Consultancy: Global Alliance Policy Advocacy Consultant at UNICEF | April 2024

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Consultancy Title: Global Alliance Policy Advocacy Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: HEALTH – HIV/AIDS Section, Programme Group – NYHQ

Duration: May 1, 2024, to30 April, 2025

Home/ Office Based: REMOTE

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

The Policy, Strategy, and Innovation Unit of the HIV section within the Health Programme Group at UNICEF NYHQ is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to support Policy Advocacy efforts for the UN Global Strategic Initiative known as the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030. Collaborating with the Global Alliance global team and regional and national stakeholders, including government counterparts, implementing partners, and community stakeholders, the consultant will contribute to healthcare strengthening, community engagement, and addressing the unique needs of children and adolescents living with HIV through advocating for policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and adolescents affected by HIV in the 12 Global Alliance countries.

Scope of Work:

Under the guidance of the Global Lead for Advocacy and Partnerships, and Sr. Advisor HIV (Policy, Strategy, and Innovation), the Global Alliance Policy Advocacy Consultant will:

1.   Conduct a comprehensive policy analysis of children, adolescents and AIDS in the 12 Alliance countries, with a special focus on Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. This analysis will involve in-depth examination of secondary materials, policy documents, research papers, and gathering information from key informants on HIV prevention, treatment, and care for children, adolescents and pregnant women.

1.1    Critically review the current national policies and strategies in Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda regarding HIV prevention, treatment, and care for children. Analyze these policies to identify strengths and weaknesses in addressing gaps and providing improved support for children and adolescents living with HIV.

1.1    Assess the availability and accessibility of healthcare services for children affected by HIV in each country, with specific attention to Cameroon and Tanzania. Evaluate the quality of care, availability of antiretroviral treatment, and support services for children living with HIV to ensure treatment retention and regular viral load testing.

1.2    Assess the secondary documentation on evaluations conducted to assess effectiveness, impact, reach etc effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes targeting the second decade and young women, and evaluate the reach and impact of prevention initiatives, including education, PrEP, testing, and counseling services.

1.3    Examine and analyze existing literature and documentation the extent of stigma and discrimination faced by children living with HIV in each country. Evaluate the existing policies and programmes aimed at reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion for children affected by HIV (the Alliance Pillar 4).

1.4    Review and assess the legal framework in Mozambique, Uganda, and Nigeria regarding the rights of children living with HIV. Analyze the extent to which laws protect the rights of children affected by HIV and ensure their access to healthcare, education, and social services.

1.5    Evaluate the allocation of resources and funding for HIV programmes targeting children in each country. Assess the adequacy of financial support for prevention, treatment, and care services for children living with HIV.

2.   The Policy Advocacy Consultant would compile their analysis into a comprehensive report that highlights the key findings, identifies gaps in policies and programmes, and provides recommendations for advocacy efforts to influence policy decisions with an aim to end AIDS in children by 2030 in these countries.

2.1    Contribute to the policy data dashboard by synthesizing essential insights from research, including data from community monitoring and oversight mechanisms, to enhance the accuracy and relevance of policy tracking analytics.

2.2    Collaborate with team members to devise robust communication and dissemination strategies aimed at monitoring policy progress, identifying challenges, and pinpointing opportunities for policy enhancement. Ensure that these strategies are tailored to reflect local contexts of the 12 Alliance countries and address specific needs effectively. 

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

1. Conduct a comprehensive policy analysis of children and HIV in the 12 Alliance countries with 5 country-spotlights. This analysis will involve in-depth examination of secondary materials, policy documents, research papers, and gathering information from key informants.

• Develop one overarching policy brief accompanied by five focused policy spotlight reports.
• 1 policy brief
• 5 Spotlight reports

            30 Nov 2024 and 30 April 2025

2. In consultation with focal points across UNICEF HQ, ESARO, and WCARO, and the member of Pillar 4, develop five case studies on structural barriers, with special attention to Cameroon and Tanzania.

• Five case studies developed on identified issues under Pillar 4

30 June (2 case studies) 2024

30 Sept (3 case studies) 2024

3. In consultation with relevant section colleagues and focal points in Division for Global Communication and Advocacy, develop web copy for Global Alliance Policy Advocacy content on unicef.org/hiv and childrenandaids.org   

• Draft text for the 12 Alliance country pages

30 June 2024

30 October

30 April 2025

Qualifications

Education:

• Advance University degree (Master) in public policy, international relations, political science, law, or a related area.

Work experience:

• At least seven years of professional experience in policy analysis and research, with strong analytical skills to evaluate policies, identify gaps, and synthesize complex information into actionable policy recommendations, specializing in public health and HIV/AIDS issues, particularly focusing on children and adolescents.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences. Experience in writing policy briefs, reports, and other advocacy materials is essential.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors. Experience in coalition-building and partnership development is valuable.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• A commitment to social justice and equity, with a passion for advocating on behalf of marginalized or vulnerable populations, including children, women, and other disadvantaged groups.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the socio-political context in which advocacy efforts take place, particularly in diverse and multicultural settings.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in fast-paced environments and respond to evolving policy priorities and challenges. 

Requirements: 

Completed profile in UNICEF’s e-Recruitment system and

• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :
  
  • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability
• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.