Consultant for Cash Plus Project

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Cash Plus Project
Location: Iran
Country: Iran
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, saving lives, defending rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a focus on equity and inclusiveness, ensuring that all children, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from essential services such as health, nutrition, education, and protection. The organization is committed to building a better world for every child, every day, and never gives up on this mission.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on the effective implementation of the Cash Plus Project in Iran, specifically aimed at empowering Female Heads of Households (FHHs) and vulnerable young girls through a human-centered approach. The consultant will conduct a Needs Assessment and Labor Market Analysis to inform Learning-to-Earning Opportunities and implement a Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework. The role involves providing individualized case management support to groups of FHHs and young girls, working closely with social workers to develop tailored case plans based on their specific needs and aspirations. The consultant will also coordinate with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, to ensure the project's objectives are met and solutions are community-driven and sustainable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial consultations with UNICEF and stakeholders to gather insights and expectations for the project.
• Perform a desk review of existing documents and data relevant to the Cash Plus Project.
• Develop a detailed work plan outlining methodologies and timelines for project activities.
• Design data collection tools and methodologies for the Needs Assessment and Labor Market Analysis.
• Conduct field research, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys, to collect qualitative and quantitative data.
• Analyze collected data and synthesize findings to develop recommendations for career paths and learning-to-earning opportunities.
• Design detailed learning-to-earning programs based on assessment findings.
• Develop a comprehensive M&E framework, including indicators and data collection methods.
• Train social workers on the labor market situation and program design. 1
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports to UNICEF, highlighting key achievements and challenges. 1
• Compile a final project report summarizing all activities and outcomes of the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess advanced degrees (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as social sciences, economics, development studies, gender studies, or health. Specific expertise in labor economics, social protection, community development, or monitoring and evaluation is highly advantageous. The consultancy team should ideally be multi-disciplinary, comprising individuals with expertise in project management, research and analysis, gender and social development, monitoring and evaluation, community engagement, and economic development.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have advanced degrees (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as social sciences, economics, development studies, gender studies, or health. Specialized knowledge in labor economics, social protection, community development, or monitoring and evaluation is preferred.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in Iran or similar contexts, particularly with Female-Headed Households, labor market analysis, program design and implementation, cash transfer programs, community-based approaches, and monitoring and evaluation. Previous experience working with national social protection stakeholders is essential, as well as strong analytical writing and communication skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory for the project manager, while knowledge of Farsi is required for all team members. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be conducted within Iran, and the consultancy team must have independent office space and equipment. The work will involve desk research, stakeholder engagement, and various forms of data collection. The consultancy team is responsible for ensuring the physical and psychological safety of children and adolescents during interactions, adhering to safeguarding guidelines. The consultant must maintain adequate insurance coverage for personnel and property throughout the contract duration. The consultancy team is also responsible for their travel costs, and UNICEF will not facilitate travel arrangements. The selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to the assignment.