TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANT

Title Funding Code Type of engagement Duty Station:

Child Rights Expert - [TSI Andalusia] Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia
Consultant

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

Mental health, encompassing well-being across various aspects, plays a vital role in children's development. Addressing
mental health issues among children within the public child protection system is of paramount importance, given their
vulnerability. Research underscores the profound impact of these early years on a child's development, emphasizing the
long-lasting benefits of investing in their mental health. However, in 2021, there was a notable surge in mental disorders
and behavioral issues among children in Andalusia, largely attributed to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic
and associated restrictive measures. Children in the child care protection system often come from backgrounds marked
by trauma, neglect, abuse, or other adverse experiences, which significantly affect their mental well-being. Without
adequate support and intervention, these challenges can endure into adulthood, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
Andalusia's government is determined to enhance mental health support for this vulnerable group. They've established
robust legal and policy frameworks at both national and regional levels. Nevertheless, there are challenges in effective
coordination among sectors and professionals, leading to inadequate access to comprehensive mental health and
psychosocial support services for children in the care and protection system.
The regional government of Andalusia, in Spain, has sought support from the European Commission under Regulation
(EU) 2021/240, known as the Technical Support Instrument, which serves as a vehicle for providing targeted assistance
to regions facing specific challenges. The Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) of the
European Commission, has contracted UNICEF’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (UNICEF ECARO) to provide
technical support to Andalusia. The overarching goal is to enable the regional authorities in Andalusia to establish and
execute an integrated Collaboration framework, designed to address comprehensively the mental health and
psychosocial support needs of children and adolescents within care and protection systems. The main beneficiary
authorities of this support are the Regional Ministry of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality of Andalusia and
the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of Andalusia.

To successfully achieve the objective of the EU funded project (Action), UNICEF ECARO intends to engage a national
consultant to guide and advise the team of international experts and Andalusia stakeholders during the implementation
of the Action (as described in the scope of work below). The current terms of reference (ToRs) set out tasks,
responsibilities and deliverables to be achieved by the national consultant.

There will be a core group to lead the implementation of the project (Action), formed of two UNICEF ECARO child
protection specialists that will serve as project managers and operational leaders to oversee and guide the technical
implementation of the project and ensure that the project activities are in line with UNICEF requirement for quality and
effectiveness. The Action will be further supported by two UNICEF international experts focused on providing technical
expertise for the assessment, framework development and the pilot phase. In addition, UNICEF is looking for a national
consultant (to be based in Andalusia) to support the development and delivery of the key activities, and the
implementation of the Action on the ground. The current ToRs cover the scope of work of the national consultant.

The purpose of this consultancy is to establish a vital local interface for the implementation of the Action in Andalusia.
This role is essential to bridge the coordination between UNICEF ECARO, international experts, and the local Andalusian
authorities. The consultant will serve as a linchpin in ensuring effective communication, understanding, and adaptation
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 of project activities to the specific context and needs of Andalusia. The ultimate aim is to enhance mental health and
psychosocial support for children in care and at risk in Andalusia, contributing to their overall well-being.
In addition, it is expected that the national consultant will provide implementation support directly to the Beneficiary
authorities in Andalusia in line with the project’s activities and expected deliverables.

This consultancy requires a proactive and adaptable professional who can navigate the complex landscape of child
protection and mental health and psychosocial support in Andalusia. The consultant will play a pivotal role in ensuring
that the project's outputs and activities are well-aligned with local needs, thereby contributing to the enhancement of
mental health and psychosocial support for vulnerable children in the region.

Scope of Work:
The scope of work encompasses different areas of responsibility outlined here as per the main outputs of the Action.
The specific tasks expected from the national consultant will be discussed in more detail with the selected candidate.
All activities will be implemented in close collaboration with the beneficiary authorities.

Specific objectives include:

o Facilitation: Act as a facilitator to enhance communication and cooperation between UNICEF ECARO,
international experts, and local authorities.
o Support: Provide essential support to the Project Manager in the day-to-day project activities.
o Local insight and cultural sensitivity: Offer local insights, knowledge, and understanding of Andalusian context
and culture, which are critical for the project's success. Offer cultural insights to international experts to ensure
that project activities are culturally sensitive and respectful. Facilitate cross-cultural understanding among
project stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Liaison and communication: Act as a central point of contact between UNICEF ECARO, international experts,
and the Andalusian authorities, ensuring that information flows efficiently among all parties.
2. Stakeholder engagement:
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with local Andalusian authorities, including
government agencies, child protection services, mental health institutions, and relevant NGOs.
• Support and advise the project manager and international consultants on the planning and
implementation of an effective and inclusive consultative process.
3. Assessment of the situation and framework development:
• Facilitate the assessment of the current mental health support systems for children in Andalusia,
ensuring that local perspectives are integrated through participatory and consultative processes.
• Support the UNICEF expert and project manager with preparation for the assessment and
framework development, in particular in sourcing relevant information, organisation of interviews
and meetings and consultation and compiling feedback and comments by different stakeholders.
4. Capacity -building: Coordinate the planning and organization of joint training programs and sector-specific
training based on the Collaboration Framework, collaborating with beneficiary authorities, academic or training
institutions to develop tailored curricula.
5. Communication and dissemination:
• Plan and organize dissemination activities to share project progress and outcomes with local
authorities and stakeholders.
• Advise and support the implementation of the kick-off and closing meeting as well as other working
meetings/workshops in Andalusia related to the Action’s activities.
6. Project Support: Assist the Project Manager in coordinating project activities, including meetings, workshops,
and training sessions. Help prepare meeting agendas, materials, and reports. As per agreement with the Project
Manager, the consultant is expected to organize related activities such as translation, editing, designing and
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 publishing for selected outputs to achieve key deliverables and logistical support as needed. Providing inputs
into summary reports and reports to the European Commission.
Guide and advise the project team on any other activities necessary to complete the proposal.

This consultancy is home-based in Andalusia, preferably in Seville. As one of the key deliverables is to coordinate with
and provide guidance and support to the beneficiary authorities, the consultant will be required to be in regular contact
with the key focal points in the 2 lead regional ministries. This may include, if possible and needed, being present in the
office on a schedule to be agreed with the 2 Ministries. For the remainder of the time, the consultant is expected to
work from home. The consultant is expected to participate in all the workshops and/or key meetings.
The consultant will be responsible for providing logistical and administrative expertise to facilitate the Action in
Andalusia, in compliance with the rules and regulations of UNICEF. Hence, before a final commitment is made with a
third party for delivery of specific service, the national consultant will have to get approval/clearance from UNICEF
ECARO.
Finally, it is expected to have regular calls with UNICEF ECARO to review progress, challenges and next steps. Ad-hoc
calls may take place as deemed necessary.
Child Safeguarding
Is this project/assignment considered as “Elevated Risk Role” from a child safeguarding perspective?

YES NO If YES, check all that apply:

Budget Year: Requesting Section/Issuing Reasons why consultancy cannot be done by staff:
Office:
2023 ECARO This consultancy presupposes support to the ECARO
that is not included in the JDs of other staff members.
Included in Annual/Rolling Workplan: Yes No, please justify:

Consultant sourcing:
Request for:
National International Both New SSA – Individual Contract

Consultant selection method: Extension/ Amendment

Competitive Selection (Roster)

Competitive Selection (Advertisement/Desk Review/Interview)
If Extension, Justification for extension:

Supervisor: Start Date: End Date: Number of Days

(working):
Ina Verzivolli, Stela Grigoras October 2023 September 2025
200 days to be
planned
according to the
project needs
and workplans.

Direct contact role YES NO

If yes, please indicate the number of hours/months of direct interpersonal contact with children, or work in their
immediately physical proximity, with limited supervision by a more senior member of personnel:
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Child data role YES NO
If yes, please indicate the number of hours/months of manipulating or transmitting personal-identifiable information
of children (name, national ID, location data, photos):

More information is available in the Child Safeguarding SharePoint and Child Safeguarding FAQs and Updates

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Work Assignment Overview
Tasks/Milestone:
1. Liaison and communication and
cultural sensitivity.
2. Stakeholders' engagement
3. Assessment and development
framework
4. Capacity Building
5. Communication and
dissemination
6. Project support
Page
Deliverables/Outputs: Timeline Estimate
number of
days
Bi-monthly reports documenting October 2023 – 24 days
enhanced communication and September 2025
cooperation between UNICEF ECARO,
international experts, and local
authorities. Bi-monthly reports to
project manager documenting
contributions to cross-cultural
understanding among project
stakeholders.
Documented contributions to October 2023 – 50
stakeholder consultation plans September 2025
related to the outputs of the project.
Bi-monthly reports to project
manager demonstrating strong
working relationships with Andalusian
authorities and actors.
Bi-monthly report documenting the October 2023 – 30
contribution to the facilitation and September 2025
support to the consultative process,
sourcing of information and the
review process.
Capacity building plan coordinated October 2023 – 30
with beneficiary authorities and September 2025
relevant stakeholders.
Training plan and bi-monthly reports
documenting effective organisation of
the trainings as per plan
Documentation of dissemination October 2023 – 15
events, including project progress September 2025
sharing with beneficiary authorities
and stakeholders.
Bi-monthly meetings documenting October 2023 – 52
project support including memos and September 2025
communication advising the project
management on relevant activities.
Meeting related materials such as
agendas, materials for participants,
and reports.
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Estimated Consultancy fee
Travel International (if applicable) NA

Travel Local (please include travel plan) NA

DSA (if applicable) Travel locally will happen in Local DSA

case of local consultations or applicable in
activities outside the main case of local
duty station. travel
Total estimated consultancy costsi
Bachelors Masters PhD Other Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:
• Proven experience and knowledge related to the ToRs
areas;
Disciplines: international relations, political or • Proven experience in successful coordination of similar
social sciences, statistics, human rights, or projects and project management;
comparable academic qualifications or equivalent • Strong understanding of the Andalusian culture,
work experience society, and governance.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible
professional work experience in child rights/ child
protection/MHPSS;
• Good knowledge/understanding of the local
environment of different stakeholders and service
providers (key ministries engaged in child rights,
designers/publishers, catering/translators, etc.);
• Proven networking skills;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (in
Spanish and English);
• Excellent written skills in English and Spanish;
• Ability to be flexible and deliver results under tight
deadlines;
• Excellent skills of using Microsoft Office applications.

Administrative details: Home Based Office Based:

Visa assistance required: If office based, seating arrangement identified:
Transportation arranged by the office: IT and Communication equipment required:
Internet access required:

Request Authorised by Section Head Request Verified by HR:

Ina Verzivolli, Child Protection Specialist

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 Approval of Chief of Operations (if Operations): Approval of Deputy Representative (if Programme)

______________________________________ ____________________________________

Representative (in case of single sourcing/or if not listed in Annual Workplan)

______________________________________

iCosts indicated are estimated. Final rate shall follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the
desired outcome at the lowest possible fee. Consultants will be asked to stipulate all-inclusive fees, including
lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable.

Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed 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

Text to be added to all TORs:

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract 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 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.

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