International Senior Consultant for Country Programme Development for Rwanda CO, Kigali, 52 working days in 8 months at UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund: (Deadline 25 June 2023)

The UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022-2025 will provide an overarching framework for the next UNICEF Rwanda Country Programme.  The new CPD development will follow the new Country Programme Planning (CPP) Guideline which was released in 2022. The next CPD outcomes will be derived directly from the UNSDCF (2024-2029) outcomes.  UNICEF Rwanda will proactively participate in the next coordination framework development processes including the UNSDCF visioning exercise, strategic prioritization, Theory of Change (TOC) and results framework development. The next CPD will also be aligned with the Rwanda National Strategy for Transformation II.

The development of the next country programme comes at a time of significant contextual factors:

• The new Population Census was just released with the update of its total population of 13,246,943 by 2022. Young population below 30 years old shares 65.3 per cent of the population. Life expectancy reached 69.6 year’s old and the fertility rate reduced to 3.6.
• Rwanda’s economy grew between 7 and 10 per cent in 2022, but inflation has spiked due to high energy and food costs as part of the impact of the COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine war and climate change. Average annual inflation was 12.3 per cent to November 2022. The urban consumer price index for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 45.4 per cent (by 82.5 per cent for vegetables). Two-thirds of households rely on markets for food shopping and 29.5 per cent of households spend more than 65 per cent of their total expenditure on food. Inflationary pressures will likely be expected to continue in the future.
• The economic context is limiting investment in Rwanda’s social services and slowing progress toward National Strategy for Transformation targets and the SDGs. A new fiscal space analysis offers various financing options and suggests that the gap for child-specific expenditure can be closed by 2030.
• A Multiple Overlapping Deprivations Analysis revealed that 65.8 per cent of under-five children are multi-dimensionally deprived. Deprivation is higher among rural children (70.4 per cent against 43.4 per cent in urban areas). Almost one in four children aged 0–23 months are simultaneously deprived of nutrition, health and sanitation.
• Since November 2022, there has been continuous new arrivals of asylum seekers from DR Congo due to the conflict around the border areas.
• The Government of Rwanda has the capacity to manage service delivery and many donors give budget support directly to the Government.  The new CPD should take into account this funding environment and the need for upstream support, while not losing UNICEF’s “boots on the table” character.
• Due to the above contextual factors, it is imperative that the development of the next country programme considers these factors as it pursues urgent persisting deprivations to ensure the realization of rights of all children and adolescents in Rwanda

  Justification

  The services of an experienced and qualified international consultant are required to support the Rwanda Country Office (RCO) by facilitating processes of prioritization, development of the overarching theory of change, articulation of programme rationale and structure, consultation with relevant stakeholders, and drafting the next country programme document.

  The decision to engage the services of a consultant to assist with the elaboration of the next Country Programme Document (CPD 2024-2029) is necessitated by two main reasons: (i) to have an objective critique of proposed strategic direction of the next country programme by a competent international consultant with extensive experience and knowledge of UNICEF programming, and (ii) to dedicate time to planning and executing workshops and drafting documents.

  The recruitment of an independent contractor will allow for an independent and objective critique of the proposed strategic direction of the next country programme.

  In May 2023, UNICEF Rwanda recruited an international consultant to support the CPD in May 2023. The consultant had completed the Inception Report before she requested her resignation due to a family emergency. Therefore, this TOR is to recruit another consultant to continue the work.

  So far, the below steps have been undertaken for the new CPD development in Rwanda:

  • A Brief Situation Analysis (SitAn) with seven chapters has been drafted.
  • A Gender Programme Review has been completed with the final report delivered.
  • The Country Programme Evaluation is ongoing
  • A 3-day Rights and Result Based Management Workshop was carried out at the end of May with all staff’s participation. The UNICEF global new Country Programme Planning Guidance was introduced.
  • Programme sections are working on Evidence Synthesis at this moment and the first drafts are expected by 15^th June.
  • The Common Country Assessment (CCA) is ongoing and led by the Resident Coordinator’s Office.

