Closing date: 06 Apr 2017
Background:
Antigua and Barbuda is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) located in the Caribbean Sea approximately 250 miles southeast of Puerto Rico. It is the most central of the leeward island chain that starts with the Virgin Islands in the West and ends with Dominica in the South. There are several tiny uninhabited islands surrounding Antigua with Redonda being the largest. Antigua has an area of 280 sq. km while Barbuda is 160 sq. km.
This twin island state is home to an estimated population of 90,755, with 98% of the population living on the terrain of Antigua and 2% on Barbuda. The population density is 776.5 per square mile, with more than half of the population living in the country's capital of St. Johns. The ethnic composition is generally homogenous with 98% of the population of African descent, while the other 2% corresponds to members of the population descendant from the Chinese, Portuguese, East Indians and Lebanese.
Growing at an annual rate of 1.6%, Antigua and Barbuda's dependent groups—the aging and the youth— represent a significant portion of the population. Youth under the age of 18 (O-17 years) make up almost 32% of the population, while the population over 65 accounts for 7.8 %, resulting in an average median age of 31.6 years. As of 2015, the average life expectancy is estimated at 76.1 years. Conversely, data relating to infant mortality shows 6 deaths (per 1000 live births) and the under-5 child mortality at 8 (per 1000 live births). (UNIGCME, 2015).
Despite its small size and relatively low population, Antigua and Barbuda is ranked 58 out of 188 countries and territories in the 2015 Human Development Indicators Report. The Human Development Index (HDI) for 2015 was estimated at 0.783, with an average annual increase of approximately 0.1 %, while the GNI per capita was 20,070.3 positioning the country in the high development category.
The country has made notable progress in reducing the prevalence of poverty, however inequality still exists; 4.6% of the population is considered indigent, while 15.6 % of the adult population is considered poor. The population under the age of 18 is particularly vulnerable and accounts for 24.3 % of the poor. A UNICEF report on Child Poverty in the Eastern Caribbean confirms that child and adolescent poverty rates are around 70% higher than adult poverty rates.
The impact of poverty on children can be debilitating. In the most severe cases it impedes a child's basic human rights, their right to education, health and nutrition, adequate living standards, participation and protection. In addition to children, the following vulnerable groups in Antigua are deemed particularly susceptible to poverty: single female headed households; low wage and seasonal workers.
Social protection is a crucial instrument to facilitate poverty reduction. A robust social protection system will ensure that a person's human rights are protected while simultaneously addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, ensuring that no-one is left behind.
Context:
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is currently engaged in a comprehensive transformation process to implement an integrated social protection system, which embraces a multi-sector and participatory approach. The foundation of the social protection system is built on the fundamental rights-based and equity-oriented approach, promoting respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable groups. It recognizes that social protection plays a vital role in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations, including children, women, older persons, families and communities. The Ministry of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development is the coordinating partner agency for the social protection programmes, where the Ministry predominantly covers implementation of social safety nets that were guided by the Poor Relief Act of 1961.
The Vision to establish a systematic and integrated social protection programmes that will include contributory and non-contributory schemes have been reflected in the Social Protection Bill where consultation and sensitization activities with multi-sectoral stakeholders began in 2016. A draft Bill is pending finalization and plan to be enacted in 2017.
The following key initiatives have also taken place contributing to establishing an enabling environment with an inclusive, equitable and integrated social protection system:
Scope of Work:
The requested services of this consultancy are as follows:
Under the direct guidance of the Ministry of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development, as well as working with multi-sectoral key stakeholders within the public and private sectors, civil society to include faith based institutions and Barbuda, the consultant will develop the National Social Protection Policy for Antigua and Barbuda, Action Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
The Policy will complement and align its framework with the national legislation which includes the Social Protection Bill, Social Security Fund, Insurance Act, national priorities to contribute to creating an enabling environment for systematic social protection programmes to be equitable, inclusive and integrated. Integration of delivering the following public assistance programmes will also be part of the transformation.
