Consultancy Posting

Advisor, Global Framework for Action

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Section, UNICEF

Background:

Global Framework for Action

Despite the pivotal role of sanitation and water supply in meeting all of the MDGs, the sector remains a low priority on national and international agendas. Although a number of programmes and funds have been established to increase access to sanitation and safe water, their success has been piecemeal, and they have thus far failed to address key bottlenecks in the most off-track countries, such as the lack of sector capacity to plan, implement and monitor for sustainable results. The fragmentation and lack of coordination that characterises the sector is preventing international efforts from having the greatest impact.

The Global Framework for Action (GF4A) aims to increase the effectiveness of existing initiatives and commitments by providing a mechanism for: greater accountability, better coordination for pro-poor targeting of financing, strategic analysis and resolution of bottlenecks, and regular reporting on investments and outcomes. The GF4A will utilize and build on existing global and national declarations, institutions and efforts. It will provide concrete steps for translating the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action into tangible results. The outcomes of the GF4A will be:

  • Greater political commitment to improve sustainable access to sanitation and water supply to meet and go beyond the MDG target.
  • Better targeting of external resources to countries in greatest need, increased utilisation and effectiveness of existing resources at country leveland additional resources mobilised for national sanitation and water supply plans.
  • Improved capacity of countries to design, implement and monitor sanitation and water supply plans—ensuring sustainable progress towards the MDG target and beyond.

The GF4A is currently led by the following organizations: AMCOW, DFID, DGIS, End Water Poverty, UNICEF, UN-Water, WaterAid, WHO, WSSCC, and WSP/World Bank. UNICEF will play a key role in the GF4A as the host of the first High Level Meeting (Spring 2010) and is also housing the temporary “Secretariat” from June 2009 to April 2010.

Under the guidance of the Chief, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Section, the Consultant will serve as the Advisor supporting the Global Framework for Action and the related High Level Meeting development and implementation.

Period: November 1, 2009 – April 30, 2010, 6 months

Location: The nature of the consultancy is such that the tasks can be carried out from any location with good internet connectivity. However, the consultant should be available to visit and work in the UNICEF HQ office regularly. The consultant should be available to travel to meetings as required.

Responsibilities

The Advisor will work closely with the other Secretariat Advisors (Senior Advisor, Communications Advisor) and the Interim Core Group, in addition to the Chief of WASH at UNICEF. Key functions include:

  1. Serve as GF4A Secretariat Advisor:
  1. Write strategy and advocacy materials for the Global Framework for Action (GFA)
  2. Ensure overall GF4A cohesion amongst Working Groups
  3. Serve as a contributing member of all Working Groups (currently three: Governance, Political/Communications strategy, Aid Effectiveness and Finance Modalities), providing technical inputs and advice
  4. Coordinate the Interim Core Group (ICG)and Working Groups, under guidance of the ICG Chair and Chief of WASH.
  5. Manage daily activities of the Secretariat and consultants
  6. Supervise administrative consultant
  1. Prepare for and organize two regional consultation meetings and the High Level Meeting in the Spring of 2010, under the supervision of the Chief of WASH and with some logistical support from administrative staff.

Key skills and experience required:

This consultancy requires at least 10 years of experience in the WASH sector working in the areas of programme management, strategic planning and policy and strategy development. The consultant should have sector experience at the local, country and global level. The consultant should be familiar with UNICEF HQ operations and GF4A members. Must be very familiar with current developments, research, best practices and global policy direction in the sector – including in the areas of water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, school WASH, environmental programming and programme integration with health and education. Experience in emergency WASH programmes is also an asset.