M&E and Field Support Officer for Early Childhood
Development and Social Protection
Development and Social Protection
Closing
date: 08 Nov 2015
date: 08 Nov 2015
Position
Title:
International consultancy – M&E and Field Support Officer for Early
Childhood Development and Social Protection
Title:
International consultancy – M&E and Field Support Officer for Early
Childhood Development and Social Protection
Level:Junior Level
Location:Kigali
Duration:11 months
Start
Date:November
2015
Date:November
2015
Reporting
to:Chief
of Social Policy and Research / ECD specialist, UNICEF Rwanda
to:Chief
of Social Policy and Research / ECD specialist, UNICEF Rwanda
1.
Background and Purpose
Background and Purpose
Support
to Early Childhood Development and Family services (ECD&F) has emerged as
one of the priority areas for development in Rwanda, as described in the Early
Childhood Development Policy and its Strategic Plan, and reiterated in the
Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy which provides directions
of the national development agenda.
to Early Childhood Development and Family services (ECD&F) has emerged as
one of the priority areas for development in Rwanda, as described in the Early
Childhood Development Policy and its Strategic Plan, and reiterated in the
Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy which provides directions
of the national development agenda.
In
order to respond to this government priority and to translate national policies
into action, UNICEF Rwanda and Imbuto Foundation entered in to a partnership to
bring together multiple Early Childhood Development and Family interventions,
with the family at the heart of the approach.
order to respond to this government priority and to translate national policies
into action, UNICEF Rwanda and Imbuto Foundation entered in to a partnership to
bring together multiple Early Childhood Development and Family interventions,
with the family at the heart of the approach.
The
ECD&F programme targets children under the age of 7 in Rwanda, offering a
combination of center-based and home-based ECD interventions. The ECD&F
model focuses on responding to community needs for sustainability and relies on
community ownership of the program. While some of the interventions (e.g.
provision of center-based ECD services) focus on targeted villages, the others
(e.g. child protection) cover the whole sector / district. Social protection
interventions, home-based ECD services, WASH and nutrition, focus on the most
deprived children and families in the targeted villages and neighboring
communities as well. Through this programme the Ministry of Gender and Family
Promotion (MIGEPROF)/ the National Commission for Children (NCC), the Ministry
of Education (MINEDUC), the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), UNICEF as
well as national and international civil society organizations build on their
joint previous achievements, while introducing innovative approaches to fast
track results for Rwandan children.
ECD&F programme targets children under the age of 7 in Rwanda, offering a
combination of center-based and home-based ECD interventions. The ECD&F
model focuses on responding to community needs for sustainability and relies on
community ownership of the program. While some of the interventions (e.g.
provision of center-based ECD services) focus on targeted villages, the others
(e.g. child protection) cover the whole sector / district. Social protection
interventions, home-based ECD services, WASH and nutrition, focus on the most
deprived children and families in the targeted villages and neighboring
communities as well. Through this programme the Ministry of Gender and Family
Promotion (MIGEPROF)/ the National Commission for Children (NCC), the Ministry
of Education (MINEDUC), the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), UNICEF as
well as national and international civil society organizations build on their
joint previous achievements, while introducing innovative approaches to fast
track results for Rwandan children.
In
addition, the government of Rwanda, with support from UNICEF Rwanda and other
stakeholders, is exploring expansion of the design of Public Works programmes
(social protection programmes) to better link them with national ECD priorities
(expanding child sensitive social protection programmes). Various government
policies and strategies, among them the Social Protection strategy and the ECD
policy, emphasize the need for better coordination and linkages between
programmes which target the most vulnerable children. In order to promote the
linkage and integration of social protection and ECD&F, a pilot project will
be established in two districts in Rwanda. This pilot will explore expanded
public works options, to broaden public works to a wider range of activities
which support ECD, for example employment of public works beneficiaries with
young children as support staff in ECD centres, and the establishment of mobile
crèches in public works sites for mothers with young children, participating in
public works projects. A key component of this project will be the integration
of a nutrition package into child sensitive social protection projects.
