BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Malawi is one of the developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with a young population of 8.5 million out a total population of 15.4million, resulting in a high dependency burden on the surviving adult population. Violence against children is a significant child protection issue that requires an immediate redress. Violence in children is defined in various forms such as sexual abuse and exploitation, armed violence, trafficking, child labour, gender based violence, bullying, gang violence, female genital mutilation/cutting, child marriage as well as physically and emotionally violent child discipline among others . One in six children in Malawi are vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect and at risk to and from HIV and AIDS. Sixty-five per cent of girls experience some form of child abuse during their lifetime, compared to 35 per cent of boys. One in four (23 per cent) girls aged 15 to 19 years are married, compared to less than two per cent of boys. One in four children are involved in child labour. Less than one per cent of children aged 0 to 2 have a birth certificate.
Nearly 13 per cent of children have lost one or both parents, half of them to HIV-related illness, while a further 6 per cent live in households with a sick parent or other sick adult. Approximately 90,000 children are living with HIV and one in six children (1.2 million) are growing up with reduced parental care in a wide range of formal and informal care arrangements. A total of 12,000 children are living in child-headed households and 6,000 children living in institutional care. Overall 11 per cent of children do not live with their parents even though both parents are living. Many of Malawi’s 1 million orphaned children live in poor communities that struggle to provide optimal care and protection, leaving the children vulnerable to neglect, abuse and exploitation . About 53 per cent of children possess three minimum material needs (a blanket, one pair of shoes and more than one set of clothing). This figure drops to 41 per cent for orphans and vulnerable children and decreases further to 29 per cent for non-orphans and 18 per cent for orphans in the lowest quintile. . The majority of vulnerable children are still not being reached by impact mitigation services and those with the highest needs are unlikely to be service recipients.
Regarding access to education, sixty-eight per cent of girls and 62 per cent of boys either do not enrol in school or exit the education system before the age of twelve. Twenty-four per cent of children with disabilities do not attend school and comprise one in six children in alternative care institutions such as orphanages. Only five per cent of people with disabilities receive support from welfare services.
The UN study on Violence against Children (2006) recommends that countries adopt long term strategies to protect children from intentional harm and one way to do this is to design an effective societal behaviour change campaign framework. In response, the Government of Malawi and civil society has made significant improvements in the architecture for child protection prevention, mitigation and response. A range of new laws covering child protection, birth registration, and wills and inheritance have been enacted. The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (2006) is under review and new legislation is being drafted on the adoption of children and the trafficking of adults and children. The range and reach of child protection services has expanded considerably with the establishment of 101 Police Victim Support Units, three hospital-based One Stop Centres for women and children survivors of rape, family violence and child maltreatment, 250 Community Victim Support Units, 6,000 Community-Based Childcare Centres and 2,500 Children’s Corners. Children’s Courts are being progressively rolled out to ensure better justice for child offenders, witnesses and victims. There are fewer children in custody today than there were five years ago. Impact mitigation strategies now reach approximately 50 per cent of children affected by HIV and AIDS.
An average of seven civil society organisations per district are providing child protection services while the National Child Helpline is providing information, advice and counselling to thousands of children each year. Further, the Government recently conducted a qualitative survey on Violence against Children which revealed a number of issues regarding child sexual abuse which mostly affect girls, children willing to report violence to relations other than to services available, lack of awareness on where to report violence as well as gender and power relations related to child abuse and exploitation. The government is currently undertaking a qualitative study to establish the magnitude of the findings of the qualitative survey. While there have been significant advances in protecting children in Malawi, challenges still remain as one in six children are still at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect and the impacts of HIV and AIDS. The violence prevention campaign framework to be designed through this consultancy seeks to build on existing efforts invested in protecting children.
PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The purpose of this consultancy is to design a five-year (2013 to 2017) campaign framework on prevention of violence against children in Malawi. The campaign framework should constitute a strategy, costed implementation plan, costed communications strategy, costed monitoring and evaluation plan and budget. The campaign framework will facilitate in attaining five primary results while contributing to a number of broader child protection results. The specific results that the campaign framework will help to achieve by 2018 are:
- Increased knowledge in the community of the Child Care Protection and Justice Act (2010).
- Increased community awareness of child protection and the importance of protecting children from violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect and the impact of HIV and AIDS.
- Promote a new social norm that all cases of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect must be acted on by reporting the matter to a responsible person or organisation for action, and each child that is at risk of harm is identified and protected.
- Children at various ages understand their protection rights and how to claim these rights.
- Parents understand what constitutes positive child protection practices and how to use these practices.
THE SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FRAMEWORK INCLUDE:
- Girls experience more protection violations than boys. Improving the protection of girls will be the centre piece of the campaign design.
- Children with disabilities are more likely to face violence although the magnitude of the problem is not known in Malawi.
- Children will only be safe from harm if the adults, particularly women, in their community are safe from harm. Reducing physical and sexual violence against women is core child protection work and a core part of the campaign framework.
- In most instances, parents provide the first line of defense in the protection of children. Strengthening child protection practices and linking families under stress with child protection and broader social services will be promoted.
- Social norms, such as those governing child parenting practices, determine that some children are valued more than others. The art of child protection in development is to find reasons for this, to identify less-valued children, and to support communities (and, where necessary, more formal mechanisms) to improve the protection of these children. The campaign framework to be designed will seek to influence social norms in favour of all children.
SCOPE OF WORK
The development of the campaign framework on prevention of violence against children is expected to be finalised in 90 working days beginning 1st November 2013 and ending not later than 31st March 2014. Flexible arrangements on actual working days will be agreed upon with the consultant taking into consideration the upcoming Festive Season and New Year holidays.
The development of the campaign framework on prevention of violence against children is expected to be finalised in 90 working days beginning 1st November 2013 and ending not later than 31st March 2014. Flexible arrangements on actual working days will be agreed upon with the consultant taking into consideration the upcoming Festive Season and New Year holidays.
The design a five-year campaign framework on prevention of violence against children should constitute the following:
- Strategic campaign planning through a literature review that:
a. Is built on lessons learnt from previous campaigns such as the ‘Stop Child Abuse’ and the ‘Mera Mphoyamba’ ECD campaigns
b. Is evidence informed from the the findings of the qualitative and quantitative study on violence against children; Formative Study results on violence against children, amongst other targeted reports including local and international best practices;
c. Is informed by a policy review including international policies, guidelines and frameworks;
d. Is built on a strong basis in human rights and gender analysis;
e. Has clearly identified ethics to prevent the potentially security and emotional hazards that people involved in the campaign may be exposed to and;
f. Identifies of risks and opportunities;
g. Includes stakeholder mapping and;
h. Includes the development of a theory of behavior change that illustrates the approach to best achieve the campaign goal. - Development of a Violence Against Children Campaign strategy through a national consultation process which identifies the roadmap or course of action that should be taken to meet the campaign results. This includes the outcomes and types of actions that should be carried out (by whom, how and when), and the target audiences that should be reached (by whom, how and when).
- Development of the Violence Against Children Campaign implementation plan through a national consultation process which translates the campaign strategy into concrete actions and activities. This should include action planning, determining campaign leadership and management structures, how to work together in alliances, and manage tension.
The implementation plan should also include an analysis of each form of violence, specific social norms and social behaviours that will be addressed under each area of violence, how the campaign would end violence as well as the strategy to ensure that the campaign is results based. - Development of Violence Against Children Campaign communications strategy through a national consultation process designed around a brand logo which includes multi-pronged, combination of different techniques and tools (such as Information Education and Communication Materials) to reach and influence target audiences. The communications strategy should include the message brand and among other things constitute a colour scheme, brand logo or tag line, key violence prevention campaign messages and the targeted audience.
- Development of a Violence Against Children Campaign monitoring and evaluation plan: This should include a monitoring plan to track campaign implementation, and an evaluation plan and terms of reference which will analyze the data and findings tracked to assess the effectiveness of the campaign. The evaluation plan should include a results log frame with inputs, outputs and outcomes, baselines and indictors of progress for each form of violence for an implementation period of five years.
- Campaign financing: This includes costing in Malawi Kwacha of the Campaign implementation plan, communication and monitoring and evaluation plan.
DELIVERABLES
The key deliverables for the consultancy are as follows:
- Strategic campaign planning:
Expected Output:
a. An Inception Report including literature review - Development of a Campaign strategy
Expected Output:
a. A VAC Campaign Strategy - Development of the Campaign implementation plan
Expected Output:
a. A VAC Campaign Implementation Plan - Development of Campaign communications strategy and Plan
Expected Output: a. A VAC Campaign Communication Strategy and Plan
- Development of a Campaign monitoring and evaluation plan:
Expected Output:
a. A VAC Monitoring Plan
b. A VAC Evaluation Plan
c. A log frame with inputs, outputs and outcomes, baselines and indictors of progress for each form of violence for an implementation period of five years - Campaign financing:
Expected Output:
a. A Costed VAC Campaign Implementation Plan
b. A Costed VAC Campaign Communication Plan
c. A Costed VAC Monitoring Plan
d. A Costed VAC Evaluation Plan
REMUNERATION
Deliverables will determine the payment as per the following terms:
First Payment An Inception Report including literature review 20% Deliverable 1
Second Payment A VAC Campaign Strategy
A VAC Campaign Implementation Plan 20% Deliverable 2
Third Payment A VAC Campaign Communication Strategy and Plan 20% Deliverable 3
Fourth Payment A VAC Monitoring Plan
A VAC Evaluation Plan
A log frame with inputs, outputs and outcomes, baselines and indictors of progress for each form of violence for an implementation period of five years 20% Deliverable 4
Fifth Payment A Costed VAC Campaign Implementation Plan
A Costed VAC Campaign Communication Strategy and Plan
A Costed VAC Monitoring Plan
A Costed VAC Evaluation Plan 20% Deliverable 5
Second Payment A VAC Campaign Strategy
A VAC Campaign Implementation Plan 20% Deliverable 2
Third Payment A VAC Campaign Communication Strategy and Plan 20% Deliverable 3
Fourth Payment A VAC Monitoring Plan
A VAC Evaluation Plan
A log frame with inputs, outputs and outcomes, baselines and indictors of progress for each form of violence for an implementation period of five years 20% Deliverable 4
Fifth Payment A Costed VAC Campaign Implementation Plan
A Costed VAC Campaign Communication Strategy and Plan
A Costed VAC Monitoring Plan
A Costed VAC Evaluation Plan 20% Deliverable 5
Note:
• Feedback on submitted deliverables will be given after ten working days.
• Payments will require a minimum processing period of ten working days from the time UNICEF acknowledges the receipt of the payment invoices from the consultant.
• Feedback on submitted deliverables will be given after ten working days.
• Payments will require a minimum processing period of ten working days from the time UNICEF acknowledges the receipt of the payment invoices from the consultant.
MANAGEMENT, ORGANIZATION AND TIMEFRAME
• An Advisory Group will guide the design of the campaign framework development process and provide the technical expertise required to assess the methodology, tools, and the draft reports from the consultant during the course of the consultancy. The Advisory Group will meet regularly during the course of the campaign framework development period in order to (a) review and approve the methodology, framework and tools to be used, (b) review draft reports, make suggestions for improvement and (c) approve final reports and (d) assist in advocacy efforts, notably by facilitating the dissemination and discussion of the final campaign framework among key decision makers. The Advisory Group shall be convened by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, while UNICEF will provide the secretariat.
• The consultancy will work from own office space and will report to UNICEF and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare on progress on a regular basis. The proposal from the consultancy will include all costs including fees, DSAs for delivering, except the cost of validation workshop, which will be paid by UNICEF. The consultancy should provide own computer and transportation.
• Fees are payable upon satisfactory completion of the contract. Standard UNICEF procedures will apply for invoicing and all other financial management requirements set out in the contract. Standard UNICEF penalty clauses will apply for late and poor quality deliverables. The Advisory Group will provide the consultant with the criteria for the evaluation of the quality of each deliverable.
• An Advisory Group will guide the design of the campaign framework development process and provide the technical expertise required to assess the methodology, tools, and the draft reports from the consultant during the course of the consultancy. The Advisory Group will meet regularly during the course of the campaign framework development period in order to (a) review and approve the methodology, framework and tools to be used, (b) review draft reports, make suggestions for improvement and (c) approve final reports and (d) assist in advocacy efforts, notably by facilitating the dissemination and discussion of the final campaign framework among key decision makers. The Advisory Group shall be convened by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, while UNICEF will provide the secretariat.
• The consultancy will work from own office space and will report to UNICEF and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare on progress on a regular basis. The proposal from the consultancy will include all costs including fees, DSAs for delivering, except the cost of validation workshop, which will be paid by UNICEF. The consultancy should provide own computer and transportation.
• Fees are payable upon satisfactory completion of the contract. Standard UNICEF procedures will apply for invoicing and all other financial management requirements set out in the contract. Standard UNICEF penalty clauses will apply for late and poor quality deliverables. The Advisory Group will provide the consultant with the criteria for the evaluation of the quality of each deliverable.
QUALIFICATION, SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
To be considered, the institution must possess the following attributes across a team of experts:
• Advanced university degree or PHD in social work, child protection, behavioural sciences or related social sciences;
• Demonstrated knowledge in child protection, violence prevention, HIV and AIDS and its impacts on children;
• Knowledge and experience in designing conceptual frameworks on prevention of violence against children or related subject matter;
• Related research experience in Malawi, or Southern Africa or proven knowledge of its socio-cultural and policy context, and child protection issues;
• Proven capacity to manage, analyse, and interpret large sets of data;
• Excellent analytical, planning and writing skills;
• Excellent knowledge of English, and
• Strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills.
To be considered, the institution must possess the following attributes across a team of experts:
• Advanced university degree or PHD in social work, child protection, behavioural sciences or related social sciences;
• Demonstrated knowledge in child protection, violence prevention, HIV and AIDS and its impacts on children;
• Knowledge and experience in designing conceptual frameworks on prevention of violence against children or related subject matter;
• Related research experience in Malawi, or Southern Africa or proven knowledge of its socio-cultural and policy context, and child protection issues;
• Proven capacity to manage, analyse, and interpret large sets of data;
• Excellent analytical, planning and writing skills;
• Excellent knowledge of English, and
• Strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
To identify the most suitable institution, applications shall be evaluated by the Advisory Group according to the following scoring, ranging from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) points:
a. a maximum of 20 points for qualifications, experience and expertise
b. a maximum of 60 points for the technical proposal, and
c. a maximum of 20 points for the financial proposal.
The institution should provide its own computers and transportation. All UNICEF conditions for technical assistance/ institutions apply to this consultancy.
CONTENT OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
The institution is expected to submit a technical proposal which at a minimum should include sections on: the company profile; introduction; outline of the methodology to be employed; list of relevant projects delivered and CVs of individuals proposed for the consultancy.
To identify the most suitable institution, applications shall be evaluated by the Advisory Group according to the following scoring, ranging from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) points:
a. a maximum of 20 points for qualifications, experience and expertise
b. a maximum of 60 points for the technical proposal, and
c. a maximum of 20 points for the financial proposal.
The institution should provide its own computers and transportation. All UNICEF conditions for technical assistance/ institutions apply to this consultancy.
CONTENT OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
The institution is expected to submit a technical proposal which at a minimum should include sections on: the company profile; introduction; outline of the methodology to be employed; list of relevant projects delivered and CVs of individuals proposed for the consultancy.
How to apply:
Interested and qualified institutions should send their technical proposal on or before 25 November 2013 to: hrmalawi@unicef.org
