Development of an Advocacy and Communication Strategy on ending child marriage in Zambia.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Summary
Title Development of an Advocacy and Communication Strategy on ending child marriage in Zambia.
Purpose To develop an advocacy and communication strategy including an implementation plan and M & E framework
Location National Level
Sub National Level in the following districts: Katete, Lusaka and Luwingu, Mwinilunga, Mufulira and Senanga
Communities to be selected in consultation with UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
Duration 90 days
Proposed Start and End Date 01 March 2017 – 30 June 2017
Reporting to Chief, Child Protection
Project and activity title Global Programme on accelerating action on ending child marriage
Background
Rates of child marriage in Zambia are among the highest in the world, with a reported 31% of women aged 20-24 having been married before the age of 18 (Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2013/2014). Child marriage, defined globally as a marriage – formal or informal - of a girl or boy before the age of 18, affects both boys and girls, but girls disproportionately so. Child marriage has adverse effects for both the child and for society as a whole, in that it constitutes a multiple violation of the rights of children, as it impedes their access to education, jeopardizes their health, robs them of their childhood, increases the risk of violence, and limits their life opportunities. It is both a symptom and a cause of ongoing development challenges for Zambia, as the practice violates the human rights of boys and girls and further perpetuates the poverty cycle.
In order to appreciate the dynamics leading to the high rates of child marriage, UNICEF supported the government in undertaking a qualitative research in early 2015. The research found that child marriage is widely practised across all sites where data were collected and prevalence rates on the ground appeared in all cases to be higher than those recorded in the last two rounds of the ZDHS (2007, 2013/14) and the 2010 Census. According to the study, the practice of child marriage in Zambia is not monolithic. Six different ‘types’ of child marriage were found, and while there are cases involving girls and men (often seen as the ‘norm’ of child marriage), the most common form for these relationships involved a marriage of peers, usually with an age difference of two to three years.
Those more likely to marry included children from poor families or backgrounds, those living in rural areas, those not attending school, pregnant girls and their boyfriends, orphans and stepchildren, difficult or ‘hard to manage’ children, and children without adequate supervision or support. Many child marriages are driven by a desire to seize an opportunity – to escape bad living conditions, to meet basic needs, to enhance one’s own or one’s parents’ status in the community, to secure an economic benefit, or to remain within one’s peer group. Factors that helped delay or prevent child marriage – for both boys and girls – include the education level of parents, access to quality education, strong community leadership, involvement in income-generating activities, opportunities for personal development, access to safe recreational activities, and the presence of role models.
Findings from the research were used to inform the development of a national Strategy to End Child Marriage, which was launched in April 2016. The national strategy has five objectives, the third of which relates to ‘facilitating positive change in prevailing negative attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and practices in order to reduce the incidence of child marriage.’ Under this objective, UNICEF will support the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to develop and implement a communications and advocacy strategy on ending child marriage, based on the findings of the qualitative research. The strategy will include an implementation plan with a strong M&E framework.
The Child Marriage study raised a number of key issues which can be addressed through advocacy and communication. These include encouraging children, especially girls, to remain in secondary education, increasing the acceptability and availability of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) information and services to both in-school and out-of-school young people, and improving awareness of the school re-entry policy. Though communication alone will not directly impact on remaining in school and accessing ASRH services, much can be done to support conversations and information about why they are important and their respective benefits.
It is equally important to understand the community perspectives of what it means to be a child (and conversely, an adult) and the often contradictory understanding of childhood with international human rights frameworks. A key aspect of this understanding is to engage with community leaders about why children end up in marriage and why this is supported, as evidence shows it is seen as one important option amongst very limited alternatives.
The four-year advocacy and communication strategy will target national level actors such as policy makers, NGOs, religious leaders and traditional leaders for its advocacy activities and at sub-national levels will target boys and girls, mothers and fathers, and influential community members – such as traditional and religious leaders – with appropriate C4D approaches. The strategy will support GRZ efforts of delaying the age of child marriage through the Ministry of Gender, which is coordinating the government-led End Child Marriage campaign. It is envisaged that this strategy will provide direction for the efforts of various stakeholders, such as civil society, community based organizations, and traditional leaders on engaging with communities around the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Objectives
The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a four-year advocacy and communication strategy and plan with an M&E framework, which clearly lays out the strategic approach and communication framework. This strategy will address the beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, and norms which contribute to children’s vulnerability to child marriage. Innovative approaches to support a new and different narrative around child marriage are required. It is expected that social marketing techniques, the use of positive role models and stories, as well as other C4D approaches such as social change communication and social mobilization will be used. The strategy will require articulating communications channels that are relevant and accessible to children and families living in modern urban areas as well as those in traditional rural areas.
The institution will review available data, including the ZDHS, qualitative research on child marriage, and Education Statistical Bulletin (among other sources) in order to understand the situation of child marriage in the country. The institution is expected to devise participatory methodologies for engaging various actors at national, district, and community levels in the development of the strategy. Through these consultations, analyses of the target audience and communications channels, including social network mapping, will be conducted.
The institution is expected to recommend innovative approaches that speak to the target audience, which may include social marketing techniques, a focus on hope and individual agency rather than negative messaging, and use of positive role models to tell the story around child marriage., The institution will suggest appropriate and acceptable cost-effective strategies which will motivate local communities and other relevant stakeholders in addressing, challenging, discussing, and engaging with the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Specific Tasks
The process of development needs to be collaborative with key representatives from government and NGOs to ensure ownership by and capacity/knowledge transfer to national stakeholders.
The key assignments are as follows:
- Conduct review of relevant literature on studies/research reports related to child marriage in Zambia
- Conduct analysis of the key audiences and relevant communication channels, to identify target audiences and the most appropriate avenues to which to reach them through advocacy and communications
- Develop a communications strategy and plan based on the dynamics leading to child marriage in Zambia and the key messages through which this narrative will be disseminated to the identified national level and district stakeholders to reach a common approach in addressing child marriage
- Design an advocacy strategy to target both national and sub-national stakeholders in understanding and taking action toward delaying the age of marriage
- Develop an implementation plan with indicative budgets and an M&E framework. This is a key deliverable for the assignment
The Institution will report to the Chief of Child Protection and will work closely with the UNICEF C4D Officer in the child protection section, in conjunction with the C4D Specialist. The institution will also be required to work closely with the Ministry of Gender and the communication sub-committee formed for this purpose.
The Government has set up a consortium of 15 Ministries for a multisectoral response to the issue of child marriage. A coordination committee, with representatives from ministries, UN and NGOs is supporting the national campaign. A communication sub-committee is tasked with overseeing the awareness raising activities related to ending child marriage. It is envisaged that the Communication sub-committee will provide relevant information and feedback to the institution and conduct the final review of the communication strategy.
Expected Deliverables
Tasks
Expected Output/ Deliverable
Estimated No of Weeks
Responsibility
Prepare action plan detailing the process of the development of that strategy
Action plan for the whole process of developing the strategy , including the timelines, activities, methods/strategies and logistics prepared and approved by UNICEF
1 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
A literature review of relevant/studies/research conducted on issues related to child marriage
Document detailing available literature produced
2 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Conduct field visits to 3 districts for in-depth discussions with various participant audiences at National and sub-national level for communication analysis
Communication analysis which includes participant, behavior, channels and problem analysis documented
4 weeks
Institution / Ministry of Gender
Drafting of the strategy which includes identified appropriate communication channels/media, testing of key messages, implementation plan and M & E framework
- Strategy drafted, including, but not limited to communication intervention, communicators, audiences, channels and tested messages
- Draft advocacy strategy, including key messages
- Develop an implementation plan and an M&E framework as part of the strategy document
3weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Strategy validation workshop with stakeholders and incorporation of inputs
- PPT presentation of the draft strategy for validation
- Documentation of stakeholder meeting and inputs
- Revised draft of Advocacy and Communication strategy submitted to UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
1week
Consultancy firm/Institution/MoG
Submission of strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework document to UNICEF and MoG for approval
- Final advocacy and communication strategy document including implementation plan and M&E framework
1 week
Consultancy firm/Institution
Payment Schedule
1st Payment (30%): After submission of action plan
2nd Payment (40%): After submission draft communication strategy including implementation plan with an M & E framework
3rd payment (30%): Upon submission of the final strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework
Qualifications / Specialized Knowledge and Experience
This assignment will require the services of a firm/institution with relevant experience in undertaking similar assignments.
The team leader will require an advanced degree in communications or social marketing and will have at least 8 years’ experience developing advocacy and communications strategies related to social issues. Experience in designing social and behavior change interventions will be an added advantage.
Samples of communication strategies developed arising from similar previous work to accompany the technical proposal will be required.
Administrative issues, including Consultant’s workplace and official travel involved
The firm/Institution shall ensure that their proposed budget includes all costs that will enable the undertaking of this assignment effectively e.g. hiring of local team, transportation to and from the field, costs of holding meetings at national and sub national levels, accommodation and logistical arrangements during field work and while in Lusaka.
The firm also include the costs of local teams that will be engaged in the work in the field. Consultant shall use their own equipment and work from their office. International travel will be calculated based on economy fares.
Evaluation Process and methods
The assessment of the proposals will be in two (2) stages i.e. the assessment of the technical proposal and the financial proposal. Technical and financial/cost proposals will be evaluated separately. Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits (including by reference to legal requirements) and subsequently on its price. The proposal obtaining the overall highest score after adding the scores for the technical and price proposals is the proposal that offers best value for money and will be recommended for award of the contract.
- Technical proposal Evaluation
Technical proposal accounts for 70/100 whereas cost/financial proposal accounts for 30/100 of the marks. Bidders will have to score at least 50 on the technical proposal to be considered further with the cost proposal.
Note that for technical proposals the minimum qualifying mark is 50. In normal circumstances, only those offers that score minimum and above points on technical proposals will be considered for commercial evaluation. However, UNICEF reserves the right to evaluate all commercial offers and/or shortlist selected suppliers from among those who score minimum and above technical scores.
- Commercial Proposal evaluation
All proposals must be in United States Dollar (US$). Commercial proposal should provide detailed breakdown of the cost of each activity you have proposed for the implementation of your technical proposal.
The contract will be a fixed lump sum contract therefore professional fees and all out of pocket expenses will be part of total price proposal.
The total amount of points allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened and compared among those invited firms/institutions which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
Evaluation matrix
CATEGORY
MAX. POINTS
- MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Submission of complete and signed proposal format (pp4 in RFP)
2. OVERALL RESPONSE
- Understanding of, and responsiveness to, the requirements
- Understanding of scope and objectives
- Completeness of response
- Overall concord between the requirements and the proposal
- Proposed management arrangements
5
3. METHODOLOGY
- Quality of proposed design and methodology and extent of alignment with requirements
- Quality of proposed implementation plan (how, who, what, where, when?)
- Recognition of direct/peripheral risks and measures to prevent and manage these
25
4. PROPOSED TEAM AND ITS PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION
- Team leader: relevant experience, qualifications, and position with institution
- Team members: relevant experience of similar scope and complexity, professional expertise and knowledge
- Structure of Management Team: Detailed resume of the proposed team for the assignment giving information about the following:
- Title/Designation of each team member on the project, educational qualifications and professional experiences including information on their professional affiliations and certifications. Past experience in working on similar project and assignment and their roles on those projects
25
5. ORGANISATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Organization background, profile, expertise of the Company detailing the general and specific experience in implementing similar assignments in the past; evidence could be in form of job completion certificate, contracts and or references. The submission should also include list of three similar assignment in terms of requirements and scope implemented in the past 5 years
- Financial statements
20
- PRICE
- Overall Cost
- Unit Costs
25
TOTAL MARKS
100
Contractual policy both parties should be aware of:
- Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 22 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
- Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
- No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
- For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email.
- No consultant may travel without a signed contract and authorization to travel prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
- Unless authorized, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In some cases, the consultant may be authorized to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct route” but this must be agreed beforehand.
- Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
- Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
- The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant.
- UNICEF will have the proprietary rights of the documents produced under the contract
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Summary
Title Development of an Advocacy and Communication Strategy on ending child marriage in Zambia.
Purpose To develop an advocacy and communication strategy including an implementation plan and M & E framework
Location National Level
Sub National Level in the following districts: Katete, Lusaka and Luwingu, Mwinilunga, Mufulira and Senanga
Communities to be selected in consultation with UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
Duration 90 days
Proposed Start and End Date 01 March 2017 – 30 June 2017
Reporting to Chief, Child Protection
Project and activity title Global Programme on accelerating action on ending child marriage
Background
Rates of child marriage in Zambia are among the highest in the world, with a reported 31% of women aged 20-24 having been married before the age of 18 (Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2013/2014). Child marriage, defined globally as a marriage – formal or informal - of a girl or boy before the age of 18, affects both boys and girls, but girls disproportionately so. Child marriage has adverse effects for both the child and for society as a whole, in that it constitutes a multiple violation of the rights of children, as it impedes their access to education, jeopardizes their health, robs them of their childhood, increases the risk of violence, and limits their life opportunities. It is both a symptom and a cause of ongoing development challenges for Zambia, as the practice violates the human rights of boys and girls and further perpetuates the poverty cycle.
In order to appreciate the dynamics leading to the high rates of child marriage, UNICEF supported the government in undertaking a qualitative research in early 2015. The research found that child marriage is widely practised across all sites where data were collected and prevalence rates on the ground appeared in all cases to be higher than those recorded in the last two rounds of the ZDHS (2007, 2013/14) and the 2010 Census. According to the study, the practice of child marriage in Zambia is not monolithic. Six different ‘types’ of child marriage were found, and while there are cases involving girls and men (often seen as the ‘norm’ of child marriage), the most common form for these relationships involved a marriage of peers, usually with an age difference of two to three years.
Those more likely to marry included children from poor families or backgrounds, those living in rural areas, those not attending school, pregnant girls and their boyfriends, orphans and stepchildren, difficult or ‘hard to manage’ children, and children without adequate supervision or support. Many child marriages are driven by a desire to seize an opportunity – to escape bad living conditions, to meet basic needs, to enhance one’s own or one’s parents’ status in the community, to secure an economic benefit, or to remain within one’s peer group. Factors that helped delay or prevent child marriage – for both boys and girls – include the education level of parents, access to quality education, strong community leadership, involvement in income-generating activities, opportunities for personal development, access to safe recreational activities, and the presence of role models.
Findings from the research were used to inform the development of a national Strategy to End Child Marriage, which was launched in April 2016. The national strategy has five objectives, the third of which relates to ‘facilitating positive change in prevailing negative attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and practices in order to reduce the incidence of child marriage.’ Under this objective, UNICEF will support the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to develop and implement a communications and advocacy strategy on ending child marriage, based on the findings of the qualitative research. The strategy will include an implementation plan with a strong M&E framework.
The Child Marriage study raised a number of key issues which can be addressed through advocacy and communication. These include encouraging children, especially girls, to remain in secondary education, increasing the acceptability and availability of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) information and services to both in-school and out-of-school young people, and improving awareness of the school re-entry policy. Though communication alone will not directly impact on remaining in school and accessing ASRH services, much can be done to support conversations and information about why they are important and their respective benefits.
It is equally important to understand the community perspectives of what it means to be a child (and conversely, an adult) and the often contradictory understanding of childhood with international human rights frameworks. A key aspect of this understanding is to engage with community leaders about why children end up in marriage and why this is supported, as evidence shows it is seen as one important option amongst very limited alternatives.
The four-year advocacy and communication strategy will target national level actors such as policy makers, NGOs, religious leaders and traditional leaders for its advocacy activities and at sub-national levels will target boys and girls, mothers and fathers, and influential community members – such as traditional and religious leaders – with appropriate C4D approaches. The strategy will support GRZ efforts of delaying the age of child marriage through the Ministry of Gender, which is coordinating the government-led End Child Marriage campaign. It is envisaged that this strategy will provide direction for the efforts of various stakeholders, such as civil society, community based organizations, and traditional leaders on engaging with communities around the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Objectives
The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a four-year advocacy and communication strategy and plan with an M&E framework, which clearly lays out the strategic approach and communication framework. This strategy will address the beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, and norms which contribute to children’s vulnerability to child marriage. Innovative approaches to support a new and different narrative around child marriage are required. It is expected that social marketing techniques, the use of positive role models and stories, as well as other C4D approaches such as social change communication and social mobilization will be used. The strategy will require articulating communications channels that are relevant and accessible to children and families living in modern urban areas as well as those in traditional rural areas.
The institution will review available data, including the ZDHS, qualitative research on child marriage, and Education Statistical Bulletin (among other sources) in order to understand the situation of child marriage in the country. The institution is expected to devise participatory methodologies for engaging various actors at national, district, and community levels in the development of the strategy. Through these consultations, analyses of the target audience and communications channels, including social network mapping, will be conducted.
The institution is expected to recommend innovative approaches that speak to the target audience, which may include social marketing techniques, a focus on hope and individual agency rather than negative messaging, and use of positive role models to tell the story around child marriage., The institution will suggest appropriate and acceptable cost-effective strategies which will motivate local communities and other relevant stakeholders in addressing, challenging, discussing, and engaging with the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Specific Tasks
The process of development needs to be collaborative with key representatives from government and NGOs to ensure ownership by and capacity/knowledge transfer to national stakeholders.
The key assignments are as follows:
- Conduct review of relevant literature on studies/research reports related to child marriage in Zambia
- Conduct analysis of the key audiences and relevant communication channels, to identify target audiences and the most appropriate avenues to which to reach them through advocacy and communications
- Develop a communications strategy and plan based on the dynamics leading to child marriage in Zambia and the key messages through which this narrative will be disseminated to the identified national level and district stakeholders to reach a common approach in addressing child marriage
- Design an advocacy strategy to target both national and sub-national stakeholders in understanding and taking action toward delaying the age of marriage
- Develop an implementation plan with indicative budgets and an M&E framework. This is a key deliverable for the assignment
-
The Institution will report to the Chief of Child Protection and will work closely with the UNICEF C4D Officer in the child protection section, in conjunction with the C4D Specialist. The institution will also be required to work closely with the Ministry of Gender and the communication sub-committee formed for this purpose.