addition, the government of Rwanda, with support from UNICEF Rwanda and other
stakeholders, is exploring expansion of the design of Public Works programmes
(social protection programmes) to better link them with national ECD priorities
(expanding child sensitive social protection programmes). Various government
policies and strategies, among them the Social Protection strategy and the ECD
policy, emphasize the need for better coordination and linkages between
programmes which target the most vulnerable children. In order to promote the
linkage and integration of social protection and ECD&F, a pilot project will
be established in two districts in Rwanda. This pilot will explore expanded
public works options, to broaden public works to a wider range of activities
which support ECD, for example employment of public works beneficiaries with
young children as support staff in ECD centres, and the establishment of mobile
crèches in public works sites for mothers with young children, participating in
public works projects. A key component of this project will be the integration
of a nutrition package into child sensitive social protection projects.
For
these purposes, UNICEF is seeking an international consultant to provide
strategic coordination, monitoring, evaluation and documentation support to
several areas of the ECD&F project, with a strong focus on field support.
these purposes, UNICEF is seeking an international consultant to provide
strategic coordination, monitoring, evaluation and documentation support to
several areas of the ECD&F project, with a strong focus on field support.
2.
Justification
Justification
The
ECD&F programme is a large scale initiative implemented in selected sites
in Rwanda. In order to systematically document lessons learned and identify
mitigation measures, UNICEF Rwanda seeks to recruit an international consultant
to support coordination of the monitoring and evaluation and documenting key
lessons learned around certain aspects (child sensitive social protection and
integrated nutrition) of the ECD&F programmes.
ECD&F programme is a large scale initiative implemented in selected sites
in Rwanda. In order to systematically document lessons learned and identify
mitigation measures, UNICEF Rwanda seeks to recruit an international consultant
to support coordination of the monitoring and evaluation and documenting key
lessons learned around certain aspects (child sensitive social protection and
integrated nutrition) of the ECD&F programmes.
3.
Objectives
Objectives
The
main objective and responsibility of this consultancy is to support the
effective and efficient implementation of ECD&F programme in selected
sites, focusing on monitoring, evaluation and reporting in line with agreed
requirements, as well as provide a knowledge management role, in particular as
it relates to child sensitive social protection. The key responsibilities of
the consultancy are:
main objective and responsibility of this consultancy is to support the
effective and efficient implementation of ECD&F programme in selected
sites, focusing on monitoring, evaluation and reporting in line with agreed
requirements, as well as provide a knowledge management role, in particular as
it relates to child sensitive social protection. The key responsibilities of
the consultancy are:
- Support
monitoring and evaluation of the ECD & Family programme by
establishing a system for tracking a cohort of young children and their
families; - Provide
field support for implementation, monitoring and finalization of the
essential package of ECD & Family services; - Support
the documentation, monitoring and assessment of the social protection
component of the ECD & Family programme.
4.
Methodological Approach & Expected Output
Methodological Approach & Expected Output
The
consultant will work in close collaboration with UNICEF, MINALOC, MIGEPROF, Aga
Khan University, and implementing NGO partners – Imbuto Foundation and CARE
International for assessment and roll-out of pilot projects, and for the M&E
of on-going ECD&F services.The key responsibilities and expected
outputs of the consultancy are outlined below.
consultant will work in close collaboration with UNICEF, MINALOC, MIGEPROF, Aga
Khan University, and implementing NGO partners – Imbuto Foundation and CARE
International for assessment and roll-out of pilot projects, and for the M&E
of on-going ECD&F services.The key responsibilities and expected
outputs of the consultancy are outlined below.
1.
Support monitoring and evaluation of the ECD & Family programme by
establishing a system for tracking a cohort of young children and their
families.
Support monitoring and evaluation of the ECD & Family programme by
establishing a system for tracking a cohort of young children and their
families.
1.1
Establish a system for tracking a cohort of young children and their families
every 6 months
Establish a system for tracking a cohort of young children and their families
every 6 months
Based
on an ECD&F baseline survey conducted in 2014, the consultant will
establish a monitoring system for tracking a cohort of approximately 450
children, and their families. The consultant will manage continuous study
follow-up to this ECD&F baseline cohort, identifying whether they are
accessing ECD&F services, as well as identify measures to encourage uptake
of services. This entails designing survey; training of field workers,
follow-up and supervision of data collection; and data analysis. The
established system will be in line with UNICEF Gender Action Plan and Human
Rights-based Approach to Programming (HRBAP): for instance, data will
disaggregated by sex, age, family social status, etc. to allow appropriate
decision-making.
on an ECD&F baseline survey conducted in 2014, the consultant will
establish a monitoring system for tracking a cohort of approximately 450
children, and their families. The consultant will manage continuous study
follow-up to this ECD&F baseline cohort, identifying whether they are
accessing ECD&F services, as well as identify measures to encourage uptake
of services. This entails designing survey; training of field workers,
follow-up and supervision of data collection; and data analysis. The
established system will be in line with UNICEF Gender Action Plan and Human
Rights-based Approach to Programming (HRBAP): for instance, data will
disaggregated by sex, age, family social status, etc. to allow appropriate
decision-making.
1.2
Support impact evaluation of ECD&F programme in 10 sites, jointly with
(external) evaluation partner/institute
Support impact evaluation of ECD&F programme in 10 sites, jointly with
(external) evaluation partner/institute
The
consultant will provide support for a comprehensive impact/end evaluation of
all components of ECD&F programme, to be conducted in late 2016. This
includes supporting the ECD&F technical committee design the end-line
survey for the cohort of children included in 2014 ECD&F baseline survey; identify
an implementing partner for the survey; support implementing partner with
training of field workers to collect data; provide support to implementing
partner for supervision of data collection; and support implementing partner
with analysis of data.
consultant will provide support for a comprehensive impact/end evaluation of
all components of ECD&F programme, to be conducted in late 2016. This
includes supporting the ECD&F technical committee design the end-line
survey for the cohort of children included in 2014 ECD&F baseline survey; identify
an implementing partner for the survey; support implementing partner with
training of field workers to collect data; provide support to implementing
partner for supervision of data collection; and support implementing partner
with analysis of data.
2.
Provide field support for implementation, monitoring and finalization of the
essential package of ECD & Family services.
Provide field support for implementation, monitoring and finalization of the
essential package of ECD & Family services.
The
consultant will provide field support to Aga Khan University (AKU) in the
finalization and monitoring of an essential package of ECD & Family
services. The package comprises an adaptation of the UNICEF and WHO ‘Care for
Child Development’ programme and an early learning enrichment programme for 4-6
year olds in ECD centres, supported by monitoring and outreach services for high
risk children. The first draft of this package is already developed by AKU, and
implementation has started. The consultant will support the early
implementation phase in the field, working closely with the implementing
partner (Imbuto Foundation) to increase capacity for quality implementation and
monitoring. Jointly with Imbuto Foundation, the consultant will document
lessons from the early implementation, to inform the finalization of the
essential package of ECD & F services.
consultant will provide field support to Aga Khan University (AKU) in the
finalization and monitoring of an essential package of ECD & Family
services. The package comprises an adaptation of the UNICEF and WHO ‘Care for
Child Development’ programme and an early learning enrichment programme for 4-6
year olds in ECD centres, supported by monitoring and outreach services for high
risk children. The first draft of this package is already developed by AKU, and
implementation has started. The consultant will support the early
implementation phase in the field, working closely with the implementing
partner (Imbuto Foundation) to increase capacity for quality implementation and
monitoring. Jointly with Imbuto Foundation, the consultant will document
lessons from the early implementation, to inform the finalization of the
essential package of ECD & F services.
3.
Support the documentation, monitoring and assessment of the social protection
component of the ECD & Family programme.
Support the documentation, monitoring and assessment of the social protection
component of the ECD & Family programme.
