UNICEF-BCO: TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNICEF-BCO: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Assignment Title: Develop a Costing Model for Integrated Interventions in Priority Districts and Urban Areas
Work Plan Code number: Y1505-01 (PME)
1) Background
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Despite this progress, there are significant income and geographic disparities and inequalities in access to and
utilization of social services. In order to ensure an integrated response to child rights, the GoB-UNICEF Country
Programme, 2006-2011 adopted the convergence strategy to progressively implement a package of proven
interventions on the same communities to benefit the same child. The aim is to achieve key programme results
and enhance the rights-based approach by sharpening the focus of UNICEF-supported interventions in selected
geographically disadvantaged districts and achieve the MDGs with equity.
The Bangladesh Country Office convergence strategy is evidence-based, aiming to achieve better results
through improved complementarity and synergy. UNICEF-supported programmes/interventions include
health/nutrition, water/sanitation, child protection, education and communication. The convergence strategy
is being implemented in selected districts where the social indicators and development situation of children
and other vulnerable populations show a wide disparity compared to other parts of the country.
The 2012-2016 Country Programme, as well as the UNDAF 2012-2016, have prioritized 20 districts where UN
agencies will converge in implementing programmes aimed at the achievement of the MDGs and national goals
with equity. In addition to the 20, mostly rural, priority districts, the CPD and UNDAF will be implementing
integrated interventions in key urban areas that cover selected urban/metropolitan centers under the UNDAF.
While the larger part of the Country Programme is being implemented through the key traditional interventions
delivered as single interventions, or through a limited set of packaged interventions (e.g. Education with C4D
component; Education and WASH in schools, etc.), the convergence strategy has been piloted in 7 districts. As
the Country Office scales up the convergence approach in the next country programme and UNDAF districts, as
well as part of its expanding urban programme, it is critical to review the methodologies and models used to
cost the interventions when delivered singly or in cost effective packages.
2) Assignment Purpose and Costing Model Requirements
In this context, UNICEF seeks to develop a costing model that will be able to generate up-to-date, context-specific
estimates of the cost of providing integrated interventions in priority districts/upazilas in the coming years. The
model should be flexible enough to consider the different costs of different packages of interventions adapted to
the local needs and their different delivery mechanisms. It should also be adaptable for costing estimates at
national level for advocacy purposes; and at district, upazila and community level for planning interventions; and
wherever applicable, the costing model would also be able to estimate costs at the family level.
The costing model should be based on realistic assumptions in calculating economies to be made in integrated
interventions. To the extent possible, adequate checks should be in-built into the model to ensure that costing
estimates are sound and can be confidently used for planning, advocacy and fund raising purposes. Hence, the
need to highlight the cost-effectiveness of different packages of interventions by considering their costs, the
expected outcomes of these programmes, and their impact. The model should be able to pinpoint/identify the
main cost drivers in integrated interventions as well as areas or components where the most efficiencies can be
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gained in particular packages of interventions. While this will require availability of adequate and up to date
information on programme activities, the type of services being provided and programme component costs, as
well as information on process, output and outcome indicators to measure results, it is expected that the model
will re-calculate the costing estimates as updated information is available and be flexible to project cost and
impact of scaling up investments through simulation of alternative scenarios.
The costing model will be an analytical tool for evidence-based programming, planning, costing, budgeting and
advocacy. It must take into account the results-based context of the country programme and the different sectors
as well as the overall country programme in the context of UNDAF.
3) Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
I. Conduct a desk review to identify and document existing costing models highlighting the strengths and
weaknesses of the various approaches, including within BCO and UNICEF.
II. Based on the analysis, test and refine the costing approach identified as the most suitable to provide
realistic estimates of integrated programmes to meet BCO costing needs.
III. Present and demonstrate finalized costing model, with report on the concept development and any
required users guidelines
4) Methods
A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis is envisioned. The consultant
will conduct desk review of key documents, including review of existing costing models in BCO and UNICEF,
interview key programme staff and other relevant informants as deemed appropriate, and quantify costs based on
information received from programmes for alternative integrated packages
6) Duty station: Dhaka, Bangladesh
7) Indicative assignment dates: 20 work days (between period 1 – 30 September 2011)
8) Supervisor: Chief/OIC SPPME Section, UNICEF Bangladesh
9) Work Assignment Details
Tasks
Clarification of ToR and expectations
with key UNICEF staff
Desk review of key documents;
gathering costing data; submission of
draft concept of model(s); receive
feedback; finalize inception report
Simulations, testing of proposed
End Product/deliverables
ToR agreed and expectations made clear
Time frame
1 day
Draft concept of model submitted
11 days
Testing successfully carried out
4 days
2
costing model(s)
Assessment and analysis; preparation
of final report and costing tool
Presentation and discussion of draft
report with key UNICEF staff
Evaluation report finalised
incorporating feedback and
submitted to UNICEF
Analysis completed and draft report prepared
2 days
Presentation of evaluation report
1 day
Final evaluation report
1 day
Total days for assignment
20 days
10) Key Deliverables
I.
A final concept note on the rationale for the costing approach proposed and how to best produce robust
estimates
II.
A full, working costing model that has been tested with actual costs of BCO programmes
III.
Final consultant report with conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations from the analysis and
costing exercise
11) Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required for the assignment:

Economist with at least 8 years of experience in national and international qualitative and quantitative research
methods

Good knowledge and experience in developing and analysing costing models,
including developing and applying
methodological tools




Experience working at the country level on developing cost-effective tools, data collection and cost-outcome analysis
Skills in analysis and synthesis, and ability to handle complex issues
Good understanding UNICEF programming and costing of integrated interventions an advantage.
Good written and verbal communication skills
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