Consultant: Multi-sector assessment of the prevention investigation and response mechanisms

 

Job Title: Consultant - Online Child Protection
Position Type: Consultant
Location: Eastern Caribbean (Remote)
Division/Equivalent: Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office
School/Unit: Barbados (Caribbean Group)
Department/Office: Bridgetown, Barbados
Categories: Child Protection
Duration: 70 days
Start Date: June 3, 2024
End Date: September 30, 2024

Background:
The proliferation of the Internet and related technologies has created both opportunities and risks for children and young people. While the digital world offers immense creative potential, it also exposes children to online dangers, including exploitation and abuse. UNICEF, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has undertaken initiatives such as the #WePROTECT Children Online Global Summit to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA). Building on these efforts, the UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area aims to assess and enhance the region's mechanisms for addressing OCSEA.

Purpose/Scope of Assignment:
Under the supervision of the Child Protection Officer, the consultant will conduct an assessment of current prevention, investigation, and response mechanisms to address online child sexual exploitation in five Eastern Caribbean countries. The assessment will inform the development of model Inter-agency National Response Plans and facilitate strategic actions to enhance child online protection.

Activities & Tasks:

• Conduct desk review of existing legal and policy frameworks and systems in each country, identifying key stakeholders.
• Collect information, map, and assess existing interventions by key actors.
• Analyze capacities and bottlenecks in addressing online threats to children and make recommendations.
• Co-facilitate an online regional workshop with ICT industry and government representatives to present findings and recommendations.

Outputs/Deliverables:

Key Activities/Tasks	Deliverables/Outputs	Duration (Est. Days)	Due Date
Conduct desk review of legal and policy frameworks	Inception report including data capture tools and stakeholder list	20 days	July 1, 2024
Collect and assess existing interventions	Draft Report including scorecard	40 days	August 26, 2024
Analyze capacities and bottlenecks	Final Report including roadmap	10 days	September 9, 2024
Co-facilitate regional workshop	Final Report including roadmap	5 days	September 25, 2024

Payment Schedule:
Payment will be based on submission of agreed deliverables meeting satisfactory quality standards. Advance payments may be authorized for necessary purchases, not exceeding 30% of the total contract value.

Minimum Experience/Qualifications:

• Master's degree in international development, Social Work, Psychology, or related Social Sciences.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in research, analysis, and report writing.
• Experience in developing, managing, and evaluating child protection programs.
• Familiarity with Eastern Caribbean contexts and working in the region.
• Fluency in English (Oral and Written).

Evaluation Criteria:
The technical evaluation will consider the overall response, experience, proposed methodology, approach, and system. Financial proposal will also be evaluated.

Administrative Matters:
The consultant will work from home and use personal equipment. A statement of good health and valid health insurance are required.

Conditions of Service:
Consultants are responsible for medical insurance and tax liabilities. The selected candidate must confirm fully-vaccinated status against Covid-19.

Recourse:
UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment for unsatisfactory deliverables or delays.

Title Rights:
Materials created under the contract will be jointly owned by UNICEF and the Consultant.

Trainings:
Consultants must complete online courses on ethics, prevention of harassment, and security.

How to Apply:
Submit applications via UNICEF jobs website by May 24, 2024. Application package should include a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, proposal with fees, and a sample of similar work.

Diversity and Inclusion:
UNICEF promotes diversity and reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities.

Zero-tolerance Policy:
UNICEF upholds a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including exploitation, harassment, and discrimination. Background checks will be conducted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration