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For every child, the right to health 

In 2026, UNICEF country programme interventions will be focusing on strengthening systems to ensure children and adolescents are developing their full potential; parents, caregivers and specialists increase their capacity in providing support and counselling; young children with developmental delays and disabilities covered by specialised health and social protection services and adolescents have access to the youth friendly health services to ensure their better health and development outcomes.

The Consultancy will address the child development paradigm staring from early years and moving gradually to adolescents and young people applying life cycle and cross-sectoral approach in nature.

Remote/Home-based (with visits to the office upon request/needs), expect to spend substantial time in the office interacting with our teams

Detailed TOR is available here  VA - ECD Consultant (National, Belarus) ADV.pdf

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The Purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support in design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme intervention in ECD/ECI, Adolescent Health and DI related areas in March 2026 –  March 2027.

Nature of Work/General Operating Areas:

• Analytical nature of work requiring basic conceptual comprehension and capacity to apply conceptual models and policies
• Support to the CO long-term interventions as following: 

(1) strengthening primary health care (PHC) ensuring equity, quality access and better coverage for young children, prevention of the overweight and obesity and adolescents SRH;

(2) and improving quality of specialised services, such as Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), inclusive nutrition and feeding; and

(3) enhancing professional capacity of future and practicing workforce of the PHC and social protection platforms for deinstitutionalisation (DI).

Scope of Work:

Under direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (Social Sector) and in cooperation with all relevant UNICEF sections (Child Protection, SBC, Communications and Partnerships) the Consultant will provide high quality support in designing and implementing UNICEF program interventions as following:

1. Provide expert support to programme planning and ongoing program interventions on ECI, inclusive nutrition and feeding, prevention of risky and unhealthy behavior in children and health of adolescents, within overall agenda of Optimal Health and Development Outcome.
2. Provide expert support to programme planning and to ongoing program interventions on DI within the overall agenda of Supportive Family Environment and Protection from Violence Outcome.
3. Provide expert support to ongoing events, informational and behavior change activities and campaigns, preparation of HISs and other relevant documents within overall agenda of SBC and Communication section that is related to the rights of children with disabilities and developmental delays, children at social risk or placed in residential care institutions, adolescents practicing risky behavior. Develop materials for parents and caregivers on all domains of Nurturing care, with specific focus on children 0-6 with disabilities and developmental delays.
4. Provide inputs, relevant to programmatic expertise, to project proposals and donor reports within the overall agenda of the Partnership section and in close cooperation with the Partnership Officer.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables / Delivery Deadline:

Work Assignment Overview	Deliverables/outputs	Delivery deadline
Objective 1: Provide expert support to programme planning and implementation ongoing program interventions on ECD/ECI and adolescent health	1.1.Technical assistance in implementing the project on improving the efficiency of financing and management of the early intervention system and adolescent-friendly health care in the Republic of Belarus, in partnership with BelCMT, including review of reports and provision of recommendations	30.04.2026 report, PPP at the RT, expert group discussion with the documentation x 5
	1.2.Technical assistance in implementing the project with the Republican Scientific and Practical Center “Mother and Child” on analyzing home visits within the primary health care system for children in the Republic of Belarus, including review of reports and developed recommendations	30.06.2026 report, PPP at the RT, expert group discussion with the documentation x 6
	1.3.Technical assistance in implementing the project with the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Hygiene on the prevention of overweight and obesity in children with the reports review and providing inputs/recommendations to the development of the National Strategy and Road Map, draft Resolution of the RT and participation in the RT with the presentation and results documentation	30.06.2026 report, inputs, recommendations, PPP at the RT, expert group discussion with the documentation x 6
	1.4.Expert support in drafting programmatic documents and monitoring reports in the areas of early childhood development, ECI, and adolescents' health	30.11.2026 document not less than 3 pages x 4
	1.5.Expert support, inputs, draft proposals and contribute to the amendments of the existing or newly developed Policy Papers (State Programmes, Plans, Strategies, Concepts)	28.02.2027 document x 4
	1.6.Expert support to the development of the UNICEF RWPs with the line Ministries and regions: ECI/ECD inputs developed, submitted to the supervisor, reviewed and finalized based on the comments or feedback from partners/supervisor and document progress versus planned results	30.09.2026 inputs/document x 4
Objective 2: Provide expert support to programme planning and to ongoing program interventions on DI within overall agenda of Supportive Family Environment and Protection from Violence Outcome	2.1.Technical support in advocacy and promotion of DI agenda: -contribution to the development of the DI advocacy strategy based on the outcomes of UNICEF pilots in communities - development of a logistics package (concept, agenda, set of handouts) and facilitation of an international DI conference	30.09.2026   30.05.2026
	2.2.Technical support in scaling up the DI Road Map in Vitebsk oblast: -quarterly monitoring of progress via field visits (4) with written recommendations provided -consultations to the implementing Task Force during 6 online meetings (1.5 hours each) -review a foster parenting module/programme developed by Vitebsk oblast Institute on development of education with recommendations provided -recommendations for piloting a home-based respite care service in Vitebsk oblast.	20.12.2026 activity x 4
	2.3.Development and promotion of medical and social assistance in baby homes: -review a study on the organization of medical and social support in baby homes and assess the needs for such support among families with children with disabilities with recommendations provided -review a model of medical and social support based in baby homes for children with disabilities under 18 years of age with recommendations provided -provide recommendations for renovation and technical equipment of the medical and social support unit at the Vitebsk baby home -review a training module for specialists providing medical and social support with recommendations provided.	28.02.2027 activity x 4
	2.4.Expert support in implementation of the DI project in Pinsk: -Analyze outcomes of the project along with documented practices and provide recommendations on further steps to scale its results. -Technical support of the project team via online consultations (4) with recommendations provided. -Review draft normative act, restricting the placement of children in residential facilities.	30.05.2026 activity x 3
	2.5.Expert support in implementation of the DI project in Homiel: -Review the algorithm of monitoring and support of families and children by specialists of education, social care, and health systems in returning children from the Baby home to biological family or foster family arrangements. -Review Recommendations on establishment of interagency cooperation algorithms with stages for needs assessment of children and families along with mechanisms for preventing the placement of young children into Infant Homes. -Expert support in project implementation, providing online consultations (4) to the project team. -Analyze outcomes of the project along with documented practices and provide recommendations on further steps to scale its results.	30.09.2026 activity x 4
Objective 3: Provide expert support to ongoing events, informational and behavior change activities and campaigns, preparation of HISs and other relevant documents within overall agenda of SBC, Communication and Partnership sections that is related to the rights of children with disabilities and developmental delays	3.1.Expert support in the Coordination of the Belarus specialists’ participation at the National and International ECI/ECD/Adolescent health capacity development activities (conferences, seminars, webinars, trainings, qualification upgrade courses, study visits, etc.)	30.06.2026 activity x 4
	3.2.Develop 20 short articles (not less than 0,5 page) for BEBBO application for parents on inclusive nutrition and feeding, early intervention and identification, IYCF, breastfeeding and other related articles to ECD and young children with disabilities	28.02.2027 article x 20
	3.3.Provide expert support during the development of 2 UNICEF HIS on ECI	30.07.2026 HIS x 2
	3.4 Expert support of national wide and local information campaigns/activities on DI: -review a Concept of information campaign on foster parenting and adoption. -expert support in structuring and review the outcomes of assessment and analysis of families’ and children’s attitudes toward medical and social care, and mapping of communication channels. -expert support for the information and awareness raising campaign for parents caring for children with disabilities and young children, focusing on alternative forms of care and available services, including medical and social assistance	30.03.2027 event x 3
	3.5 Take lead in developing a table of contents and provide expert support in formulation of messages and drafting short articles for UNICEF parenting page	30.10.2026 article x 6
	3.6 Provide programmatic expertise and inputs to project proposals and donor reports in ECD/ECI/Adolescent Health/DI/Better Parenting under the overall Partnership agenda	28.02.2027 document not less than 2 pages x 6

Travel (if required as per TOR):

Consultant will provide estimated budgets for travels to project sites during the contract period (places, number of visits *rate per one visit* number of days of each visit)

Qualifications

Education:

• University degree (Masters) or equivalent qualification in health, pediatrics, rehabilitation or in a related field is required.

Work experience/Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas related to the rights of children with disabilities and their families, health and development of children, in particular experience in working with most vulnerable.
• Demonstrated experience in project implementation, drafting strategies, and other analytical documents.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience working in a multicultural environment.
• Passion and demonstrated commitment to UNICEF’s mission and core values.
• Background/familiarity with UNICEF’s ECD programme will be an asset.
• Fluency in Russian and English.

Competencies:

• Drive to achieve results for impact.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
• Thinks and acts strategically.
• Works collaboratively with others.

Requirements: 

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

• Interested applicants should provide a letter of interest (Cover Letter) describing how they can contribute to the interventions listed under roles and responsibilities and why they should be selected for this position. In addition, they should share their latest CV/Resume and financial proposal  Financial Offer template_ECD Consultant (National, Belarus).docx to undertake this job.
• Samples of the related job/tasks done.
• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal should be submitted using the financial offer template and must:
  • Reflect the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment period (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • Include travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR. Consultants are responsible for arranging their own transportation arrangements. UNICEF can provide office vehicle for some duty travel missions with prior agreement as per monthly travel plan approved by the supervisor
  • Include any other costs: visa, health insurance, payment of an incidental expenditure (such as bank charges, insurances, etc.) and living costs as applicable.
• Indicate your availability
• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

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

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.

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.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable male and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

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.