4 Positions at UNICEF Rwanda: (Deadline 18 October 2020)

How can you make a difference?

Background and purpose

The Government of Rwanda is strongly committed to ensuring that all children can achieve their full potential in a safe and protective environment. However, children and adolescents still face violence, abuse and exploitation. Despite violence being often under-reported, figures from the National Violence Against Children and Youth Study (2015/16) show that 42% of boys and 26% of girls aged 13-17 have been victims of physical violence, while 12% of girls and 5% of boys aged 13-17 reported exposure to sexual violence.

Access to the internet is rapidly increasing. According to Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) internet penetration stood at 62.9% as of March 2020 whereas access to mobile-cellular telephones was at 74.8% by the end of 2019. With the rise in affordability of smart phone devices, flexible pricing of Internet bundles as well as the extension of 3G and 4G coverage around the country, the access to digital life is even expected to exponentially increase in near future. The One Laptop per Child and Smart Classrooms programs have increased access to digital world specifically in school settings and new initiatives in the future will substantially expand internet coverage. With the current COVID-19 crisis and schools in Rwanda closed to mitigate the spread of virus, most services have now been put online, including children’s learning, socialization and play. This presents even greater exposure of children to the internet with greater potential for online risks and harms. The need for protection online is critical as children constitute half of Rwanda’s population.

Recognizing the need to keep children safe in digital life, the Government of Rwanda has adopted the Child Online Protection Policy in 2019. The Rwanda Child Online Protection Policy (“the COP Policy”) is designed to mitigate against online risks and harms, and to deliver a framework that meets children’s needs and fulfils their rights, while enabling them to safely and confidently navigate the digital environment. It represents the Government’s full commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, the nation’s greatest and most precious asset.

The implementation of the policy requires the involvement of a broad spectrum of stakeholders; government and public agencies, information and communications technology companies, telecommunication companies; communities and civil society organisations; parents, teachers and children themselves have to exercise a shared responsibility in the implementation of this policy. Comprehensive child online protection is dependent upon stakeholder’s partnership; working nationally and internationally.

The Government has already established the governance structure for the implementation of the policy. The National Steering Committee on Child Online Protection to provide the overall guidance and the National Technical Working Group on Child Online protection composed of a range of technical experts to offer technical guidance to the implementation of the policy. The implementation of other activities under different policy pillars have also started. UNICEF currently supports the implementation of the policy.

Justification
Based on the multi sectoral nature of the Child online protection policy, the Government of Rwanda is establishing the secretariat to coordinate the implementation of the policy. This consultancy is situated under the COP Governance and coordination pillar. It directly responds to the out 1 on building enabling environment for child protection. The consultant will work with the ICT and child protection sectors to coordinate the implementation of the policy across sectors.

Objectives
The overall objective of the consultancy is to provide the catalytic technical support to the ICT and child protection sectors to establish the secretariat for coordinating the implementation of child online protection policy.
Specific objectives are as following:
1. Support and strengthen the coordination mechanisms for the implementation of COP priorities across key implementation agencies
2. Coordinate the establishment and operationalization of child online protection implementation monitoring framework
3. Support and strengthen cooperation and partnerships among national and international COP partners.

Tasks Deliverables Timelines

Quarter 1 – 2
1. Coordinate and facilitate the development of the COP implementation plan under the guidance of ICT and child protection leads and support of the members of the COP technical working group.
• Reports and minutes of COP actors’ engagement activities
• Roadmap for the development of the COP implementation plan

Quarter 1- 3
2. Coordinate the development of the monitoring framework for COP activities across sectors in line with the implementation plan.
• Reports and minutes of COP actors’ engagement activities
• Draft monitoring framework for COP activities across sectors

Quarter 1 – 4 
3. Support knowledge management and capacity building of key stakeholders in child online protection through facilitating trainings, awareness and other methods.
• Trainings and awareness activities organized for Child Online Protection Technical working group and other key stakeholders in COP.

Quarter 1 – 4
4. Support the planning and follow up coordination meetings of the Technical Working Group and the Steering Committee on COP
• Reports and minutes of Technical Working Group and the Steering Committee on COP activities and meetings.

Quarter 1-4 
5. Facilitate partnerships with other government institutions, development partners and technology companies through active sharing of knowledge and information
• Reports and minutes of partners engagement

Quarter 2-4
6. Support and facilitate innovative learning exchanges to share national, regional and global best practices in area of child online protection
• Desk review report on potential learning and exchange opportunities for on child online protection.
• Learning events organized for COP actors

Quarter 2 – 4
7. Facilitate the assessment of the current technical tools and policy and legal framework to promote safe use of internet and prevent child online abuses
• Terms of reference for the gap analysis for the current COP technical tools and policy and legal framework developed
• Consultations organized with stakeholders in Child Online protection.

Quarter 1- 3
8. Support the development of COP annual communication plan to intensify and diversify the COP awareness messaging.
• Reports and minutes of partners engagement
• Roadmap for the development of the COP annual communication plan developed.

Quarter 4
9. Produce the final report summarizing the activities, outputs and results, challenges and lessons learned, as well as recommendations for further implementation of the child online protection policy

• Final report summarizing the activities, outputs and results, challenges and lessons learned, as well as recommendations submitted.

Evaluation Criteria
The Technical proposal is weighted at 70% and 30% for the Financial proposal. The most suitable candidates may be invited for an oral or written interview or both.
Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by HR.

Payment schedule
The Consultant will be paid monthly upon submission of invoice and her/his report on deliverables met each month against the table of agreed deliverables, subject to certification by the supervisor. Monthly payment will be calculated at 8.5% of the total amount for the first 11 months and 6.5% for the last 14 days.

General conditions

The contractor will be working full-time with the direct supervisory line of the Government of Rwanda and will also report to UNICEF on deliverables.

During the consultancy period the contractor will cover his/her transport cost in Kigali and at the request of the supervisor, the transport for field visits shall be provided by UNICEF. For Field Trip, the contractor will be reimbursed based on out of pocket expenses associated with the travel at Government official daily subsidy allowances and based on a submitted voucher/claim approved by the supervisor.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines

All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

The consultants must respect the confidentiality of the information handled during the assignment. Documents and information provided must be used only for the tasks related to these terms of reference.

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

Academic qualifications:

• Master’s in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Information Management System, Electronics and Telecommunications, Software Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, social sciences (social work, psychology and sociology), law, Public Policy Management, Project Management or related field.

Employment experience:

• 5 years of experience in the provision of strategic support and advice to senior leaders within government or non-government organizations.
• Experience with child protection and child rights, preferably coordination of child protection actors.
• Experience with ICT sector, preferably use of ICT in social sectors
• Experience in a multi-sectoral management, project and partnership management as well as practical experience of strategic planning.
• Sound understanding and past working experience of multi agencies coordination and multi layered capacity building.

Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of the nexus between child protection and digital technologies is considered as an asset.
• Excellent writing skills, strong planning, organizational and analytical skills, computer skills and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work with Government Officials at national and decentralized levels as well as with international and national development partners
• Strong people management skills and a consultative leadership and management style
• Partnership and mobilization skills

Language skills:

• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda. Knowledge of French would be an asset.

How to apply

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send their complete Personal History (P11) form, which can be downloaded form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc) or a CV/resume, as well as a cover letter explaining what makes them suitable for this consultancy.

Qualified and experienced candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest considered as a Technical Proposal for the consultancy in which candidates should highlight their previous work experience relevant to the assignment, the attributes that make them suitable, and their proposed road map and approach to undertake the assignment.

The Selected candidates will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal outlining the total costs for this consultancy with payment linked to the main deliverables outlined above.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

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.

How can you make a difference?

Background and purpose

The Government of Rwanda is strongly committed to ensuring that all children can achieve their full potential in a safe and protective environment. However, children and adolescents still face violence, abuse and exploitation. Despite violence being often under-reported, figures from the National Violence Against Children and Youth Study (2015/16) show that 42% of boys and 26% of girls aged 13-17 have been victims of physical violence, while 12% of girls and 5% of boys aged 13-17 reported exposure to sexual violence.

Access to the internet is rapidly increasing. According to Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) internet penetration stood at 62.9% as of March 2020 whereas access to mobile-cellular telephones was at 74.8% by the end of 2019. With the rise in affordability of smart phone devices, flexible pricing of Internet bundles as well as the extension of 3G and 4G coverage around the country, the access to digital life is even expected to exponentially increase in near future. The One Laptop per Child and Smart Classrooms programs have increased access to digital world specifically in school settings and new initiatives in the future will substantially expand internet coverage. With the current COVID-19 crisis and schools in Rwanda closed to mitigate the spread of virus, most services have now been put online, including children’s learning, socialization and play. This presents even greater exposure of children to the internet with greater potential for online risks and harms. The need for protection online is critical as children constitute half of Rwanda’s population.

Recognizing the need to keep children safe in digital life, the Government of Rwanda has adopted the Child Online Protection Policy in 2019. The Rwanda Child Online Protection Policy (“the COP Policy”) is designed to mitigate against online risks and harms, and to deliver a framework that meets children’s needs and fulfils their rights, while enabling them to safely and confidently navigate the digital environment. It represents the Government’s full commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, the nation’s greatest and most precious asset.

The implementation of the policy requires the involvement of a broad spectrum of stakeholders; government and public agencies, information and communications technology companies, telecommunication companies; communities and civil society organisations; parents, teachers and children themselves have to exercise a shared responsibility in the implementation of this policy. Comprehensive child online protection is dependent upon stakeholder’s partnership; working nationally and internationally.

The Government has already established the governance structure for the implementation of the policy. The National Steering Committee on Child Online Protection to provide the overall guidance and the National Technical Working Group on Child Online protection composed of a range of technical experts to offer technical guidance to the implementation of the policy. The implementation of other activities under different policy pillars have also started. UNICEF currently supports the implementation of the policy.

Justification
Based on the multi sectoral nature of the Child online protection policy, the Government of Rwanda is establishing the secretariat to coordinate the implementation of the policy. This consultancy is situated under the COP Governance and coordination pillar. It directly responds to the out 1 on building enabling environment for child protection. The consultant will work with the ICT and child protection sectors to coordinate the implementation of the policy across sectors.

Objectives
The overall objective of the consultancy is to provide the catalytic technical support to the ICT and child protection sectors to establish the secretariat for coordinating the implementation of child online protection policy.
Specific objectives are as following:
1. Support and strengthen the coordination mechanisms for the implementation of COP priorities across key implementation agencies
2. Coordinate the establishment and operationalization of child online protection implementation monitoring framework
3. Support and strengthen cooperation and partnerships among national and international COP partners.

Tasks Deliverables Timelines

Quarter 1 – 2
1. Coordinate and facilitate the development of the COP implementation plan under the guidance of ICT and child protection leads and support of the members of the COP technical working group.
• Reports and minutes of COP actors’ engagement activities
• Roadmap for the development of the COP implementation plan

Quarter 1- 3
2. Coordinate the development of the monitoring framework for COP activities across sectors in line with the implementation plan.
• Reports and minutes of COP actors’ engagement activities
• Draft monitoring framework for COP activities across sectors

Quarter 1 – 4 
3. Support knowledge management and capacity building of key stakeholders in child online protection through facilitating trainings, awareness and other methods.
• Trainings and awareness activities organized for Child Online Protection Technical working group and other key stakeholders in COP.

Quarter 1 – 4
4. Support the planning and follow up coordination meetings of the Technical Working Group and the Steering Committee on COP
• Reports and minutes of Technical Working Group and the Steering Committee on COP activities and meetings.

Quarter 1-4 
5. Facilitate partnerships with other government institutions, development partners and technology companies through active sharing of knowledge and information
• Reports and minutes of partners engagement

Quarter 2-4
6. Support and facilitate innovative learning exchanges to share national, regional and global best practices in area of child online protection
• Desk review report on potential learning and exchange opportunities for on child online protection.
• Learning events organized for COP actors

Quarter 2 – 4
7. Facilitate the assessment of the current technical tools and policy and legal framework to promote safe use of internet and prevent child online abuses
• Terms of reference for the gap analysis for the current COP technical tools and policy and legal framework developed
• Consultations organized with stakeholders in Child Online protection.

Quarter 1- 3
8. Support the development of COP annual communication plan to intensify and diversify the COP awareness messaging.
• Reports and minutes of partners engagement
• Roadmap for the development of the COP annual communication plan developed.

Quarter 4
9. Produce the final report summarizing the activities, outputs and results, challenges and lessons learned, as well as recommendations for further implementation of the child online protection policy

• Final report summarizing the activities, outputs and results, challenges and lessons learned, as well as recommendations submitted.

Evaluation Criteria
The Technical proposal is weighted at 70% and 30% for the Financial proposal. The most suitable candidates may be invited for an oral or written interview or both.
Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by HR.

Payment schedule
The Consultant will be paid monthly upon submission of invoice and her/his report on deliverables met each month against the table of agreed deliverables, subject to certification by the supervisor. Monthly payment will be calculated at 8.5% of the total amount for the first 11 months and 6.5% for the last 14 days.

General conditions

The contractor will be working full-time with the direct supervisory line of the Government of Rwanda and will also report to UNICEF on deliverables.

During the consultancy period the contractor will cover his/her transport cost in Kigali and at the request of the supervisor, the transport for field visits shall be provided by UNICEF. For Field Trip, the contractor will be reimbursed based on out of pocket expenses associated with the travel at Government official daily subsidy allowances and based on a submitted voucher/claim approved by the supervisor.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines

All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

The consultants must respect the confidentiality of the information handled during the assignment. Documents and information provided must be used only for the tasks related to these terms of reference.

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

Academic qualifications:

• Master’s in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Information Management System, Electronics and Telecommunications, Software Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, social sciences (social work, psychology and sociology), law, Public Policy Management, Project Management or related field.

Employment experience:

• 5 years of experience in the provision of strategic support and advice to senior leaders within government or non-government organizations.
• Experience with child protection and child rights, preferably coordination of child protection actors.
• Experience with ICT sector, preferably use of ICT in social sectors
• Experience in a multi-sectoral management, project and partnership management as well as practical experience of strategic planning.
• Sound understanding and past working experience of multi agencies coordination and multi layered capacity building.

Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of the nexus between child protection and digital technologies is considered as an asset.
• Excellent writing skills, strong planning, organizational and analytical skills, computer skills and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work with Government Officials at national and decentralized levels as well as with international and national development partners
• Strong people management skills and a consultative leadership and management style
• Partnership and mobilization skills

Language skills:

• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda. Knowledge of French would be an asset.

How to apply

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send their complete Personal History (P11) form, which can be downloaded form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc) or a CV/resume, as well as a cover letter explaining what makes them suitable for this consultancy.

Qualified and experienced candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest considered as a Technical Proposal for the consultancy in which candidates should highlight their previous work experience relevant to the assignment, the attributes that make them suitable, and their proposed road map and approach to undertake the assignment.

The Selected candidates will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal outlining the total costs for this consultancy with payment linked to the main deliverables outlined above.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

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.

Individual Consultant for Providing Technical assistance for scaling up the Child Score Card and improve M&E for nutrition across Rwanda at UNICEF Rwanda: (Deadline 18 October 2020)

NICEF 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,  Health

How can you make a difference?

Background

Stunting is still unacceptably high (35% of under 5 years old children ) and a major challenge affecting early childhood development in Rwanda. The Government of Rwanda through the National Early Childhood Development Program (NECDP) and other sector ministries and institutions that contribute to the provision of ECD services and different partners, have been implementing different interventions to reduce stunting. However, these efforts need to be strengthened to accelerate the reduction of stunting in order to achieve the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) set goal by 2024 to reduce stunting among children under 5 years old to 19%. Therefore, utilization of child scorecard is one innovative way that is going to help to accelerate the reduction of stunting through strengthened monitoring mechanism.
Child scorecard is a new and individualized tool that helps to monitor key measurements and interventions missed/received by both pregnant mothers and young children in the period of first 1,000 days of life. Scaling up the use of the child scorecard aimed to address the following 3 overall sets of stunting drivers/gaps in Rwanda identified through an assessment conducted in 4 districts last year.
– Limited understanding of stunting across some stakeholders
– Lack of tracking of all interventions targeting children at an individualized level
– Limited data usage and collaboration to drive evidence-based preventive actions at each level.
It will also be used as a diagnostic tool and a basis for counselling sessions to the parent/caregiver to drive behavior change and awareness, but also a unified tracking tools of information at child level to track individual child and proper application of interventions and provide a consolidated overview of the main areas to be addressed. It also strengthens the feedback loop whereby health and nutrition data are discussed by key stakeholders; gaps are identified, and solutions and guidance are provided on time to accelerate the prevention and reduction of stunting and enable children to achieve their full potential developmental growth. This approach of using child scorecard will facilitate data gathering and analysis for evidence-based and forward-looking intervention planning for stunting prevention.
From November 2019, NECDP and its partners started piloting this child scorecard in one village in Nyabibu District and the results are promising. Consequently, this model is now being scaled up to an entire sector to refine the proof of concept. The plan is to scale up the child scorecard model across the country.

Justification

The proposed consultancy will contribute to AWP activity 2.1.6 Support to Nutrition M&E as the child scorecard is a tool to track progress on access to different services as well as nutrition-related behaviors in individual families with young children. Consequently, this will allow caregivers and service providers to monitor and follow up each individual child leading to better access to services, improved nutrition behavior and, ultimately, better nutrition.

Objectives

Overall objective
The overall objective of this technical assistance is to strengthen the coordination and execution team scaling up the utilization of the nutrition child scorecard to monitor all interventions in line with stunting prevention received by under 2 children across the country and support the overall NECDP M&E using the MIS system as well.

Specific objectives
• Bring technical expertise to NECDP team on nutrition planning, M&E and innovative tools to monitor interventions received by targeted beneficiaries in the community
• Build capacity of community health workers and local leaders (mentorship, supportive supervision, training and oversight) for new and innovative tools to monitor health and nutrition interventions and strengthen data use in preventing and reducing stunting
• Coordinate the expansion of the stunting-free model using child scorecard in selected districts focusing on the child with tracking tools and awareness initiatives to empower caretakers and local stakeholders to find local solutions.
• Ensure the implementation of the program, gather and share all relevant data and foster cooperation amongst all actors
• Setup feedback loops between the village, cell, sector, districts and line Ministries to drive timely and evidence-based monitoring, solution finding and response
• Promote data usage and transparency across all pillars and lead the integration and digitalization of child scorecard to reduce the workload to the CHWs and accelerate data gathering where appropriate data
• Coordinate the process evaluation to continuously assess and improve the model and plan for possible impact assessment analysis for the project

Work Assignment

This technical assistance is expected to scale up effective planning, implementation and coordination of prioritized nutrition interventions with emphasis on stunting prevention and reduction interventions through the expansion and digitalization of the utilization of the child scorecard in selected districts and coordinate formal impact assessment of its utilization.

The technical assistance is expected to undertake the following activities listed deliverables:
• Provide technical support to the NECDP for planning, delivery and coordination of prioritized nutrition actions at the national, district, sector, cell and village level related to the scale up and digitalization of the utilization of the child scorecard
• Produce a detailed design and implementation plan to scale up the child score card in assigned districts
• Map nutrition interventions and stakeholders in assigned districts
• Coordinate the process of fine-tuning the model based on feedback from villages/cells/sectors/districts where the child score card is being implemented and different national level stakeholders to come up with the most integrated and efficient model
• Coordinate cascade trainings targeting ToTs, local leaders and CHWs in the assigned districts
• Assess and leverage the existing platforms such as Parents’ Group to build joint accountability on stunting prevention and reduction in their community and help reinforce positive behavior using all tools required to scale up the child scorecard
• Assist in aggregating all data collection instruments that CHWs must use and their workflows to determine the optimal way to reduce their workload and digitize the data collection
• Advise and support the integration and digitalization process of the child score card to reduce the workload to the CHWs and improve the availability and quality of community-based data in coordination with the Maternal, Child, and Community Health (MCCH) Division’s project to digitalize CHW’s workflow
• Strengthen feedback loops by incorporating the child scorecard into current planning processes and encourage discussion of nutrition data in different meetings and forums from village to district level and national level
• Coordinate M&E activities to continuously assess and improve the utilization of the child scorecard including process evaluation and formal impact assessment and enhance continuous learning
• Perform analyses using the NECDP Management Information System (MIS) and suggest improvements to the data visualization
• Engage other government and non-government stakeholders in the use and improvement of the NECDP MIS
• Any other relevant tasks needed by the NECDP to support the advancement of the stated objectives.

Deliverables

1. Detailed implementation plan for the scale up of the child scorecard available
2. Cascade trainings on the child scorecard in assigned districts are conducted and training report is available
3. The child scorecard is reflected in ongoing CHW digitalization activities
4. The child scorecard is reflected into planning processes at all levels (community to national)
5. Child scorecard process evaluation and impact assessment is conducted and report available
6. The NECDP MIS system is improved, including terms of visualization of data and relevance for planning, building on inputs from all relevant stakeholders

Evaluation Criteria

The Technical proposal is weighted at 70% and 30% for the Financial proposal.

Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by HR.

General Conditions: Procedures & Logistics

The technical assistants will be based at the NECDP under supervision of the Nutrition Department as well as the Coordinator of the NECDP and collaborate closely with the NECDP team and other stakeholders supporting the project. The NECDP will facilitate the TAs to be integrated into all the other sectors and stakeholders concerned.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

• Master’s degree in public health or Nutrition with a bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences or similar.
• At least 5 years’ experience working with multi-stakeholder platforms and processes, or other complex collaboration platforms across sectors
• Experience in evaluation of program related to nutrition, maternal and child health
• Experience in developing, implementing health, nutrition and M&E tools is an asset
• Experience to work with different GoR Ministries such as MINISANTE, MINEDUC, MINALOC, MIGEPROF, MINAGRI and MINEMA is an added value
• Excellent communication, analytical and writing skills
• Fluency in oral and written English, French is required.
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.

How to Apply

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send their complete Personal History (P11) form, which can be downloaded form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc). or a CV/resume, as well as a cover letter explaining what makes them suitable for this consultancy. The application package should be submitted to UNICEF’s online recruitment system.

Qualified and experienced candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest including a Technical Proposal outlining a road map for review and implementation timeline. In their letter of interest, candidates should highlight their previous work experience relevant to the assignment, the attributes that make them suitable, their proposed approach to the assignment.

Only successful candidates from the technical evaluation exercise will be contacted and requested to submit their most competitive Financial Proposal.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

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.

International Individual Consultant for Implementation Research on Immunization Tracker at UNICEF Rwanda: (Deadline 24 October 2020)

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, Health.

How can you make a difference?

Background

In many countries, birth registration rates are lower than the level reached by some health interventions. The reach of immunization programme highlights the potential for health systems to reach children in the first months of life. Health programs that track mothers, newborns and children have the means to initiate the process of the notification and registration of births and provide individual case identification (National identification number, NIN for Rwanda). This offers an opportunity for civil registration authorities to tap into the widely distributed health services to enhance birth notification and registration completeness. Furthermore, the health system can use its network of health workers to inform families and communities how to proceed with the process, where otherwise these children may have been missed and undocumented.
Digitalization of Health Management Information Systems (HMISs) is one of top priorities for Rwanda. Rwanda DHIS-2 is currently implemented in all 30 districts and 100% health facilities of Rwanda and is addressing critical barriers such as poor follow-up of individual cases, gaps in data availability/analysis, notification and regulation of births, immunized children and deaths; as well as in the community and at health facilities (hospitals & health centers).

Since September 2019, Rwanda has started to implement an Immunization Electronic Registry (IER) tracker for individual records within the DHIS2 platform. Within the next few weeks, the Ministry of Local Government will start to implement CRVS application which is now managed by local administration structures (Sector), when the CVRS application is implemented births and deaths registration will be automatically be done at health facilities.
This has been seen as an opportunity to concretize the integration of birth notification and registration into health program in Rwanda as a country with high coverage of immunization which is currently over 95% (Rwanda DHS 2014/2015). In order to advise the country on effective integration, Rwanda received a joint mission comprising UNICEF officers (HQ- IRDS unit; RO – Information, communication and technology in collaboration with Rwanda CO, health and child protection sections), HISP Rwanda and the University of Oslo in September 2019. The main objective of this mission was to explore the possibility to configure the DHIS2 – Birth module into immunization tracker and advise the country on an implementation roadmap.

The immunization tracker is currently implemented in all health facilities of Rwanda (health centers and district hospitals). Notification and registration are done at HFs and the plan is generate a nation identification number (NIN) for unique identification of every birth (yet to be implemented) to facilitate continuum of services for individual case. We will look for and add documentation on this.
The process to integrate birth notification into e-tracker will be done in two phases;

Phase One: Will be supported by partners (HISP, UiO and UNICEF). Birth and death notification information will be integrated into Rwanda immunization e-tracker. By collecting this information, the health care provider will check if the child has been registered into CRVS application and received the birth certification. to the Civil register at each health facility providers will review the birth notification and approve for certification into the CRVS platform, and an SMS system will be configured to inform the civil register.

Phase two: The Interoperability between CRVS and DHIS2 immunization Tracker. This phase will take long time as the country is working on the interoperability plan for all health and CRVS platforms.
In July 2020, Rwanda launched births and deaths notification and registration in health facilities (health centers and district hospitals) and for now all health facilities in Rwanda are implementing immunization tracker. In October 2020, the country is planning to start the implementation of e-tracker with configured birth notification/registration information. At initial phase of implementation of the integrated module, there may be implementation challenges that will need to be identified and addressed.

Justification

An implementation research on Rwanda Immunization tracker is planned to document lessons learnt and implementation challenges and explore potential solutions to inform effective implementation in future for sustainability. The present concept note aims to highlight process, general requirements and resource needed to undertake implementation research.

Objectives

The primary objective is to understand the process and status of implementation of the immunization tracker, linkage with CVRS, document implementation processes, changes and lessons.
The purpose of this assignment is to design, collect data, analyse data, make qualitative follow-up and write a report to address the objective defined above. The end product will be a final report and powerpoint presentation approved by Ministry of Health (MoH).

Work Assignment

This assignment will focus on the perspective of immunization tracker, immunization records and CVRS integration including birth and death notification and registration within health facilities and at community in Rwanda.
Processes, challenges, best practices/lessons and potential enablers for effective implementation of immunization tracker and CVRS will be identified.

The assignment should include a framework through which the immunization tracker captures information on CRVS, Birth/death notification and registration, integration of immunization with other key programmes (Nutrition, MNCH continuum of care) through immunization tracker, synergy between global and country standards and requirements, Strengthening monitoring and evaluation of immunization programme.

Methodology and specific tasks:

Methodology;
Methodology of the assignment will comprise desk review of data and reports on adolescent mental health, conducting high level meetings with government and partners health managers for strategic guidance and technical inputs; qualitative, quantitative and focus group discussions in target health facilities and communities to better understand the status of implementing immunization tracker better; and one-one-one consultative meetings with beneficiaries, providers and experts at health facilities (district, health centers and community).
The sample of communities/households is to be clearly described and the assignment should offer guidance on the sampling be representative and illustrative.

Specific tasks;
– To discuss and confirm the scope of the assignment with MoH and UNICEF. This particularly includes the purpose of the implementation research and the structure/content of the Outputs. with (i) program managers from ministries in charge of immunization program and CRVS program ( Ministry of Health and Ministry of Local governance) ; (ii) researchers from national institution(s); (iii) government partners involved in immunization and NIDA/CRVS, RITA/MoICT programs, (iii) UNICEF (HQ,RO and CO staff), (iv) representatives from UiO, HISP Rwanda and any other relevant organizations or institutions.
– Review relevant documents, other related health research and documents from Rwanda, and examples of similar assignments from other countries and tools used to inform the development of the design; as well as Rapid Situation analysis to collect information on program implementation and existing challenges to guide the research details and prioritization process
– Draft the inception report and agree with UNICEF and MOH before moving on. This will be reached from desk review of available qualitative and quantitative data from different reports, DHS and health management and information system (HMIS), consultations with, healthcare workers, health managers and target communities; and conducting key informants interviews with program managers, decision-makers, and researchers to identify priority research questions, themes and inform appropriate prioritization of the implementation research.
– Develop tools and protocols for desk review, assessments among
– Conduct qualitative assessment of immunization tracker and CRVS with healthcare workers, basic health facility staff and focus group discussions in target communities.
– Analyze the data and provide a draft report for initial feedback from UNICEF and MOH
– Share a revised draft report with UNICEF, MOH and partners, revise based on feedback, and validate the findings through a consultative forum with designed steering committee and TWGs to produce a final report that is approved by MOH

Deliverables
The Consultant will deliver four (4) deliverables associated with the assignment;

Deliverable 1: An Inception Report demonstrating the understanding of the assignment and including the methodology and plan to successfully complete the implementation research
Deliverable 2: Implementation research protocol and tools based on priority questions.
Deliverable 3: Draft report of the implementation research
Deliverable 4: Final report approved by appropriate forums within MOH, after validation and incorporating feedback

Description of outputs;

The consultancy will have the following outputs:

Output 1: The design overview can be a fairly short document presenting a snapshot (narratively and/or diagrammatically) of the IR including objectives, key research variables/questions, comments on methodology and proposed sample (options), timeline and points for decision/agreement before moving to other outputs. This may be revised through discussions with MoH, UNICEF and other partners. The design will need to be approved by the appropriate forums within MOH (Technical Working Groups/Steering Committee).