The Government has set up a consortium of 15 Ministries for a multisectoral response to the issue of child marriage. A coordination committee, with representatives from ministries, UN and NGOs is supporting the national campaign. A communication sub-committee is tasked with overseeing the awareness raising activities related to ending child marriage. It is envisaged that the Communication sub-committee will provide relevant information and feedback to the institution and conduct the final review of the communication strategy.
Expected Deliverables
Tasks
Expected Output/ Deliverable
Estimated No of Weeks
Responsibility
Prepare action plan detailing the process of the development of that strategy
Action plan for the whole process of developing the strategy , including the timelines, activities, methods/strategies and logistics prepared and approved by UNICEF
1 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
A literature review of relevant/studies/research conducted on issues related to child marriage
Document detailing available literature produced
2 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Conduct field visits to 3 districts for in-depth discussions with various participant audiences at National and sub-national level for communication analysis
Communication analysis which includes participant, behavior, channels and problem analysis documented
4 weeks
Institution / Ministry of Gender
Drafting of the strategy which includes identified appropriate communication channels/media, testing of key messages, implementation plan and M & E framework
- Strategy drafted, including, but not limited to communication intervention, communicators, audiences, channels and tested messages
- Draft advocacy strategy, including key messages
- Develop an implementation plan and an M&E framework as part of the strategy document
-
3weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Strategy validation workshop with stakeholders and incorporation of inputs
- PPT presentation of the draft strategy for validation
- Documentation of stakeholder meeting and inputs
- Revised draft of Advocacy and Communication strategy submitted to UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
-
1week
Consultancy firm/Institution/MoG
Submission of strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework document to UNICEF and MoG for approval
- Final advocacy and communication strategy document including implementation plan and M&E framework
-
1 week
Consultancy firm/Institution
Payment Schedule
1st Payment (30%): After submission of action plan
2nd Payment (40%): After submission draft communication strategy including implementation plan with an M & E framework
3rd payment (30%): Upon submission of the final strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework
Qualifications / Specialized Knowledge and Experience
This assignment will require the services of a firm/institution with relevant experience in undertaking similar assignments.
The team leader will require an advanced degree in communications or social marketing and will have at least 8 years’ experience developing advocacy and communications strategies related to social issues. Experience in designing social and behavior change interventions will be an added advantage.
Samples of communication strategies developed arising from similar previous work to accompany the technical proposal will be required.
Administrative issues, including Consultant’s workplace and official travel involved
The firm/Institution shall ensure that their proposed budget includes all costs that will enable the undertaking of this assignment effectively e.g. hiring of local team, transportation to and from the field, costs of holding meetings at national and sub national levels, accommodation and logistical arrangements during field work and while in Lusaka.
The firm also include the costs of local teams that will be engaged in the work in the field. Consultant shall use their own equipment and work from their office. International travel will be calculated based on economy fares.
Evaluation Process and methods
The assessment of the proposals will be in two (2) stages i.e. the assessment of the technical proposal and the financial proposal. Technical and financial/cost proposals will be evaluated separately. Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits (including by reference to legal requirements) and subsequently on its price. The proposal obtaining the overall highest score after adding the scores for the technical and price proposals is the proposal that offers best value for money and will be recommended for award of the contract.
- Technical proposal Evaluation
-
Technical proposal accounts for 70/100 whereas cost/financial proposal accounts for 30/100 of the marks. Bidders will have to score at least 50 on the technical proposal to be considered further with the cost proposal.
Note that for technical proposals the minimum qualifying mark is 50. In normal circumstances, only those offers that score minimum and above points on technical proposals will be considered for commercial evaluation. However, UNICEF reserves the right to evaluate all commercial offers and/or shortlist selected suppliers from among those who score minimum and above technical scores.
- Commercial Proposal evaluation
-
All proposals must be in United States Dollar (US$). Commercial proposal should provide detailed breakdown of the cost of each activity you have proposed for the implementation of your technical proposal.
The contract will be a fixed lump sum contract therefore professional fees and all out of pocket expenses will be part of total price proposal.
The total amount of points allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened and compared among those invited firms/institutions which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
Evaluation matrix
CATEGORY
MAX. POINTS
- MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
-
Submission of complete and signed proposal format (pp4 in RFP)
2. OVERALL RESPONSE
- Understanding of, and responsiveness to, the requirements
- Understanding of scope and objectives
- Completeness of response
- Overall concord between the requirements and the proposal
- Proposed management arrangements
-
5
3. METHODOLOGY
- Quality of proposed design and methodology and extent of alignment with requirements
- Quality of proposed implementation plan (how, who, what, where, when?)
- Recognition of direct/peripheral risks and measures to prevent and manage these
-
25
4. PROPOSED TEAM AND ITS PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION
- Team leader: relevant experience, qualifications, and position with institution
- Team members: relevant experience of similar scope and complexity, professional expertise and knowledge
- Structure of Management Team: Detailed resume of the proposed team for the assignment giving information about the following:
- Title/Designation of each team member on the project, educational qualifications and professional experiences including information on their professional affiliations and certifications. Past experience in working on similar project and assignment and their roles on those projects
-
5. ORGANISATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Organization background, profile, expertise of the Company detailing the general and specific experience in implementing similar assignments in the past; evidence could be in form of job completion certificate, contracts and or references. The submission should also include list of three similar assignment in terms of requirements and scope implemented in the past 5 years
- Financial statements
-
20
- PRICE
- Overall Cost
- Unit Costs
-
25
TOTAL MARKS
100
Contractual policy both parties should be aware of:
- Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 22 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
- Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
- No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
- For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email.
- No consultant may travel without a signed contract and authorization to travel prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
- Unless authorized, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In some cases, the consultant may be authorized to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct route” but this must be agreed beforehand.
- Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
- Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
- The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant.
- UNICEF will have the proprietary rights of the documents produced under the contract
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Summary
Title Development of an Advocacy and Communication Strategy on ending child marriage in Zambia.
Purpose To develop an advocacy and communication strategy including an implementation plan and M & E framework
Location National Level
Sub National Level in the following districts: Katete, Lusaka and Luwingu, Mwinilunga, Mufulira and Senanga
Communities to be selected in consultation with UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
Duration 90 days
Proposed Start and End Date 01 March 2017 – 30 June 2017
Reporting to Chief, Child Protection
Project and activity title Global Programme on accelerating action on ending child marriage
Background
Rates of child marriage in Zambia are among the highest in the world, with a reported 31% of women aged 20-24 having been married before the age of 18 (Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2013/2014). Child marriage, defined globally as a marriage – formal or informal - of a girl or boy before the age of 18, affects both boys and girls, but girls disproportionately so. Child marriage has adverse effects for both the child and for society as a whole, in that it constitutes a multiple violation of the rights of children, as it impedes their access to education, jeopardizes their health, robs them of their childhood, increases the risk of violence, and limits their life opportunities. It is both a symptom and a cause of ongoing development challenges for Zambia, as the practice violates the human rights of boys and girls and further perpetuates the poverty cycle.
In order to appreciate the dynamics leading to the high rates of child marriage, UNICEF supported the government in undertaking a qualitative research in early 2015. The research found that child marriage is widely practised across all sites where data were collected and prevalence rates on the ground appeared in all cases to be higher than those recorded in the last two rounds of the ZDHS (2007, 2013/14) and the 2010 Census. According to the study, the practice of child marriage in Zambia is not monolithic. Six different ‘types’ of child marriage were found, and while there are cases involving girls and men (often seen as the ‘norm’ of child marriage), the most common form for these relationships involved a marriage of peers, usually with an age difference of two to three years.
Those more likely to marry included children from poor families or backgrounds, those living in rural areas, those not attending school, pregnant girls and their boyfriends, orphans and stepchildren, difficult or ‘hard to manage’ children, and children without adequate supervision or support. Many child marriages are driven by a desire to seize an opportunity – to escape bad living conditions, to meet basic needs, to enhance one’s own or one’s parents’ status in the community, to secure an economic benefit, or to remain within one’s peer group. Factors that helped delay or prevent child marriage – for both boys and girls – include the education level of parents, access to quality education, strong community leadership, involvement in income-generating activities, opportunities for personal development, access to safe recreational activities, and the presence of role models.
Findings from the research were used to inform the development of a national Strategy to End Child Marriage, which was launched in April 2016. The national strategy has five objectives, the third of which relates to ‘facilitating positive change in prevailing negative attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and practices in order to reduce the incidence of child marriage.’ Under this objective, UNICEF will support the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to develop and implement a communications and advocacy strategy on ending child marriage, based on the findings of the qualitative research. The strategy will include an implementation plan with a strong M&E framework.
The Child Marriage study raised a number of key issues which can be addressed through advocacy and communication. These include encouraging children, especially girls, to remain in secondary education, increasing the acceptability and availability of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) information and services to both in-school and out-of-school young people, and improving awareness of the school re-entry policy. Though communication alone will not directly impact on remaining in school and accessing ASRH services, much can be done to support conversations and information about why they are important and their respective benefits.
It is equally important to understand the community perspectives of what it means to be a child (and conversely, an adult) and the often contradictory understanding of childhood with international human rights frameworks. A key aspect of this understanding is to engage with community leaders about why children end up in marriage and why this is supported, as evidence shows it is seen as one important option amongst very limited alternatives.
The four-year advocacy and communication strategy will target national level actors such as policy makers, NGOs, religious leaders and traditional leaders for its advocacy activities and at sub-national levels will target boys and girls, mothers and fathers, and influential community members – such as traditional and religious leaders – with appropriate C4D approaches. The strategy will support GRZ efforts of delaying the age of child marriage through the Ministry of Gender, which is coordinating the government-led End Child Marriage campaign. It is envisaged that this strategy will provide direction for the efforts of various stakeholders, such as civil society, community based organizations, and traditional leaders on engaging with communities around the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Objectives
The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a four-year advocacy and communication strategy and plan with an M&E framework, which clearly lays out the strategic approach and communication framework. This strategy will address the beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, and norms which contribute to children’s vulnerability to child marriage. Innovative approaches to support a new and different narrative around child marriage are required. It is expected that social marketing techniques, the use of positive role models and stories, as well as other C4D approaches such as social change communication and social mobilization will be used. The strategy will require articulating communications channels that are relevant and accessible to children and families living in modern urban areas as well as those in traditional rural areas.
The institution will review available data, including the ZDHS, qualitative research on child marriage, and Education Statistical Bulletin (among other sources) in order to understand the situation of child marriage in the country. The institution is expected to devise participatory methodologies for engaging various actors at national, district, and community levels in the development of the strategy. Through these consultations, analyses of the target audience and communications channels, including social network mapping, will be conducted.
The institution is expected to recommend innovative approaches that speak to the target audience, which may include social marketing techniques, a focus on hope and individual agency rather than negative messaging, and use of positive role models to tell the story around child marriage., The institution will suggest appropriate and acceptable cost-effective strategies which will motivate local communities and other relevant stakeholders in addressing, challenging, discussing, and engaging with the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Specific Tasks
The process of development needs to be collaborative with key representatives from government and NGOs to ensure ownership by and capacity/knowledge transfer to national stakeholders.
The key assignments are as follows:
- Conduct review of relevant literature on studies/research reports related to child marriage in Zambia
- Conduct analysis of the key audiences and relevant communication channels, to identify target audiences and the most appropriate avenues to which to reach them through advocacy and communications
- Develop a communications strategy and plan based on the dynamics leading to child marriage in Zambia and the key messages through which this narrative will be disseminated to the identified national level and district stakeholders to reach a common approach in addressing child marriage
- Design an advocacy strategy to target both national and sub-national stakeholders in understanding and taking action toward delaying the age of marriage
- Develop an implementation plan with indicative budgets and an M&E framework. This is a key deliverable for the assignment
-
The Institution will report to the Chief of Child Protection and will work closely with the UNICEF C4D Officer in the child protection section, in conjunction with the C4D Specialist. The institution will also be required to work closely with the Ministry of Gender and the communication sub-committee formed for this purpose.
