Apply for Remote/Home-based Consultancy: Project Leading Domestic Adoption (Global) Consultant (125 working days; with travel as needed) – Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) Unicef Job Vacancy | Unicef Careers

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Purpose of Activity/Assignment

Adoption in Ireland was legalised in 1952 and is presently administered underneath the Adoption Act 2010. Adoption is delivered via the Child & Family Agency, Tusla, and regulated by the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Since the Adoption Act 2010 turned regulation, the character of adoption in Ireland – and certainly throughout Europe – has developed considerably. Family buildings and how households are shaped have modified bringing a wealth of variety to Irish society. This will be seen within the elevated use of surrogacy and scientific advances in assisted human copy. Further adjustments have been led to by the thirty first modification of the Constitution. There has additionally been new studying from historic adoption practices such as these detailed within the 2021 Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. While the numbers of youngsters now being positioned for adoption in Ireland is low in comparison with historic numbers, there may be anecdotal proof of a latest improve in kids with disabilities inside the toddler adoption cohort. These growing areas of complexity dealing with home toddler adoption imply that in too many circumstances the expertise of events involved in home toddler adoption, particularly the kid, are usually not the place the State or its companies need it to be. To higher replicate the developed nature of home toddler adoption and ship the best high quality service to kids and their households, reform of adoption laws, coverage and observe is required.

The Government of Ireland has sought help from the European Commission underneath Regulation (EU) 2021/240, identified as the Technical Support Instrument, which serves as a car for offering focused help to areas dealing with particular challenges. The Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) of the European Commission has contracted UNICEF’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (UNICEF ECARO) to supply technical help to Ireland. The overarching objective is to develop an proof-primarily based greatest observe framework and reform roadmap to allow the Government of Ireland to reform its home toddler adoption system to make sure higher outcomes for all events concerned, particularly the kid. The principal beneficiary authority of this help is the Adoption Policy Unit, which is a part of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

To efficiently obtain the target of the EU funded undertaking (the “Action”), UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) is accountable for finishing up the next:

(i) Research on proof-primarily based greatest observe for home adoption, with a give attention to toddler adoptions, in EU and non-EU nations.
(ii) Research on the prevailing home adoption system in Ireland, with a give attention to toddler adoptions.
(iii) The facilitation of studying trade conferences between the stakeholders in Ireland and greatest-observe nations.
(iv) The growth of a set of proof-primarily based suggestions for reforming the home toddler adoption system in Ireland.
(v) The growth of a greatest-observe framework for reforming the home toddler adoption in Ireland.
(vi) A excessive-degree roadmap setting out the operational course of and funds for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland.

There will likely be a UNICEF undertaking crew to steer the implementation the Action shaped of three UNICEF ECARO little one safety specialists and consultants that can serve as undertaking managers and operational leaders to supervise and information technical implementation and be sure that the undertaking actions are in line with UNICEF necessities for high quality and effectiveness. Furthermore, the undertaking crew will likely be supported by:

• A Project Leading Domestic Adoption (Global) Expert (hereafter referred to as the “Lead Expert”)
• A National Domestic Adoption (Ireland) Expert (hereafter referred to as the “National Expert”).

The Project crew and consultants will likely be accountable to a Project Steering Committee (made up of DG REFORM, UNICEF ECARO and the Adoption and Policy Unit) which meets at the least quarterly with the intention to oversee all deliberate actions, guaranteeing efficient coordination and engagement, and an Advisory Committee, made up of related stakeholders in Ireland with an general guiding and consultative position.

The Lead Expert will play the lead technical position within the implementation of the undertaking, together with offering technical recommendation and help to the National Expert. These phrases of reference are involved with the position, scope and deliverables required of the Lead Expert. The consultancy requires a baby safety knowledgeable with good data and expertise of home adoption in EU and non-EU nations.

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the UNICEF undertaking crew, the Lead Expert will serve as a technical lead in finishing up the analysis and advising on a set of proof-primarily based suggestions, resulting in the most effective observe framework and excessive-degree roadmap for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland. More particularly, the Lead Expert will perform the next duties:

1. Inception report: With help from the undertaking crew and National Expert, develop the inception report for the Action, outlining the context, workplan, timeline, methodology, and so forth.

2. Research into worldwide greatest-observe on home adoption: Carry out a literature evaluation (drawing on tutorial and gray literature) and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (with governments, adoption companies, civil society teams, practitioners, these with lived expertise of adoption and different related stakeholders) regarding greatest observe home adoption methods, particularly regarding toddler adoptions, in each EU and non-EU nations. The analysis ought to give attention to:

• authorized and coverage provisions regarding home adoption;
• authorities methods and pointers regarding the implementation of home adoption methods and companies;
• home adoption companies and practices being delivered by each governments and non-state actors;
• coordination, collaboration and communication mechanisms and instruments getting used between sectors and companies to handle the implementation of home adoption;
• evaluations and critiques of home adoption methods, together with the voice of these with lived expertise of home adoption;
• socio-political-financial adjustments in nations that are presenting new challenges to home adoptions methods and practices, and understanding how nations are adapting to those;
• outcomes for kids and households; and
• every other related data regarding the analysis goals.

The findings of the analysis must be written up as a complete report on worldwide home adoption greatest observe. Note: This exercise will occur concurrently to the evaluation being undertaken by the National Expert on home adoption practices in Ireland (see beneath).

3. Provide technical recommendation and help to the National Expert accountable for enterprise the evaluation of present home adoption practices in Ireland with a give attention to home toddler adoptions: In specific it will contain supporting the National Expert with the event of the analysis methodology and instruments and evaluation of the info and findings. Ensure that the Ireland evaluation is absolutely aligned with the general objectives of the Action, and particularly the worldwide analysis (Task 2), so as to make sure that each actions inform one another and that findings can later be consolidated underneath Task 4 and 5.

4. The facilitation of studying trade conferences: With help from the National Expert and the undertaking crew conduct an evaluation of the analysis findings from Tasks 2 and 3 to determine EU and non-EU examples of excellent observe which might present fashions for greatest-observe reform inside the Irish home adoption system. Use this evaluation to tell the number of 2-3 nations for on-line trade conferences between Irish authorities and the chosen greatest observe nations. Organize and facilitate the trade conferences (together with one in-individual assembly and the others on-line) to discover how these good practices have been designed and applied, why they’ve resulted in good outcomes for kids, and how they may very well be tailored and utilized to the Irish home adoption system. Document the training from these exchanges in a report.

5. Develop a set of proof-primarily based suggestions: With help from the National Expert, consolidate and analyze the info gathered from Tasks 2, 3 and 4 to develop a set of proof-primarily based suggestions to reform the home toddler adoption system in Ireland. The report ought to embody a evaluation of related worldwide proof-primarily based home adoption greatest practices alongside with solutions/suggestions for how these fashions/examples may very well be used as a foundation for reforming the Irish home toddler adoption system. The draft report must be introduced in an accessible format to the Advisory Committee and Steering Committee at an interactive workshop for their enter and solutions earlier than being finalized.

6. Develop an proof-primarily based greatest observe framework for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland: Drawing on the proof-primarily based suggestions (Task 5), and with help from the National Expert, develop an proof-primarily based greatest observe framework for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland to make sure the most effective pursuits of the kid. The greatest observe framework ought to embody:

• the proposed authorized, coverage and regulatory amendments required to make sure greatest observe home adoption, alongside with potential new areas of laws and coverage;
• a complete overview of companies and practices required to successfully implement the reformed authorized and coverage framework for home adoption;
• the division of roles, duties, accountabilities, and competences of the assorted stakeholders concerned in delivering companies for the home adoption system in Ireland;
• coordination, collaboration and communication mechanisms and instruments required to make sure intersectoral and interagency collaboration between stakeholders;
• guiding values and ideas to make sure the most effective outcomes for kids and households;
• proposed indicators and mechanisms to watch and measure the implementation of greatest observe and improved outcomes for kids and households;
• the proof of the EU and international greatest practices which underpin the framework; and
• every other data deemed vital for the efficient functioning of Ireland’s home toddler adoption system.

The Lead Expert will current the proposed framework to related authorities and non-state stakeholders, together with members of the Advisory Committee, and Steering Committee, and incorporate their suggestions as related within the ultimate draft.

7. Develop a excessive-degree roadmap for the implementation of the most effective observe framework: With help from the undertaking crew and National Expert, develop a excessive-degree roadmap for the implementation of the most effective observe framework (Task 6), setting out the operational course of for how the Irish home toddler adoption system will likely be reformed in observe. The roadmap ought to embody:

• A transparent course of and timeline of agreed milestones to be met on the journey to reform.
• Roles and duties of designated companies in implementing the reforms.
• Project administration mechanisms to supervise and implement the reforms.
• Coordination and collaboration mechanisms to make sure the graceful operating of the reform course of.
• Governance preparations to supervise and be accountable for the reform.
• A communication technique to have interaction wider stakeholders and most people in understanding and supporting the reforms.
• Expected output and outcomes indicators and a transparent monitoring framework to measure the success of reform and consider its impression.
• A completely-costed funds.

The draft roadmap must be shared with the Advisory Committee for evaluation, and with the Steering Committee for validation and signal-off.

The Lead Expert is predicted to work intently in coordination with the National Expert and even have common calls with the UNICEF undertaking crew to evaluation progress, challenges, subsequent steps, and so forth. Ad-hoc calls might happen as deemed vital. All progress studies to be submitted in digital format by e mail to the UNICEF undertaking crew.

Work Assignment Overview

Tasks / Milestone	Deliverables / Outputs	Timeline / Deadline
1. Inception report:	Inception report	15 working days; By 31 January 2025
2. Research into worldwide greatest-observe on home adoption:	Literature evaluation. Report on interviews and focus group discussions findings. Concise month-to-month replace studies on progress. Comprehensive report on worldwide greatest-observe in home adoption (drawing literature evaluation and interviews/FGDs findings).	30 working days; By 30 June 2025
3. Technical oversight, steering and help to the National Expert:	Regular coordination conferences between the Lead Expert and the National Expert. Review methodology and analysis instruments. Provide steering on evaluation of information and evaluation drafts.	10 working days; By 30 June 2025
4. The facilitation of studying trade conferences:	2-3 on-line studying trade conferences facilitated. 1 in-individual studying trade assembly / nation go to facilitated in a greatest-observe nation. Lessons realized from trade conferences report	15 working days; By 30 November 2025
5. Develop a set of proof-primarily based suggestions:	Draft report of consolidated and analysed key findings from Tasks 2, 3 & 4 alongside suggestions for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland. Final report of consolidated and analysed key findings from Tasks 2, 3 & 4 alongside suggestions for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland.	20 working days; By 31 January 2025
6. Develop an proof-primarily based greatest observe framework for the reform of the home toddler adoption system in Ireland:	Draft greatest-observe framework on the reform of home toddler adoption in Ireland. Steering Committee signed-off and ultimate greatest-observe framework on the reform of home toddler adoption in Ireland.	20 working days; By 31 March 2026
7. Develop a excessive-degree roadmap for the implementation of the most effective observe framework:	Draft excessive-degree roadmap for the implementation of the most effective observe framework. Steering Committee signed-off and ultimate excessive-degree roadmap for the implementation of the most effective observe framework.	15 working days; By 31 October 2026

Estimated Duration of the Contract

125 working days between January 2025 and November 2026.

Consultant’s Work Place and Official Travel

The Consultant will likely be distant/home-based.

As a part of this project, some worldwide travels are foreseen. The marketing consultant will organize her/his travel as and once they happen, and associated prices will likely be reimbursed per UNICEF travel coverage.

Travel Clause

• All UNICEF guidelines and laws associated to travel of Consultants apply.
• All travels shall be undertaken solely upon the prior written approval by UNICEF.
• The marketing consultant should be match to travel, be in a possession of the legitimate UN BSAFE certificates, compulsory inoculation(s) and have a sound personal travel/medical insurance coverage and an immunization/vaccination card.

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule

Payment will likely be made on submission of an bill and passable completion of the above-talked about deliverables. UNICEF reserves the proper to withhold all or a portion of fee if efficiency is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered or for failure to fulfill deadlines. All supplies developed will stay the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will likely be free to adapt and modify them sooner or later.

Please submit knowledgeable payment (in USD) primarily based on 125 working days to undertake this project, with out travel charges as these will likely be reimbursed as and once they happen.

To qualify as an advocate for each little one you’ll have…

• A related Master’s diploma (in one of many following fields is required: worldwide growth, human rights, social work, sociology, or one other related social science area).
• At least 7 years of labor expertise is required.
• Proven expertise and data associated to the ToR areas is required.
• Demonstrated expertise of manufacturing excessive-high quality studies, shows, implementation plans different paperwork is fascinating.
• Demonstrated expertise of working with a variety of stakeholders together with coverage makers, observe-primarily based organizations and non-governmental organizations is an asset.
• Experience of guiding and supporting different consultants and working as a part of a crew is fascinating.
• Excellent qualitative evaluation expertise are thought-about as an asset.
• Good quantitative/statistical and analytical expertise thought-about as an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal expertise are required.
• Good presentation expertise and capability to make complicated data concise and accessible is required.
• Good data of home adoption methods and practices in several settings is required.
• Ability to be versatile and ship outcomes underneath tight deadlines is required.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.

For each Child, you display…

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

To view our competency framework, please go to here.

UNICEF is right here to serve the world’s most marginalized kids and our international workforce should replicate the variety of these kids. The UNICEF household is dedicated to variety and inclusion inside its workforce, and encourages all candidates, no matter gender, nationality, spiritual and ethnic backgrounds, together with individuals dwelling with disabilities, to apply to change into part of the group.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance coverage on conduct that’s incompatible with the goals and targets of the United Nations and UNICEF, together with sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF additionally adheres to strict little one safeguarding ideas. All chosen candidates will likely be anticipated to stick to those requirements and ideas and will subsequently endure rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will embody the verification of educational credential(s) and employment historical past. Selected candidates could also be required to supply extra data to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Please submit

• a full CV,
• a detailed e-recruitment software demonstrating/highlighting your related expertise for the position underneath Employment sections, and
• a Cover Letter outlining how you’ll strategy the duty.

Additionally, point out your availability and skilled payment (in USD) to undertake the phrases of reference above. Applications submitted with no skilled payment won’t be thought-about. Only shortlisted candidates will likely be contacted and advance to the subsequent stage of the choice course of.

Individuals engaged underneath a consultancy or particular person contract won’t be thought-about “staff members” underneath the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s insurance policies and procedures and won’t be entitled to advantages supplied therein (such as go away entitlements and medical insurance coverage protection). Their circumstances of service will likely be ruled by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and particular person contractors are accountable for figuring out their tax liabilities and for the fee of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with native or different relevant legal guidelines.

The chosen candidate is solely accountable to make sure that the visa (relevant) and medical health insurance required to carry out the duties of the contract are legitimate for the complete interval of the contract. Selected candidates are topic to affirmation of absolutely-vaccinated standing in opposition to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which should be met previous to taking on the project. It doesn’t apply to consultants who will work remotely and are usually not anticipated to work on or go to UNICEF premises, programme supply areas or straight work together with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to carry out capabilities for UNICEF for the period of their consultancy contracts.

UNICEF affords reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This might embody, for instance, accessible software program, travel help for missions or private attendants. We encourage you to reveal your incapacity throughout your software in case you want affordable lodging in the course of the choice course of and afterwards in your project.