The purpose of this international consultancy is to develop a new country program cooperation Sierra Leone-UNICEF by strengthening common understanding of UNICEF staff and partners about the new UNICEF Strategic Planning standard principles and RRBM, drafting a coherent child-centered CPD incorporating relevant evidence from the situation analysis, lessons learned from the independent evaluation of the previous country program 2020-2024, in-depth sector analyses, the overall evidence synthesis report, strategic moment of reflection, program rationale and narratives of theories of change articulated and complimented with  sector explanatory notes for collectively identified program priority areas.

Key Expected Result: a solid analytical strategic draft CPD, guided by the UNICEF Strategic Plan (2022-2025) and Gender Action Plan III, and fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the Mid-Term Development Plan of Sierra Leone 2024-2028, is ready by the end of February 2024 for submission to the WCAR Regional Office’s review and comments.

Scope of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative – Programs and the overall guidance of the Representative, the Consultant will work closely with the Chief of Planning & Monitoring and all Section Chiefs to:

1. Produce a concise inception work plan outlining activities to be carried out to support the country office to develop a solid next country program document (off-site).

2. Prepare, organize and facilitate two RRBM workshops of 4-5 days each (duration could be reviewed) for approximately thirty participants per session. The inception approach paper will be produced including a detailed agenda of the RRBM training and list of participants (UNICEF staff and Partners).

3. Elaborate/produce the Analytical Evidence Synthesis Report using the global template, integrate all existing SitAn Report, Sector Analysis, Child Poverty Study, CPE & evaluations reports, all existing studies and household surveys, national political and economic context diagnosis analysis that will serve as key support to the strategic debate at the SMR/Prioritization of top Child Rights Deprivation issues and development of sectoral TOC and Results Framework.

4. Facilitate the Strategic Moment of Reflection of the CPD, based on the SitAn, Evidence Synthesis and all existing evidence sources (the Consultant will be home-based with travel to Sierra Leone during this exercise).

5. Facilitate, review, compile and critique the SLCO team’s inputs to draft the overarching program rationale, outcome and overarching theories of change, outcome results and resources plans, results and resources framework, costed evaluation plan, and explanatory notes that will guide the design of the next country program in line with the new country program strategic planning guidance launched in October 2022 by UNICEF HQ. This includes facilitating consultations workshops with key stakeholders to validate the theories of change (the Consultant will be based in Sierra Leone during these exercises and workshops).

6. Using the OSEB classic 6,000-word CPD template, develop/write the draft of the next CPD that is derived from the evidence synthesis report, the UNICEF Strategic Plan (2022-2025) with a high-level theory of change, and that is aligned to UNSDCF 2025-2029; Sierra Leone Strategic Priorities of the Mid-Term Development Plan 2024-2028 and the Sustainable Development Goals (the Consultant’s support will be home based. Full guidance will be provided on the requirements as per latest country program planning guidance, style and templates).

7. Facilitate the draft CPD validation workshop(s) with key stakeholders (Government of Sierra Leone, UN, CSOs, development partners and members of UNICEF Executive Board in Sierra Leone (the Consultant will be based in country during this exercise).

8. Finalize the 2025-2029 Country Program Document incorporating feedback from validation workshops (the Consultant will be home-based during this exercise).

Please access full JD here  VA ToR – International Consultant (CPD).pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree in in a relevant field (International Relations, Development Studies, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Demography, Economics, Statistics).

Experience:

• At least ten years of strategic planning and program design experience in the social development field is required.
• Proven track record of experience in design of UN and UNICEF country program documents and result frameworks is required.
• Proven track record in results-based management practice including in program design (prioritization, program strategy notes, theory of change, result frameworks and results-based budgeting) is required.
• Proven track record in facilitating multi-stakeholder groups as well as consultation with vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents, is essential.
• Experience in development and humanitarian programming in the West African countries is an asset.
• Experience in conducting situation analysis of children’s and adolescents’ rights and well-being is an added advantage.
• At least basic knowledge of gender equality analysis and ability to identify other social issues that affect children and adolescents in particular.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of results-based management principles and practice.
• Sound and up to date knowledge and expertise in human rights-based approach to programming, gender transformative, equity-focused, and risk-informed programming.
• Sound and up to date knowledge of UN and UNICEF’s policies and practices in program design.
• Conversant on the Convention on the Rights of the Child as it relates to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child.
• Ability to analyze connections between CRC, CEDAW and UNPRDP.
• Working knowledge of Sierra Leone and Western Africa geographical and socio-economic situation.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Strong coordination and facilitation skills.
• Works collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
• Drive to achieve results for impact.
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage different expectations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English combined with strong oral, presentation and written communication skills is required.