TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position Title:Development of Preparedness Guidance Consultant

Contract Type:Consultant Contract

Duration:Approximately 4 months part time

Starting date:6 April 2015

Duty Station:NYHQ/ home based in the NY area without additional travel cost to NY.

Division/Section:Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) /Humanitarian Field Support Services Section

Main Task:Finalization of the development of UNICEF’s preparedness guidance

Application deadline:30March 2015

Background

UNICEF preparedness systems were evaluated in 2013. One of the recommendations of the evaluation was to develop a global strategy on preparedness. UNICEF, partially accepting this recommendation, agreed on the need to develop a guidance on preparedness.

The initiative is being conducted in parallel to the revision of the preparedness platform (Early Warning Early Action System), which was also recommended by the evaluation.

UNICEF/EMOPS started both processes in August 2014, supported by a reference group with participants from country offices, regional offices and different HQ divisions.

The revision of the system is being conducted in several steps: 1) Gathering information on the EWEA platform components, its effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and connectedness, and on UNICEF Emergency Preparedness efforts, guidelines, and documents; 2) Analyzing the information gathered and defining the central problem; 3) Ideation of possible solutions during a co-design workshop that was held in New York between January 19-23, 2015; 4) Prototyping and testing by developing a single prototype from the five prototypes developed by the participants. This prototype will need to be refined, tested and validated; 5) Implementing, by designing of training materials for the use of the new platform once it is defined.

Both process are closely linked, and progress in the development of the new platform requires clarity in the preparedness guidance and clarity on the policy issues involved.

OBJECTIVE

Finalize the development of the preparedness guidance in close cooperation and collaboration with the consultant working on the revision of the preparedness platform and incorporating input from the reference group.

Provide general support to HFSS in preparedness policy issues working together with the emergency preparedness specialist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

  1. Finalize the preparedness guidance and necessary annexes as finally agreed with the preparedness specialist and reference group and working closely with the consultant working on the revision of the preparedness platform.
  2. Continuous coordination and collaboration with the consultant working on the revision of the preparedness platform and with the preparedness specialist.
  3. Other support as required and requested by the preparedness specialist related to support to the preparedness guidance and platform development (notes form meetings with the reference group, summary of conclusions, analysis of policy options).

SCOPE OF THE PREPAREDNESS GUIDANCE

The preparedness guidance paper:

  • Will be completely aligned with the new preparedness platform and prototype being developed by the consultant working on this file.
  • Will address the points raised at the preparedness workshop held in New York on 19 January 2015.
  • Will address the points raised by the reference group members in different calls and through written feedback in the different interactions since August 2014.

KEY DELIVERABLES

  1. Preliminary draft of the guidance paper incorporating comments and vision from the reference group and aligned with platform prototype development and agreed with EMOPS.
  2. Final preparedness guidance paper accepted by the reference group and aligned with final reviewed preparedness platform, including its necessary annexes.

COMPETENCIES

Technical knowledge: knowledge of UNICEF preparedness programmes and approaches and familiar with the EWEA platform and with the work developed by the reference group so far; experience in emergency response; knowledge of relevant related IASC preparedness policies (in particular ERP).

Drive for results: conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficulties.

Analysis: Excellent analytical skills. Demonstrate ability to integrate various information sources to develop quality analytical production with both attention to detail and the broader context.

Teamwork: Strong inter-personal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour; ability to build trust and develop and maintain effective work relationships in a multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communication: Excellent communication, negotiation and listening skills.Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate multi-stakeholders meetings / consultations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in education, social sciences, public policy or related. First level university degree with relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

Minimum 5years professional experience,with experience in policy development. Good understanding of preparedness required. Familiarity with UNICEF’s internal EWEA system will also be an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in English is required and very good writing skills.

WORK LOCATION

NYHQ or home based in the NY area that does not require additional travel cost to NY.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT

Payment will be done against deliverables and consultants are invited to include in their offers their financial request per deliverable. Timing of deliverables and payment schedule will be agreed upon at the onset of the consultancy.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and P 11 form, (which can be downloaded from UNICEF’s website at ) to Victoria Thomas at with subject line “Preparedness Guidance Development Consultant” by 30 March, 2015, 5:00pm EST.

Please indicate your ability, availability and financial request per deliverable and suggested payment schedule to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a financial proposal will not be considered.Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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