TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS

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1 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS PART I TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT Develop a case study to show the process and short-term outcomes of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa SECTION Education and Adolescent Development LOCATION South Africa DURATION 30 working days START DATE From: soon thereafter the recruitment is complete 1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION 1.1 Early childhood development is a national priority in the country and is an integral part of the National Development Plan: Vision UNICEF works towards supporting the Government of South Africa in this priority area, in particular link to the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) Outcomes 1 and 13 and the South African Integrated Programme of Action for Early Childhood Development Moving Ahead 2013/ / The Government of South Africa, under the leadership of the Ministry for Social Development, developed the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy which was approved by Cabinet in December The policy sets out the critical need to establish a national early childhood development human resources strategy linked to the objective to develop appropriate cadres of early childhood development practitioners, in sufficient numbers and with sufficient skills, to support the implementation of the national early childhood development policy and programme. This is in direct support of the National Development Plan: Vision UNICEF in collaboration with government developed an Investment Case that provides an analysis which supports priority setting discussions related to the roll-out of the ECD Policy. The Investment Case examines questions related to the appropriate sequencing in the implementation of the different components of the policy. It also emphasises that many of the benefits of early childhood development interventions only occur later in life once children receive subsequent investments in primary and secondary school; and not from the early childhood development interventions alone. This requires an understanding of the current status in these later phases of childhood as to maximise the return on investing in early childhood development. 1.4 UNICEF s Annual Work Plan in support of ECD implementation supports the implementation of methodologies on funding and planning for the implementation of the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy. 2. SCOPE OF WORK PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: 2.1 The purpose of this assignment is to develop a case study to show the process and short-term outcomes of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa. 2.2 The specific objectives are: 1

2 a) To review and analyse the process and outcome of the development of an investment case for early childhood development in South Africa b) To develop a case study report that reflects the development and outcome pertaining to the investment case with recommendations. ACTIVITIES AND TASKS: 2.4 The consultant/individual contractor will work in close collaboration with the UNICEF Education section and the Investment Case Advisory Committee in the execution of this assignment The timeline shown in this section indicates the estimated duration to complete each deliverable. The assumption is that some timelines will overlap/ run concurrently, i.e: ESTIMATED WORKING DAYS FOR ASSIGNMENT INCEPTION DOCUMENT REVIEW KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS DEVELOP CASE STUDY REPORT FINAL REPORT Paragraphs 2.5 onwards provide an outline on what is required from the consultant/individual contractor in the execution of this assignment. PART I: INCEPTION 2.5 Inception to the assignment Develop and submit an inception report (maximum 1000 words) that indicates: The approach that the consultant/individual conractor will follow. A draft framework for the delivery of the overall result. Alignment of the proposal submitted with the final agreements on the execution of this assignment. Support required from UNICEF in the execution of the assignment. Any other matters that pertain to this assignment Participate in an inception discussion to clarify all matters related to the contract and the inception report, which will provide the guidance for the whole assignment within the parameters of the contract. If necesary, amendments to the inception report may be requested Submit a detailed work plan that covers the complete time period of all components of this assignment. Deliverable(s) Estimated timeframe (working days) Inception Report on complete assignment 3 working days after the signing of the contract Comprehensive work plan for full assignment 2

