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Purpose of Activity/Assignment:
The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for implementing a Universal Child Grant (UCG) program in Eswatini. This includes designing the program, conducting a fiscal space analysis to assess its affordability and sustainability. This study aims to provide a detailed assessment of the UCG's potential impact, considering Eswatini's unique socio-economic context.
Scope of Work:
The Kingdom of Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, faces substantial socio-economic challenges despite its classification as a lower-middle-income country. It grapples with high unemployment rates and relies heavily on volatile revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Child poverty remains a pressing concern, with 65.3% of children living below the $3.65/day poverty line (2017 PPP) and 46.6% experiencing multidimensional poverty, characterized by deprivations in three or more dimensions, particularly in rural areas.
The national social protection framework, which includes the National Social Security Policy and the draft National Social Assistance Policy, aims to alleviate poverty and foster socio-economic development. However, systemic inefficiencies, limited program coverage, and inadequate funding hinder the effectiveness of critical initiatives such as the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Education Grant, Neighborhood Care Points, and the Child-Headed Household Program. These essential programs often fall short of meeting the needs of Eswatiniโs most vulnerable populations, especially children.
Addressing these challenges requires a robust, child-sensitive social protection framework. In response, UNICEF is supporting the Government of Eswatini in exploring the implementation of a Universal Child Grant (UCG) program. The UCG aims to enhance living standards and significantly reduce child poverty. This initiative includes piloting and iterative refinement to develop a scalable, evidence-based social protection strategy capable of nationwide implementation. By ensuring that all children receive the necessary support, the UCG has the potential to transform lives and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development across Eswatini.
Scope of Work:
The feasibility study for the Universal Child Grant (UCG) program will critically assess the potential implementation and impact of the program within Eswatini's socio-economic and fiscal environment. The study will determine the feasibility of such a program. The focus areas will be:
1. Program Design Feasibility:
โข Assess Feasibility of UCG Models: Evaluate different UCG models to identify the most feasible option considering Eswatiniโs socio-economic environment and fiscal constraints.
โข Target Beneficiary Identification: Conduct demographic and socio-economic analyses to define the target population and determine the geographic scope for potential implementation.
2. Economic and Financial Viability:
โข Fiscal Space Analysis: Examine the national budget and fiscal policies to identify available fiscal space and the financial implications of the UCG.
โข Long-term Financial Sustainability: Assess the long-term sustainability of the UCG by projecting future fiscal scenarios and funding sources.
3. Institutional and Governance Readiness:
โข Institutional Assessment: Assess existing governance structures and institutional capacities to implement the UCG.
โข Legal and Policy Requirements: Identify necessary legal and policy adjustments required to accommodate the UCG within the national social protection framework.
4. Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement Strategy:
โข Stakeholder Mapping: Identify key stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and potential donors.
โข Engagement Strategy Development: Formulate a strategy for engaging stakeholders to garner support and gather critical input during the feasibility study.
5. Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning:
โข Identify Risks: Analyze potential risks associated with the UCG implementation, including socio-political, economic, and operational risks.
โข Develop Contingency Plans: Propose contingency strategies to mitigate identified risks, ensuring preparedness for unforeseen challenges.
Activities and Tasks:
1. Program Design Feasibility:
1.1 Model Evaluation: Review and select UCG models based on adaptability to local conditions and financial feasibility.
1.2 Population and Region Analysis: Define the scope of coverage based on socio-economic needs and available resources.
2. Economic and Financial Viability:
2.1 Budget Review: Analyze current and projected government budgets to assess the capacity for funding the UCG.
2.2 Sustainability Forecasting: Project the financial impact of the UCG over multiple fiscal periods.
3. Institutional and Governance Readiness:
3.1 Capacity Review: Assess existing administrative and operational capacities for integrating the UCG into the national social protection systems.
3.2 Policy Review: Examine current policies to identify gaps and propose necessary amendments.
4. Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement Strategy:
4.1 Conduct Stakeholder Analysis: Identify and categorize stakeholders by influence and interest.
4.2 Engagement Plan Formulation and Implementation: Develop and implement detailed plans for stakeholder consultations and feedback mechanisms.
5. Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning:
5.1 Risk Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive risk analysis specific to the programโs context.
5.2 Contingency Plan Development: Outline steps and measures to address potential risks and ensure program adaptability.
Work Assignments Overview
Deliverables/Outputs
Deliveryย deadline
1. Inception report and Workplan: A comprehensive inception report outlining the study methodology, tools, and techniques to be used for the feasibility study. This report will include a detailed work plan and timeline.
Inception report
5 days
2. Program Design Feasibility Report: An analytical report assessing the feasibility of different UCG models based on Eswatiniโs socio-economic conditions. This includes demographic analysis, target beneficiary identification, and preliminary program design considerations.
Program Design Feasibility report
20 days
32. ย Combined Economic, Financial Viability, and Institutional Readiness Report: A detailed report that includes fiscal space analysis, assessments of long-term financial sustainability, and evaluations of institutional and governance frameworks necessary for the UCG program. This report will also cover potential legal and policy adjustments required.
Combined Economic, Financial Viability, and Institutional Readiness report
20 days
4. ย Stakeholder Engagement and Risk Assessment Report:ย A comprehensive document that combines a detailed stakeholder analysis with a strategic engagement plan and a risk assessment. This report will identify key risks and propose contingency plans, ensuring robust mitigation strategies are in place.
Stakeholder Engagement and Risk Assessment report
15 days
5. Final Feasibility Study Report with Policy Recommendations (full report and summary report): The final integrated feasibility study report synthesizing all prior findings, analyses, and stakeholder inputs. This report will include strategic policy recommendations and a concise summary report for easier dissemination and review by decision-makers.
Final Feasibility Study report (full report and summary report)
10 days
6. Consultation and Dissemination Workshops: Workshops that are designed to consult with and disseminate the findings to stakeholders. These workshops aim to gather final inputs, refine conclusions, and ensure broad-based support for the studyโs recommendations. A final presentation of the feasibility study to key decision-makers will be included.
Consultation and Dissemination Workshops (including slide desk preparation)
10 days
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveโฆย
๏ง A masterโs degree in economics, social policy, public administration, or a related field.
๏ง A minimum of 10 years of experience in public finance and public policy design, with specific expertise in social protection.
๏ง Demonstrated ability to conduct complex data analysis and produce high-quality reports and recommendations.
๏ง Previous experiences in Africa are a plus.
๏ง Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and leading discussions.
*Minimum requirements to consider candidates for competitive process
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:
๏ง Proven experience designing public policy and/or monitoring and evaluating programmes focused on persons with disabilities will be considered an asset.
๏ง Strong coordination skills, with ability to work with multi- sector stakeholders.
๏ง Traceable examples of professional work in assignments of similar magnitude.
๏ง Strong research skills and experience developing knowledge products from data, will be an added advantage.
*Listed requirements will be used for technical evaluation in the competitive process
For every Child, you demonstrateโฆย
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).ย
To view our competency framework, please visit ย here.ย
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Remarks:ย ย
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.ย
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFโs 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 and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors 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.ย
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.ย