 2025-2026 rolling work plan stating that: By 2028 the Government has enhanced capacities to implement a strengthened social protection system that ensures equitable, integrated and adaptive social protection services for vulnerable children and their families.

 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES

Specifically, the assignment has the following key activities and tasks:

Inception Report that includes a workplan to produce on-demand data updating protocols

1. In collaboration with UNICEF and the MoGYSD, develop a clear and comprehensive workplan with clear timelines and detail of proposed activities to carry out the assignment.
2. In collaboration with UNICEF and the MoGYSD, suggest and participate in inception and consultation meetings with key stakeholders (e.g., relevant Ministries, development partners, etc.).
3. Review of locally and internationally produced documents and case studies relevant to the scope of work.

Development of on-demand data updating protocols

1. In collaboration with the MoGYSD, through desk review, and leveraging on similar initiatives implemented in country, develop data updating protocols for the NISSA data updating exploring at
2. least three different options, namely 1) kiosks (both fixed and mobile), 2) phone calls, 3) NISSA permanent hub at sub-national level.
3. Ensure that the protocols adhere to the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs)/NISSA Manuals and with the requirements and practices embedded in the process
4. Highlight possible pros and cons for each of the data updating methods.
5. Support the organization of and participate in a workshop for the validation of protocols developed with relevant stakeholders.

Orientation and capacity building

1. Develop training materials to build capacities of relevant actors involved in the data updating process reflecting some or all the protocols developed and handover of such materials.
2. Conduct training sessions (Training of Trainers modality) with relevant actors involved in the data updating process, including capacitating them to replicate the training using a cascade modality.

Presentation, feedback and handover

1. Present the final consultancy report (max 20 pages, excluding annexes).
2. Present the protocols to UNICEF and the MoGYSD and ensure the incorporation of feedback.
3. Handover of the consolidated protocols.

Work relationships: The consultant will be supervised by the Social Policy Specialist, with day-to-day support by the Social Policy Officer. The consultant will also work closely with the MoGYSD Director of Social Assistance and in close technical collaboration with the NISSA Team. The consultant will also interact with the data collection consultant but has to ensure he/she maintains their independence.Such data updating methodologies are already partially described/developed in the NISSA updating manuals. The development of protocols should thus reflect the local definition and understanding of such methodologies.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToR_NISSA Updating Innovative Methods_Protocols Development.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

Masters

Enter disciplines:

Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy or other related fields.*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. 

Relevant work experience :

• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. 
• At least ten (10) years working experience in social protection targeting methodologies, social registries and/or beneficiary data collection at an international level.
• Demonstrated experience in cash transfers, targeting methodologies, social registries, censuses etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with government staff and institutions.
• Excellent communication, relationship building, research and writing skills.
• Experience in capacity building and training delivery.
• Experience in developing countries.
• Knowledge of the local context desirable.

Specialised skills and/or training if needed:

• While this is an individual consultancy, it is recommended that the Consultant works with a local counterpart.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Interested candidates should indicate their ability, availability, and rate (daily/monthly) expressed in USD to undertake the terms of reference. Please indicate an all-inclusive fee (including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable) to undertake the tasks in the Terms of reference.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Lesotho Country office specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.