UNICEF ESARO Southern Africa Representative Induction and Political Economy Training Consultancy Opportunity

Unicef ESARO – Nairobi – Kenya
 

Expression of Interest (EOI)
 

For Consultancy of UNICEF ESARO Southern Africa Representative Induction and Political Economy Training
 

Background and Justification: The purpose is to strengthen senior management understandings of the political economy and governance trends in Southern Africa and equip incoming UNICEF senior leaders in the region with country specific knowledge. 

This project will provide tailored inductions for incoming UNICEF Country Representatives in Southern Africa on the historical, social, economic, development and political knowledge they would need to better understand conditions and policy considerations in the countries in which they work in order to ensure effective results for children are achieved. 

 

A particular focus of the indication would be to equip UNICEF leaders with knowledge and understanding of the political economy in specific countries in order to support them in leveraging domestic resources for children.
 

Scope of Work: The project aims to institutionalize learning among senior UNICEF staff working in Southern Africa, by equipping them with historical, social, development, economic and political knowledge to better understand conditions and policy considerations in the region and the countries in which they work. 

A particular focus of the indication would be to equip UNICEF leaders with knowledge and understanding of the political economy in specific countries in order to support them in leveraging domestic resources for children.

It will prepare incoming representatives taking up new appointments.

The focus of the courses will be selected countries where there are incoming UNICEF Representatives in Southern Africa, namely Mozambique, Madagascar, Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. 

It is envisaged that about 6 countries will be covered during the period 2016-2017 between January 2016 and December 2017.

In all instances possible, trainings will:

• Draw from the expertise of global and regionally based experts, especially those based in Universities;


• Use teaching staff with the greatest possible experience and seniority in their fields;


• Ensure broad coverage of topics and geographical scope;


• Include forward thinking analysis to prompt discussion of UNICEF future positioning;


• Develop skills and competencies for sound socio-political analysis and leveraging of domestic resources based on the political economy of each context.


• Address thematic issues such as urbanization, youth, marginalization, social exclusion or other areas identified as being learning priorities by the participating Country Offices when finalizing the country-by-country specific learning content.

Trainings will be designed in consultation with UNICEF to ensure the greatest possible policy relevance and utility for UNICEFprogramming for children.

Trainings
 

This project will deliver Country inductions for Country Representatives in Southern Africa. 

This will consist in three-day tailored country briefings designed to provide an in-depth induction for UNICEF representatives taking up assignments in countries in Southern Africa. 

Inductions will be taught by country specialists with deep historical, cultural, economic and practical knowledge of the country in question. 

They will cover the history, culture, geography, contemporary politics, regional politics, political economy and development of the countries in question. 

Participants will receive readings in advance of the course including a specific country background paper and a reading list and other reading resources during the course.

Expected Deliverables and Reporting Requirements
 

Deliverables Schedule:
 

Deliverables
 

For each country in Southern Africa where incoming Representatives have been appointed (envisaged about 6 countries between January 2016 and December 2017), develop and deliver 1 bespoke course for induction of incoming Representative:

• Specialist teachers recruited and managed drawn from the Southern Africa region and international with appropriate seniority and academic/practitioner background (e.g. political scientists, anthropologists, environmentalists and economists);


• Curriculum and course syllabus developed;


• Background country papers for analysing key political, social and economic trends;


• Learning resources and reading lists developed;


• Provision of appropriate learning venue;


• Provision of 3-day course


• Country paper based on course syllabus developed, including political economy analysis

Dates (tentative): 2016-2017

The institution must regularly monitor the usefulness of the training courses through post-course evaluations and feedback from senior staff. 

Evaluation forms will be developed in consultation with UNICEF ESARO personnel and provided to UNICEF ESARO to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programme.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

• Proven experience in the political and economic situation of countries in Southern Africa;


• Proven experience and up to date knowledge about the political economy of countries in Southern Africa, including profound knowledge of national State Budget process and domestic resources mobilization in countries in Southern Africa.


• Evidence of strong successful training in the Southern Africa region.


• Ability to organise and deliver courses on countries in the region for high level participants from civil society, diplomatic corps and aid organisations.


• Advanced institutional knowledge and networks in the region.


• Strong relationships with Southern Africa universities and research institutions

A detailed criteria for evaluation will be outlined in the request for proposal document which will be made available to the interested bidders on written request to UNICEF email address nairobi@unicef.org to reach UNICEF not later than 16.30 hours (Kenya Standard time) on 18th November 2015. 

Request for Proposal (RFP) document will be sent by mail to those organizations who have sent their request in time. 

The interested bidders are advised to go through the institution/guidance provided in the RFP document.