Background & Rationale
UNICEF is in the process of implementing its Gender Action Plan (GAP) 2014-2017. The GAP elaborates the gender dimensions of the programmatic results across the seven outcome areas of the Strategic Plan along with the relevant indicators for measuring success. It also specifies the steps UNICEF is undertaking with regard to talent management, through commitment of resources and strengthening of staffing, capacity and systems.
In relation to this, effective staffing and talent acquisition along with capacity enhancement of the current workforce has been identified as a core means of improving institutional effectiveness to achieve gender results, as articulated in UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan (GAP). As part of this, development is currently underway for the creation of a system that will provide an avenue for staff to be credentialed as dedicated or sectoral (e.g. Health, WASH, etc.) gender specialists, or as gender or sectoral gender focal points within the organization globally.
Purpose
The Capacity Strengthening consultant’s role is primarily to organize this gender credentialing system, which has been determined by senior management as a high-priority need for UNICEF, with members of the internal Gender Credentialing Task Team so as to enhance the gender expertise of dedicated gender specialists, sectoral gender specialists and gender and sectoral gender focal points within UNICEF. S/he will work with key staff and additional consultants to produce and implement training courses for each of the gender audiences at UNICEF (dedicated gender specialists, sectoral gender specialists, and gender and sectoral gender focal points) as part of the credentialing system based on a review of pre-established skills and requirements as documented in gender job descriptions and based on a review of existing courses and learning methodologies. S/he will also provide technical input on the selection of the vendor tasked with creating this system, and to support with its overall design and creation, and liaise with key colleagues on its early stages, solicit feedback, and work to achieve a final end product that is ready to be piloted organization-wide.
Expected Results: (Measurable Results)
The overall expected result of this consultancy, in conjunction with other consultants and staff, is the creation of a gender credentialing system that can be piloted by UNICEF to further strengthen its gender capacity and to provide an avenue for staff to be credentialed as dedicated or sectoral gender specialists, or as gender or sectoral gender focal points. More specifically, the consultant will: (Please see the deliverables section below for specific tasks and responsibilities.)
Analyze and report on the existing skills and profiles required for gender positions or roles at UNICEF, and input into a a credentialing applied skills’ matrix so as to inform assessments and training courses
Provide a documented report on the merits of various learning methodologies for the credentialing training courses to be developed, including online courses, real-time mentoring and training opportunities (e.g., in synergy with other program areas, such as gender programmatic reviews, evaluations, communications etc.)
Provide a documented and concise report on the analysis of existing gender courses for use in the development of new courses
Support recruitment process and selection of a vendor to deliver the credentialing process (i.e. an RFP process or selection of vendor via other means), and provide technical support upon selection of vendor and creation of system on an ongoing basis;
Produce and implement gender credentialing training courses for the following positions: dedicated gender specialists, gender sector specialists, gender focal points, and sectoral gender focal points
Provide recommendations for the maintenance and updating of the aforementioned courses and assessments
Support the Identification and fostering of partnerships and resources – financial and human – inside and outside UNICEF for developing, implementing and maintaining the gender credentialing system along with Gender Credentialing Task Team members
Present the strategic vision, test versions of the system and other materials to key gender and programmatic colleagues for their review and feedback; incorporate feedback into ongoing and final versions of the system;
Support piloting of the system with Gender Credentialing Task Team members, HQ Gender Section and regional gender colleagues, and with at least 2 sectoral gender groups.
Duty Station: Remote-based
Timeframe: 6 Months
Start date: 27 June 2016 End date: 30 November 2016
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