The Government has set up a consortium of 15 Ministries for a multisectoral response to the issue of child marriage. A coordination committee, with representatives from ministries, UN and NGOs is supporting the national campaign. A communication sub-committee is tasked with overseeing the awareness raising activities related to ending child marriage. It is envisaged that the Communication sub-committee will provide relevant information and feedback to the institution and conduct the final review of the communication strategy.
Expected Deliverables
Tasks
Expected Output/ Deliverable
Estimated No of Weeks
Responsibility
Prepare action plan detailing the process of the development of that strategy
Action plan for the whole process of developing the strategy , including the timelines, activities, methods/strategies and logistics prepared and approved by UNICEF
1 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
A literature review of relevant/studies/research conducted on issues related to child marriage
Document detailing available literature produced
2 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Conduct field visits to 3 districts for in-depth discussions with various participant audiences at National and sub-national level for communication analysis
Communication analysis which includes participant, behavior, channels and problem analysis documented
4 weeks
Institution / Ministry of Gender
Drafting of the strategy which includes identified appropriate communication channels/media, testing of key messages, implementation plan and M & E framework
- Strategy drafted, including, but not limited to communication intervention, communicators, audiences, channels and tested messages
- Draft advocacy strategy, including key messages
- Develop an implementation plan and an M&E framework as part of the strategy document
-
3weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Strategy validation workshop with stakeholders and incorporation of inputs
- PPT presentation of the draft strategy for validation
- Documentation of stakeholder meeting and inputs
- Revised draft of Advocacy and Communication strategy submitted to UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
-
1week
Consultancy firm/Institution/MoG
Submission of strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework document to UNICEF and MoG for approval
- Final advocacy and communication strategy document including implementation plan and M&E framework
-
1 week
Consultancy firm/Institution
Payment Schedule
1st Payment (30%): After submission of action plan
2nd Payment (40%): After submission draft communication strategy including implementation plan with an M & E framework
3rd payment (30%): Upon submission of the final strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework
Qualifications / Specialized Knowledge and Experience
This assignment will require the services of a firm/institution with relevant experience in undertaking similar assignments.
The team leader will require an advanced degree in communications or social marketing and will have at least 8 years’ experience developing advocacy and communications strategies related to social issues. Experience in designing social and behavior change interventions will be an added advantage.
Samples of communication strategies developed arising from similar previous work to accompany the technical proposal will be required.
Administrative issues, including Consultant’s workplace and official travel involved
The firm/Institution shall ensure that their proposed budget includes all costs that will enable the undertaking of this assignment effectively e.g. hiring of local team, transportation to and from the field, costs of holding meetings at national and sub national levels, accommodation and logistical arrangements during field work and while in Lusaka.
The firm also include the costs of local teams that will be engaged in the work in the field. Consultant shall use their own equipment and work from their office. International travel will be calculated based on economy fares.
Evaluation Process and methods
The assessment of the proposals will be in two (2) stages i.e. the assessment of the technical proposal and the financial proposal. Technical and financial/cost proposals will be evaluated separately. Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits (including by reference to legal requirements) and subsequently on its price. The proposal obtaining the overall highest score after adding the scores for the technical and price proposals is the proposal that offers best value for money and will be recommended for award of the contract.
- Technical proposal Evaluation
-
Technical proposal accounts for 70/100 whereas cost/financial proposal accounts for 30/100 of the marks. Bidders will have to score at least 50 on the technical proposal to be considered further with the cost proposal.
Note that for technical proposals the minimum qualifying mark is 50. In normal circumstances, only those offers that score minimum and above points on technical proposals will be considered for commercial evaluation. However, UNICEF reserves the right to evaluate all commercial offers and/or shortlist selected suppliers from among those who score minimum and above technical scores.
- Commercial Proposal evaluation
-
All proposals must be in United States Dollar (US$). Commercial proposal should provide detailed breakdown of the cost of each activity you have proposed for the implementation of your technical proposal.
The contract will be a fixed lump sum contract therefore professional fees and all out of pocket expenses will be part of total price proposal.
The total amount of points allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened and compared among those invited firms/institutions which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
Evaluation matrix
CATEGORY
MAX. POINTS
- MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
-
Submission of complete and signed proposal format (pp4 in RFP)
2. OVERALL RESPONSE
- Understanding of, and responsiveness to, the requirements
- Understanding of scope and objectives
- Completeness of response
- Overall concord between the requirements and the proposal
- Proposed management arrangements
-
5
3. METHODOLOGY
- Quality of proposed design and methodology and extent of alignment with requirements
- Quality of proposed implementation plan (how, who, what, where, when?)
- Recognition of direct/peripheral risks and measures to prevent and manage these
-
25
4. PROPOSED TEAM AND ITS PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION
- Team leader: relevant experience, qualifications, and position with institution
- Team members: relevant experience of similar scope and complexity, professional expertise and knowledge
- Structure of Management Team: Detailed resume of the proposed team for the assignment giving information about the following:
- Title/Designation of each team member on the project, educational qualifications and professional experiences including information on their professional affiliations and certifications. Past experience in working on similar project and assignment and their roles on those projects
-
5. ORGANISATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Organization background, profile, expertise of the Company detailing the general and specific experience in implementing similar assignments in the past; evidence could be in form of job completion certificate, contracts and or references. The submission should also include list of three similar assignment in terms of requirements and scope implemented in the past 5 years
- Financial statements
-
20
- PRICE
- Overall Cost
- Unit Costs
-
25
TOTAL MARKS
100
Contractual policy both parties should be aware of:
- Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 22 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
- Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
- No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
- For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email.
- No consultant may travel without a signed contract and authorization to travel prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
- Unless authorized, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In some cases, the consultant may be authorized to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct route” but this must be agreed beforehand.
- Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
- Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
- The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant.
- UNICEF will have the proprietary rights of the documents produced under the contract
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Summary
Title Development of an Advocacy and Communication Strategy on ending child marriage in Zambia.
