Purpose of assignment and scope
The objective of the consultancy is to support the Social Policy and Advocacy section in its gender work and to consolidate key research outputs, gather strategic data to inform evidence-based policy dialogue and child rights advocacy efforts.
Key activities and tasks
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief of Social Policy and Advocacy UNICEF Burundi, the Research Assistant will support the section with multiple deliverables including, but not limited to:
- Support gender mainstreaming across the CO programme. Assist the section in its lead role on gender, including support to the sectoral focal points/gender taskforce. Key outputs will include:
- Provide guidance and advice on gender to the various programme teams, with a particular focus on the office gender taskforce and the development and implementation of the sectoral gender action plans. Develop tools (checklist, guidance notes as and when needed);
- Review of selected reports, proposals to ensure gender is adequately integrated/mainstreamed;
- Support the development of a gender equality approach for the Burundi UPSHIFT programme;
- Identify entry points and provide support to ensure the integration of gender sensitive interventions into the social protection work (for the national cash transfer programme as well in the systems strengthening work);
- Contribute to the development of concept notes/proposals on gender and social protection.
- Gender analysis and evidence generation
- Conduct analysis on gender in Burundi (notes/advocacy materials, PPTs, contribute to budget analysis etc.) to strengthen gender integration and mainstreaming and for the active engagement with other stakeholders;
- Ensure up-to-date data/documentation (on legal framework, studies, evaluations etc) is available in a shared folder serving as a ‘one stop shop’ on gender with ressources and tools for the CO staff, and ensure it is regularly updated;
- Faciliate/coordinate training/learning sessions on specific themes of interest related to gender;
- Contribute to coordination related to gender among the UN (gender working group) and beyond.
- Building on to the evidence generated over the last months, support the dissemination and prepartion of advcacy materials for the Burundi Adolescent Investment case.
- Support SPA’s planned research outputs and dissemination. Contribute to evidence-based policy advocacy to foster greater commitments for gender, child-sensitive social protection and strengthen the dialogue around child poverty and inclusion.
- Support the finalization of the research agenda for the Burundi CO, and key outputs underway in 2020;
- Support knowledge management for social policy (developing advocacy plans/tools, strengthening knowledge sharing etc.);
- Develop a regular social policy newsletter;
- Assist with the planned engagement with the Rift Valley Institute (training and socio-political update).
Expected deliverables and timeframes
The expected duration of this contract is 6 months from January to June 2020. The selected consultant will be responsible for delivering the following specific outputs and deliverables within the timeframe:
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Tasks and Key Deliverables
Timeframe
1.
Support gender mainstreaming across the CO programme
Assist the section in its lead role on gender, including support to the sectoral focal points/gender taskforce.
- sectoral gender action plans, by mid-Feb
- at least 5-6 reports/proposals reviewed and/or developed, ongoing
- concept note on entry points for gender sensitive social protection, by end March
- draft gender equity approach for UPSHIFT, by April
- Facilitate at least 4 meetings of the task force, quarterly
January – December 2020
2.
Data collection and analysis on gender
Collect data and prepare analysis, to inform and support in the social protection programming of the various sections.
- training/learning sessions on specific themes, at least 4, quarterly
- Establish a ‘one stop shop’ on gender, by end Jan
- Up-to-date analysis on gender (advocacy material), by Feb
January – December 2020
3.
Support dissemination and prepartion of advocacy materials for the Burundi Adolescent Investment case
January – March 2020
4.
Revise/finalise the child-focused policy research agenda
Based on the draft prepared and in support of the office Research Evaluation and Studies – Task Force, support the finalisation of the Child-Focused Policy Research Agenda, identifying the next priorities for research.
By April 2020
5.
Support in SPA’s planned research outputs
Support the section in data collection, drafting of reports and in preparing child rights advocacy-related outputs.
- Support knowledge management, ongoing
- Develop a regular social policy newsletter, quarterly
- Assist with the planned engagement with the Rift Valley Institute (training and socio-political update), March/April
January – December 2020
Payment schedule
Payment to the consultant is dependent on the completion and submission of deliverables of acceptable quality. Monthly payment will be issued based on the approval of the monthly implementation report providing an update on the deliverables mentioned above. The monthly implementation report will summarize progress on the implementation of planned activities during the month.
UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is (are) incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. Performance indicators against which the satisfactory conclusion of this contract will be assessed include: timeliness/quality of submission and responsiveness to UNICEF and counterpart feedback. Payments will be done by direct transfer into the bank account provided by the consultant.
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Description of the deliverable
Timeframe
Deliverable 1
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 1 month
Deliverable 2
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 2 months
Deliverable 3
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 3 months
Deliverable 4
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 4 months
Deliverable 5
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 5 months
Deliverable 6
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 6 months
Deliverable 7
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 7 month
Deliverable 8
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 8 months
Deliverable 9
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 9 months
Deliverable 10
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 10 months
Deliverable 11
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 11 months
Deliverable 12
End of month report on the progress towards the outputs and deliverables
After completion of 12 months
Qualification requirements
Education
- Advanced university degree in law, Human Rights, social/political sciences or other relevant field. A focus on gender is an advantage.
- Training in gender and development is an asset.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience at national and international level in analysis and research, gender and advocacy;
- Experience elaborating and producing timely and high quality analysis/policy notes;
- Experience in gender- whether targeted programming or gender mainstraiming across various sectors.
Key Competencies
- Knowledge on children’s rights;
- Excellent analytical, communication, advocacy and research skills;
- Computer literacy, especially MS Office programmes, is required;
- Fluent in the working language of the office (French) and fluency in English.
- Knowledge of the Burundi context is preferred.
- Understanding of local institutional, policy and legal frameworks is preferred.
Questions/Considerations administratives
The Research Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Chief, Social Policy and Advocacy section in Burundi.
Working conditions
The standard UNICEF rules and procedures apply.
Application process
Interested and eligible candidates should forward (1) a cover letter (the cover should indicate relevant experience and availability), (2) Resume, (3) expected fee, (4) a sample of previous similar work and (5) three references.
More Information
- Job City Bujumbura