Summary
Title
Purpose
Expected fee
Location
Duration
Start Date
Reporting to
Individual consultancy to conduct a human rights-based equityfocused and gender-sensitive and child-focused Situation Analysis
(SitAn) of Children in oPt
Conduct a human rights-based equity-focused and gender-sensitive
and child-focused Situation Analysis (SitAn) of Children in oPt
Two posts: 1) international consultant (P5/P4 level) and 2) national
consultant (NOC level)
1) International consultant: Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza (50 days),
home-based (55 days); 2) national consultant: Jerusalem/West
Bank/Gaza (105 days)
15 weeks
17 September, 2012
M&E Specialist
Background
There are four million Palestinians living in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) (1.5 m in Gaza and 2.5 m in
the West Bank) of which 49 per cent are below the age of 18 1. The daily life of children is framed within the
context of the Israeli occupation; the conflicts and military operations associated with occupation, the blockade
of Gaza (since June 2007), stringent access and movement restrictions, and the existence and further
construction of the separation barrier in the West Bank. This context creates vulnerabilities and inequities in
the fulfilment of rights that are more pronounced in Gaza, Area C, Seam Zones, Hebron old city and East
Jerusalem. While threats to life, security, and human dignity are daily realities throughout oPt in general,
inequities are observed in those population groups that directly experience violence related to the occupation
and the settlements and also, to a lesser extent, the Palestinian inter-factional divide. Children (girls and
boys) are routinely affected by injury, displacement, disability, psychological distress and death. The SitAn
should also shed light on the social, economic and environmental constraints and how they are affecting
children in oPt.
UNICEF oPt is planning for a new three-year cycle of this programme starting in 2014. In preparation for the
development of this new programme cycle, UNICEF and partners intend to undertake a situation analysis
(SitAn) of Palestinian children (girls and boys) in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). It is expected that
this process guarantees national ownership which will build consensus on the analytical results, including the
use of internationally recognized data and standards. Lead by UNICEF and the Ministry of Planning and
Administrative Development (MoPAD) and with the Involvement of the key government partners, civil society,
other national stakeholders and more importantly children, who are the focus on UNICEF’s work, throughout
the SitAn process. This is a pre-requisite for its acceptance into in policy and strategy formulation, budget
allocation, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Stakeholder involvement should be
strategically planned and managed throughout the process.
The SitAn is meant primarily to be analytical, establishing causalities of non-realisation of children’s rights and
responsible actors for realizing the rights and making positive changes in the lives and well-being of
1
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2007 Census
1
Palestinian children. The oPt SitAn, prepared with the active participation of local partners (including the PA,
UN agencies, local NGOs and Community Based Organizations) and of Palestinian children themselves, will
serve as an important advocacy tool and will contribute to national research and knowledge.
Apart from being a national comprehensive report providing a snap shot of the situation of children (boys and
girls) which will aid the development of the Palestinian National Plan 2014-2016, the first UNDAF for the
UNCT in oPt, and UNICEF’s new programme cycle 2014-2016.
According to UNICEF’s newly articulated approach, “A rights-based, equity-focused Situation Analysis (SitAn)
includes: a disaggregated assessment of the status of and trends in the realization of children’s rights; an
analysis of the immediate, underlying and structural causes of shortfalls and disparities across various groups;
and policy and programmatic recommendations to address the shortfalls and disparities and accelerate
progress towards development goals and the fulfillment of human rights conventions. By focusing on the key
knowledge gaps related to inequities and child deprivations, and promoting the broad engagement of all
stakeholders, the SitAn is intended to make an important contribution to shaping national development
strategies to accelerate achievement of the child-related goals with equity” 2.
The SitAn should serve at least the following functions:
1. Contribute to UN country programme approaches: The Situation Analysis, which it is to be undertaken
at least once every programme cycle, offers an opportunity to feed into the United Nations Common
Assessment and support programming for children in the UN Strategic Development Framework
(UNADF) to be developed by the end of 2012.
2. Strengthen evidence-based policy advocacy: UNICEF oPt is committed to increase its attention
towards more policy advocacy and partnerships, based on evidence from this detailed analysis.
3. Focus attention on priority needs and reducing specific disparities in realization of global goals and
human rights commitments.
4. Influence the development of the Palestinian National Development Plan (2014-2016): with specific
focus on the sectors pertaining to UNICEF’s areas of comparative advantage; Education, Water,
Hygiene and Sanitation, Health and Nutrition and Child Protection.