3.1
Establish an M&E system for integrated child sensitive social protection
and nutrition programming
Establish an M&E system for integrated child sensitive social protection
and nutrition programming
The
consultant will establish an M&E plan for integrated child sensitive social
protection and nutrition programming, as part of the wider ECD&F
programming. In particular, the consultant will provide support to CARE
International for prioritization of key indicators to track for the child
sensitive protection project, based on the ECD&F baseline. The consultant
will plan periodic monitoring visits to two pilot project districts, based on
the agreed M&E plan, supporting the continuous monitoring, review and
evaluation of the child sensitive social protection project in these selected
sites, including arranging joint field visits together with the implementing
partners to conduct qualitative and quantitative checks to obtain feedback in a
timely manner.
consultant will establish an M&E plan for integrated child sensitive social
protection and nutrition programming, as part of the wider ECD&F
programming. In particular, the consultant will provide support to CARE
International for prioritization of key indicators to track for the child
sensitive protection project, based on the ECD&F baseline. The consultant
will plan periodic monitoring visits to two pilot project districts, based on
the agreed M&E plan, supporting the continuous monitoring, review and
evaluation of the child sensitive social protection project in these selected
sites, including arranging joint field visits together with the implementing
partners to conduct qualitative and quantitative checks to obtain feedback in a
timely manner.
3.2
Design and implement a formative/process evaluation of the integrated child
sensitive social protection and nutrition project
Design and implement a formative/process evaluation of the integrated child
sensitive social protection and nutrition project
The
consultant will develop evaluation tools and processes for formative/process
evaluation of the integrated child sensitive social protection and nutrition
project, to determine whether program activities have been implemented as
intended; and to explore whether the child sensitive social protection pilot,
is feasible, appropriate and acceptable to potential scale-up
consultant will develop evaluation tools and processes for formative/process
evaluation of the integrated child sensitive social protection and nutrition
project, to determine whether program activities have been implemented as
intended; and to explore whether the child sensitive social protection pilot,
is feasible, appropriate and acceptable to potential scale-up
3.3
Document key lessons learned around integrated child sensitive social protection
and nutrition project
Document key lessons learned around integrated child sensitive social protection
and nutrition project
The
consultant will provide support to CARE International and Imbuto Foundation in
facilitating knowledge building and knowledge sharing, ensuring that
information and data from the selected sites integrating child sensitive social
protection and nutrition are documented, analysed and reported in a timely
manner, in particular identifying links and synergies for integration. The
consultant will identify approaches and, delivery mechanisms utilized or
developed within the child sensitive social protection programme which have the
greatest potential in terms of scale up.
consultant will provide support to CARE International and Imbuto Foundation in
facilitating knowledge building and knowledge sharing, ensuring that
information and data from the selected sites integrating child sensitive social
protection and nutrition are documented, analysed and reported in a timely
manner, in particular identifying links and synergies for integration. The
consultant will identify approaches and, delivery mechanisms utilized or
developed within the child sensitive social protection programme which have the
greatest potential in terms of scale up.
5.
Major Tasks, Deliverables & Timeframe
Major Tasks, Deliverables & Timeframe
The
major deliverables and timeframe of this consultancy are outlined below:
major deliverables and timeframe of this consultancy are outlined below:
TimeframeDeliverables
Objective 1: M&E / Survey Objective 2: AKU support Objective 3: Social
Protection
Objective 1: M&E / Survey Objective 2: AKU support Objective 3: Social
Protection
November
2015: Inception report drafted outlining expected tasks and outcomes for the
duration of the 11-month consultancy Inception report Inception report
2015: Inception report drafted outlining expected tasks and outcomes for the
duration of the 11-month consultancy Inception report Inception report
December
2015 Survey designed and system for tracking a cohort of young children and
their families established 1st progress report on field support to AKU
Monitoring and Evaluation plan for child-sensitive social protection and
Nutrition ECD&F project drafted *(in collaboration with theLocal Administrative
Entities Development Agency (**LODA), Imbuto Foundation and CARE
International)*
2015 Survey designed and system for tracking a cohort of young children and
their families established 1st progress report on field support to AKU
Monitoring and Evaluation plan for child-sensitive social protection and
Nutrition ECD&F project drafted *(in collaboration with theLocal Administrative
Entities Development Agency (**LODA), Imbuto Foundation and CARE
International)*
January
2016 1st follow-up survey on cohort of young children and families
completed; draft report on findings submitted.
2016 1st follow-up survey on cohort of young children and families
completed; draft report on findings submitted.
February
2016 ToRs for end evaluation drafted and validated by ECD&F technical
committee
2016 ToRs for end evaluation drafted and validated by ECD&F technical
committee
March
2016 2nd progress report on field support to AKU
2016 2nd progress report on field support to AKU
April
2016 1st draft of key lessons learned on child sensitive social protection
pilot
2016 1st draft of key lessons learned on child sensitive social protection
pilot
May
2016 End evaluation implementing partner identified, jointly with ECD&F
technical committee
2016 End evaluation implementing partner identified, jointly with ECD&F
technical committee
June
2016 3rd progress report on field support to AKU
2016 3rd progress report on field support to AKU
July
2016 2nd follow-up survey on cohort of young children and families completed;
report on findings submitted.
2016 2nd follow-up survey on cohort of young children and families completed;
report on findings submitted.
August
2016 Field implementation plan for ECD&F evaluation finalized
2016 Field implementation plan for ECD&F evaluation finalized
September
2016 4th progress report on field support to AKU
2016 4th progress report on field support to AKU
October
2016 Final draft of key lessons learned on child sensitive social protection
pilot
2016 Final draft of key lessons learned on child sensitive social protection
pilot
6.
Stakeholder Participation
Stakeholder Participation
For
the M&E support and tracking of a cohort of children, the main
stakeholders are UNICEF’s ECD&F taskforce, MIGEPROF, and the implementing
partner Imbuto Foundation. The consultant will work closely with the
implementing partner for the evaluation in line with the agreed modalities of
cooperation.
the M&E support and tracking of a cohort of children, the main
stakeholders are UNICEF’s ECD&F taskforce, MIGEPROF, and the implementing
partner Imbuto Foundation. The consultant will work closely with the
implementing partner for the evaluation in line with the agreed modalities of
cooperation.
In
terms of support to the implementation and monitoring of the essential
package of ECD & Family services, the consultant will work under the
direct guidance of Aga Khan University, and will work closely with Imbuto
Foundation in the field.
terms of support to the implementation and monitoring of the essential
package of ECD & Family services, the consultant will work under the
direct guidance of Aga Khan University, and will work closely with Imbuto
Foundation in the field.
For
the social protection component, the consultant will work with Imbuto
Foundation, MIGEPROF, UNICEF ECD taskforce and CARE International to ensure
that the pilots are in line with ECD pilot models under implementation in
selected sites. The innovative area of exploring how ECD can complement public
works programmes requires increased coordination between MINALOC and other
Ministries, such as MIGEPROF and MINEDUC. The consultant will work closely with
MINALOC counterpart and the ECD taskforce, and will consult with theVision 2020
Umurenge Programme (VUP)[1] team in the field and at central level.
the social protection component, the consultant will work with Imbuto
Foundation, MIGEPROF, UNICEF ECD taskforce and CARE International to ensure
that the pilots are in line with ECD pilot models under implementation in
selected sites. The innovative area of exploring how ECD can complement public
works programmes requires increased coordination between MINALOC and other
Ministries, such as MIGEPROF and MINEDUC. The consultant will work closely with
MINALOC counterpart and the ECD taskforce, and will consult with theVision 2020
Umurenge Programme (VUP)[1] team in the field and at central level.
The
incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of Social Policy and
Research and in close collaboration with the ECD & Family unit responsible
for coordinating ECD and Family programmes across UNICEF sections.
incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of Social Policy and
Research and in close collaboration with the ECD & Family unit responsible
for coordinating ECD and Family programmes across UNICEF sections.
7.
Qualifications and Requirements
Qualifications and Requirements
The
International Consultant should have:
International Consultant should have:
·
MA degree or PhD in Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, Gender and
Development Studies, Social Development, Sociology or other relevant fields
MA degree or PhD in Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, Gender and
Development Studies, Social Development, Sociology or other relevant fields
·
At least 4 years with proven experience of field programme coordination,
research and analysis
At least 4 years with proven experience of field programme coordination,
research and analysis
·
Good understanding of Rwandan context an asset, in particular ECD in Rwanda
Good understanding of Rwandan context an asset, in particular ECD in Rwanda
·
Strong analytical and writing skills
Strong analytical and writing skills
·
Ability to produce deliverables in due time and with quality standards
Ability to produce deliverables in due time and with quality standards
·
Proficiency in computer applications and statistical software (such as SPSS,
Stata and NVivo)
Proficiency in computer applications and statistical software (such as SPSS,
Stata and NVivo)
·
Fluency in written and oral English, French will be an added asset
Fluency in written and oral English, French will be an added asset
·
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
8.
Supervision
Supervision
The
international consultant will report to the Chief of Social Policy and
Research, and will be based in-country for the full 11 months.
international consultant will report to the Chief of Social Policy and
Research, and will be based in-country for the full 11 months.
9.
Terms and conditions:
Terms and conditions:
·
Period: November 2015 – October 2016
Period: November 2015 – October 2016
·
Travel arrangements: if the consultant is not based in Rwanda, UNICEF will
provide airfare ticket by the most direct flight in economy class
Travel arrangements: if the consultant is not based in Rwanda, UNICEF will
provide airfare ticket by the most direct flight in economy class
·
On-field (in-country) transport: UNICEF will provide on-field (in-country)
transport
On-field (in-country) transport: UNICEF will provide on-field (in-country)
transport
·
Payment conditions and currency: Payments will be made monthly upon satisfactory
performance and deliverables (in $USD)
Payment conditions and currency: Payments will be made monthly upon satisfactory
performance and deliverables (in $USD)
·
UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if
performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or
for failure to meet deadlines
UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if
performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or
for failure to meet deadlines
·
All materials developed by the consultant will remain the copyright of UNICEF
and that UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in future.
All materials developed by the consultant will remain the copyright of UNICEF
and that UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in future.
[1]
VUP is an Integrated Local Development Program to Accelerate Poverty
Eradication, Rural Growth, and Social Protection. This is an initiative by the
Government of Rwanda in collaboration with development partners and NGOs. It is
led by the Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance, Community Development
and Social Affairs (MINALOC) and supported by the Ministry of Finance and
Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).
VUP is an Integrated Local Development Program to Accelerate Poverty
Eradication, Rural Growth, and Social Protection. This is an initiative by the
Government of Rwanda in collaboration with development partners and NGOs. It is
led by the Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance, Community Development
and Social Affairs (MINALOC) and supported by the Ministry of Finance and
Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).
Qualified
individuals are requested to submit their cover letter, CV and P11 form (which
can be downloaded from: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc), and
proposed daily rate to Human Resources at: rwajobs@unicef.orgby
November 8th , 2015*, with subject:International consultant –M&E and
Field Support Officer – ECD and SP*
individuals are requested to submit their cover letter, CV and P11 form (which
can be downloaded from: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc), and
proposed daily rate to Human Resources at: rwajobs@unicef.orgby
November 8th , 2015*, with subject:International consultant –M&E and
Field Support Officer – ECD and SP*
You
may also submit to: Human Resources Specialist, UNICEF Rwanda, and P.O. Box
381, Kigali, Rwanda.
may also submit to: Human Resources Specialist, UNICEF Rwanda, and P.O. Box
381, Kigali, Rwanda.
Submissions
without daily rates and P11 will not be accepted.
without daily rates and P11 will not be accepted.