3 PART II: DEVELOPMENT OF A CASE STUDY TO SHOW THE IMPACT OF THE PROCESS AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES OF THE INVESTMENT CASE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA 2.6 REVIEW OF ALL COMPONENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INVESTMENT CASE The investment case for early childhood development in South Africa was developed together with supporting components, i.e. an audit of government s human resource capacity to implement early childhood development programmes; governance and implementation capacity at municipal level; analysis of baseline data for the planning and subsequent budgeting for early childhood services; a feasibility study on governance mechanisms that will ensure oversight and monitoring on the implementation; mapping of non-centre based early childhood development services, amongst others The development of the case study requires that all the components be reviewed in terms of their support towards the comprehensice investment case for early childhood development in South Africa The above review of all components and findings will be included in the case study The timeframe and deliverables are as follows: Deliverable(s) Draft report that synthesise the review Final Report that synthesise the review (2 000 words) Estimated timeframe (working days) 8 working days after the signing of the contract 2 working days after the receipt of comments on the Draft Report 2.7 THE PROCESS FOLLOWED TO DEVELOP THE INVESTMENT CASE The case study needs to reflect on the process that was followed in the development of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa Key informant interviews need to be done with the researchers (at least 1), advisory committee members (at least 5); UNICEF staff (at least 1) regarding the process, the value added as well as challenges experiences Ascertain how the process followed was beneficial or not to the outcome of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa. In particular to look into areas such as participation, knowledge transfer and related matters Analyse the cost in terms of funding, time, etc that was requirted for the development of the investment case Summarise the process that was followed in a graphic format with a narrative Reflect on advocacy being done and required in relation to the investment case. 2.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INVESTMENT CASE IN THE PRIORITIZING, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED ECD POLICY Locate the significance of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa within the SDGs, the NDP: Vision 2030, the NPAC, the MTSF, National Integrated ECD Policy, other plans, policies and legislation that impact on young children 3

4 2.8.2 Obtain feedback from key informants 1 on the significance of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa on their work in relation to the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Synthesize the findings from the interviews in accordance with emerging these to answer the central research questions Extract relevant quotes/observations from the key informants that supports the findings. Different departments Implementation and use of deliverables as indicated in the original terms of reference. 2.9 LESSONS LEARNT AND RECOMMENDATIONS Ascertain through information obtained as well as interviews with key informants the lessons learnt in the development of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa Based on the interviews, reviews and related information, indicate the recommendations towards the implementation of the investment case for early childhood development in South Africa for the short, medium and long term CASE STUDY REPORT Integrate all the information and findings (refer paragraphs 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 and 2.9) into one consolidated report (maximum 12 pages) with at least the following sections: (i) Table of content (ii) Executive summary (iii) Introduction (iv) Background to the investment case (v) The need for an investment case in SA (vi) Building an investment case (vii) The investment case (viii) Significance and value of investment case (ix) Advocacy and communication (x) Lessons learnt (xi) Possible impacts of the investment case (xii) Recommendations (xiii) Conclusion (xiv) Bibliography (xv) Annexes Develop a one page fact sheet (outline will be areed upon during the inception phase) on the investment case study that can accompony the case study report The timeframe and deliverables are as follows: Deliverable(s) Draft Case Study Report for review Final Report that synthise the review (2 000 words) Estimated timeframe (working days) 25 working days after the signing of the contract 2 working days after the receipt of comments on the Draft Case Study Report 1 These key informants will be same as indicated in and as such only one interview is required per informant. 4

5 Transcripts of key informant interviews (anonymous) Seperate file to be submitted with final report 3. PAYMENT SCHEDULE 3.1 The consultant/individual contractor is expected to achieve the following deliverables as per work assignment: DELIVERABLE TIMEFRAME PAYMENT 1 Inception report for complete assignment 3 working days 30% of total fee 2 Comprehensive work plan for complete assignment after signature of the contract 3 Final case study report with supporting materials 30 working days 70% of total fee 3.2 Payment on each deliverable will only be effected upon the satisfactory completion of the output. 3.3 Extension of the finalization date will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. 3.4 Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by UNICEF Human Resources. 4. DESIRED COMPETENCIES, TECHNICAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 4.1 The following are desired and applicants will be strictly weighed against these criteria. The consultant/individual cotractor shall have: At least a Master s degree in economics, education, early childhood development, social sciences, governance or related field Demonstrated experience, capacity and knowledge in research and the development of case studies An understanding and knowledge of the South African situation, in particular early childhood development At least 5 years relevant work experience related to the work required in this assignment Strong analytical and writing skills, ability to conceptualise, plan and prepare written materials in English Ability to work against tight timelines. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 5.1 The contract will be managed by UNICEF. 5.2 The consultant/individual cotractor shall have regular consultations with UNICEF as needed, either in person or telephonically. These consultations may bring about slight deviations in agreements and the work assignment. This includes an inception discussion to ensure that aspects of the work assignment are understood clearly. 5

