International consultant to support implementation of the National Strategy on Children in Street Situations
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR SERVICE CONTRACTING
Assignment
International consultant to support implementation of the National Strategy on Children in Street Situations (found begging or working)
Location
Amman, Jordan
Duration
11.5 months
Estimate number of working days
Start date
10th February 2017
End date
30th December 2017
Reporting to
Chief of Child Protection
- JUSTIFICATION/BACKGROUND
In the framework of UNICEF’s ongoing country programme for Jordan (2013-2017), Child protection programme is aimed at supporting the government of Jordan as well the civil society in establishing protective environment for children that prevents exploitation, abuse and neglect and responds to the needs of vulnerable children. This entails working at the legal and policy level, as well as at institutional and community-based levels.
Since the onset of the Syrian crisis and influx of more than 600,000 Syrian refugees to Jordan, UNICEF, in coordination with the government, has been focusing on emergency-related child protection issues including but not limited to issues of prevention and response to gender-based, psychosocial support, child labour, etc.
Article 32 (1) of the Convention states: “States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development“.
One of the forms of child exploitation in Jordan which has been becoming more visible since the onset of the Syrian crisis, and, at the same time, the area in which the least has been done to protect the children in an adequate manner, is children in street situations including child begging. Children on the streets are daily exposed to life and health risks, and ultimately to the risk of becoming victims of trafficking. These children are excluded from regular education, they lack adequate family support and peer environment, and have to take responsibility for their own and the livelihoods of their families. The children who beg and work on streets are being deprived with respect to all segments of their lives, while their proper development and welfare is permanently and in many ways compromised.
The issue of children in street situations has been flagged as an issue of great concern requiring urgent action by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2014 in its Concluding Observations and Recommendations following the submission and review of Jordan’s 4th and 5th Combined Periodic Report.
The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) expressed its commitment to respond in efficient manner to the recommendations of the Committee. It has a strong intention to upgrade the social care, prevention and protection services for the vulnerable populations of Jordan and take needed actions in contributing to the poverty reduction that will prevent various vulnerabilities resulting from lack of resources, poverty, negative coping mechanisms, etc.
As a first and solid step in this regard, in June-August 2016, UNICEF supported Ministry of Social Development to bring in an international consultant who took the lead in assisting the Ministry to understand the scope and yearly trends of the problem, review the current practices of the response and come up with short and long term strategies.
In a consultative process that brought together Ministries of Education, Labour, the NCFA and others, and based on the findings of the situation analysis, a strategy has been developed to ensure greater coordination and holistic approach in dealing with the issue of children in street situations through an inter-sectoral approach.
The strategy that was developed by MoSD following the conduction of the situation analysis will be focusing on five strategic areas of intervention, namely:
- Legal reform;
- Prevention;
- Protection;
- Care and rehabilitation
- Reintegration of children found working or begging on the streets;
Findings of the situation analysis report informed formulation of the recommendations that should be prioritized and implemented in a holistic manner and have been reflected in the strategy:
- Identification of the causes of exploitation and abuse of children in street situations through analysis and research which will examine the general situation, but also individual cases;
- Legal reform;
- Enhanced coordination and cooperation among the stakeholders for ensuring the best interests of the child, respect for the views of the child;
- Increased budgetary allocation for child protection;
- Effective and efficient referral mechanisms in place;
- Greater focus on prevention putting in place an effective child protection system, early detection of risks that lead to child abuse through the monitoring of parental rights, timely inclusion of all children in the preschool education and enrolment in educational institutions through appropriate measures which would be promptly implemented by the educational institutions and local communities,
- Awareness raising and family/community involvement;
- Social and economic measures and activities of the competent authorities in order to eradicate the basis for the exploitation and abuse of children.
As a follow up to the above-mentioned consultancy commissioned by MoSD in June-August 2016, UNICEF and MoSD agreed on the next steps that will require additional international expertise. First of all, following the development and formulation of the Strategy, technical support is required to develop an action-oriented detailed plan for the implementation of this strategy for the coming three years. The Detailed Plan of Action should reflect on key budgetary allocations that will be required for implementation of each activity, timeframes, responsible stakeholders and indicators for monitoring and measuring the progress.
The detailed plan of action for children found on the streets will be an integral part of the National Framework for Child Labour (NFCL) that was developed in 2011. Implementation of the NCFL has not been very efficient in the overall as per the findings of the ILO impact assessment that was conducted in January 2016. Lack of strong monitoring mechanisms in place with a major role of tracking the ongoing progress, responsibilities and challenges ensuring that follow-up actions have taken place as needed, is one of the reasons that the implementation of the National Framework has not been very successful.
UNICEF-recruited consultant will provide the needed technical support to the Ministry of Labour in supporting the implementation of some of the NFCL components through a programmatic approach.
