Mid-Term Review of the UNICEF Malawi Child Protection Program

CONSULTANCY POSITION

Mid-Term Review of the UNICEF Malawi Child Protection Program

VACANCY#: UNICEF/MLW/2013/049

1. BACKGROUND

In line with UNICEF global guidance, UNICEF Malawi shall be implementing a mid-term review (MTR) of the Country Program between November 2013 and April 2014. The purpose of the MTR is to review the progress achieved to date towards the expected results of the country programme as outlined in the CPAP/UNDAF Action Plan; to take stock of changes in the programming context; and to review performance of the country office in implementing programme strategies and principles underlying the country programme. The MTR offers UNICEF and its partners the opportunity to refine and sharpen the focus of the country programme and make adjustments, as required to accelerate the achievement of equitable and sustained outcomes for the most disadvantaged children. The conclusions of the MTR, including the lessons learned will be incorporated into the planning of the remaining period of the country programme and inform the planning of the next cycle. 

The MTR process will include a review of the country office’s experience in implementing the child protection program strategy (2012-2016) including its outlined principles and strategic actions. In addition the review will determine how the child protection program will respond to following UNICEF Global Priorities: 
a. The revised global results structure;
b. The re-focus on equity ; 
c. Monitoring Results for Equity System (MoRES);
d. Rights of disabled children

The MTR will also be closely linked to – and forms part of – the country programmes ongoing planning, research, monitoring and evaluation processes, that includes the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICs)/MDG Endline Survey, MGDS Reports, the first National Survey on Violence against Children and Young Women and the Situation Analysis on Vulnerable Children in Malawi scheduled to be completed by March 2014. 

In addition, UNICEF Malawi is also implementing the ‘Sustainable Safety and Justice for Vulnerable Women and Children’ project funded by Justice for Vulnerable Groups DfID program which was initiated in 2012 and is scheduled to run through to 2016. The country office shall also take the opportunity of the MTR to carry out an assessment of this project to inform programming in the second half of the country program. 

UNICEF is therefore seeking to recruit an international consultant to provide technical support (lead analysis, write reports and facilitate sessions) towards the implementation of the UNICEF Malawi Child Protection Mid-Term Review and assessment of the ‘Sustainable Safety and Justice for Vulnerable Women and Children’ project. 


2. SCOPE OF WORK

Under the supervision of the Chief of Child Protection. The specific tasks for the consultant are:

1. Assessment of results
This includes an assessment of progress towards the expected child protection results – Programme Component Results (PCRs) and Intermediate Results (IRs) – as stated in the CPD and UNDAF Action Plan. The review process should clearly demonstrate whether activities and outputs are leading to desired outcomes, and are consequently substantiating the theories of change that underlie programme results and specific interventions as outlined in the UNDAF Action Plan. 

2. Review of changes in the programming context
This includes an assessment of changes in the programming context, such as significant developments in the political and context. It will also provide an opportunity to update the Situation Analysis, allowing for a review of the status of indicators on child well-being, the rights of children and progress towards development goals, particularly for disadvantaged children and women – through the results of the National Survey on Violence against Children and Young Women and the Situation Analysis of Vulnerable Children in Malawi. 

3. Strategic review meeting (Child Protection Program Review Meeting)
This includes a formal review meeting that is chaired by the Government, with counterparts from all relevant ministries attending and the participation of key stakeholders including partner UN agencies, NGOs and civil society organisations. The meeting is intended to share the outcomes of previous stages, including the main achievements, constraints and lessons learned, and to discuss the recommendations and agree on the way forward, including proposed revisions for the remaining period of the country programme. 

1. EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE 

• Advanced degree in the social sciences (such as sociology, social anthropology, and development studies) related fields relevant for the assignment;
• Five years of experience in the similar field
• Excellent analytical, conceptual and writing skills;
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills, including participatory group discussion;
• Excellent command of English, both written and oral;
• Strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills. 
• Institutional knowledge of UNICEF and;
• Familiarity with Malawi current national development priorities and challenges is an advantage.

2. DURATION 

36 Working Days 

3. METHOD OF APPLICATION


Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and Personal History Form (P-11 form) (which can be downloaded from our website at 
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) Please indicate your daily/monthly rate to undertake the terms of reference above. 

Applications should be sent on or before 03 November 2013 to the following address:hrmalawi@unicef.org 


NOTE:
• UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged.

UNICEF IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT