Requesting Section:Education

Date/Updated date: 23-01-2017

Programme Area and Specific Project involved: ECDE Project, Output 3.5:By 2017, young children in targeted areas in Vanuatu benefit from increased access to quality early childhood development programmes through regional and in-country interventions, including during emergencies

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Background:

In line with the Vanuatu education and human resource development strategic priorities and the Vanuatu education sector strategy, UNICEF supports the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in strengthening equitable access to quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Vanuatu.

ECCE has made significant progress in Vanuatu. At the systems level, ECCE is reflected in the Education Act and an ECCE policy has been endorsed. In addition, the ECCE curriculum is aligned to the Year 1 primary school education curriculum. Since 2014, the strategic focus of UNICEF has shifted to an integrated multi-sectorial holistic early childhood development and education (ECDE) approach to child development, linking current ECCE services with strengthened parenting support. ECDE is considered a holistic approach to child development linking child protection, education, health & nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and community & parent participation. Investing in ECDE is a cost-effective approach to support child development outcomes, school readiness for primary enrolment and academic success.

In close consultation with MoET, UNICEF has agreed to provide technical and financial support to the ECDE and primary education sub-sectors in Penama province in northeast Vanuatu. According to the MoET, the ECCEnet enrolment rate (NER) rate in Penama was only 46.6% (Girls: 49.9%) in 2015, the lowest NER in Vanuatu after Torba province. In addition, the child development and education indicators namely nutrition status, primary school learning achievement rates in literacy & numeracy and the number of trained teachers are also very low.

UNICEF prepared an ECDE project funding proposal for Penama province on strengthening parenting skills, improving quality of ECCE centres and enhancing WASH facilities and practices in ECCE centres. This project will therefore require strong collaboration with other UNICEF programmes, especially WASH. Dubai Cares approved the proposal and the ECDE project started in December 2016. To support the ECDE projectimplementation and monitoring, UNICEF would like to engage a local ECDE consultant at GS 5/6 in Vanuatu.

Purpose of Assignment:

Provide overall technical support to the Provincial Education Office (PEO) in the implementation and monitoring of the ECDE project in Penama province focusing on to roll out of ECCE minimum quality service standards, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in ECCE centres, and parenting interventions.

Scope of Work/ Work Assignments:

The following key tasks need to be carried out:

1)Provide technical and logistics supportfor the implementation and monitoring of the ECDE project in close collaboration with the Penama PEO;

2)Provide support to the ECCE baseline survey in Penama provinceand assist in the WASH bottleneck analysis survey using AKVO flow, identify priority pre-schools for WASH funding and monitor WASH in ECCE interventions;

3)Support the implementation of an ECCE centre-based management training and the development of pre-school improvement plans which include WASH and other interventions that promote quality ECCE;

4)Ensure effective implementation of the parenting programme in close collaboration with the Penama PEO including the dissemination of the knowledge attitude and practice baseline survey results;

5)Provide technical support to ECCE centres in realizing the national ECCE minimum quality service standards usingrelated monitoring toolsin close collaboration with the Penama PEO;

6)Conduct regular monitoring with provincial education authorities, collect data and prepare progress reports;

7)Liaise with MoET, PEO Penama, UNICEF Vanuatu Field Office and relevant organization as needed to ensure flow of information on the ECDE project.

8)Create awareness among education authorities, ECCE centres, parents and communities on importance of early childhood development and school readiness.

9)Support any education in emergency work required.

Work Schedule:

The consultancy is full time from the 15thof February2017 to the 14thof January 2018 (11 months).

Payment Schedule

The consultant will receive a monthly payment upon the delivery of monthly reports and key deliverables that are certified by the Penama PEO and UNICEF Vanuatu Chief of Field Office (CFO).The monthly fees includes USD700 for local travel (excluding travel between Port Vila and Penama). In case local travel exceeds USD700, the consultant will NOTbe reimbursed. Days that consultant will take as personal absence will be deducted from monthly payments on a pro-rata basis.

SHOULD CONSULTANT WISH TO TAKE TIME OUT OF THIS CONTRACT, THIS SHOULD BE THROUGH PRIOR DISCUSSION AND AGREEMENT WITH THE SUPERVISOR OF THE CONTRACT AND THE MONTHLY INVOICE PRESENTED SHOULD REFLECT A PRO-RATA DEDUCTION FOR THOSE DAYS.

Deliverables/End Products

February 15th to 31st
▪Develop a 2-month work and travel plan in consultation with the Principal Education Officer and CFO.
▪Conduct an ECCE mapping exercise in Penama province of registered/ unregistered ECCE centres and prepare the logistics for the ECCE baseline survey.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt. / March
▪Assist in the ECCE baseline survey including a WASH bottleneck analysis survey using AKVO flow.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt.
April
▪Develop a 2-month work and travel plan in consultation with the Principal Education Officer and CFO.
▪Assist in the ECCE baseline survey including a WASH bottleneck analysis survey using AKVO flow and identify priority pre-schools for WASH in ECCE funding.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt. / May
▪Prepare the logistics and support the introduction of the ECDE project to key ECCE stakeholders and the dissemination of the knowledge attitude and practice baseline survey results;
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt.
June:
▪Develop a 2-month work and travel plan in consultation with the Principal Education Officer and CFO.
▪Prepare the logistics for the roll out of the parenting programme implementation plan;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklistand document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt. / July:
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventions in at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklistand document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Prepare the logistics for the implementation of an ECCE centre-based management training and the development of pre-school improvement plans based on ECCE national minimum quality service standards which include WASH and other interventions that promote quality ECCE.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt.
August:
▪Develop a 2-month work and travel plan in consultation with the Principal Education Officer and CFO.
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventions in at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklistand document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Monitor the roll out of WASH in ECCE interventions by implementing partner in at least 5 ECCE centres.
▪Support the implementation of an ECCE centre-based management training and the development of pre-school improvement plans based on ECCE national minimum quality service standards which include WASH and other interventions that promote quality ECCE.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt. / September:
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventionsin at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklistand document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Monitor the roll out of WASH in ECCE interventions by implementing partner in at least 5 ECCE centres.
▪Support the implementation of an ECCE centre-based management training and the development of pre-school improvement plans based on ECCE national minimum quality service standards which include WASH and other interventions that promote quality ECCE.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt.
October:
▪Develop a 2-month work and travel plan in consultation with the Principal Education Officer and CFO.
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventions in at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor the implementation of pre-school improvement plans of at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklistand document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Monitor the roll out of WASH in ECCE interventions by implementing partner in at least 5 ECCE centres.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt. / November:
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventions in at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor the implementation of pre-school improvement plans of at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklist and document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Monitor the roll out of WASH in ECCE interventions by implementing partner in at least 5 ECCE centres.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt.
December:
▪Develop a 2-month work and travel plan in consultation with the Principal Education Officer and CFO.
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventions in at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor the implementation of pre-school improvement plans of at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklist and document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Monitor the roll out of WASH in ECCE interventions by implementing partner in at least 5 ECCE centres.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Monthly report on the progress of the ECDE project including results, challenges and lessons learnt. / December:
▪Support and monitor the roll out of parenting programme interventions in at least 10 communities and document progress;
▪In close collaboration with PEO, monitor the implementation of pre-school improvement plans of at least 10 ECCE centres using ECCE minimum quality service standards checklist and document progress of ECDE project interventions.
▪Monitor the roll out of WASH in ECCE interventions by implementing partner in at least 5 ECCE centres.
▪Provide inputs to the development of communication materials for monthly education-based human interest stories and weekly media releases.
▪Final report outlining ECDE project results, challenges and lessons learnt, including technical support provided with handover notes and the way forward for the ECDE project in Penama province.

Supervisor Name and Type of Supervision that will be provided:

UNICEF Vanuatu Chief of Field Office will provide overall operational and administrative supervision for this consultancy and will supervise this position on a day-to-day basis. The consultant will receive technical guidance and oversight from UNICEF Pacific Chief of Education in close consultation with the Education Specialist based in Fiji.

Consultant’s Work Plan and Official Travel Involved:

The consultant’s work plan is in line with the work schedule and is full-time in the field supporting and monitoring ECDE project interventions. USD 700 per month for travel is included in the consultancy fee and is to be used to cover local travel by road and sea.In case local travel exceeds USD700, the consultant will NOT be reimbursed.

Consultant’s Work Place:

The consultant will be home based and travel to the field full-time. The consultant is required to use his/her own laptop and telephone for this assignment.

Qualifications or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required:

Qualifications

Preferably a university degree in Educationor Community Development,or in lieu of degree an additional 5 years of continuous work in the field of teaching/community development.

Experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in practical education services.
  • Strong experience in participatory processes and community-based work.
  • Good technical knowledge on ECCE and Community Development and the Vanuatu education system.
  • Previous work experience in the Vanuatu Education Sector is a plus
  • Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple activities and adjust to changing priorities.
  • Self-starter with good analytical and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong communication and writing skills, with ability to lead/train a group of individuals and impart knowledge.
  • Preference given to candidates with experience at supporting Education in Emergency activities.
  • Expertise in education system strengthening is an added advantage.

Languages

  • Fluency in English, verbal and written.
  • Knowledge of French and Bislama is considered an advantage.
  • Ability to use computer - Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet.

Competencies

  • The consultant should master the following key competencies: communication, applying technical expertise, working with people, drive for results, relating & networking, and analyzing.

General Conditionsof Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.