In addition, the consultant will work with the National Council for Family Affairs to strengthen its capacity to fulfil its role of the custodian of the Convention on the Rights of the Child ensuring implementation of the existing child protection policies, initiating development of new laws and regulations to address the current gaps that prevent establishment of fully functioning child protection system.
- OBJECTIVE AND TARGETS
There are three specific objectives for this individual consultancy which are linked with three different agencies.
- Ministry of Social Development: By December 2017, capacity of MoSD is strengthened to efficiently contribute to the implementation of the National Framework for Child Labour and the national Strategy on children in street situations;
- National Council for Family Affairs: By December 2017, NCFA role in improving accountabilities of all concerned ministries and government structures in establishing child protection systems will be strengthened. The Government of Jordan will be better prepared to address and follow-up on the Concluding Observations and Recommendations by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child following the submission of 4th and 5th Periodic reports;
- Ministry of Labour: By December 2017, the MoL’s role in implementation of the NCFL is strengthened through the update of the existing NFCL, development of the detailed Executive Plan of Action and capacity building of labour inspectors.
- SCOPE OF THE WORK (WORK ASSIGNMENT) and EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
The consultant is expected to provide the following support:
Technical support to the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD)
#
Action/Activity
Deliverables
1
In consultation with main stakeholders, a detailed Executive Plan of Action is developed to facilitate the implementation of the three-year Strategy for the phenomena of children on the streets. The action plan is clear on the outputs, activities, targets, strategies, timeframes, with detailed costing, and governance structures, responsible partners, and indicators for measuring the progress against the objectives.
The final product should be approved by the task force comprising UNICEF, MoSD, MoE, MoL, NCFA, NAF and Zakat fund
2
A community-based approach for working with child beggars that promotes de-institutionalization of children is developed in cooperation with MoSD;
New model of work is suggested for the center for the Care and Rehabilitation of Beggars which takes into account the best interest of the child and contributes to his/her rehabilitation and reintegration.
A new model of work of the center is developed with technical staff of MoSD
3
The existing BPU’s Collection Operations for children working on the streets and child beggars reviewed through a consultative process with all concerned and alternative solution is sought taking into account the best interest of the child and child friendly procedures
A new child friendly practice is in place for removing children from the street (begging or working) taking into account individual child’s and family needs and given the family context (needs, opportunities, capacities) through a multidisciplinary approach by all stakeholders
4
SOPs for the MoSD Begging Prevention Unit and for the Centre for the Care and Rehabilitation of Beggars developed based on the new approach.
SOPs approved and trainings on SOPs facilitated for MoSD staff and of center’s staff in Madaba
5
Job Descriptions with clear roles, referral and coordination paths and monitoring indicators for relevant MoSD and all staff of BPU and Madaba Centre developed and endorsed.
JDs approved and staff concerned familiarized with those, referral and coordination paths established
6
Technical/mentoring support is provided for the implementation of the new Child-friendly practice of the MoSD for 3 months, through interaction with the concerned staff at the Ministry as well as in the Madaba centre ensure proper understanding and practice.
New modality of work implemented effectively for 3 months; some 25 staff mentored
Technical support to the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA)
7
A coordination mechanism led by NCFA to ensure coordinated and continuous inter-sectoral cooperation in prevention of child abuse and provision of services to most vulnerable is strengthened.
NCFA’s role to oversee implementation of child protection-related policies and laws is strengthened through establishment of sustainable coordination and monitoring mechanisms that should be developed and sustained for the better information exchange, data analysis, referrals and improvement of accountabilities by all respective government structures/ministries, etc. In addition, this should enhance the information flow between the stakeholders and their interaction.
Guidance is provided for the preparation and approval of Inter Agency Protocol Agreements for child protection Referrals to ensure accountability and involvement of all stakeholders
8
NCFA’s capacity in overseeing the implementation of the latest Concluding Recommendations and Observations by the UN Committee on Jordan 4th and 5th Periodic reports is built.
NCFA is guided on all appropriate and needed actions for initiating the action-oriented process for responding to the Recommendations and Observations.
A Steering Committee chaired by NCFA for responding to the Concluding Observations is formed. Committee comprises of all concerned government bodies.
Action Plan reflecting roles/responsibilities, deliverables and timeframes is developed to take concrete actions on Observations and Recommendation of the UN Committee.
9
NCFA staff capacity in child protection is improved
Day to day guidance and mentoring support is provided to NCFA staff on various child protection issues from the requirements at the policy level up to field level implementation.
Depending on the needs of the staff, specific child protection trainings are designed and delivered engaging staff of MoSD, MoE and MoL as per the needs
10
Opportunities for the introduction of child protection/child rights specific course into the curricula of the Departments of Sociology and Social Work two University are identified and initial work is started
Specific syllabus for the child rights/child protection is developed in a joint effort with two universities
Technical support to the Ministry of Labour (MoL) and Education (MoE)
11
Technical support is provided to MoL in updating the existing National Framework for Child Labour and developing a three-year detailed Executive Plan of Action for its implementation. The action plan is clear on the outputs, activities, targets, strategies, timeframes, with detailed costing, and governance structures, responsible partners, and indicators for measuring the progress against the objectives.
Recommendations of the ILO Impact Assessment report in January 2016 on the implementation of NFCL to be taken into account while updating the NCFL and preparing the Executive Plan of Action
12
Technical support is provided to MoL in developing and implementing a capacity building training plan for the labour inspectors.
Capacity of MoL labour inspectors is strengthened to understand principles of child protection, child rights, best interest of the child, etc.
13
Technical support is provided to MoE in developing and establishing efficient policies and regulations for school attendance monitoring and taking actions for re-enrolling them through the provision of the needed cash and educational support through the National Aid Funds should families meet the vulnerability criteria.
Policies and systems in place for monitoring the school attendance and making efficient referrals to existing services for prevention of children’s drop-outs: cash support, catch-up classes, etc.
14
Support is provided in identifying and establishing contractual agreements with Vocational Training Centres across Jordan for referrals by MoSD, MoE and MoL.
Vocational Training Centers provide the needed trainings workshops for working children and school drop-outs.
- DELIVERY DATES AND DETAILS ON HOW THE WORK MUST BE DELIVERED
Delivery dates will be agreed upon after the consultant is recruited.
Consultant’s payment will be linked to deliverables.
- OFFICIAL TRAVEL INVOLVED
Consultant will be provided with one return economy class ticket during the course of the consultancy. If selected, the consultant will be provided with a supporting document to obtain entry visa (if necessary). UNICEF will be unable to secure travel visas. Any applicable visas fee should be covered by the consultant.
- DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE
- At least 10-12 years of work experience in social policy, economics, human rights or related field;
- Wide international knowledge and experience in child rights, in particular in relation to children in street situations
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Periodic Reporting System and implementation/follow up of the Concluding Observations and Recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child;
- Understanding of the Child Protection System and experience in establishing child protection system at the local level.
- Good understanding of Child Protection related laws and policies.
- Previous experience in developing strategies for combating child labour, children without parental care, children living and working/begging on the streets, establishing services for vulnerable children and populations.
- Ability to incorporate inputs from a consultative process with a wide range of stakeholders – including children and young people, in particular those in street situations;
- Ability to keep strict deadlines;
- Strong experience in training and coaching
- Availability for the time-period specified;
- Advanced University degree in Law, Social Policy, Human Rights, and Social Sciences or in any other related technical field. Master’s Degree in Social Sciences ( Social Services/Psychology/Social Science)
- Excellent command of English and strong writing and analytical skills
- PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR EVALUATION OF RESULTS
As per the table above
- FREQUENCY OF PERFORMANCE REVIEWS
Monthly or on quarterly basis. To be decided with the consultant
- CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The call for proposals will be managed by the supply section
- INDICATION OF HEALTH STATEMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF GOOD HEALTH
Yes
- UNICEF RECOURSE IN CASE OF UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE
Based on quality of deliverables and satisfactory response by the contractor, UNICEF will judge whether initial TOR have been met, otherwise payments should be withheld
- INDICATION THAT THE CONSULTANT/INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT OR, ALTERNATIVELY, AN EXPERT OF RELEVANT PROVISIONS INCLUDING THOSE CONCERNING LEGAL STATUS, OBLIGATIONS AND TITLE RIGHTS.
Yes
- Financial Proposal
Financial proposal will be assessed based on the completeness, clarity and appropriateness. The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened /evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum 60 points in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
Total Financial 30
Only those financial proposals will be opened which have been technically accepted (scoring at least 56) according to the above criteria.
- Submission Guidelines
A two stage procedure shall be utilized in evaluating the proposals, with the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Applications shall therefore contain the following required documentation:
- Technical Proposal: Applicants shall prepare a proposal as an overall response to ToR ensuring that the purpose, objectives, scope, criteria and deliverables of the assignment are addressed. Draft work plan and timeline for the assignment should be included. The Technical Proposal shall also include updated profiles/CV and Personal History Forms (download P11 here) of the consultant.
- Financial Proposal: Offer with cost breakdown: Consultancy fees, international (economy class), Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and required translations and other costs. The Financial Proposal shall be submitted in a separate file, clearly named Financial Proposal. No financial information should be contained in the Technical Proposal. Applicants could offer an all-inclusive (fee+DSA) rate per month in their proposals as well. The payment schedule will be linked to the deliverables, thus consultant is to develop a realistic timetable for deliverables that will form the basis for the payment schedule.
Travel expenses shall be based on the most direct route and economy fare. Quotations for business class fare will not be considered.
- CONDITIONS
The consultant will work on his/her own computer(s) and phone. The communication related expenses should be factored into the proposal. The consultant will be required to spend time at least 3/4 of his/her time at MOSD and NCFA during the course of this assignment. UNICEF will work with these agencies to provide a reasonable work environment. Local travel will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs.