UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF)
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY
I. Background and justification
Ecuador continues to make major progress toward achieving the goals of the National Development Plan for Good Living (PNBV) and also toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Nevertheless, this progress, in terms of national averages, is dimmed by persistent structural inequities.
In the framework of its current Cooperation Programme (2010-2014), UNICEF Ecuador has been developing the key strategies applied in Middle Income Countries, among which the Communication for Development (C4D) has demonstrated to be highly relevant to support the achievement of programme goals. In 2012, the C4D strategy contributed to programme results through the following lines of action: national mobilisation campaign to promote exclusive breastfeeding, mobilisation and sensitisation of parliamentarians on corporal punishment and violence and abuse prevention, establishment of the Business Network against Child Labour in Ecuador, and national social mobilisation campaign for free, universal birth registration, child ID and legal documentation.
In order to support the Country’s efforts to reduce inequities, UNICEF Ecuador is seeking a C4D Consultant with relevant experience who can provide highly quality technical assistance and services related to the strengthening of the Programme C4D strategy and implementation, in close coordination with all UNICEF areas, and mainly Programme, Communication and PFP.
II. Purpose
Support the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of Ecuador CO Programme C4D Strategy, under the general guidance of the supervisor, and in close coordination with sectoral Programme Specialists/Officers, the Communication Specialist/Officer and the PFP Specialist/Officer.
III. Roles and main responsibilities
· Design, manage and secure the implementation of specific programme related C4D strategies and plans of actions:
a) A Promise Renewed (APR) related responsibilities:
- Advise the Ministry of Public Health (MoH) in the design, formulation and implementation of the National Health Promotion C4D Strategy, including in the development of baseline studies (“CAP” studies on knowledge, attitudes and practices);
- Plan, design and support the development and implementation of training processes in C4D, Health Promotion and child nutrition for MoH national and local staff, in close coordination with the Ministry;
- Plan, manage and secure the further implementation of the on-going national C4D and social mobilization strategy for the reduction of child malnutrition and promotion of breastfeeding, in coordination with MoH and relevant partners such as PAHO;
- Advise and support the MoH in breastfeeding promotion issues, including in the design and implementation of community-based strategies -such as local support groups for breastfeeding mothers-;
- Develop awareness raising meetings and workshops with public and private strategic partners in order to protect, promote and support breastfeeding practices and policies;
- Plan, design and produce C4D strategies, methodologies and materials related to APR, Health Promotion, child nutrition and breastfeeding, adapted to the cultural context;
- Support and promote the establishment and strengthening of APR related partnerships and networks, and assist in the identification of relevant APR partners and in maintaining the relationships with the private sector, civil society and media;
- Promote APR related Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives -including breastfeeding rights related-, and plan, design and support the development and implementation of training processes in C4D and child nutrition/breastfeeding for the business sector;
- Disseminate appropriate information and foster social mobilization of the media sector;
- Systematize and disseminate lessons learned of the C4D strategies, processes and results in order to ensure sustainability;
- Monitor and evaluate the C4D strategies, processes and results to ensure effectiveness;
- Coordinate effectively with all UNICEF areas and relevant partners, including UN and cooperation agencies, public and private entities, civil society and local communities;
- Other related tasks as required.
b) Business Network against Child Labour;
- Develop the terms of reference of a “CAP” Study on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to Child Labour in Ecuador.
c) Family education.
- Assess UNICEF CO in family education and C4D related issues, in coordination with the Ministry of Social and Economic Inclusion
d) Other C4D issues
- Eventual other tasks related to relevant programmatic issues requiring C4D support and assessment (such as positive development of adolescents, sports for development – S4D, or corporate responsibility against sexual exploitation).
IV. Expected outputs and products
a) A Promise Renewed (APR):
- APR related detailed work plan;
- National Health Promotion C4D Strategy proposal, including methodology for the development of baseline studies;
- National C4D and social mobilization strategy for the reduction of child malnutrition and promotion of breastfeeding updated and implemented;
- At least 2 best practices in APR/breastfeeding Corporate Social Responsibility developed and implemented;
- Monthly results reports on all APR related responsibilities;
- Document APR related C4D strategies, methodologies and materials produced
- Systematization of C4D strategies, processes and results, including lessons learned and best practices
b) Business Network against Child Labour
- ToR developed of a “CAP” Study on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to Child Labour in Ecuador.
c) Family education
- Document on C4D strategy recommendations for family education.
d) Other C4D issues
- Eventual other products related to relevant programmatic issues requiring C4D support and assessment
V. Consultant’s profile
Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences (Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health, Education…) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, new technologies and research.
Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, including several years in developing countries -preferably in Latin America/Andean Region-, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes. UNICEF/UN work experience preferred.
Excellent analytical and advocacy skills, as well as communication and writing skills.
High level of ability to negotiate and enhance strategic partnerships. Experience in team working in culturally diverse contexts.
Fluency in Spanish and English.
Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications, as well as high level skills and knowledge of innovative ICT strategies to enhance C4D processes (use of social networks, new communication technologies,…).
VI. Reporting responsibilities/supervision
The consultant will report to the Deputy Representative and will maintain close coordination and cooperation with sectorial programme, communication and PFP Specialists/Officers.
VII. Duration of the consultancy
From July 1st 2013 to May 31th 2014.
VIII. Duty station
Quito, Ecuador. The consultancy will require field visits (field visits costs are covered by the Cooperation Programme).
IX. Closing date of application
June 23, 2013.
X. Honoraria & fees
Applicants are requested to submit an economic proposal for the consultancy (lump sum covering honoraria and in country residence costs).
The consultant will be paid on a monthly basis subject to the approval of reports due at the end of each month.
XI. How to apply
Interested consultants should send their application letter, updated P11 form and copy of CV to the following e-mail address: , with the subject “C4D CONSULTANCY”.
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