TERMS OF REFERENCE
Technical/Emergency Surge Assistance for 2015 Child Protection Interventions on Armed Violence and Weapons
April – September, 2015
1. Summary and Background
TitleTechnical/Emergency Surge Assistance for 2015 Child Protection Interventions on Mine Action and Armed ViolencePurpose To provide technical and emergency surge support to the Armed Violence and Weapons team in the in the implementation of selected activities within its 2013-15 workplan. (Mine/ERW risk education, injury surveillance, SALW risk education and development of tools and with reports.Location Home Based with anticipated travelsDuration 20 weeks between April to September 2015 Start date April 6 – 30 September 2015 Reporting to Senior Advisor, Arms Violence & Weapons
The Armed Violence and Weapons Team is currently part of the larger Child Protection Programme and the UN portfolio on Mine Action and Arms portfolio. The overall objective of this intervention is to promote equitable and sustainable development by contributing to a world free of the threats of armed violence and weapons; as well as strengthening integration into the implementation of Child Protection Strategy within its Medium Term 2014-2017 Strategic Plan. The programme is equity focused and aligns with relevant treaties and the UN system-wide frameworks.
Armed violence is not confined to war; it occurs increasingly in non-conflict settings including in middle-income countries and it has a dramatic impact on children, their families, and their communities. Children are affected by armed violence in different ways and can be killed or injured. Armed violence results in forced displacement of families and severely affects household livelihood and income; it blocks access to basic services and to education and healthcare. The impact is often broader, for example the death or injury of a caregiver changes a child’s life considerably and may force them to take on responsibilities that interfere with their education or further exposes them to abuse and exploitation. Moreover, children need to be protected not only from the violence itself but also from being coerced into engaging in it themselves.
UNICEF is currently developing strong partnerships with several other UN agencies and with national partners to develop coherent approaches towards this complex issue, beginning with the Armed Violence Prevention Programme. This partnership brings UNICEF together with UNDP, UNODC, WHO, UNODA and UN-Habitat to develop inter-agency and multi-faceted support to governments in reducing armed violence among their citizens. As the sector grows, so do the lessons learnt. Improving data and surveillance is key to targeted programming. In addition, UNICEF has broadened this sector to include actions to reduce the incidence of landmines, explosive remnants of war and armed violence. In summary, the AVW global goals are briefly summarized below:
- Strengthening the national child protection systems through integration of positive social norms to reduce armed violence in targeted countries.
- Facilitating global advocacy and technical support by guiding countries on developing partnerships and tools for programmes in armed violence reduction.
- Engaging with national authorities to take measures that focus on mine/ERW action among the most marginalized and vulnerable children.
- Promoting global advocacy and technical support to increase the programme equity focus and quality
With the increasing requests from UNICEF’s country offices, coupled with series of consultations with State parties in Maputo, Geneva, Morocco and Costa Rica, there is growing compliance to the provisions of the international human rights treaties on mine action and arms trade. It is evident that UNICEF support to field offices will therefore need to be scaled up beyond the existing level. In addition, the latest fact sheet [i]on the “Impact of Mines/ERW on Children,” indicates that children, especially boys, are one of the largest groups of survivors of landmines, unexploded cluster munition remnants and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). Evidence shows ERW, usually found on the surface and often appearing interesting to children, cause the majority of these casualties. The contamination of ERW are especially prevalent in countries in conflict or transitioning out of an emergency situation. This often results in devastating impact in the killing and maiming of children for many years and decades.
2. Purpose
Overall, this support will ensure that ongoing programme implementation aligns with the Child Protection Annual Workplan, the UN Mine Action Strategy and other international standards on small arms and light weapons. It’s expected that the support will facilitate timely response to country offices as well extensive review of country and interagency documents. The objectives are in three folds: (i) capacity building activities around injury surveillance and mine risk education; (ii) technical support to monitoring mechanism of the mine action and armed violence activities at the field level and (iii) support to global processes in terms of advocacy and knowledge management. These are linked to the results below:
· A monthly report on the exchange of technical or emergency support to at least five country offices on their mine action or armed violence programme interventions, including and monitoring missions. This may include a briefs on meetings attended, reports or proposals developed and updates on any interagency processes where input was requested and provided.
· Workshop report on the training on injury surveillance for country offices in collaboration with CDC and the 2015 Mine Risk Education global training.
· A consolidated summary on lessons learned and local innovations from target countries for UNICEF mine action and armed violence programmes.
· Two programme updates drafted for wider circulation within Armed Violence/Mine Action Networks
3. Scope and Methodology
The scope of the task included in this TOR will be at both national and international levels. However, for field offices, support provided will be based on request, except in the case of humanitarian mine action where a surge response may be required. As the UNICEF country offices need arises, this may include requests for technical support on reviewing documents, evaluating programmes, monitoring missions, training or remote desk support.
A major part of the task will be online and home based, however, the selected consultant will be given access to the UNICEF intranet and outlook. UNICEF will make available the list of documents to be referenced as well as their sources. Field mission and participation in approved workshops and conference will also be required. Countries
Apart from the final report, a monthly progress report will be submitted based on the agreed workplan with the consultant. All deliverables will be approved by UNICEF before payment is made.
4. Expected Deliverables and Payments
The Consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks and monthly deliverables as listed below:
TimelineTasks and DeliverablesTasksDeliverable 1
· On a weekly basis, work closely with the Armed Violence and Weapons Unit (AVW), providing a monthly report on the exchange of technical or emergency support to at least five country offices on their mine action or armed violence programme interventions, including and monitoring missions. This may include briefs on meetings attended, reports or proposals developed and updates on any interagency processes where input was requested and provided. Tasks Deliverable 2
· Assist the AVW Unit to facilitate and report on the training workshop on injury surveillance for country offices in collaboration with CDC; including the proposed 2015 Global Mine Risk Education training. Tasks Deliverable 3
· Provide the AVW Unit with a consolidated summary on lessons learned and local innovations from target countries for UNICEF mine action and armed violence programmes. Tasks Deliverable 4
· Produce two AVW programme update reports to be shared with relevant COs and Mine Action Networks
· As may be required; represent UNICEF and contribute to the work of UN Mine Action and inter-agency armed violence/weapons-related forums. Detailed report will be submitted after each representation.
5. Duty Station and Reporting Procedure
The consultant will work from his or her own workplace in regular communication with the supervisor, for the duration of the contract. The selected consultant will report directly to the Armed Violence & Weapons Reduction Unit that will provide the necessary support and facilitation. All reports will be submitted to UNICEF for final approval before payments can be made. Approved travels will reported.
6. Qualifications and Experience – Middle Level Professionals
· Advanced degree in any of the following areas: Child Development, International Development, Programme management, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Science, Statistics and other related fields.
· Preferable five years (mid-level) of relevant work experience in the area of mine action and SALW, as well as other community based initiatives at the national level.
· A first level University degree in the above areas with combination of eight years relevant experience in lieu of advance degree is acceptable.
· Fluency in English and one other UN language
· Ability to work independently with experience in similar services with the UN
· Proven professional work in analytical research and reporting skills
· High degree of computer literacy (word, excel, power point)
7. Duration of the Assignment
The consultancy is expected to last for 20 weeks; completed between April to September 2015.
8. Risk and Assumptions
Failure to adhere to the time lines and deliverables will result in UNICEF withholding of the payments in part or wholly.
General Conditions
- Payments will be made according to UNICEF stated terms and conditions
- The contract does not provide for payments of overtime
- All remunerations will be within this contract
- The consultancy will be paid DSA for only authorized trips
9. How to Apply
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a short cover letter, sample work, CV and UN Personal History form (which can be downloaded from our website athttp://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc) to pdconsultants@unicef.org with
Subject line “Consultancy, Technical Support on Armed Violence and Weapons”by March 31st 2015.
Please indicate your ability, availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.
General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors
- Legal Status
The individual engaged by UNICEF under this contract as a consultant or individual contractors (the “Contractor”) is engaged in a personal capacity and not as representatives of a Government or of any other entity external to the United Nations. The Contractor is neither a “staff member” under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor an “official” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 1946. The Contractor may, however, be afforded the status of “Experts on Mission” in the sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the Convention and the Contractor is required by UNICEF to travel in order to fulfill the requirements of this contract, the Contractor may be issued a United Nations Certificate in accordance with Section 26 of Article VII of the Convention.
- Obligations
The Contractor shall complete the assignment set out in the Terms of Reference for this contract with due diligence, efficiency and economy, in accordance with generally accepted professional techniques and practices.
The Contractor must respect the impartiality and independence of UNICEF and the United Nations and in connection with this contract must neither seek nor accept instructions from anyone other than UNICEF. During the term of this contract the Contractor must refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on UNICEF or the United Nations and must not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICEF. The Contractor must exercise the utmost discretion in all matters relating to this contract.