  Purpose of the assignment

  The purpose of this consultancy is to continue to provide support to UNICEF Rwanda Country Office in compiling, critiquing and drafting a coherent child-centred CPD incorporating inputs from the situation analysis, Gender Programmatic Review and Country Programme Evaluation, the strategic moment of reflection and programme rationale and narratives of theories of change articulated for collectively identified programme priority areas.

  A solid draft CPD guided by the UNICEF Strategic Plan (2022-2025) and Gender Action Plan III, and fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the NST should be ready by November 2023

  Scope of work

  Guided by the latest CPP procedure for the development of country programmes, as well as following the Office of the Executive Board (OSEB) CPD standard template, the consultant is expected to support with the following specific tasks:

  1. Reviewing the Inception Report developed by the previous consultant and come out with an updated Inception Report.
  2. Providing online coaching support and facilitating and drafting Evidence Synthesis, Theory of Change (ToC), developing the Result and Resource Framework (RRF) and preparing the Explanatory Notes.
  3. Conducting an in-country visit in September and facilitating a virtual internal Strategic Reflection Moment (SMR) with the Regional Office and facilitating a key stakeholder consultation and validation workshop with national counterparts to achieve the agreement on the TOC and RRF.
  4. Drafting and facilitating the validation of the Country Programme Document (CPD), including the Integrated RRF and Costed Evaluation Plan (CPE).
  5. Producing the final draft CPD after incorporating feedback from validation workshops with key stakeholders.

  The consultant is expected to work in a hybrid modality which will be agreed upon at the inception stage.  He/she will be based in Rwanda at critical stages such as, when holding consultations with UNICEF staff and stakeholders, and when facilitating validation workshops. It is recommended that the consultant conduct at least one in-country visit during the process. This will help the consultant to be immersed within the team to fully understand UNICEF Rwanda’s programme and the context within which we operate. The consultant will have an opportunity to interact with relevant partners at national and sub-national levels. The consultant is also expected to work off-site when reviewing documents, developing an inception work plan, facilitating ToC and RRF development, and when drafting CPD products.

  Under the guidance of the Deputy Representative – Programmes (DRP) and the overall guidance of the Representative, the consultant will pull together the different pieces of information into a coherent equity-focused Country Programme Document. This will be done based on the new CPP guidelines, in close consultation with the government ministries and departments, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, beneficiaries, private sector and other related stakeholders including young people and children in the country. Furthermore, the consultant is expected to proactively consult with all UNICEF sections to ensure adequate coverage of all outcomes and cross-cutting areas.

  Tasks and Responsibilities

  1. Review and update, as necessary, the inception report developed for the CPD process.
  2. Evidence Synthesis – review and finalize the evidence synthesis prepared by programme sections
  3. Draft, validate, and finalize the ToC and RRF

  The consultant will provide support to the Country Office in developing TOC and RRF and facilitate the Internal SMR and external consultation with key stakeholders to validate the draft TOC and RRF and achieve consensus. Two reports are to be prepared to summarize the discussions in the internal SMR and external stakeholder validation workshops.

  4. The consultant is expected to prepare a Strategic Intent Paper which outlines the rationale and key strategic decisions in supporting the final narrative development for the CPD.
  5. Draft, Validate, and Finalize the Rwanda CPD

  This consultancy will be tasked to develop the draft of Rwanda CPD, based on the deliberations with the CO team, partners, and the Regional Office. Note that the CPD will be developed based on the revised CPP guidance provided by UNICEF which simplifies the CPD development process for COs.

  Reporting requirements

  The consultant will directly report to the Deputy Representative (DRP) in close liaison with the Chief of PM&E for the day-to-day contract execution.

