Developing Policy Brief on Disability in Early Childhood
Terms of Reference
Background and RationaleEarly Childhood Development: Research has shown
In accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), UNICEF’s mission statement requires the
organization to give priority to the most disadvantaged children and identifies children with
disabilities among the most marginalized.
There are an estimated 200 million children globally – 10 percent of the world’s young people –
born with a disability or acquire a disability before the age of 19. Around 80 percent of them live
in developing countries. Children who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory
impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective
participation in society on an equal basis with others, are among the most excluded of all the
world’s children, and face serious challenges to the full enjoyment of their human rights. Young
children’s survival, well-being and development are important for all children regardless of
disability.
Too often children with disabilities experience stigma from birth and are more prone to
exclusion, concealment, abandonment, institutionalization and abuse. The early years offer a
special opportunity to foster developmental gains in children as 80% of the brain’s capacity
develops before the age of three. The gains are shown to be highest for those with maximum
disadvantage. Equally, early neglect has lasting disabling effects.
In recent years, the Early Childhood Development unit in UNICEF HQ has been actively
involved in efforts with partners including the WHO to develop guidance that pays particular
attention to the needs of the youngest children with disabilities while advocating for effective
mainstreaming of disability into ECD policy and programming. During the same period State
Parties ratified the CRPD increasing their obligations to address the needs of children with
disabilities in early childhood, advancements were made in research in this area, and UNICEF
scaled up its commitment to address the needs of children with disabilities by investing
resources.
With the advancements made, there remains a need for UNICEF to take the lead in developing
a policy brief summarizing the issues and challenges for children with disabilities and their
families in early childhood, including considerations for programmes (e.g. early diagnosis,
support services), and make a call for partnerships to increase resources to this important issue.
UNICEF, in collaboration with WHO, can also make a significant contribution to the this area
with reviewing and updating the draft document ‘Let’s Participate’, a resource for programme
personnel who are involved in child development work in low and middle income countries, to
ensure it is in line with the current research and understanding.
Therefore, UNICEF is seeking eligible candidates to develop the policy note and review the
‘Let’s Participate’ guide to be ready for dissemination at the Conference of State Parties of the
CRPD in early September 2011.
This ToR outlines the purpose of assignment, major deliverables and minimum qualifications of
candidates.
Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to support the UNICEF ECD Unit to develop appropriate
guidance to advance policy and programming for children with disabilities in early childhood.
Specific tasks include:
•
Review the current research and evidence regarding disability in childhood development,
as well as consult with UNICEF and WHO technical staff to gain a thorough understanding of
the current situation;
•
Write a policy note for UNICEF, the WHO and other key partners summarizing the
issues and challenges for children with disabilities and their families in early childhood, including
considerations for programmes (e.g. early diagnosis, support services), and make a call for
partnerships to increase resources to this important issue. The note is intended to influence
policy and will be disseminated by UNICEF, WHO and other partners at the Conference of State
Parties of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities the first week of September
2011.
•
Review and revise update the ‘Let’s Participate’ (draft) guide intended for programme
personnel who are involved in child development work in low and middle income countries, to
integrate emerging issues and ensure it is in line with the current research and understanding in
this area. The guide will be disseminated by UNICEF and the WHO at the Conference of State
Parties of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities the first week of September
2011.
Deliverables
A) Policy brief on Disability in Early Childhood
B) Revised ‘Let’s Participate’ guide that includes emerging issues
Expected Outcome
 Increased understanding among UNICEF’s partners and the broader development
community about the importance of addressing disability in early childhood and the
current issues and good practices.
 Personnel working in health and early childhood services have an increased
understanding of how to address developmental delays in the community.
Duration
The selected candidates will be expected to be on the assignment for a total of 20 days. The
work is expected to start in June 2011 and be completed by July 2011.
Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required






Minimum Masters Degree in Education, Disability, Psychology, Child Development or
related fields;
At least 8 years of teaching and/or training experience, and knowledge of active and
participatory disability in early child development;
Knowledge of the social model of disability is required.
Strong communications skills (oral and written);
Language competences: Proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of other
UN languages will be considered an asset;
International experience in programming and/or policy development will be considered
an asset.
Health Statement and Certificate of Good Health
Insurance and Good Health Certificates must be provided by the selected consultant before
signing the contract
How to apply
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and P 11 form (which can be
downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) to
pdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line “ECD/Disability Consultant” by 15 June 2011.
Please indicate your ability, availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above.
Applications without a rate quoted will not be considered