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, hope
Find out how UNICEF programmes drive change for children and young people every day, in Syria by visiting this: www.unicef.org/syria
How can you make a difference?
Under the guidance of the Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, and in close collaboration with the Deputy Representative Programme and Operations, the Consultant will lead a comprehensive review of UNICEF Syria Country Office’s (CO) field presence, operational structures, roles, and accountabilities. The objective is to assess the fit for the purpose of current arrangements and propose fit-for-context, agile, and financially sustainable options that enable the effective delivery of UNICEF’s programme priorities.
The Consultant will evaluate the relevance and efficiency of the SCO structure including existing field office (FO) and CO structures and staffing models, considering contextual realities, programme scale, operational needs, and quality assurance requirements. In addition, the consultant assesses the relevance, necessity, and effectiveness of the current modalities used for engaging third-party facilitators and monitors, including its execution through third-party institutional service contractors considering the evolving operational context such as changes in accessibility, security, and field presence as well as programme priorities and implementation models.
This exercise will be conducted through a participatory and transparent approach, including a desk review of relevant documentation, field visits especially in Deir EZ Zor, Qamishli, Aleppo, pending security situation in addition to the consultations with staff across the SCO, field offices, and interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis is expected to provide an actionable plan reflecting immediate measures the office needs to undertake to ensure the financial, operations and programmatic viability of the office, underpinned by sustainability and efficiency approaches.
The primary deliverable will be a comprehensive report to the Country Management Team (CMT) following review by DRP, DRO and CF OPERATIONS. The report will present clear, evidence-based recommendations on UNICEF’s optimal field presence and structural configuration. It will include proposed staffing models and a phased implementation roadmap, highlighting associated resources and budgetary implications.
Terms of Reference / Specific Deliverables
Phase 1. Inception and Document Review and Inception
Deliverable: Brief inception report and workplan.
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Inception briefings with Representative, Deputy Representative (Programme and Operations), Chief of Field Operations and Emergency and People and Culture
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Participate in All Staff inception meeting led by Rep and Staff Association.
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Gather and compile all relevant documents and data sources.
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Conduct a desk review of the Risk & Vulnerability Dashboards, Equity Analysis, 5Ws, PBRs, Organigrams, Affordability Analyses, UNSFA/LRP, Programme Stocktakes, After Action Reviews, and MYR/EYRs.
Indicative Timeline: 4 days
Phase 2. Assessment, Analysis and Consultations
Deliverable: Summary report on process and consultations.
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Map existing the SCO Programme and operations, field office locations and their geographic coverage.
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Conduct at least one field visit, pending security situation
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Assess and analyse field office locations, structures, coherence and operational and programming scope and responsibilities with consideration on sustainable affordability.
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Assess and analyse country office structures, including Programme and Operations structures responsibilities that is aligned with Syria Country Programme vision and priorities with consideration on sustainable affordability.
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Conduct a comprehensive review of third-party facilitator (TPF) and monitoring (TPM) modalities, with recommendations for revised approaches including a structure that is fit for purpose to current context and programme requirements.
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Present and discuss broad analysis with CMT and/or senior management.
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Conduct individual stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions, group consultations with key staff from field offices and the country office (CO).
Indicative Timeline: 13 days
Phase 3 – Drafting report and recommendations
Deliverable: Draft report with summary presentation for CMT and management with key findings, options and recommended option with rationale.
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Consultations with office management and other key stakeholders on progress and potential options.
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Consultations with operations and budget teams on affordability.
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Draft succinct report with process, analysis/key findings, potential structure options with summarized analysis of pros and cons plus recommended way forward with rationale.
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The primary deliverable will be a comprehensive report to the Country Management Team (CMT) following review by DRP, DRO and CF Ops
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Present and/or contribute to all presentation at staff meeting and discussions (before and/or after CMT).
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Review and recommend optimal staffing presence in the CO including level.
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Propose coordination mechanism between field offices and main office including delegation of authorities.
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Identify key risks and propose mitigation measures.
Indicative Timeline: 4 days
Phase 4 – Finalisation
Deliverable: Final report with recommendations, roadmap (phased as necessary) and core considerations for potential PBR submission
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Finalise overall report with evidence-informed recommendations based on CMT and management considerations.
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Provide key strategic advice to office on framing of (potential) PBR submission on structural, staffing, and operational adjustments.
Indicative Timeline: 4 days
Total Working Days: 25 days
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, public administration, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field.
- A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in assessment, analysis, strategy, planning and personnel management skills.
- Previous experience with UNICEF, preferably Rep, Dep Rep, CFO of a very large field office, planning, or other senior management positions
- Exposure to field presence exercises and decentralization is an asset.
- Good communication, networking and organizational skills and ability to work well on a team.
- Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with complex/emergency environments is considered an asset.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
EVALUATION PROCESS (OF APPLICATIONS):
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
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- Applications through UNICEF’s Talent Management System (TMS)
- Cover Letter (1-2 pages) that highlights previous experience in evaluation (including any specific examples from working with UN) and technical experience with evaluation/research related to gender including reference to at least two past work examples/experiences.
- Technical proposal (2-4 pages) that details approach and key activities for the evaluability assessment as well as challenges and mitigation measures to the conduct of the evaluability assessment.
- Financial proposal with break down as per the deliverables required for this consultancy;
- CV clearly stating the relevant past experience and similar assignments
- Three referees from direct supervisors who can be contacted.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further technical assessment. Final recommendation will be made based on “best value for money”, i.e. the hiring section/office shall normally select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from among the candidates who are assessed as suitable for achieving all tasks on time, as per the criteria stipulated in this ToR, and based on the outcome of the evaluation/assessment conducted
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.