6 5.3 The face to face meetings will be at times as agreed to discuss and agree upon matters pertinent to the implementation of this assignment. 5.4 UNICEF is responsible for the monitoring of the implementation of this assignment and shall execute this in a professional and consultative manner throughout the term of the contract. 6. CONDITIONS 6.1 ETHICAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The consultant/individual cotractor shall undertake to adhere to the following: (a) The consultant/individual cotractor shall at all times keep information obtained during the work assignment confidential and shall not circulate the documents or any part there-of, at any stage to any party without the explicit written permission of both UNICEF. (b) The consultant/individual cotractor shall not publish the document, any part thereof, or any reworked version thereof, without the explicit written permission of UNICEF under such conditions that both parties will agree too UNICEF reserves the right to subject any work done for external peer review as part of the quality assurance process in the implementation of this assignment. The consultant/individual contractor shall be informed if such an action is taken and will be duly informed on the outcome there-off The consultant/individual cotractor will provide all products that were developed in accessible formats, e.g. MsWord, MsExcel and PowerPoint formats. Graphics presented in any written work, shall be provided in an accessible format. All raw data will be handed over electronically, or if not available electronically, in hard copy Referencing and Plagiarism: a) All sources consulted and used for the execution of this assignment shall be appropriately referenced in accordance with generally accepted referencing techniques. This applies to draft as well as final deliverables. b) Referencing must follow one style and be applied consistently throughout all documents (including drafts). c) Referencing in the text (either in the body of the text or as footnotes) and the bibliography shall correspond and be done in a consistent manner. d) UNICEF regards plagiarism in a serious light, for both ethical reasons and risk of reputation of the organisation and its partners. e) The consultant/individual cotractor shall certified that a deliverable is original work. f) In the case of plagiarism, UNICEF will employ such sanctions and remedies as necessary, which may include the immediate termination of the contractual agreement and related payments Language: a) The language style shall be simple and easy to read without compromising professional standards. b) The consultant/individual cotractor shall ensure that all final deliverables adheres to the required language standards, which include a thorough grammar and spell check. c) The consultant/individual cotractor shall ensure consistency in the use of terminology throughout the document. d) Acronyms and abbreviations shall be recognised acronyms related to the field of work and shall be indicated in specific list of acronyms. It is preferred that no new acronyms be created. 6

7 e) A glossary of terms shall be included in the the final docunents that provides a basic descriptions and or definitions of terms used in the deliverable. 6.2 GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS The consultant/individual cotractor will employ its own office and administrative system in the execution of this assignment and the budget/fee shall be inclusive of all office administrative costs Payment will be effected upon receipt of an invoice to UNICEF, and upon satisfaction that the deliverable meets the required standards as agreed with UNICEF. Any deliverable submitted and not meeting the specifications must be reworked and resubmitted at no additional cost The consultant/individual cotractor s fee/budget shall be inclusive of all local (national) travel associated with the execution of this assignment. In extraordinary circumstances where UNICEF deems it necessary for the consultant/individual cotractor to travel outside the ambit of the contractual agreement air transport and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with UNICEF s rules and tariffs. Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per UNICEF policies The drafts and final documents, as well related data, will be the property of UNICEF after completion with full title rights. The consultant/individual cotractor will be acknowledged for the work done in the draft documents as well as the final document, accept if the document is published as official policy or document of the Government of South Africa, then the discretion to do this lies solely with the Government of South Africa in accordance with its policies and procedures The consultant/individual contractor selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary Please also see UNICEF s Standard Terms and Conditions attached. 7. HOW TO APPLY 7.1 Qualified consultants/individual contractors are invited to submit a well-developed proposal based on the criteria below that reflects an understanding of the assignment and capacity to execute the assignment within the required timelines. This needs to be submitted two separate parts, i.e. technical proposal (cover letter) and financial proposal (fee structure). These should be submitted as two separate documents. 7.2 The COVER LETTER, which contain the following required technical areas related to assignment (Non-inclusion of any of the below components will lead to disqualification) 2 : Abridged bio of the consultant (100 words maximum) The consultant/individual cotractor s understanding of the assignment, (what the consultant/individual cotractor thinks the assignment entails). (200 words maximum) 2 Word limits are indicated as to ensure that the guideline is easy to engage with by the intended users 7

8 7.2.3 The approach that the consultant/individual contractor will follow in executing the assignment, with specific reference to each of the components (400 words maximum) An indication of the intended timelines envisaged to complete this assignment (within the timeframe provided in terms of this terms of reference) and an undertaking that the consultant/individual cotractor will be able to complete the assignment within the timeframes required References that can be contacted (at least two work related references). Indicate the name of the person, telephone number, address and short indication of the work that consultant/individual conractor has done for this individual. (Two sentences maximum per reference) An indication of possible risk factors associated with this assignment, based on the perception and experience of the consultant/individual conractor r. (100 words maximum) Reference to similar work (at least two). Preferably final products that are available and accessible either through or on a website. In case of confidential work, indicate as such Attach the following: (a) The full Curriculum Vitae (CV) indicating all qualifications and experience related to the assignment. 7.3 The FINANCIAL PROPOSAL/FEE needs to be submitted as a separate document and must include the following: Proposed pricing (daily/monthly rate/ lumpsums) in accordance with the TOR and in South African Rand Other costs related to the execution of the assignment Please note: (a) Prices offered shall be all inclusive and shall remain fixed for the duration of the contract. (b) VAT needs to be indicated separately (i.e. fees/budget needs to exclude VAT) Applications submitted without a fee/ rate/budget will not be considered. 7.4 IMPORTANT: Applicants not resident in South Africa are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs, visas and other related requirements and costs, should they be selected as the preferred candidate. This is not included in the budget, 7.5 All applications must be submitted to by 30 June 2017 before 17h This notice will appear on UN Job List, UN Jobs and Reliefweb. 7.7 The selection of the consultant/individual conractor will be done by UNICEF in accordance with UNICEF s procedures and within ten days after the closing of the bid. 7.8 ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSAL The assessment of the proposals will be based on the following: 8

9 TECHNICAL EVALUATION Weight Completeness of the proposal (ref. paragrpah 8.2 above) 5% Qualifications (ref. paragrpah above) 5% Demonstrated experience, capacity and knowledge (ref. paragraph above) 25% Understanding of the local situation (ref. paragraph above) 10% Years of experience related to work required (ref. paragrpah above) 5% Skills and ability (ref. paragrpah above) 10% Relevant examples to assess comptency (ref. paragrpah above) 10% Ability to manage and execute the assignment as required (ref. paragrpahs 8.2.2, and above) 0.75% Total weight for technical evaluation 75% FINANCIAL EVALUATION Price (fee comparison related to UNICEF standards and comparable with other applicants or market related prices, where appropriate). 25% Total weight for financial evaluation 25% TOTAL 100% In order to qualify for consideration a proposal will have to score the following minimum marks. Proposals scoring less, will not be considered. Technical quality of the proposal (cover letter): 50 out of 75. A lessor score will be indicative of an escalated risk in the execution of the assignment and the assessment of the proposal (cover letter) will be discontinued and the application will not be further considered. Appropriate qualifications: 3 out of 5. A lessor score will be indicative of an escalated risk in the execution of the assignment and the assessment of the proposal (cover letter) will be discontinued and the application will not be further considered Price: 14 out of 25 (including being competitive compared with other proposal) A lessor score will be indicative of an escalated risk in the execution of the assignment and the assessment of the proposal will be discontinued and the application will not be further considered. 8. ENQUIRIES 8.1 Please direct any enquiries by to safpretoriavacancy@unicef.org 8.2 Only written enquiries will be responded to. 8.3 Please refrain from sending any enquiries directly to individual UNICEF staff members. Such enquiries will not be responded to and not be deemed valid. 8.4 Mark all enquiries in the heading: ENQUIRY: ECD CASE STUDY. This will assist with the expediious handling of enquiries. 8.5 Enquiries received less than 2 working days before the closing date may not be responded to the short time and high volumes of enquiries. 8.6 Enquiries from consultants/individual conractors who submitted proposals on the outcome of the bid will only be dealt with once the contracting is completed. Enquiries can be send to safpretoriavacancy@unicef.org after 3 weeks of the closing date. 8.7 If no notice is recived within 30 working days after the closing date for applications, consultants/contractors who submitted proposal may assume that they were not selected. 9

10 UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from South African nationals, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. 10