Output 2: Based on approved design, tools and protocols for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis need to be developed. The tools and protocols should translate all of the methods in the design into specific data collection and analysis instruments to be used as part of the assessment. These tools and protocols for desk review, key informant interviews (including questionnaire), and qualitative data collection, and analysis may be revised based on discussions with UNICEF, MOH and partners to be approved by the appropriate forums within MOH (Technical Working Groups/Steering Committee/expert focal points). Protocol development to be combined with research prioritization during a two days workshop. Once the IR protocol and tools are finalized and approved, the consultant will submit IP protocol and tools for ethical clearance from the local IRB. Tools and protocols for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis will have to be approved by appropriate forums within MOH, including review/feedback

Output 3: Data collection and analysis and preparation of IR reports with recommendations and project implementation improvement plan to be technically validated by RBC and the research team, and approved MoH. This help to ensure sustainable implementation of the Rwanda CRVS/Immunization Tracker and its replication elsewhere. After completion of data collection and analysis as per the design (output 1) a draft report consisting executive summary, background, methodology, findings, availability, affordability, approachability, appropriateness, acceptability, analysis & discussion, challenges, opportunities, and best practices; conclusions & recommendations with focus on how to improve implementation will be produced unless otherwise agreed between UNICEF and MOH in writing:

Output 4: Based on feedback from UNICEF, MOH and partners, approval/validation from the appropriate forums within MOH (Technical Working Groups, Steering Committee, experts programme focal points) a final report will be submitted. A Change Management Plan including the technical, human and organizational changes needed to ensure successful implementation of the immunization tracker and CVRS. Dissemination of research findings through a multi-stakeholders workshop and/or publication. The contracted consultant shall collaborate with MoH, UNICEF and partners to develop IR tools, research protocol and reports of desirable quality including;

• Integrated immunization track implementation improvement plan
• SOPs to guide and strengthen use of integrated immunization tracker and over all visualization, triangulation, analysis plan and use of data from different HMISs platforms.
• A presentation for dissemination of the final research report, integrated immunization tracker improvement plan and SOPs on data triangulation, analysis and use for real-time decisions

The write up of all outputs above should be in clear language so that they can be easily understood, avoiding long sentences, jargon, abbreviations and technical terms to the extent possible, and should as necessary define the terms used. As appropriate, the outputs must also contain tables, charts, diagrams or other visual materials to illustrate.

Deliverables, Timeframe, Payment Schedule

• An Inception Report demonstrating the understanding of the assignment and including the methodology and plan to successfully complete the implementation research,  5 days ,  10%
• Implementation research protocol and tools based on priority question,  15 days , 20%
• Draft report of the implementation research,  20 days , 30%
• Final report approved by appropriate forums within MOH, after validation and incorporating feedback, 20 days,  40%

Evaluation Criteria

The Technical proposal will be weighted at 70% and 30% for the Financial proposal.

Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by HR.

General Conditions: Procedures & Logistics

The recruited consultant will be required to have expertize for conducting the implementation research. In some circumstances, particular logistic arrangements shall be required to ensure time delivery of assigned tasks in quality deserved.

Therefore, in presenting proposals, bidders should take these elements into serious consideration that UNICEF will not be responsible for any unexpected additional cost or arrangement required during the implementation of the assignment.

UNICEF will hire one consultant for this assignment, and the hired consultant shall be responsible for hiring and paying own sub-contractors as will be necessary.

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

The Consultant or Team of Consultants should have the following combined experience:

• IT System Analysis, wider knowledge and experience in RMNCAH and CRVS aprogramme areas
• Post-graduate training in Public Health, health statics/information systems, Sociology, Medical Anthropology, Psychology, Social Work or other related degree
• 8 years’ experience with a strong preference for professionals with experience in designing, implementing, analysis, evaluating, and documentation of MNCAH including immunization programmes
• Prior work experience with Government/or a multi-lateral or international health and development agency, and experience supporting RMNCAH/immunization programmes government in Rwanda/or region
• Language: English language is required, and know of French will be added value
• Strong ability to deliver on time

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

How to Apply

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send their complete Personal History (P11) form, which can be downloaded form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc). or a CV/resume, as well as a cover letter explaining what makes them suitable for this consultancy. The application package should be submitted to UNICEF’s online recruitment system.

Qualified and experienced candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest including a Technical Proposal outlining a road map for review and implementation timeline. In their letter of interest, candidates should highlight their previous work experience relevant to the assignment, the attributes that make them suitable, their proposed approach to the assignment.

Only successful candidates from the technical evaluation exercise will be contacted and requested to submit their most competitive Financial Proposal.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

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.