Justification
The SitAn report for oPt, will produce an update on the status of the Palestinian children (under 18 years of
age). It will also provide an opportunity to collect valuable feedback both rights holders and duty bearers,
through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders including children. The SitAn
will contribute to the region/area-wide assessment and analysis of the situation of children and also inform the
development of UNICEF’s new Area programme (2014-2016). Together with the national priorities it will guide
the development of an evidence based national plan, UNICEF new programme cycle and the first UNADF in
oPt ensuring that the rights of children (girls and boys) are respected, protected and fulfilled. For that UNICEF
would like to seek the expertise of an external consultant to lead in the development of this report.
As UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have
the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the
most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations, and distinct among
those working with the children and adolescents. Therefore, this report should lay out the facts that would
enable us to have plans and programmes that address the real need of Children in an equity focused and
gender sensitive manner.
2
Ibid.
2
Purpose
A Situation Analysis is an assessment and analysis of the country situation, with respect to children’s rights
and development potential or critical issues. It serves to increase understanding and to identify necessary
action on issues affecting their realization. The process is used to understand the causes of and linkages
between problems affecting children and how a country’s human, social, economic and organizational
resources and structures (including its policies and institutions) can contribute to solving these problems.
Essential elements of a rights-based equity-focused SitAn include:
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a disaggregated assessment of the status of and trends in the realization of children’s rights;
an analysis of the immediate, underlying and structural causes of the disparities across various groups;
and;
policy and programmatic recommendations to address the disparities and accelerate progress towards
the MDGs, post MDGs and fulfillment of human rights conventions
Increasing UNICEF’s capacity to engage in policy discussions through evidence-based analysis is a key
strategic goal (MTSP). Reaching the MDGs with equity moreover requires all development partners to
intensify efforts to monitor programmes that serve the most disadvantaged children. By refocusing on equity
UNICEF emphasizes the importance of undertaking a SitAn that systematically examines patterns of
inequities in the realisation of children’s rights, including understanding their immediate, underlying and
structural causes.3
Thus the purpose of conducting an oPt rights based equity-focused Situation Analysis are as follows:
1. improve the understanding of decision-makers, partners and all other stakeholders of the current
status of children’s rights in the country and the causes of shortfalls and inequities, as the basis
for recommending actions;
2. support national and decentralized planning and development processes including influencing
policies, strategies, budgets and national laws to contribute towards an enabling environment for
children that adheres to human rights principles and gender equality, particularly in regard to
universality, non-discrimination, participation and accountability;
3. strengthen national and sub-national capacities to monitor the situation of children, principally
regarding vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and how their specific rights are being met;
4. Contribute to national research on disadvantaged children and leverage UNICEF’s convening
power to foster and support knowledge generation with government, civil society and private
sector stakeholders.
5. Strengthen the knowledge base to enable assessment of the contribution of development
partners, including UNICEF and the UN, in support of national development goals.
In order to fulfill the above the SitAn process should:
a. use available data and other information to accurately identify trends, patterns, incidence and causes
of key deprivations (e.g. child mortality, stunting, low levels of birth registration, low school enrolment
and achievement or violence against children), disaggregated by relevant segments of the population.
3
Please refer to Annexes 5 and 6 for more details on the equity monitoring approach.
3
b. identify and analyze the barriers and bottlenecks that prevent disadvantaged children and families
from benefiting from required interventions and services, including the social, political and economic
conditions that result in shortfalls in the creation of an enabling environment for the realization of
children’s rights.4
c.
Analyze the extent to which gender inequalities and the fulfillment/non-fulfillment of the rights of
women affect overall inequalities and deprivations, including those affecting children.
d. Assess the current or potential presence of emergency risks, including conflict, disaster risks, and
other potential shocks; the likelihood of their occurrence, the underlying vulnerabilities, the nature of
the hazard and the particularly vulnerable groups that will be affected. The capacities and coping
mechanisms of families, communities, local and national institutions to mitigate these risks and deal
with shocks should also be assessed.
e. Analyze the extent to which the evidence-based interventions and services needed to address
deprivations are prioritized in national policies, laws, strategies, plans and budgets, and supported by
UNICEF and partners. This would include an analysis of the extent to which there is an enabling
environment for the realization of the rights of all children including the promotion of positive social
norms and behaviours, organization of services, institutional capacities at national, sub-national and
community levels.
Methodology
The process to develop the Situation Analysis will make use of multiple methodologies and techniques. Both
primary and secondary data will be collected, and quantitative as well as qualitative information will be used.
Analysis of available quantitative data and undertaking detailed analysis of the existing secondary data to
establish trends and relationship is needed. The process of conducting a SitAn, has to go beyond specific
methodology. A SitAn which does not include in-depth dialogue between key stakeholders will be much less
rich and valid than one that does therefore it is necessary to detail this out in the proposal.