Objectives of the Consultancy:
Under the overall supervision of Social and Economic Policy Specialist of UNICEF and in continual consultation with Director of Social Policy, Research and Planning -Ministry of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development, the consultant will be providing technical assistance to the transformation of the social protection programmes to establish an integrated, equitable and inclusive system this will include the drafting of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Protection Policy, Action Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
Specific Deliverables:
The consultant will provide technical assistance to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on the following specific deliverables:
Deliverable 1 - Inception report that will include a proposed national framework of the social protection policy (complementing the social protection Bill) with agreed definitions and coverage of both the contributory schemes and non-contributory schemes of the ILO/UNICEF social protection floor as well as identified stakeholders beyond the immediate social sectors.
Deliverable 2 - Report and engage with key stakeholders including community members, public and private sector institutions, inter-ministerial and intra ministerial consultations, as well as CSO, local Government on the island of Barbuda and in particular the Council. Engage in ongoing Consultations and sensitizations to ensure that the final policy meets the demands and needs of all rights holders especially the most vulnerable.
The Consultant will be guided by inputs from any other Inter and Intra Ministerial Body/Ministerial Committee where applicable.
Deliverable 3- Finalize Draft (Version 4) National Social Protection Policy, Action Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework submitted to the Government for final endorsement, publication and launch. Finalize the policy and action plan by specifically addressing the two sets of comments in the policy document. The consultant is expected to submit two sets of deliverables:
Incorporate two rounds of comments provided by government ministries, departments, non-governmental organizations, local level consultations with beneficiaries, communities, and national consultation and designated committees. This specifically includes:
Deliverable 4 - Prepare and submit final National Social Protection Policy, Action Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The final document will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
Education and Qualification:
Advanced university degree in social science, social protection, social and economic public policy, development economics, international development, global health or any other related field.
Skills and Experience:
Languages:
Fluency in English required.
Duration of Contract:
The contract duration will be for a period of six (6) monthsto commence upon completion of the contracting process.
Note: Total Working Days anticipated is 60 working days. Although the duration of contract is beyond the 60 working days, it does not take into consideration time for stakeholders to revert with necessary comments on the policy, action plan and M&E Framework.
Contract Supervisor:
The consultant will report directly to the Social and Economic Policy Specialist, UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area based in Trinidad and Tobago. Second supervision will be provided by the Deputy Representative, UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area based in Barbados.
Official Travel:
During the contract period, the Consultant is expected to travel to Antigua and Barbuda. A total of 4 visits to Antigua that will include 2 Barbuda visits when in Antigua. Total working days during each visit will be no more than 5 days, this will be no more than a total of 20 working days for official travel. Travel costs and budget prepared will need to be indicated separately when submitting your technical proposal.
Conditions of Service:
Prior to commencing the contract, the following conditions must be met:
A Corporate Entity will be required to submit samples of previous relevant work, a Certificate of Incorporation for the Company as well as a profile of the individual(s) who would be undertaking the assignment.
An Individual Consultant will be required to submit samples of previous relevant work, a statement of good health, which indicates that the Consultant is fit for work and travel. In addition, the Consultant is required to certify in the Health Statement that he/she is covered by medical/health insurance. The statement includes confirmation that he/she has been informed of any inoculation required for the country or countries to which travel is authorized. He/she takes full responsibility for the accuracy of the statement.
Recourse:
UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. Performance indicators against which the satisfactory conclusion of this contract will be assessed include: timeliness/quality of submission and responsiveness to UNICEF and counterpart feedback.
Property Rights:
UNICEF shall hold all property rights, such as copyright, patents and registered trademarks, on matters directly related to, or derived from, the work carried out through this contract with UNICEF.
How to Apply:
Prospective consultants should apply through UNICEF's Talent Management System no later than Wednesday,April 5th, 2017 and should submit the following:
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=503326