Consultancy on Finalization of Child Poverty and Inequalities Study in Zimbabwe

Consultancy Duration: 40 days

Background UNICEF is embarking on a Study on Child Poverty and Inequalities in child health, education, protection and other MDG outcomes. The Study will analyze data on policy and outcomes to look at child poverty from two perspectives: how poverty impacts children and the factors that explain progress and disparities in child outcomes; and how public policies, private and civil society efforts address these outcomes. The goal of this Study is to improve national, regional and global awareness of the scope and causes of child poverty, and of the results public policies can deliver when they specifically aim to reduce child poverty and deprivations, and to build on family, community, private and civil society efforts

Scope and objectives of the consultancy In addition to the situation analysis of status of women and children that has been published in 2010 with UNICEF’s support, the purpose of this study is to establish the base line measure of child poverty in Zimbabwe as part of the M&E framework of the MTP 2011-2015. It should contribute to reinforce the prioritization of child-friendly equity focus strategies & social investment and to strengthen the national capacity of progress monitoring of the impact on child rights and MDGs of the MTP and other national strategic plans during the next five years.

This study will ensure that an in depth analysis of national household surveys (PASS 2003, DHS 2005/2006 and MIMS 2009) is done by performing the multidimensional quantitative measure of child poverty definition adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

Following the new orientation of UNICEF strategic policies and partnerships that emphasizes on equity focus of achievement of MDGs for children, Zimbabwe has been selected in 2008 as part of 40 pilot countries for the completion of a global study on child poverty and inequalities. The completion of MIMS 2009 offers an opportunity to provide an update figure.

In summary, this consultancy serves the following objectives. : • Ensure that all the existing data are thoroughly mapped for analysis purpose and raw data are available; • Assist in finalizing analysis for Child Poverty using existing data sources and draft of chapters; • Compile documentation and finalize analysis of existing national pro-poor policies, Budget, strategies and programme of poverty reduction; • Produce and ensure the quality editing of a comprehensive report on child poverty and inequalities ready for the publication.

Key tasks • Mapping and collection of existing data
• In-depth analysis of child poverty data from different existing sources • Review and editing of existing draft • Desk review and analysis of national policies, budget (blue book), strategies and programmes • Produce a high quality analytical report on child poverty and inequalities

Deliverables

1. Data map and database
2. High quality report on child poverty and inequalities

Guidance and Oversight

The Consultant(s) will closely work with UNICEF Strategic Planning and Social Policy, and Planning and Monitoring sections.

Consultancy Requirements:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, statistics, or other relevant field. o At least 5 years relevant experience and demonstrated ability to work with multi-disciplinary technical teams. • Demonstrated ability in producing high-quality analytical report • Extent and depth of knowledge and experience in conducting research and data analysis using SPSS or STATA • Demonstrated ability to support, advise and guide research process and protocols in Zimbabwe • Breadth of experience and Demonstrated ability to liaise with multiple UN, NGO and government • Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work • Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in English

Resource requirements

All materials developed by the consultant will remain the copyright of UNICEF and that UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in future.

Application:

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application quoting vacancy consultancy number to the following address. HR Specialist (Consultancy Notice No. 21: Zim-2011) UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare Or email: hararevacancies@gmail.com

Applications should be received by 21 October 2011. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.