The focus should be on a collaborative partnership with national partners to ensure government ownership
and the identification of national priorities and proposed national solutions. National ‘participation’ is therefore
absolutely critical, not only of government, but also of other development partners and civil society. Steering
Committees, Working Groups, etc. can be instrumental in providing the appropriate government oversight and
national ownership. The steering committee established for this assignment will be co-chaired by UNICEF and
the Ministry of Planning and Administrative Development (MoPAD) and will comprise of the key government
partner and civil society organizations.
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Desk review and conceptual and analytical secondary research on selected topics published in
existing studies, research and survey reports
Analytical primary research using qualitative research techniques: life stories of children and
adolescents, focus groups, and the techniques that UNICEF will recommend
Comparative analysis of available legislation, social policy, budget allocation and expenditure
documents in conformity with provisions of the CRC and CEDAW.
Background notes on specific topics where UNICEF and other actors working with and for children
do not have the required knowledge for a comprehensive Situation Analysis (e.g. disabilities; injuries,
violence and social discord 5 (armed conflict, communal violence, religious discrimination); human
trafficking, displacement and migration; gender analysis of disparities; climate change and its impact
on children; and, adolescent participation and civic engagement )6.
4
For more details refer to Annex 5: Monitoring of Results for Equity Systems
This should have specific focus on how and what stakeholders contribute/ disrupt social cohesion in the Palestinian society at the
different levels (eg. Educational settings)
6
These will include any other themes for which knowledge gaps have been identified through the initial literature review
5
4
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Key informants consultations with those who shape and implement public policies
Socio-demographic trend analysis, at the most possible disaggregated level on the basis of micro
data sets since 2006. In addition to future forecasting.
Participatory workshops to undertake the causal analysis, role pattern analysis and capacity gap
analysis including validation of the SITAN findings.
The oPt SitAn will embrace a comprehensive assessment of the rights of Palestinian children in oPt including
East Jerusalem and Area C, using a human rights-based approach that consists of:
a. the identification of unfulfilled rights;
b. the identification of duty bearers and rights holders; and
c. The determination of key gaps (knowledge, commitment, authority, resources) in the capacities of
duty bearers and right holders as defined in international instruments, most especially the Convention
on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW), as well as in the revised UNICEF Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)
2006-2013.
More detailed guidance on the human-rights based approach is available from the UNICEF Programme Policy
and Procedures Manual and the SitAn guidance paper. The provisions and principles of the CRC will stand at
the centre of the Situation Analysis.
The Situation Analysis will adopt an integrated, cross-sectoral approach that takes a holistic view of the child.
A life-cycle approach will be used to undertake the analysis of the key issues affecting children aged 0 to 17
years. A causal and trends analysis using -year age intervals (0-59 months, 5-10 years, 10-14 years, 14-17
years) will be helpful in determining the developmental needs and the ensuing programmatic interventions
that need to be undertaken, keeping in mind inter-linkages and variations among sex, various socio-economic
groups and geographic locations.
Gaps in unfulfilled children rights, relevant legislative and policy frameworks together with institutional and
service delivery mechanisms and data will be identified. Key recommendations emerging from the analysis
will be linked with responsible duty bearers and will include suggested timeframes for implementation.
Whatever the approach adopted, conducting a SitAn should follow these basic steps:
1.
Assessment of the manifestation of child rights shortfalls and inequities in child outcomes
This process begins with a comprehensive review of the existing data, evidence and research on children.
This review process involves all stakeholders and includes an assessment of the extent to which the data
meets minimum quality standards. Such an assessment will include a review of the trends in all the child
outcomes in health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, environment, child and social protection and
participation in relation to international targets such as the MDGs and other goals related to the CRC, CEDAW
and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). A comprehensive review of data and
research-based information will summarize current knowledge, enable in-depth understanding of key social,
cultural and related economic issues and help to identify what additional primary (qualitative and quantitative)
data or analysis is required. Secondary information should be identified and consulted through desk reviews;
requests for inputs from partners (government, bilaterals and NGOs); and bilateral meetings/focus group
discussions with CSOs to gather additional qualitative information on issues of particular relevance
In view of preparing to undertake a causality analysis that fully integrates an examination of bottlenecks and
barriers in relation to improved outcomes for children, an assessment of country-specific indicators 7
(quantitative and qualitative) will highlight areas of variance from nationally and internationally defined targets
7
Analysis to rely on recent national data produced, such as PFS/MICS 4 survey conducted by PCBS and other national surveys.
5
and goals. By assessing the relative value of specific indicators for any given service, intervention, system,
behaviour or practice, the shortfalls in child related goals and in the fulfillment of specific rights are
underscored. Once the shortfalls have been identified, a causality analysis will permit a causal examination of
the determinants that support or impede the achievement of rights.
