Career Opportunities at UNICEF

 Description

• UNICEF is seeking to contract a local partner to conduct the case study specifically to contribute to the development of the study protocol, undertake the research and data collection, complete the qualitative data analysis, organize country consultations, and prepare the draft and final country report.

How can you make a difference?
The Case Study Will Include

• It is to be highlighted that case study in Kuwait in “Establishing the foundations for integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in primary health care targeting children and adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa Region” is part of the workplan of the MENA MHPSS Taskforce and the MENA regional PHC Accelerator and the Regional Office Management Plan 2022 – 2025.

Phase 1: Preparation of the study protocol

• A detailed study protocol will be developed by the lead research institution, with input from the local partner and UNICEF. This research protocol will detail the methods and analysis of the Kuwait case study.

Phase 2: Country case study: Desk review and in-depth research/analysis

• Desk-based review and analysis of available published data and policies related to MHPSS and in particular the integration of MHPSS in PHC.
• Overview of how MHPSS is integrated into primary health care in the State of Kuwait. The case study will be led by the local partner but with close technical support from the Lead research institution and will be undertaken once appropriate ethics approval is obtained.
• The Lead research institution will provide training around the research aims, data collection methods and analysis, with the local partner then leading two inter-related efforts:
• In Kuwait, a workshop will be organized either in person (COVID permitting) or virtually. The local partner, together with support from the UNICEF Gulf Area office and other partners, will facilitate this workshop with a video link in by the Lead research institution. This workshop will:
• cover key concepts of MHPSS;
• introduce the key elements on integration of MHPSS in PHC (based on desk review);
• map existing mechanisms including challenges/barriers around implementation of MHPSS for children, adolescents, pregnant/new mothers in primary health care and the linkages that currently exist with child protection/social welfare and education.
• These workshops will be followed by in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, drawing both on participants in the workshop and key stakeholders. These stakeholders should represent the sectors of health, education and child protection and be inclusive of government ministries, UN agencies and NGOs, and service providers. Parents, youth advocates including those from vulnerable communities should be engaged.
• These interviews will explore in depth existing efforts around MHPSS in primary health care and identify key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to support effective implementation within PHC as well as its linkages with social welfare and child protection and education. These interviews will seek to gather specific perspectives on the vision and capacity to deliver MHPSS in primary health care and the linkages to child protection/social welfare and education– and what is specifically required to ensure efficient coordination across sectors.
• The findings of the workshop and interviews will be analyzed by the local partner and a draft report prepared which will propose a framework for integration of MHPSS in PHC in Kuwait.
• The framework will include a set of recommendations for what MHPSS actions should be integrated with primary health care for accessible, acceptable, and quality integrated mental health and psychosocial services for children, adolescents, and pregnant/new mothers.
• The framework will also capture considerations/recommendations for implementation.
• Technical support around analysis and interpretation will be provided by the Lead research institution.
• Based on the feedback from the internal and external consultations and validation process, final dissemination materials will be prepared by the local partner, with the support of the Lead research institution– these include: Kuawit case study report, including an executive summary, and Power point presentations summarizing the key findings from the country report.

Activity 1:

•  Literature review and documentation of analytical reports, studies, surveys, policies, plans and programmes

Activity 2:

•  Conduct consultations workshops and interviews of key informants and stakeholders. Produce reports of these engagements
• Consultation workshop and in-depth interviews Reports

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
The Following Expertise Is Required

• UNICEF is looking for a consultant with strong expertise and good track record in public health, and who is respectful to cultural diversities, community values, and is sensitive to gender issues, with zero tolerance to violence, child abuse and neglect and other harmful practices.
• Medical background, with a minimum of a master’s degree in public health and/or qualitative research design, data collection and analysis.
• At least 5 years of public health experience supporting qualitative research design, questionnaire design, data collection, analysis and final report.
• Experience of research in the health, social welfare, mental health and service provision in Kuwait
• Professional knowledge and experience in mental health and psychosocial support systems and services in Kuwait or in MENA region
• Experience working with Governments, UN agencies and NGOs, and also preparing high quality research reports or publications
• Expertise in child and adolescent mental health is an added advantage.
• Fluent in Arabic and English
   

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How can you make a difference?

• The Individual Contractor will be part of the Social Policy and Inclusion team, specifically PF4C team and works closely with the UNICEF Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion.
• S/he will lead section’s budget analyses work in close collaboration of with sections (Education, Child Protection, Health and Nutrition, WASH and Social Protection) to promote revenue generation, equitable resource allocation and efficient expenditure to improve children’s access to quality social services, particularly for vulnerable and poor children and families by generating evidence and advocating, aimed at supporting the Government of Ghana’s budgetary decisions.
• Towards This End, The Key Areas Of This Consultant’s Work In Public Finance Management For Children (PF4C) Will Be
• Lead timely development of summary social sector and sector budget briefs and infographics, based on equity and trend analysis of budget allocations, budget composition and source, actual expenditure to the social sectors particularly focusing on education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection and social protection;
• Support sections in timely policy dialogue and strategic budget advocacy and related knowledge management actions, including guidance on policy briefs and advocacy material by developing Impact Action Plans.
• Support new evidence-based PF4C initiatives including cost of inaction and budget credibility studies and costing exercises.
• Develop updates on fiscal space and macroeconomic situation with special focus on revenue generation and debt.
• Lead the PFM coordination with external stakeholders.
• Support Chief and Senior Management in IFI and PFM engagement through development of policy briefs and technical advice.
• Support the development of UNICEF Ghana’s PF4C strategy.
• Support proposal writing.
• Expected Deliverables
• Monthly activity reports indicating tasks undertaken, progress and status of activities and any challenges encountered with lessons learned and recommendations and attaching relevant project documents produced. These are internal reports for UNICEF and are not for publication
• Sectorial Budget Briefs produced by July 2023 and policy dialogue held together with sections.
• Summary budget memo produced of 2023 State Budget
• Cost of Inaction of Social Protection study supervised and produced
• Budget Brief Impact action plans produced and internal planning session held
• PF4C Strategy Produced
• Trimestral Economic updates

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• At least Master’s degree in Public Finance, Economics, Business Administration, and related fields;
• Must have demonstrated excellent research and analytical skills and the ability to analyze financial data as well as visual presentation skills by using infographics, charts and other tools to easily represent and communicate data to inform decision making;
• Minimum of 5 years working experience in any reputable organization;
• Must have an appreciable understanding of public financial management concepts and principles and applications as well as statistics;
• Be able to work independently as well as with a team in an international, multicultural and interdisciplinary environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Excellent communication and writing skills of the English language, including ability to present information at different levels and to different technical and non-technical audiences as well as drafting publishable documents.
• Internet proficiency as well as proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and advance STATA is required. Knowledge in data application software is a must.
• Accuracy, speed, and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; and office technology equipment;
• Sound security and gender awareness;