UNICEF recruits 01 International Consultancy
International Consultancy: Feasibility assessment – Humanitarian Cash Transfers
Job Number: 523704 | Vacancy Link
Locations: Middle East and North Africa: Tunisia
Work Type : Consultancy
BACKGROUND
An assessment of the recent country office involvement in the response to the last flood crisis (September 2018) that the country faced revealed some weaknesses and lacks in emergency preparedness that the country office needs to address. There was no emergency coordination mechanism in place in the Office. Initial rapid assessment capacities were lacking. Strategic partnerships to support emergency response were not available. In addition to limited knowledge of UNICEF’s staff on CCC in emergencies and Accountability for Affected Population (APP) approach, there was a vacuum on knowledge on the possibilities to response to humanitarian situation using cash transfer. With the support of MENARO, Tunisia Country Office (TCO) included strengthened emergency preparedness capacities in the country Programme Strategy Note for the period 2019-2020 and work plan defined with the government for the same period. This consultation will contribute to this effort, by enabling TCO take critical emergency preparedness actions, in line with the organization minimum preparedness standards. TCO is looking towards strengthening its capacity in implementing humanitarian cash transfers, including its emergency HCT preparedness and is seeking support to identify entry points for cash based interventions in humanitarian settings.
OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY:
The consultancy will be aimed to carry out a feasibility assessment, including the identification of potential HCT entry points for the Tunisia CO.
Technical feasibility assessment of the use of HCT:
Map ongoing cash programmes, cash initiatives that are being implemented by agencies (UN/NGO), including national cash initiatives undertaken by the government.
Map all potential HCT related risks and possible mitigation measures.
Mapping of Financial Service Providers (FSP), including recommendations on best payment modalities ( risk assessment)
Identify possible partners to undertake the different required elements of a cash programme : targetting, registration, payement, monitoring….
Assess programmatic opportunities for the use of HCT:
Assess programmatic entry points for sector specific and/or multisector use of cash transfers to strenghten UNICEF emergency contingency plan is recommendable.
Develop a UNICEF HCT contingency plan:
Provide recommendation to CO on HCT way forward, including; possible UNICEF sectoral entry points, interagency options for collaboration (UN/NGO/FSP/Private Sector), areas of synergy with existing national social protection mechanism, funding opportunities
MAIN QUESTIONS TO BE ADRESSED DURING ASSIGNMENT:
Enhance CO work on HCT and identify sectoral entry points:
What are the UNICEF sectoral entry points? To achieve what objectives?
Who are the potential partners for UNICEF HCT programmes?
What targeting methodologies are used in the country and what could UNICEF consider?
What modality is most appropriate? And what is needed to operationalize that modality (private sector, NGOs, traders etc)?
What is the transfer value and monitoring place that could be put in place?
What are the main HCT related risks identified and possible mitigation measures to put in place?
What are the existing social cash transfers/social assistance/cash mechanisms (government, UN agencies and NGOs)?
Mechanisms of delivery (cash in hand – vouchers – bank transfers) available in country?
What financial institution infrastructures and delivery mechanisms can be considered?
Please see here below an initial likst of key stakeholders to meet with during the consultancy:
| Internal | External |
| Management | UNHCR |
| Emergency FP | WFP |
| Education | IOM |
| Child Protection | UTSS |
| Early Childhood development | Tunisian Scouts |
| Social Potection | |
| Operations and Supply |
KEY DELIVERABLES:
Technical feasibility assessment, which includes an FSP market, partnership and risk assessments.
HCT Contingency plan, including recommendations to CO, which include sector specific recommendations, and outline key FSP partners, outlining potential design options (targeting, level of benefit, delivery mechanism).
A short powerpoint presentation summarizing deliverable 1 and 2.
All delivarables should be written in french language and validated before payment is issued.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Delivarable 1: 40% of the amount of the contract
Delivaravles 2 and 3: 60% of the amount of the contrat
TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
Based on justification provided, TCO will reimburse the cost for one international travel Duty station/Tunis/Duty station of the consultant on the based of the most direct flight in economic class. All eventual internal travels needed to accomplish the mission will be supported by TCO.
ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Social Policy Specialist of TCO who will be responsible for the validation of delivarables. The consultant will work with his own IT resources (laptop) and will not have access to the Unicef system. However, he will benefit from access to the UNICEF office in Tunisia and to his Internet network, as far as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
University degree in the area of economy or social sciences or development studies or any other connex disciplines
A strong working experience in the area of implementation and assessment of social protection mechanisms
Excellent facilitation skills of participatory process with stakeholders
Fluency in French is a must, knowledge of arabic will be an asset
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates will submit their CV with at least 3 reference of previous works similar to this consultation as well as a financial offer that will include consultant fees and lumsump for for subsistance allowance in Tunisia during the consultation. Applicants will be assessed against UNICEF procedures and on the basis of their qualification only.
Closing Date Sun Jul 14 2019 23:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)