The analysis of the data and information should be disaggregated, to the extent possible, by various
characteristics of children as relevant in each context. This may include sex, age and various population
groups (female or child-headed households), area of residence (urban/rural), location (national, regional,
community), educational levels, wealth quintiles and disability status. Analysis across different characteristics
is important in understanding the multiple forms of discrimination and exclusion that girls or boys, at different
ages in their childhood. This would enable a comprehensive analysis of the patterns of inequities in relation to
each development goal. Assessment of the nature of gender relations is critical at family, local and national
levels to reveal patterns and scope of gender inequalities including in: a) development outcomes between
girls and boys, b) access to and use of basic social services, including protection services, and c) the control
of resources.
Recent national household surveys such as the Palestinian Family Survey/ Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys
(MICS 4), national census and national budget and expenditure surveys are important information sources, as
they can provide disaggregated and increasingly trend data that will serve as a primary evidence base for a
rights-based and equity-focused analysis.
2. Analysis of major causes and drivers of child rights shortfalls and inequities
Following the assessment of the situation of children based on existing data and trends, the next step is to
analyse available information to systematically analyse the socio-political, judicial and institutional
environment, systems, behaviours and practices that facilitate or hamper the fulfillment of the rights of
children. Whatever the form or approach the Country Office decides to adopt for its SitAn, the following
interrelated and mutually reinforcing tools will support a quality and adequately structured analytical effort.
a) Causality Analysis will examine the (immediate, underlying and root) causes of shortfalls and inequities
within a conceptual framework, figure 1 below, probing beyond the immediate causes of non-realisation of
children’s rights to determine the underlying and structural causes of the problem; identifies the
bottlenecks and barriers relevant to the critical determinants in the provision and use of essential
interventions and services for children in order to support the establishment of a baseline for action in
reducing inequities and accelerating progress towards child development goals.8 The analysis will also
identify connectors and dividers as per the do no harm framework and their interactions with the critical
determinants in fulfilling the rights of children (see Table 1).
The scope of the conceptual framework, Figure 1 below, will vary according to different situations, the
nature of the key development processes at national, regional and local levels and the specific factors
affecting children's rights within a country. It may prove useful to develop various issue, age or humanrights specific conceptual frameworks, such as for young children, or a particular minority, in order to
analyse the specific cause-effect relationships related to a specific group or issue. Any causal analysis is
in varying degrees a simplification of reality and the analysis will be continually revised during the course
of consultations, and as future information is received.
8
Please refer to Annexes 5 and 6: Monitoring the Equity Approach and Monitoring for Results for Equity Systems
6
Figure 1: Conceptual Framework for the development of a rights-based, Equity focused SitAn
b) Role-pattern analysis delves into the roles and relationships between duty-bearers and rights holders in
relation to specific rights;
c) Capacity-gap analysis, examines the capacity of key individuals and institutions responsible for
respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of children;
d) An Analysis of the enabling environment examines broader policy, legal, administrative and budgetary
issues and social norms which influence the realisation of human rights of children and the reduction of
inequalities, as well as the dynamics between policies, strategies and social norms within the context.
The analysis will also draw on the do no harm framework and identify dividers and connecters and their
interactions with the bottlenecks and barriers identified in the causality analysis above.
Analysis of the enabling environment should explore the availability of spaces and channels and
mechanisms through which children are able to meaningfully participate in policy making and the extent to
which these are institutionalized. This analysis should focus on:

Existence of standards, structures and mechanisms around which consultations with children take
place, including the legal and regulatory framework for information sharing and consultation (such as
possibilities for young people to have the right to develop democratic structures in their schools, or by
introducing formal mechanisms for political dialogue between youth and officials at all levels of
government);
7

Availability of mandated and allocated resources towards involving children in policy-making and
implementation processes.
Ten essential determinants summarised in Table 1 below, have been developed to guide the analysis of
barriers and bottlenecks faced by children in realising their rights. These ten determinants have been
categorised into: i) the enabling environment, ii) supply, iii) demand, and iv) quality of
services/interventions for children. Understanding the determinants for each relevant service, intervention,
system, behaviour or practice and assessing how they affect desired results for children is a prerequisite
for sound programming. The bottleneck analysis as part of the SitAn constitutes an important component in
the assessment, analysis and continuous monitoring of key catalytic conditions for the achievement of
equity in child survival, development and protection
Table 1 Critical Determinants for assessing Bottlenecks and Barriers to Equitable outcomes for
Children
Other areas of the assessment and analysis will include a vulnerability analysis (very important in the oPt
context) which will consider actual and potential threats to the fulfillment of human rights, as well as early
warning indicators and criteria for future programme interventions aimed at strengthening the coping abilities
of children, adolescents, families, communities and institutional capacities.
The analysis should assess the impact of the overall “policy environment” in the oPt and its impact on all
aspects of the daily lives of Palestinian children. This would include as assessment of Palestinian Authority
policies, as well as the influence of the policies and actions of the occupying power, in terms of their impact on
children and the fulfillment of their human rights, and their likely future impact on the achievement of those
rights. An analysis of legislation should also be included, examining the laws, regulations, constitutional
provisions (including acceptance of the principles of the CRC and CEDAW) that have an impact on children’s
rights in the oPt. This should very much include an impact assessment of traditional and customary laws and
practices that may be a threat to the fulfillment of children’s human rights in the oPt. It will also be important to
look at the influence of gender relations at family, local and national levels, including roles, attitudes,
inequalities and discrimination in resource access and control, and status.
8
3.
Validation of analysis for the realization of child rights with equity.
The third step and last step should reinforce the importance of the process of conducting a SitAn, to build
stakeholder commitment and to optimise its use in influencing dialogue towards equitable human
development outcomes and the realisation of children’s rights. Working with others, the SitAn can help
stakeholders agree on a vision that reflects and is aligned with development results for children, and that
complements UNICEF’s agenda at country, regional and global level.
The validation of conclusions and recommendations from the analytical effort with stakeholders sets the
foundation for issue prioritisation and for developing scenarios towards addressing the barriers and
bottlenecks that impede the achievement of results with equity. This confirms the importance of a clear
articulation of policy and programmatic implications as integral to the Situation Analysis.
The construction of the analysis will likely reveal the absence of information in certain areas for which further
investigation or research will be required. As such, adoption of the SitAn and its main findings and conclusions
serves to build consensus on priority topics for future research and action for the realisation of child rights. It
provides a platform for galvanizing collective action for children, including the establishment of an on-going
research agenda that draws on both internal and external resources, always with the aim of strengthening
capacities and national leadership for child-focused analysis.
In full consultation with – and with the full participation of – local partners, including Palestinian Authority
institutions, agencies and ministries, an evidence-based policy analysis should be conducted to assess
national efforts for realizing the rights of children, to identify gaps in policy and service delivery, and to
acknowledge and build the capacity of children to influence policy processes and access services. A national
Steering Committee co-chaired by UNICEF and MoPAD will play a vital role in this part of the process.
Institutional arrangements
Involvement of the PA, civil society and other national stakeholders and more importantly children throughout
the SitAn process is a prerequisite for its acceptance into strengthening of analytic work, policy and strategy
formulation, budget allocation, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation. National ownership is
necessary for buy-in and building consensus on analytical results including the use of internationally
recognized data and standards. To ensure a participatory approach and gain the widest possible knowledge
of issues facing children, this Situation Assessment and Analysis will be conducted with the active
participation of implementing partners, and the various beneficiaries of the programme of cooperation through
the Steering Committee. The consultant(s) will facilitate the coordination of the process and report writing. A
draft outline for the report will be discussed and a final outline agreed with UNICEF and other Steering
Committee members.
The preparation of the SitAn will rely on the desk review of secondary information, supplemented by key
informant interviews – preferably with the participation of children, civil society and community groups. This
review will summarize current knowledge, provide a more in-depth understanding of key social, cultural and
related economic issues, and help to identify what primary (qualitative and quantitative) data or new analysis
is required. Once that is done, starting roughly at mid-point in the process, interviews and focus-group
discussions will be facilitated, preferably in different regions and settings in the oPt (e.g., West Bank, Gaza,
Area C, Seam Zones, East Jerusalem, refugee camps, urban, and rural areas) to ensure that the voices of
children themselves are heard. The facilitation of these interviews and focus-group discussions will be a key
and critical responsibility of the consultant(s).
9
Key stakeholders include the members of the steering committee for the programme of cooperation (MOH,
MOE, MOSA, HCY, PCBS, MOPAD, MOI,etc), children. These stakeholders will participate in the interviews
and focus group discussions on the SitAn, and they will also be consulted in the process of data collection and
analysis. The draft oPt SitAn report will also be shared for comments before finalization. The consultant will
need to liaise with the chiefs of section in Jerusalem and the head of Gaza Zonal office from time to time,
especially in collecting or validating data and information.
Specific Tasks and Deliverables
To conduct this exercise UNICEF will contract 2 individual consultants who have outstanding expertise and
experience in this field of work. The team will comprise of an international team leader who will facilitate and
guide the entire exercise process supported by one national expert.
The key tasks and deliverables will be under the responsibility of the team leader who should manage the
entire SitAn process and discussions with UNICEF, including the development of the conceptual and
analytical framework and writing of the final Situation Analysis report.
The consultant should also ensure full working complementarity with UNFPA’s SitAn consultant and the UN
Country Team’s (UNCT) Comprehensive Analysis consultant.
As the equity-focus situation analysis will focus on sub-national level inequities (district level), the report
should contain thematic maps with color-coding highlighting the equity contrast in the respective studied
areas (health, nutrition, education, HIV, water/sanitation and hygiene, environment, child protection, legal and
social protection and children’s participation).
The following table is the proposed key tasks and deliverables
Key Tasks
Deliverables
1
Collect and review available publications on children in oPt (relevant to the
scope & breadth of the SitAn ToR), and identify key gaps in the information
base
2
Prepare a final and agreed conceptual and analytical framework for the
Situation Analysis based on this ToR
Summary of
publications relevant for
the SitAn
Conceptual and
analytical framework for
the SitAn
3
Review all relevant data sources and prepare a SitAn inception report which
summarizes
(i)
methodology;
(ii)
availability of data sources, clustered by thematic focus areas;
(iii)
information gap analysis; and,
(iv)
schedule of activities and timeline
4
Undertake key component analyses (as outlined in the HRB approach) and
additional research and analysis as required – (including qualitative
research, bottleneck analysis and analysis of disparities/deprivations), and
produce research papers, according to methodology agreed in conceptual
and analysis framework
5
Produce complete draft of SitAn report
Ref
Draft and final inception
report
-Analytical papers;
Sub-national research
and analysis
-Policy mapping paper
(including legal,
administrative and
budgetary issues)
Draft SitAn report
available for review by
government and
Timelines
By Wk 3
By Wk 5
By Wk 7
By Wk 11
By Wk 13
10
UNICEF
6
7
8
9
Validate the situation analysis findings through participatory causality
analysis, role pattern analysis and capacity gap analysis with a cross
section of stakeholders
Produce final report of the situation analysis, integrating inputs from the
validation workshop and comments on the first draft, with accompanying
background papers according to an agreed format
Prepare materials for dissemination workshop of SitAn results and facilitate
workshop
Produce a series of policy briefs and summary situation analysis report with
main findings
Workshop validation
reports
By Wk 17
Final SitAn report and
background papers
By Wk 19
Dissemination
Workshop
-Series of policy briefs
based on report and
background papers
-Key findings report
By Wk 20
By Wk 21
Reporting
The M&E Specialist in the UNICEF oPt office will be the primary contact for the consultant. Additional
guidance will be provided by the senior management in the office. The consultant will provide an update on
the weekly basis with regards to progress, challenges being encountered, support required or proposed
solutions.
Expected background and Experience
The assignment is expected to be undertaken by 1 international and 1 national consultants to work together to
produce a human-rights based, equity-focused, gender-sensitive and child-centred SitAn.
a) International consultant (individual SSA – P5/P4 level) will act as the team leader and provide managerial
and technical oversight to all SitAn processes, in close consultation with the oPt country office. The
international consultant is expected to be in country for a total of 50 days and work from home for the
remainder of the period.
b) National consultants (individual SSA – NOC level) will act as resource person and assist the international
consultant in gathering information, facilitating meetings and consultations, implement SitAn processes
under the guidance and supervision of the international consultant. The national consultant is expected to
be locally-based.
The required background and experience for the international consultant is as follows:
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Advanced degree in the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, development studies),
Economics/Statistics or related fields relevant for the assignment
At least 10 years of research and other relevant professional experience
Excellent facilitation and coordination skills
In-depth knowledge of children’s rights, including CRC, CEDAW and other international legal instruments
the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), World Fit for Children (WFFC), and the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs)
Knowledge and Demonstrated experience with Human Rights Based Approach to Programming (HRBAP)
Institutional knowledge of the UN and UNICEF
Proven experience in writing analytical papers on children and gender issues
11
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Familiarity with oPt current national development priorities and challenges
Fluency in English, Arabic is an asset
Access throughout oPt (Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza)
The consultant will be asked to submit 2 samples of previous similar work produced and at least 3
references.
The national consultants’ backgrounds and experience is expected to meet the following qualifications:

Master’s degree in the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, development studies),
Economics/Statistics or related fields relevant for the assignment
 At least 5 years of research and other relevant professional experience
 In-depth knowledge of child rights including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Convention
on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), World Fit for Children
(WFFC), and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
 Institutional knowledge of the UN and UNICEF
 Excellent facilitation and coordination skills
 Knowledge and Demonstrated experience with Human Rights Based Approach to Programming (HRBAP)
 Proven experience in writing analytical papers on children and gender issues;
 Fluency in Arabic and English.
 Access throughout oPt (Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza)
 The consultant will be asked to submit 2 samples of previous similar work produced and at least 3
references.
The specific competencies and qualifications required of all consultants are as follows:
 Good knowledge of the recent developments in the area of human rights in general and of children’s
rights in particular in the occupied Palestinian territory.
 Strong analytical skills and proficiency in writing in English.
 Ability to deliver quality reports/analysis and results in line with established deadlines.
 Experience of having participated previously in a UNICEF Situation Analysis will be a major advantage
Interested and eligible candidates should forward 1) a cover letter “The cover should indicate relevant experience,
availability and daily rate” 2) Resume, 3) Personal History (P11) form, 4) two samples of previous similar work and 5)
three references on Email: jerusalemhrvacancies@UNICEF.org
Ethical Issues:
All interviewees, including children, should be informed about the objectives of the evaluation and how
findings will be used; they also should be informed that collected data and any statement about the
programme will be kept confidential and respondents will not be named or identified in the reports with regard
to their statements.
All interviewees should agree without coercion to take part in the evaluation and be given the option to
withdraw or not to participate at any time during the process.
All gathered data should be confidential and names of individuals deleted from the data and replaced by
codes in the evaluation notes.
Ownership of all data/information/findings gathered, databases and analysis prepared for the evaluation lies
with UNICEF. The use of the data/information/findings for publication or any other presentation or sharing can
only be made after agreement with UNICEF.
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General Conditions:
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The international consultant will work from the UNICEF office in Jerusalem for a total of 50 days. S/he will
work from home for the remainder of the consultancy period. The national consultant will work from the
UNICEF office in Jerusalem.
UNICEF will provide the national consultant with a computer and office supplies. UNICEF will provide the
international consultant with a computer and office supplies only when s/he is working from the UNICEF
office.
The national and international consultant is authorized to have access to UNICEF transport while working
from the UNICEF office.
Plan for schedule of payment. The final payment to a consultant is dependent on the completion of
deliverables as well as hand-over notes and submission of a consultancy PER. Consultants, can be paid
either a lump sum, or on a daily or monthly basis. This consultancy will be paid based on deliverables that
have been submitted or provided during each month. Consultants will not be paid during days off and
while on sick leave.
Policy both parties should be aware of:
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Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days, and fees are prorated
accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract
agreement.
No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or
Contractor.
For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email.
Signed contract copy or written agreement must be received by the office before Travel Authorisation is
issued.
No consultant may travel without a signed travel authorization prior to the commencement of the journey
to the duty station.
Unless authorized, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In exceptional cases, the consultant
may be authorized to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct
route” but this must be agreed to beforehand.
Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking
up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical
Evacuation.
The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant upon
arrival, at the HR Section.
**** Please consult with HR on entitlements as many are set by UNICEF rules.
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Annex 1: Key Questions for a Rights-based, Equity-focused SitAn
A rights-based, equity-focused SitAn supported by UNICEF should seek to respond to the following
questions, either through direct consideration, or through reference to other documents in which these
are adequately addressed:
1) How do child outcomes and trends differ across age groups and regions?
2) Which are the most deprived groups of children? Where are they located?
3) What forms of deprivation and exclusion do these groups face? What are the determining factors that
give rise to and perpetuate their exclusion?
4) What are the underlying causes of gender and other inequalities across age groups and regions?
5) What are the immediate, underlying and structural barriers and bottlenecks to child well-being and to
accessing and utilizing basic social services and other critical resources?
6) What risks (conflict, natural hazards, etc.) exist that are likely to affect the patterns of deprivation and
exclusion, exacerbate or create barriers and bottlenecks?
7) What existing social, institutional and political factors (e.g. social norms, institutional capacities at all
levels of government, accountability and coordination mechanisms, policy and legal frameworks) impede
or could potentially support the creation of an enabling environment for the realization of children’s rights?
8) Have the ‘drivers’ of inequity changed over time? If so, how has that been accomplished? If not, why
not? Does the policy environment proactively address disparities and deprivations through legislation,
policies and budgets? What gaps are there in policy response and in implementation?
9) What capacities exist at national, sub-national and community levels to participate in analytical
processes that examine the causes and consequences of shortfalls and inequities and to what extent are
disadvantaged groups involved in such efforts and with what results?
10) What programme interventions and resource mobilization and allocation options should be
considered in the future, in order to address specific dimensions of inequity and pervasive vulnerabilities?
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Annex 2: Principle guidelines for the ethical reporting on children and
young people under 18 years old
Principle guidelines for the ethical reporting on children and young people under 18
years old
Children and young people have all the rights of adults. In addition, they have the right to be protected
from harm. Reporting on children and young people carries this added dimension and restriction,
especially in the current era when it is near-impossible to limit a story’s reach. This document is meant to
support the best intentions of ethical reporters – serving the public’s interest for truth without
compromising the rights of children.
In some instances the act of reporting on children places them or other children at risk of retribution or
stigmatization. When in doubt, the reporter must err on the side of caution and the right of the child to be
protected from harm. Because these situations are not always clear-cut, reporters are encouraged to
consult with UNICEF staff or others in determining the best interests of the child.
I. Principles
1. The dignity and rights of every child are to be respected in every circumstance.
2. In interviewing and reporting on children, special attention is to be paid to each child’s right to privacy
and confidentiality, to have their opinions heard, to participate in decisions affecting them and to be
protected from harm and retribution, including the potential of harm and retribution.
3. The best interests of each child are to be protected over any other consideration, including over
advocacy for children’s issues and the promotion of child rights.
4. When trying to determine the best interests of a child, the child’s right to have their views taken into
account are to be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity.
5. Those closest to the child’s situation and best able to assess it are to be consulted about the political,
social and cultural ramifications of any reportage.
6. Do not publish a story or an image which might put the child, siblings or peers at risk even when
identities are changed, obscured or not used.
Field stories for Global Web Page 2 of 32
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II. Guidelines for interviewing children
1. Do no harm to any child; avoid questions, attitudes or comments that are judgmental, insensitive to
cultural values, that place a child in danger or expose a child to humiliation, or that reactivate a child’s
pain and grief from traumatic events.
2. Do not discriminate in choosing children to interview because of sex, race, age, religion, status,
educational background or physical abilities.
3. No staging: Do not ask children to tell a story or take an action that is not part of their own history.
4. Ensure that the child or guardian knows they are talking with a reporter. Explain the purpose of the
interview and its intended use.
5. Obtain permission from the child and his or her guardian for all interviews, videotaping and, when
possible, for documentary photographs. When possible and appropriate, this permission should be in
writing. Permission must be obtained in circumstances that ensure that the child and guardian are not
coerced in any way and that they understand that they are part of a story that might be disseminated
locally and globally. This is usually only ensured if the permission is obtained in the child’s language and
if the decision is made in consultation with an adult the child trusts.
6. Pay attention to where and how the child is interviewed. Limit the number of interviewers and
photographers. Try to make certain that children are comfortable and able to tell their story without
outside pressure, including from the interviewer. In film, video and radio interviews, consider what the
choice of visual or audio background might imply about the child and her or his life and story. Ensure that
the child would not be endangered or adversely affected by showing their home, community or general
whereabouts.
III. Guidelines for reporting on children
1. Do not further stigmatize any child; avoid categorizations or descriptions that expose a child to
negative reprisals - including additional physical or psychological harm, or to lifelong abuse,
discrimination or rejection by their local communities.
2. Provide an accurate context for the child’s story or image.
3. Change the name and obscure the visual identity of any child who is identified as:
Field stories for Global Web Page 3 of 33
a. A current or former child combatant, whether or not they are accused of violence or atrocities,
b. A victim of sexual abuse or exploitation,
c. a perpetrator of physical or sexual abuse,
d. HIV positive, living with AIDS or has died from AIDS, unless the child, a parent or a guardian
gives fully informed consent,
e. Charged or convicted of a crime
4. In certain cases, using a child’s identity – their name and/or recognizable image – is in the child’s best
interests. However, when the child’s identity is used, they must still be protected against harm and
supported through any stigmatization or reprisals.
Some examples of these special cases are:
a. When a child initiates contact with the reporter, wanting to exercise their right to freedom of expression
and their right to have their opinion heard.
b. When a child is part of a sustained programme of activism or social mobilization and wants to be so
identified.
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c. When a child is engaged in a psychosocial programme and claiming their name and identity is part of
their healthy development
5. Confirm the accuracy of what the child has to say, either with other children or an adult, preferably with
both.
6. When in doubt about whether a child is at risk, report on the general situation for children rather than
on an individual child, no matter how newsworthy the story.
Use of UNICEF materials
All of UNICEF materials are protected by copyright, including text, photographs, images and videotapes.
Permission to reproduce any UNICEF material must be requested from the originating UNICEF office,
and will be only be granted on the condition that the principles and guidelines in this document are
adhered to.
Sources: The Convention on the Rights of the Child; Child Rights and the Media: Guidelines for
Journalists, International Federation of Journalists; Media and Children in Need of Special Protection,
(internal document), UNICEF Division of Communication; Second International Consultation on HIV/AIDS
and Human Rights, United Nations Secretary-General.
Annex 3: UNICEF child rights-based equity-focused Situation Analysis
guidance document: Taking a rights-based, equity-focused approach to
Situation Analysis
Please contact the office to get a copy of the guidance document. For those with intranet
access, the document can be downloaded from:
http://intranet.unicef.org/ICONHome.nsf/0/8C75C012511F4C62852578220059420E/$FILE/Upd
ated%20Guidance%20on%20conducting%20a%20Situation%20Analysis%20FINAL%2019Dec
2011.pdf
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