In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, the Contractor (a) will conduct him- or herself in a manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service; and (b) will comply with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICE relating to fraud and corruption; information disclosure; use of electronic communication assets; harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority; and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General’s Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, the Contractor must not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or other entity external to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has become known to the Contractor by reason of his or her association with UNICEF or the United Nations. The Contractor may not use such information without the written authorization of UNICEF, and shall under no circumstances use such information for his or her private advantage or that of others. These obligations do not lapse upon termination of this contact.
- Title rights
UNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, this contract. At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law governing such rights.
- Travel
If UNICEF determines that the Contractor needs to travel in order to perform this contract, that travel shall be specified in the contract and the Contractor’s travel costs shall be set out in the contract, on the following basis:
(a) UNICEF will pay for travel in economy class via the most direct and economical route; provided however that in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, travel in business class may be approved by UNICEF on a case-by-case basis.
(b) UNICEF will reimburse the Contractor for out-of-pocket expenses associated with such travel by paying an amount equivalent to the daily subsistence allowance that would be paid to staff members undertaking similar travel for official purposes.
- Statement of good health
Before commencing work, the Contractor must deliver to UNICEF a certified self-statement of good health and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement. In addition, the Contractor must include in this statement of good health (a) confirmation that he or she has been informed regarding inoculations required for him or her to receive, at his or her own cost and from his or her own medical practitioner or other party, for travel to the country or countries to which travel is authorized; and (b) a statement he or she is covered by medical/health insurance and that, if required to travel beyond commuting distance from his or her usual place or residence to UNICEF (other than to duty station(s) with hardship ratings “H” and “A”, a list of which has been provided to the Contractor) the Contractor’s medical/health insurance covers medical evacuations. The Contractor will be responsible for assuming all costs that may be occurred in relation to the statement of good health.
- Insurance
The Contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of this contract as he or she considers appropriate taking into account, among other things, the requirements of paragraph 5 above. The Contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members. The responsibility of UNICEF and the United Nations is limited solely to the payment of compensation under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below.
- Service incurred death, injury or illness
If the Contractor is travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF’s expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contract, or is performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval, the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate), shall be entitled to compensation from UNICEF in the event of death, injury or illness attributable to the fact that the Contractor was travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF’s expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contractor, or was performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval. Such compensation will be paid through a third party insurance provider retained by UNICEF and shall be capped at the amounts set out in the Administrative Instruction on Individual Consultants and Contractors. Under no circumstances will UNICEF be liable for any other or greater payments to the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate).
- Arbitration
(a) Any dispute arising out of or, in connection with, this contract shall be resolved through amicable negotiation between the parties.
(b) If the parties are not able to reach agreement after attempting amicable negotiation for a period of thirty (30) days after one party has notified the other of such a dispute, either party may submit the matter to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL procedures within fifteen (15) days thereafter. If neither party submits the matter for arbitration within the specified time the dispute will be deemed resolved to the full satisfaction of both parties. Such arbitration shall take place in New York before a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties; provided however that should the parties be unable to agree on a single arbitrator within thirty days of the request for arbitration, the arbitrator shall be designated by the United Nations Legal Counsel. The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute.
- Penalties for Underperformance
Payment of fees to the Contractor under this contractor, including each installment or periodic payment (if any), is subject to the Contractor’s full and complete performance of his or her obligations under this contract with regard to such payment to UNICEF’s satisfaction, and UNICEF’s certification to that effect.
- Termination of Contract
This contract may be terminated by either party before its specified termination date by giving notice in writing to the other party. The period of notice shall be five (5) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two (2) months and ten (10) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a longer period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of impropriety or other misconduct by the Contractor (including but not limited to breach by the Contractor of relevant UNICEF policies, procedures, and administrative instructions), UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice. If this contract is terminated in accordance with this paragraph 10, the Contractor shall be paid on a pro rata basis determined by UNICEF for the actual amount of work performed to UNICEF’s satisfaction at the time of termination. UNICEF will also pay any outstanding reimbursement claims related to travel by the Contractor. Any additional costs incurred by UNICEF resulting from the termination of the contract by either party may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the Contractor under this paragraph 10.
- Taxation
UNICEF and the United Nations accept no liability for any taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant and individual contractor on payments made under this contract. Neither UNICEF nor the United Nations will issue a statement of earnings to the consultant and individual contractor.
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