South Sudan Situation Analysis Consultant | - 2015

Background

A high-quality, comprehensive situation analysis of children and women is key to UNICEF programming

and an important contribution to national knowledge. The last comprehensive Situation Analysis on

children and women for South Sudan was conducted in in 2007 when South Sudan was still a part of

the Sudan. After the Referendum in 2011, there were calls for a further strategic reflection on UNICEF’s

role and positioning in support of the new Republic of South Sudan in terms of the realization of

children’s rights and the acceleration of efforts to achieve child-related Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs). In this regard, UNICEF initiated a strategic reflection exercise in May 2011 which aimed at

defining a medium to long-term strategic vision for achieving and maximizing sustained results for

children in South Sudan, including the identification of key initiatives and priorities for a two year bridging

period to transition to a full country programme this served as the basis for the elaboration of the

UNICEF programme of cooperation with the newly-established Government (2012-2013).

A more in-depth Situation Analysis was scheduled to take place in early 2014, but was postponed when

armed conflict broke out in December 2013, making country-wide data collection impossible. Using

flexible methods required by the current operational environment, the South Sudan Country Office

(SSCO) would like to move forward with the preparation of a synthesized Situation Analysis for Children,

Young people and Women of South Sudan, as part of the post-2016 Country Programme preparation

process. The SITAN process will also include a Strategic Moment of Reflection, which will enable the

adoption of a forward looking and long-term strategic vision for achieving and maximizing sustained

results for children in South Sudan.

The development of the synthesized Situation Analysis of Children, Young people and Women, and the

Strategic Moment of Reflection in South Sudan will serve the following purpose:

1. Improve the understanding of government and non-governmental stakeholders of the current

status of children’s, young people’s and women’s rights in South Sudan, and the main causes

of observed shortfalls and inequities;

1. Document the major recent developments in the socio-economic development, policy and

programme and institutional context that impact on the situation of children, young people and

women in South Sudan.

1 Young people includes Adolescents (10-19 years) and Youth (24 years and below)

1. Inform the extension of the South Sudan Country Programme (June 2016 – December 2017),

the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for South Sudan, and the

Country Programme of Action between the Republic of South Sudan and UNICEF (June 2016-

December 2017), to strengthen the way in which these policy and programme frameworks

address key issues for the realization of children’s, young people’s and women’s rights;

1. Develop recommendations for action to help strategically position UNICEF as a development

partner in a rapidly changing aid environment in preparation of the next country programme

and as a contribution to the next UNDAF;

1. Contribute to the generation of evidence-based knowledge and identification of critical

information gaps that stimulate dialogue on, and serve as a basis for rights based and child

centered policy making

Justification

South Sudan has been classified as a chronic long-term emergency. Given the overwhelming

challenges facing South Sudan in both scale and complexity, and with about two million people

displaced by the ongoing conflict, the effects of the ongoing conflict will continue for the next several

years. There is a recognition of the continuing fragility of the country, and the need to bridge and

integrate emergency, recovery and development interventions and build the resilience of affected

populations to ensure realization of the rights of all children of South Sudan.

The Situation Analysis (SITAN) is expected to provide a comprehensive review of the socioeconomic

situation of the children in South Sudan and present an overview of the effect of the current conflict,

policy environment, social budgets, and the fiscal space/public finance management, as South Sudan

is a country with a strong resource base which should be used to improve service delivery for children,

young people and women. This should be in light of the fiscal space/public finance management, as

South Sudan is a country with a strong resource base that can be used. =Given the dynamic context of

South Sudan, this cannot be a purely ‘traditional SITAN’, and will need to have a major focus on scenario

planning. The SITAN is intended to serve as an up-to-date and comprehensive reference for all

stakeholders involved, highlighting the many varied and interrelated challenges faced both by South

Sudanese children, women and adolescent, and by stakeholders seeking to address those challenges.

There are a number of developments which reinforce the need to prepare a new SITAN for Children,

Young people and Women of South Sudan:

 The previous SITAN was prepared in 2007, two years after the signing of the Comprehensive

Peace Agreement, that ended decades of civil war, and established a Government of National

Unity, and before South Sudanese independence in 2011. This was a period of great optimism,

with a sense of hope for a bright new future for South Sudan’s youngest citizens. However, an

internal South Sudanese conflict erupted far sooner than may have been expected, creating an

ever-worsening humanitarian situation that has worsened the situation for children and

interrupted development programming along with the achievement of planned results for

children, young people and women;

 The ongoing humanitarian crisis has highlighted the impact of continued insecurity and

repeated emergencies for the realization of children’s rights, highlighting the important of

resilience building and disaster risk reduction;

 Greater global and national attention to inequality and inequity has contributed to a refocusing

on equity and the identification and tackling of bottlenecks to the realization of rights for the

most deprived children;

 There have been numerous changes in the policy and legislative environment since 2007, the

most significant of which was the country’s independence from the Republic of Sudan. The

Constitution sets out a clear framework for the realization of the rights of children, young people,

women, the disabled and marginalized groups. A number of new laws and policies have been

put in place, only some of which are currently operational. Austerity measures and on-going

conflict have hindered the application of many others’

 An in-depth causality analysis has not been undertaken in South Sudan, and the SITAN

process provides an opportunity to undertake a causal analysis of the violation of children’s,

young people and women’s rights, the manifestations, their immediate, underlying and

structural causes as well as the linkages between these.

 While no national-level survey (e.g. MICS) has been undertaken since 2010, there are a

number of new sources of data and analysis, including nutrition SMART surveys, the Malaria

Indicator Survey, and other studies and evaluations undertaken by government ministries,

various UN agencies and other partners;

 The Government of South Sudan will be extending the current South Sudan Development Plan

in the interim, while developing a longer-term Vision. The SITAN will inform the development

of this Vision and ensure it addresses priority deprivations in the rights of children, young people

and women;

 SSCO is less than 2 years away from the end of the current country programme cycle and an

updated SITAN will form the basis for the extension/development of the next country

programme.

Specific Tasks

The specific tasks to be performed include but are not limited to the following:

1. Develop a workplan for the entire process (SITAN and SMR) and agree on the plan, timelines

and deliverables with UNICEF senior management and government counterparts.

1. Prepare an inception report that includes an analytic framework and approach.


2. Undertake the consolidation and mapping of available publications and data on children, young

people and women in South Sudan (relevant to the scope of the TOR). Prepare a final and

agreed conceptual and analytical framework for the SITAN based on the TOR.

1. Undertake data collection (desk review, interviews and other consultations), including a review

of risks facing2 children, young people and woman; analyze this data and produce a draft SITAN

report in accordance with agreed the methodology and conceptual and analytical framework.

Consultations will be with all sections, including field-based technical specialists and Chiefs of

Field offices, in UNICEF, key government partners at national, state and country levels, UN

agencies, NGOs and donor community. Ensure that the UNICEF’s re-focus on equity and the

Monitoring Results for Equity Systems (MoRES) framework is fully embedded into the entire

process.

1. Organize a Strategic Moment of Reflection with the relevant sections, both at national and subnational

level, with UNICEF and other stakeholders before the finalization of the report. It is

expected that the SMR process will result in the adoption of a forward looking and medium and

2 Using UNICEF’s guidance on Risk Informed SITANs

long-term strategic vision for achieving and maximizing sustained results for children in South

Sudan. Specifically the exercise will provide the opportunity to:

 Analyze the trends, risks and issues impacting on the children that have implications for

the role and engagement of UNICEF in South Sudan.

 Reach consensus/agreement on UNICEF’s evolving role and positioning in support of

South Sudan for assuring children’s rights and for accelerating efforts to achieve child

related post-2015 Development Agenda.

 Map out key initiatives and priorities that UNICEF can support in emergency/transition/

development programming, and provide the evidence and learning for transitioning into

realizing the next 5 year strategic plan of the Republic of South Sudan-UNICEF programme

of cooperation and beyond.

1. Support the drafting of the Country Programme Document (CPD), articulating programme

priorities, strategies, results and partners, using the in-country stakeholders’ workshop’s

proceedings.

1. Organize a validation meeting with key in-country stakeholders including Government

counterparts, relevant UN Agencies, and other development partners including children to

review and validate the key priorities, strategic orientations and results of the extended country

program, and finalize the CPD.

1. Produce a final report of the Situation Analysis, based on inputs from the SMR, including a

summary of the main findings.

Methodology and Scope

The Consultant will be expected to use the UNICEF Guidance on Conducting a SITAN of Children’s

and Women’s Rights, and engage various stakeholders through-out the process. The Consultant will:

 Review and synthesize the various reports and documents (including studies and surveys), that

will be used as input for developing the South Sudan Situation Analysis report.

 Adopt an integrated, cross-sectoral approach that takes a holistic view of all areas of children’s

rights;

 Pay special attention to rights-deprivations of children due to disasters, conflict and

displacements, other shocks, as well as structural causes of vulnerability. Also note the effect

of long-term chronic emergencies to overall capacities for delivering basic social services to

children and women of South Sudan;

 While many children in South Sudan experience some deprivation, examine the various

multiple deprivations facing children in South Sudan;

 Examine gendered social norms and behaviours affecting the realization of equal rights for boys

and girls, men and women in the country, as well as other sources of inequity, including

geographical, ethnic, etc.;

 Analyze and identify gaps in the existing legislative and policy framework addressing child,

young people and women’s rights;

 Conduct an analysis of hazards and conflict risks to boys girls and women in South Sudan;

 Analyze the capacities of duty bearers in fulfilling their accountabilities in terms of child rights,

and the capacities of right holders in participating in the realization of child rights; and

 Map and analysis of policies, legislation and budget allocations relating to children’s rights

organized by identified themes.

Expected Deliverables and timelines

The Consultant is expected to provide a detailed implementation plan within the first two weeks of the

assignment. Additionally, the Consultant is to produce the following comprehensive analytical reports:

# Activity Timeline

1

A timeframe with a plan of activities and the outline of the South Sudan

SITAN and Strategic Moment of Reflection.

15th April 2015

2 SITAN inception report that includes an analytic framework and

approach describing:

o How the data to be used in analyses will be collected;

o Anticipated information shortfalls and how these will be

addressed;

o Stakeholder participation modalities;

o Analytical methods for the entire SITAN including the special

thematic areas;

o Management of validation processes.

15th May 2015

3 A draft version of the SITAN

15th June

4 Organized SMR and Workshop report on proceedings – with key

stakeholders present who are given the opportunity to provide

feedback.

30th July

5 Draft of the Country Programme Document (CPD) 15th August

6 Organize the validation meeting with key in-country stakeholders

Government counterparts, relevant UN Agencies, and other

development partners including children to review and validate the key

priorities, strategic orientations and results of the extended country

program, and finalize the CPD.

20th August

7 Final SITAN of children, young people and women report integrating all

analyses, special thematic areas and incorporating comments and

inputs from the validation process approved by the Representative and

the CMT. The report should be 40-50 pages, with key Annexes, as well

as a policy brief and a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the main

trends and major challenges faced by children, young people and

women in South Sudan.

15th September

Payments

Payment will be processed after satisfactory delivery of agreed deliverables as follows:

Deliverable(s) Payment

 A timeframe with a plan of activities and the outline of the South Sudan

SITAN and Strategic Moment of Reflection

 SITAN inception report that includes an analytic framework and approach

describing

25%

 A draft version of the SITAN

25%

 Organized SMR and Workshop report on proceedings

 Draft of the Country Programme Document (CPD)

 Organized validation meeting with key in-country stakeholders Government

counterparts, relevant UN Agencies, and other development partners

including children to review and validate the key priorities, strategic

orientations and results of the extended country program.

 Final CPD

25%

 Final SITAN Report 25%

Reporting

The Consultant will be supervised by the Deputy Representative, and will work on a day-to-day basis

with the Social Policy Specialist and the Chief of Social Policy, Planning, and M&E. Additionally, a Task

Force constituting key staff from the Ministry of Gender and Women and a few other key Ministries will

be constituted to support the SITAN and SMR process. This will ensure participation and ownership by

Government. The Consultant will work closely with the Task Force, and the Team will provide overall

oversight and guidance. The Consultant will provide updates to the Task Force, together with a

schedule/ plan and frequency as shall be agreed upon with the Team. To ensure that the SITAN and

SMR processes are timely and of high quality, SSCO will develop a checklist to monitor the process.

Bi-monthly meetings will also be held between the Consultant, the Deputy Representative and Chief,

Social Policy PME to discuss progress and updates.

Expected background (Qualifications & Experience)

 At least a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies)

or related fields relevant for the assignment;

 A minimum of 10 years’ experience and evidence of prior work in research, analysis and report

writing done with or for international development organizations;

 Knowledge and demonstrated experience with Human Rights Based Approach to Programming

(HRBAP) and the principles of gender mainstreaming and promotion of gender equality; familiarity

with the UNICEF Gender Policy is desirable;

 Excellent research and analytical skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis, including

demonstrated experience in causality, equity and gender analyses.

 Familiarity with UN/UNICEF programming, including UNICEF’s re-focus on equity and the

Monitoring Results for Equity Systems (MoRES);

 Proven experience in writing analytical papers on children and gender issues; – In-depth

knowledge of children’s rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),

Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and other international legal.

 Experience of having participated previously in the development of a SITAN will be an added

advantage;

 Excellent facilitation and coordination skills and excellent analytical skills;

 Excellent command of the English language, with proven writing skills and good team work;

 Proficient in computer skills;

 Proven ability to deliver quality reports/analysis and results in line with established deadlines.

General Conditions

 Payment will be based upon completion of the deliverables outlined above.

 Note that final payment to a Consultant is dependent on the completion of all agreed deliverables.

 If due to changing requirements or additional support required by the Ministry or Stakeholders, the

duration of assignment can be extended with mutual agreement and revised Terms of Reference.

 Both parties can terminate the contract with one month written notice, starting on the first day of the

month; however, in case of poor performance the contract can be terminated with immediate effect.

 A working week is defined as 5 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. S/he is not paid

for weekends or public holidays.

 The Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for the consultants/individual contracts

prior to the assignment, and to document that they have the appropriate health insurance.

 The Consultant will be expected to provide their own laptop, but all office supplies related directly

to the task for the duration of the consultancy will be provided.

 If any field mission is undertaken, the movement of the consultant will be facilitated by UNICEF,

thus access to UNICEF transport will be authorized.

 The consultant will comply with UN security rules and regulations.

 Fees for the consultant will be dependent on the completion of deliverables as well as hand-over

notes and submission of a consultancy Performance Evaluation Report (PER).

Policy both parties should be aware of:

 No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the Consultant.

 The Consultant is not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract

agreement.

 No travel in lieu of the contract will be undertaken by the Consultant to the duty station without prior

submission of insurance cover and waiver in the event of injury while executing the duty.

 The Consultant 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.