International Consultant at UNICEF

Job No: 555477
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract Type: Consultant
Level: L-4
Categories: Child Protection

Purpose of Activity / Assignment

• The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a contextualized Northeast Localization Strategy for the Child Protection Area of Responsibility that aligns with the CP AoR Strategy 2022-2026 and the Principles of the Grand Bargain commitments.

Scope of Work

• In 2022, an estimated 8.4 million people (2 million children are in need of child protection services; this includes an estimated 1.2 targeted children and 333,005 caregivers. The Child Protection Area of Responsibility is led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and co-led by the United Nations Children’s Fund as the Sector Lead Agency.
• The strategic direction of the Child Protection Area of Responsibility is guided by the Strategic Advisory Group, and technical working groups focused on prioritized thematic areas feeding into the AoRs strategies.
• The Child Protection Area of Responsibility in north-east Nigeria has developed a 5-year CP Northeast Strategy and an initial 3-year work plan based on the evolving nature of the humanitarian crisis; it is imperative that the continued response is focused on responsiveness, quality, and streamlined approaches.
• To deliver on this, there is a need to have a contextualized northeast Child Protection localization strategy that will complement the CP strategy for a sustained response that builds a bridge between the humanitarian and development nexus.
• In this process it's critical to bring on board the government, local/national NGOs, Community Based Organizations, communities, and children themselves on the decision table on the basis of equal principled partnership rights.
• The consultancy will also review the 2019 localization action plan and efforts.

The Specific Objectives include of this Consultancy are:

• Take stock of ongoing localization interventions and efforts by the Child Protection Area of Responsibility in North-East Nigeria and the host government to advance the localization agenda as part of the Grand Bargain commitments.
• Develop a 3-year contextualized Northeast Child Protection Area of Responsibility Localization strategy.
• Recommend priority actions and areas of focus for the immediate, midterm and long “guided by the conceptual framework for localization in child protection” which is available here Localization in Coordination Summary.pdf (cpaor.net)

Key Assignments / Tasks

• Review key documents for a contextual understanding of the Northeast child protection humanitarian response, governance and decision-making, participation & influence, funding, principled partnerships, and capacity of local/national partners, government, and community-based structures as part of the initial desk review process.
• Develop a stakeholder engagement work plan, key informant list, questionnaires, and meeting guides to gain a more in-depth understanding of the context and aspirations for localization in the child protection humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria.
• Facilitate meetings and workshops with key stakeholders and Child Protection AoR Members as outlined in the engagement strategy and work plan. This will involve field visits to locations in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
• Draft and share the 1st draft of the Child Protection AoR Localization strategy with key stakeholders including Child Protection AoR members for input (the draft strategy should not exceed 20 pages)
• Validate the Strategy: Present a not more than 20-page Child Protection AoR 3-year Localization strategy to key stakeholders, including Child Protection AoR members, to provide inputs, which will inform the final strategy. Review and update the strategy based on inputs from key stakeholders and share the final Child Protection AoR Localization strategy for approval.

The strategy should address:

• The role of government and local/national NGOs and community-based organizations in leadership and coordination of Child Protection humanitarian and development programs.
• Technical capacity of government and local/national organizations in the Child Protection programs/strong social welfare workers and community-based structures
• Levels of engagement/ participation/ commitment of local/national actors to child protection.
• Funding streams and opportunities for local/national actors
• Principled partnerships/ consortiums approach local/national organizations.
• The role of international actors i.e., UN and INGOs and donors in promoting localization policies and practices in child protection
• Strategies to strengthen institutional capacities of local/national actors.

To Qualify as an Advocate for Every Child, You Will Have

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in Sociology, Anthropology, International Development, or a field relevant to UNICEF’s work for this exercise   is required.
• A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. 
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in strategy development, coordination, and localization is required.
• Previous experience working in UNICEF is highly desirable.
• Demonstrable ability in gathering and analyzing data for the purpose of strategy development.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to analyze diverse information and develop recommendations for appropriate responses.
• Proven abilities to work collaboratively and effectively to facilitate consultations and participatory meetings
• Fluency in written and spoken English required.

Preferred Experience / Expertise:

• Experience in child protection humanitarian programming and strategy development.
• Experience in cluster coordination approach (country and/or global level).
• Familiarity with the humanitarian context in north-east Nigeria.