Purpose To develop an advocacy and communication strategy including an implementation plan and M & E framework
Location National Level
Sub National Level in the following districts: Katete, Lusaka and Luwingu, Mwinilunga, Mufulira and Senanga
Communities to be selected in consultation with UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
Duration 90 days
Proposed Start and End Date 01 March 2017 – 30 June 2017
Reporting to Chief, Child Protection
Project and activity title Global Programme on accelerating action on ending child marriage
Background
Rates of child marriage in Zambia are among the highest in the world, with a reported 31% of women aged 20-24 having been married before the age of 18 (Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2013/2014). Child marriage, defined globally as a marriage – formal or informal - of a girl or boy before the age of 18, affects both boys and girls, but girls disproportionately so. Child marriage has adverse effects for both the child and for society as a whole, in that it constitutes a multiple violation of the rights of children, as it impedes their access to education, jeopardizes their health, robs them of their childhood, increases the risk of violence, and limits their life opportunities. It is both a symptom and a cause of ongoing development challenges for Zambia, as the practice violates the human rights of boys and girls and further perpetuates the poverty cycle.
In order to appreciate the dynamics leading to the high rates of child marriage, UNICEF supported the government in undertaking a qualitative research in early 2015. The research found that child marriage is widely practised across all sites where data were collected and prevalence rates on the ground appeared in all cases to be higher than those recorded in the last two rounds of the ZDHS (2007, 2013/14) and the 2010 Census. According to the study, the practice of child marriage in Zambia is not monolithic. Six different ‘types’ of child marriage were found, and while there are cases involving girls and men (often seen as the ‘norm’ of child marriage), the most common form for these relationships involved a marriage of peers, usually with an age difference of two to three years.
Those more likely to marry included children from poor families or backgrounds, those living in rural areas, those not attending school, pregnant girls and their boyfriends, orphans and stepchildren, difficult or ‘hard to manage’ children, and children without adequate supervision or support. Many child marriages are driven by a desire to seize an opportunity – to escape bad living conditions, to meet basic needs, to enhance one’s own or one’s parents’ status in the community, to secure an economic benefit, or to remain within one’s peer group. Factors that helped delay or prevent child marriage – for both boys and girls – include the education level of parents, access to quality education, strong community leadership, involvement in income-generating activities, opportunities for personal development, access to safe recreational activities, and the presence of role models.
Findings from the research were used to inform the development of a national Strategy to End Child Marriage, which was launched in April 2016. The national strategy has five objectives, the third of which relates to ‘facilitating positive change in prevailing negative attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and practices in order to reduce the incidence of child marriage.’ Under this objective, UNICEF will support the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to develop and implement a communications and advocacy strategy on ending child marriage, based on the findings of the qualitative research. The strategy will include an implementation plan with a strong M&E framework.
The Child Marriage study raised a number of key issues which can be addressed through advocacy and communication. These include encouraging children, especially girls, to remain in secondary education, increasing the acceptability and availability of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) information and services to both in-school and out-of-school young people, and improving awareness of the school re-entry policy. Though communication alone will not directly impact on remaining in school and accessing ASRH services, much can be done to support conversations and information about why they are important and their respective benefits.
It is equally important to understand the community perspectives of what it means to be a child (and conversely, an adult) and the often contradictory understanding of childhood with international human rights frameworks. A key aspect of this understanding is to engage with community leaders about why children end up in marriage and why this is supported, as evidence shows it is seen as one important option amongst very limited alternatives.
The four-year advocacy and communication strategy will target national level actors such as policy makers, NGOs, religious leaders and traditional leaders for its advocacy activities and at sub-national levels will target boys and girls, mothers and fathers, and influential community members – such as traditional and religious leaders – with appropriate C4D approaches. The strategy will support GRZ efforts of delaying the age of child marriage through the Ministry of Gender, which is coordinating the government-led End Child Marriage campaign. It is envisaged that this strategy will provide direction for the efforts of various stakeholders, such as civil society, community based organizations, and traditional leaders on engaging with communities around the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Objectives
The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a four-year advocacy and communication strategy and plan with an M&E framework, which clearly lays out the strategic approach and communication framework. This strategy will address the beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, and norms which contribute to children’s vulnerability to child marriage. Innovative approaches to support a new and different narrative around child marriage are required. It is expected that social marketing techniques, the use of positive role models and stories, as well as other C4D approaches such as social change communication and social mobilization will be used. The strategy will require articulating communications channels that are relevant and accessible to children and families living in modern urban areas as well as those in traditional rural areas.
The institution will review available data, including the ZDHS, qualitative research on child marriage, and Education Statistical Bulletin (among other sources) in order to understand the situation of child marriage in the country. The institution is expected to devise participatory methodologies for engaging various actors at national, district, and community levels in the development of the strategy. Through these consultations, analyses of the target audience and communications channels, including social network mapping, will be conducted.
The institution is expected to recommend innovative approaches that speak to the target audience, which may include social marketing techniques, a focus on hope and individual agency rather than negative messaging, and use of positive role models to tell the story around child marriage., The institution will suggest appropriate and acceptable cost-effective strategies which will motivate local communities and other relevant stakeholders in addressing, challenging, discussing, and engaging with the drivers and vulnerabilities that lead to child marriage.
Specific Tasks
The process of development needs to be collaborative with key representatives from government and NGOs to ensure ownership by and capacity/knowledge transfer to national stakeholders.
The key assignments are as follows:
- Conduct review of relevant literature on studies/research reports related to child marriage in Zambia
- Conduct analysis of the key audiences and relevant communication channels, to identify target audiences and the most appropriate avenues to which to reach them through advocacy and communications
- Develop a communications strategy and plan based on the dynamics leading to child marriage in Zambia and the key messages through which this narrative will be disseminated to the identified national level and district stakeholders to reach a common approach in addressing child marriage
- Design an advocacy strategy to target both national and sub-national stakeholders in understanding and taking action toward delaying the age of marriage
- Develop an implementation plan with indicative budgets and an M&E framework. This is a key deliverable for the assignment
-
The Institution will report to the Chief of Child Protection and will work closely with the UNICEF C4D Officer in the child protection section, in conjunction with the C4D Specialist. The institution will also be required to work closely with the Ministry of Gender and the communication sub-committee formed for this purpose.
The Government has set up a consortium of 15 Ministries for a multisectoral response to the issue of child marriage. A coordination committee, with representatives from ministries, UN and NGOs is supporting the national campaign. A communication sub-committee is tasked with overseeing the awareness raising activities related to ending child marriage. It is envisaged that the Communication sub-committee will provide relevant information and feedback to the institution and conduct the final review of the communication strategy.
Expected Deliverables
Tasks
Expected Output/ Deliverable
Estimated No of Weeks
Responsibility
Prepare action plan detailing the process of the development of that strategy
Action plan for the whole process of developing the strategy , including the timelines, activities, methods/strategies and logistics prepared and approved by UNICEF
1 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
A literature review of relevant/studies/research conducted on issues related to child marriage
Document detailing available literature produced
2 weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Conduct field visits to 3 districts for in-depth discussions with various participant audiences at National and sub-national level for communication analysis
Communication analysis which includes participant, behavior, channels and problem analysis documented
4 weeks
Institution / Ministry of Gender
Drafting of the strategy which includes identified appropriate communication channels/media, testing of key messages, implementation plan and M & E framework
- Strategy drafted, including, but not limited to communication intervention, communicators, audiences, channels and tested messages
- Draft advocacy strategy, including key messages
- Develop an implementation plan and an M&E framework as part of the strategy document
-
3weeks
Consultancy firm/Institution
Strategy validation workshop with stakeholders and incorporation of inputs
- PPT presentation of the draft strategy for validation
- Documentation of stakeholder meeting and inputs
- Revised draft of Advocacy and Communication strategy submitted to UNICEF and Ministry of Gender
-
1week
Consultancy firm/Institution/MoG
Submission of strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework document to UNICEF and MoG for approval
- Final advocacy and communication strategy document including implementation plan and M&E framework
-
1 week
Consultancy firm/Institution
Payment Schedule
1st Payment (30%): After submission of action plan
2nd Payment (40%): After submission draft communication strategy including implementation plan with an M & E framework
3rd payment (30%): Upon submission of the final strategy with implementation plan with a clear M & E framework
Qualifications / Specialized Knowledge and Experience
This assignment will require the services of a firm/institution with relevant experience in undertaking similar assignments.
The team leader will require an advanced degree in communications or social marketing and will have at least 8 years’ experience developing advocacy and communications strategies related to social issues. Experience in designing social and behavior change interventions will be an added advantage.
Samples of communication strategies developed arising from similar previous work to accompany the technical proposal will be required.
Administrative issues, including Consultant’s workplace and official travel involved
The firm/Institution shall ensure that their proposed budget includes all costs that will enable the undertaking of this assignment effectively e.g. hiring of local team, transportation to and from the field, costs of holding meetings at national and sub national levels, accommodation and logistical arrangements during field work and while in Lusaka.
The firm also include the costs of local teams that will be engaged in the work in the field. Consultant shall use their own equipment and work from their office. International travel will be calculated based on economy fares.
Evaluation Process and methods
The assessment of the proposals will be in two (2) stages i.e. the assessment of the technical proposal and the financial proposal. Technical and financial/cost proposals will be evaluated separately. Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits (including by reference to legal requirements) and subsequently on its price. The proposal obtaining the overall highest score after adding the scores for the technical and price proposals is the proposal that offers best value for money and will be recommended for award of the contract.
- Technical proposal Evaluation
-
Technical proposal accounts for 70/100 whereas cost/financial proposal accounts for 30/100 of the marks. Bidders will have to score at least 50 on the technical proposal to be considered further with the cost proposal.
Note that for technical proposals the minimum qualifying mark is 50. In normal circumstances, only those offers that score minimum and above points on technical proposals will be considered for commercial evaluation. However, UNICEF reserves the right to evaluate all commercial offers and/or shortlist selected suppliers from among those who score minimum and above technical scores.
- Commercial Proposal evaluation
-
All proposals must be in United States Dollar (US$). Commercial proposal should provide detailed breakdown of the cost of each activity you have proposed for the implementation of your technical proposal.
The contract will be a fixed lump sum contract therefore professional fees and all out of pocket expenses will be part of total price proposal.
The total amount of points allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened and compared among those invited firms/institutions which obtain the threshold points in the evaluation of the technical component. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
Evaluation matrix
CATEGORY
MAX. POINTS
- MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
-
Submission of complete and signed proposal format (pp4 in RFP)
2. OVERALL RESPONSE
- Understanding of, and responsiveness to, the requirements
- Understanding of scope and objectives
- Completeness of response
- Overall concord between the requirements and the proposal
- Proposed management arrangements
-
5
3. METHODOLOGY
- Quality of proposed design and methodology and extent of alignment with requirements
- Quality of proposed implementation plan (how, who, what, where, when?)
- Recognition of direct/peripheral risks and measures to prevent and manage these
-
25
4. PROPOSED TEAM AND ITS PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION
- Team leader: relevant experience, qualifications, and position with institution
- Team members: relevant experience of similar scope and complexity, professional expertise and knowledge
- Structure of Management Team: Detailed resume of the proposed team for the assignment giving information about the following:
- Title/Designation of each team member on the project, educational qualifications and professional experiences including information on their professional affiliations and certifications. Past experience in working on similar project and assignment and their roles on those projects
-
5. ORGANISATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Organization background, profile, expertise of the Company detailing the general and specific experience in implementing similar assignments in the past; evidence could be in form of job completion certificate, contracts and or references. The submission should also include list of three similar assignment in terms of requirements and scope implemented in the past 5 years
- Financial statements
-
20
- PRICE
- Overall Cost
- Unit Costs
-
25
TOTAL MARKS
100
Contractual policy both parties should be aware of:
- Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 22 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
- Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
- No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
- For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email.
- No consultant may travel without a signed contract and authorization to travel prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
- Unless authorized, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In some cases, the consultant may be authorized to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct route” but this must be agreed beforehand.
- Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
- Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
- The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant.
- UNICEF will have the proprietary rights of the documents produced under the contract
-
25
-
25
-
25