  Work Assignment Overview

   In alignment with the scope of work as described above, the consultant will be expected to perform the following activities and deliverables as per the schedule and estimated dates below:

  Major tasks:

  • Revise inception work plan outlining activities to be carried out to support the country office to develop a solid next country programme document (off-site)
  • Facilitate and draft outcome and overarching programme rationale, outcome and overarching theories of change, outcome results and resources plan and results and resources framework and explanatory notes for the next country programme using latest UNICEF guidance (Off-set)
  • Conduct in-country visit and facilitate the internal virtual SMR with RO and Stakeholder Consultation and Validation on the ToC & RRF.
  • Facilitate and draft the next country programme document, including costed evaluation plan following OSEB classic current template and annexes1. (off-site)
  • Revise the CPD based on the CO review and comments
  • Share with ESARO PM&E and reflect ESARO’s comments and revise and finalize the CPD
  • However, as the actual starting date may impact the dates estimated in the TOR, the above detailed indicative workplan is subject to change with the actual exact timeframes and actual delivery dates will be jointly agreed upon between the consultant and the supervisor upon contract signature.

   Deliverable/Outcome and Payments:

  Deliverable 1:  40 % Payment

  • Satisfactory concise inception work plan.

  Deliverable 2:  60 % Payment

  • Satisfactory draft overarching programme rationale and outcome and overarching ToC and RRF for the next country programme.
  • Draft Concept Note for the SMR and Stakeholders Consultation and Validation Workshop respectively.
  • Summary Report of the SMR and the Stakeholder consultation respectively; and
  • Strategic Intent Paper
  • 1^st draft of next CPD that includes results and resources plans and overarching results and resources framework and costed evaluation plan
  • Revised 2^nd draft CPD documents
  • Final 3^rd draft CPD submission

   Administrative issues

  UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work.

  As per policy on consultants and individual contractors, the individual will be expected to complete a list of mandatory training, including policies on Prohibiting and Combatting Fraud and Corruption, Prohibition of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority and other relevant policies for their information and acknowledgment upon acceptance of the offer. Prior to the issuance of the official contract, the consultant is requested to complete the applicable mandatory trainings.

  The consultant’s assignment will be both on-site and off-site depending on activities as explained above and as agreed in the work plan at inception stage.

  The consultant will be provided a workstation at UNICEF offices.  The consultant will be connected to shared printers and will have access to UNICEF conference facilities for workshops and presentations.

  The consultant is expected to take care of his or her VISA clearance, travel arrangements and accommodation arrangements.

  How to apply

   Interested consultants should provide the following:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Brief technical proposal (no longer than two pages) demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the assignment and approach/methodology to the assignment
  • References details

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

  Education background:

  • Master’s degree in international relations, development studies, business administration, social sciences, demography, economics, statistics.

  Work experience:

  • At least ten years of strategic planning and programme design experience in social development field is required.
  • Proven track record of experience in design of UN and UNICEF country programme documents and results frameworks is required.
  • Proven track record in results-based management practice including in programme design (prioritization, programme strategy notes, theory of change, results framework, and results-based budgeting) is required.
  • Proven track record in facilitating multi-stakeholder groups as well as consultation with vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents, is essential.
  • Experience in development and humanitarian programming in the Eastern and Southern Africa is an asset.
  • Experience in conducting situation analysis of children’s and adolescents’ rights and well-being is an added advantage.

  Technical skills and knowledge:

  • Strong and up-to-date knowledge of results-based management principles and practice.
  • Sound and up to date knowledge and expertise in human rights-based approach to programming, gender-responsive, equity-focused, and risk-informed programming.
  • Sound and up to date knowledge of UN and UNICEF policies and practices in programme design.
  • Conversant with the Convention on the Rights of the Child as it relates to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child.
  • Working knowledge of Rwanda and Eastern and Southern Africa geographic and socio-economic situation.

  Competencies:

  • Strong analytical and conceptual thinking
  • Strong coordination and facilitation skills
  • Works collaboratively with others
  • Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
  • Drive to achieve results for impact
  • Ability to work under pressure and to manage different expectations
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications

  Languages: 

  • Fluency in English language combined with strong oral, presentation and written communication skills is required.
  • Knowledge of French and local language is asset.

  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 here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

  UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

  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.

  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.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY