Consultant Full-Time

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, Education

How can you make a difference?

Methodology and Technical Approach:

This consultancy is highly technical requiring very good knowledge of the latest developments in ECD as well as inclusive early childhood development and expertise in developing effective communication materials (audio, video and print – posters, brochures, etc) through involvement of creative media professionals. It will use participatory and collaborative approach both in capacity building of ECD Network members and in the production of ECD advocacy materials as per the principles of ‘Communicating with, for and about children’. Creative professionals, especially youths from the universities will be encouraged to participate in the workshops.

Activities and Tasks:

• Develop a brief needs/capacity assessment of the ECD Network and its members through a desk review of existing plans, guidelines and advocacy materials and through consultations. The findings from this analysis to be addressed in the subsequent 2 workshops (4 days on site);
• Planning and preparations for the capacity building and advocacy plan workshops (Time required: 5 days onsite);
• Facilitate a 3-day capacity building workshop of the ECD network members and key ECD partners in effective communication that would support them in their advocacy and awareness activities/campaigns for advocating and promoting holistic rights of young children to survival, development, protection, participation and early learning (3 days onsite);
• Develop a comprehensive advocacy plan through involvement of rede members. This could be a part of activity 3 with additional number of days. The plan will need to be reviewed by key ECD network members to finalize (5 days on site);
• Planning and preparations for the material development workshop (6 days onsite);
• Through a consultative and participatory approach, facilitate a seven-day workshop to develop a comprehensive advocacy package involving ECD rede members, key ECD partners and youths among creative media/communication professionals. The package must include advocacy materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, posters, books, radio/tv spots, etc.) as per the plan. The advocacy package must be inclusive of children with disabilities and must be based on the principles of ‘Communicating with, for and about children’ (6 days onsite);
• Review/revise and finalize the Advocacy Plan together with key ECD Rede members after the materials development workshop. The advocacy plan must ensure that materials developed are incorporated for effective utilization in the advocacy plan (3 days onsite);
• Wrap-up of the workshop and debrief meeting with UNICEF and ECD rede and its members (3 days onsite);
• Provide technical guidance and inputs to finalize all the associated ECD advocacy materials and provide guidelines for field testing of the materials developed (10 days (off-site);
• Final report of the consultancy – prepare a short and concise report on processes and work completed with highlighting key challenges and key recommendations (2 days (off-site).

Total number of days: 47 working days

Deliverables and Payments:

Payments will be processed upon acceptance of the corresponding deliverable and against an invoice that will make reference to the contract reference and deliverable number. Payments will be approved by the respective section chief.

Deliverable 1:

• Delivery timeframe:         17 working days
• Deliverable/product(s):  Brief situation analysis of the ECD Network and its members’ capacity conducted; capacity building workshop organized and advocacy plan drafted;
• Payment (%):   30%

Deliverable 2:

• Delivery timeframe:         18 working days;
• Deliverable/product(s):  Comprehensive ECD Advocacy package drafted through organizing a six day.  workshop and debrief meetings with ECD rede and UNICEF conducted;
• Payment (%):                    50%

 Deliverable 3:

• Delivery timeframe:             12 working days
• Deliverable/product(s):         Technical inputs provided on all the materials for finalization and consultancy, completion report submitted,
• Payment (%):                     20%

Management and Supervision:

The consultant will be supervised by Education Specialist for Early Learning and will be managed in consultation with the Public Advocacy and C4D Teams.

The consultant must have following qualifications and experience to be eligible to apply for the assignment:

Qualification

• A minimum of a Master Degree in Social Sciences and/or Communications

Work Experience

• International experience in programme communications and early childhood development programmes;
• At least 5 years’ experience in the area of ECD, including knowledge and experience in ECD programme communication with focus on parenting education and strategic advocacy;
• Experience in working with governments, NGOs and UNICEF (and or UN agencies)
• Experience in conducting participatory workshops and material development;
• Very good inter-personal skills as the selected consultant will have to work in collaboration with other experts (graphic designer, videographer, audio, etc.) and IT Skills;
• Very good facilitation and communication (oral and written) skills in English.

Language

Fluency in English and a good working knowledge of Portuguese (also Spanish) is preferable.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection of the consultant will be based on a “best value for money” principle.  Interested candidates should, in addition to submitting their CV and cover letter, indicate their all-inclusive fees (including travel, subsistence costs, etc.) for the services to be provided.  The office shall select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from the list of individuals who are deemed technically suitable for achieving all tasks in time.