Consultant for AAP Implementation

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to advocate for the protection of children's rights, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing approximately 13,000 staff members. The organization focuses on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, particularly in the most disadvantaged communities. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it emphasizes the importance of community engagement and accountability in its programs.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) framework within a project funded by DG-ECHO in Ecuador. This position involves enhancing the participation and communication with affected populations, focusing on rights protection and inclusion. The consultant will be responsible for establishing a robust AAP system, ensuring that the voices of children, families, and communities are heard and integrated into UNICEF's humanitarian and development programs. The consultant will work closely with program officers, implementing partners, and community members to assess needs, identify gaps, and develop actionable plans to improve AAP mechanisms. The role requires a strategic approach to capacity building at the local level, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped to engage effectively with the AAP processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct meetings with program officers to understand project specifics and the current status of AAP implementation.
• Collaborate with UNICEF staff and implementing partners to identify key AAP needs.
• Review reports from external monitoring organizations to integrate findings and recommendations into the AAP plan.
• Gather information through interviews, surveys, and focus groups with communities to assess needs and identify areas for improvement.
• Map key stakeholders and refine the AAP action plan in alignment with the DG-ECHO funded project.
• Finalize the AAP implementation plan with clear phases and assigned responsibilities.
• Develop key indicators to measure progress, including coverage, satisfaction, and quality of feedback.
• Facilitate advanced workshops on AAP principles for field staff and project partners.
• Implement monitoring tools to evaluate initial AAP results and reinforce monitoring using established indicators. 1
• Prepare and present progress reports, identifying achievements and challenges. 1
• Develop a final report on AAP implementation, including areas for improvement and recommendations. 1
• Create a roadmap for UNICEF Ecuador's AAP strategy, adjusting the plan based on lessons learned and current context.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in program/project management, monitoring and evaluation, or coordination, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. Knowledge of AAP principles and community engagement is essential. Familiarity with the regional context and challenges is highly valued. The consultant should demonstrate effective collaboration skills, the ability to build and maintain partnerships, and a strategic mindset focused on impactful results. Adaptability to change and the capacity to navigate ambiguity and complexity are also critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
A first university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Administration, or relevant technical fields is required. Advanced degrees in related disciplines are preferred and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as program/project management, monitoring and evaluation, or coordination. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with AAP frameworks and community engagement initiatives. Experience in humanitarian contexts and familiarity with the specific challenges faced by affected populations in Ecuador will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in English is considered an asset and will be positively evaluated during the selection process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to deliver specific products within defined timelines, including an updated AAP plan, an implementation plan, monitoring reports, and a final consolidation report. Candidates are required to submit a methodological approach letter and a financial proposal detailing estimated travel costs. The position is not classified as a staff member under UN regulations, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. Selected candidates must ensure their visa and health insurance are valid for the contract duration and confirm their vaccination status against COVID-19 as per UNICEF's requirements.