International / National Consultant (The Development and Implementation of Cash-based Programme Management)
Job Description
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.
Sudan, surrounded by the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and South Sudan, positioned next to East, West, South and North Africa, is surrounded by complex conflicts in an unpredictable, volatile and rapidly evolving region. Sudan is by size the third biggest country in Africa, with a diverse population of around 42 million people. Sudan’s children make up half of the total population, and the past two decades have seen their lives significantly improve: fewer girls and boys are dying before their fifth birthday, primary school attendance is increasing, immunization coverage is high and the country remains polio free. Still, millions of children continue to suffer from protracted conflict in Darfur, the Kordofan, and Blue Nile, from seasonal natural disasters, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, and from under-investment in basic social services. More than three million of Sudan’s school aged children are not in the classroom. UNICEF has been in Sudan since 1952 and continues with a presence in 12 of Sudan’s 18 states.
How can you make a difference?
The purpose of the consultancy is to support the UNICEF country office in the development and implementation of cash-based programme management. The incumbent will liaise with line ministries particularly the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the various UNICEF and inter-agency sections, partners as well as the pilot programme impact evaluation agency following the pilot as well as supervise the MIS database consultants.
Basic objectives of consultancy/contractor
To support CSSPR and the MoSSD in developing a national social protection strategic framework that will guide Government and partners’ efforts to strengthen social protection system in Sudan. The assignment will be undertaken in guidance and collaboration with a team of international consultants.
The specific activities include the following:
Support Country Office in designing a longer-term strategy on UNICEF’s engagement with cash-based interventions in both humanitarian and development contexts, ensuring strong linkages with the overall social protection system. She/he will work closely with the Social Policy, M&E, Programme Sections (Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education, Child Protection, C4D) and Field Operations colleagues. Participate in the Inter-Agency Cash Working Group and other relevant fora; build and maintain partnership with its members and other partners, to identify opportunities for joint approaches and joint programming. Support operational programme management and develop effective work plans. Achieve and maintain the partnership and collaboration with UN agencies and the government for technical cooperation, programme management/coordination, information sharing and networking.
Objective 1: Partnership, coordination and collaboration on cash transfer programme
Key Activities/Tasks
Ensure the inter-agency collaboration on cash transfer programmes between UNICEF and other agencies within the framework of the Statement from the Principals of OCHA, UNHCR, WFP and UNICEF on the development of joint approaches and mechanisms for cash assistance. Follow-up the implementation of the Humanitarian Cash Transfer Agreement between UNICEF and WFP, and develop other agreement with other agencies, organizations and ministries when needed. Contribute to the development and piloting a joint HCT programming and workplan with UNICEF internal sections and WFP. Participate on the ongoing meetings/discussion with the Ministry of Security and Social Development (MoSSD) on strengthening the social protection system (Cash Transfer Programme). Develop draft agreements with potential partners and service providers according to the need. Participate in the Cash Working Group.
Outputs/Deliverables
1.1 Inception report including roadmap and workplan finalized
1.2. Implementation workplan developed
Evaluation Criteria:
Reports (inception including roadmap), consultation meetings and workshops reports.
Objective 2: Design of Cash Based Transfer Programmes
Key Activities/Tasks
Advise the Sudan country office on the efficient and effective ways to design and implement the humanitarian cash transfer programmes based on the best practices, country specifics and complications. Technically led the operational design of the identified sector-based cash transfer programmes. Undertake cash feasibility and market assessments where relevant to inform the possibility of implementing cash transfer programmes. Assess the feasibility of cash in terms of its appropriateness as a solution to the identified challenges, and whether it is the best option compared to alternatives Conduct risk assessments and propose risk mitigation measures for the use of cash transfer programmes in the country. Identify potential implementing partners and service providers, and/or contribute to partners’ design efforts to ensure that HCT programmes are targeting children in need. Identify any major challenges or risks that might be faced in implementing cash transfer as a solution and provide potential solutions for the challenges. Develop standard operating procedures (SoPs) that guide the HCT pilot programmes, and the UNICEF – WFP joint programmes. Work closely with relevant UNICEF and WFP sections/units.
Outputs/Deliverables
2.1. Operational designed developed
2.2. Cash feasibility and market assessments conducted
2.3. SOPs developed
Evaluation Criteria: Market assessments and SOP
Objective 3: Implementation of Cash Based Transfer programmes
Key Activities/Tasks
HCTs are consistently considered as a response option across the response plans. HCTs are feasible, appropriate, technically-sound, cost-effective, innovative, sustainable and complimentary to other forms of assistance. Where applicable, this is done in close partnership with WFP and/or other partners. Cash Transfer programmes are implemented according to UNICEF guidelines and good practice established, with the overall objective of contributing to the well-being of beneficiaries. A country action plan of cash-based interventions is in place which identifies opportunities and a concrete and realistic way forward for starting new HCTs as well as scaling up existing projects over time. Ensure that the cash programme is strengthened by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting and other corporate-level databases based on the recommendations around the management information system.
Outputs/Deliverables
3.1. An internal coordination mechanism established and functional
3.2. Field visits to project sites conducted
3.3. Progress reports submitted
3.4. The final report and presentation materials developed
Evaluation Criteria: Reports, power point presentation on the findings and recommendations.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… Advanced University degree in one of the following fields: economics, development studies, public policy, business administration or other related disciplines. Minimum 8 years’ experience working with the implementation of social transfer or public works schemes, preferably MIS-based. Minimum 5 years’ experience in providing direct technical assistance to a government ministry or agency in Humanitarian cash transfers. Proven knowledge and technical skills in set up, design, implementation and monitoring of HCTs from a multi-sectoral perspective. He/she should have experience in managing teams. Background/familiarity with Emergency programmes. Experience of working with the UN and UNICEF. Fluency in English For every Child, you demonstrate…UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. 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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks: Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.
