The Senior Leadership Support Team is looking to engage several consultants to conduct in-depth, qualitative reference checks that support the talent management process for senior staff positions.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, hope 

1. BACKGROUND

For over 70 years, UNICEF has been the world’s leader for children, working in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS. UNICEF is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF’s focus areas, with an emphasis on equity for the most marginalized children, are Child Survival and Development, Basic Education and Gender Equality, HIV/AIDS and Children, Child Protection and Policy Advocacy and Partnerships. In view of the above context, it is important to attract, recruit and retain the right profile of senior leaders.

UNICEF Division of Human Resources (DHR) has embarked on a reform agenda to measurably improve UNICEF’s ability to deliver results for children and young people. One of the primary goals of the reform is to achieve more effective leadership talent acquisition to ensure a flexible, highly skilled, competent and motivated workforce to deliver on organizational objectives. Senior leaders play a critical role in inspiring, steering and motivating the workforce to achieve strategic results. Therefore, high importance is attached to the selection of the right senior staff in the right place at the right time.

2. PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

To improve UNICEF’s effectiveness in assessing top talent, DHR is seeking to engage experienced individual consultants to provide expertise to ensure the quality of candidates being short-listed and the effective screening of the best talent relevant to the Senior Leadership portfolio.

3. PROGRAMME AREA AND SPECIFIC PROJECT AREA

Under the guidance of the Chief, Senior Leadership Support team, the consultants are expected to carry out in-depth reference checks focusing on UNICEF core values, competencies, and all areas related to effective people management during Senior Staff Rotation and Reassignment Exercise, Leadership Talent Group inclusion and other Senior Staff selections.

4. OBJECTIVE(S)

The overall objective is to set up a Long-Term Agreement to create a pool of qualified consultants who can support the SLS team with reference checks process, on an ongoing basis. Consultants in the pool can be approached for reference checks whenever such need arises. Depending on their availability, expertise and background, the consultants will be assigned specific cases.

5. MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

The consultant is expected to deliver a confidential, comprehensive, clear summary report, with details of the feedback on each conducted reference check case submitted to Chief, Leadership Support Team, normally within 5 calendar days after the assignment of the case. The report should cover, at a minimum, the overall summary of the findings, and detailed content of the feedback provided by the individual referees. A case will be deemed complete upon submission and review by the Chief, Senior Leadership Support Team.

Responsibilities of the Consultant:

1. The consultant will use their own equipment; laptops, microphones, software and other accessories that may be required for this task.
2. The consultant will not give the content/material or any part thereof, to any third party without the written permission of UNICEF. All components will be a property of UNICEF, and the consultant will not share the same with anyone else.
3. The consultant will not put their own name or logo/emblem on the content / final product. The only organization branding will be UNICEF, if required.

Responsibilities of UNICEF:

4. UNICEF will provide all details pertaining to the activity and the requirements.
5. UNICEF will orient the consultant on UNICEF’s branding guidelines.
6. UNICEF will describe the methods, practices, and approaches that guide the organization’s overall approach to projects of the type described in the Terms of Reference.

6. DELIVERABLES

 This assignment is virtually carried out through Microsoft Teams, Zoom or phone. The contracted consultant will be called for service when there are cases requiring reference checking. Tasks:

 

S/No.	Tasks	Deliverable	Specific delivery date/deadline for completion of deliverable	Estimated travel required for completion of deliverable
1.	Schedule and conduct comprehensive reference checks.	Schedule and conduct comprehensive reference checks for the assigned cases in a timely manner. The number of reference checks are usually around 7 references per case, including a combination of referees, such as current/former supervisors, current/former peers, and current/former supervisees. More reference sources may be required in exceptional circumstances. The reference checks will be conducted according to professional standards and based on the specific guidance and training provided.	On average within 5 calendar days after the assignment of the case. Timing may vary depending on the complexity and urgency of the assignment.	On a need basis.
2.	Prepare a comprehensive report.	Prepare a comprehensive and confidential report, detailing the feedback on each conducted reference check case and submit it to the Chief, Leadership Support Team. The report should cover, at a minimum, the overall summary of the findings, and detailed content of the feedback provided by the individual referees. The report should maintain the anonymity and integrity of the feedback provided.  A case will be deemed complete upon submission and review by the Chief, Senior Leadership Support Team.	On average within 5 calendar days after the assignment of the case. Timing may vary depending on the complexity and urgency of the assignment.	On a need basis.

5. TRAVEL (OPTIONAL):

No travel envisaged for this consultancy; however, consultant might be required to travel outside their duty station for specific events (e.g. if in-person training or documentation missions or meetings are required by UNICEF, government or partners) in which case payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging, etc. should be agreed upon, between the supervisor and the consultant prior to travel and will be reimbursed on actuals.

6. ESTIMATED DURATION OF LTA

The Long-Term Agreement will be for a maximum duration of 3 (three) years. The initial period would be for 2 (two) years with an option for extension for a subsequent 1 (one) year at the same rates, terms and conditions, subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and continuing need for the services. The services of the consultants selected under the LTA would also be made available to all UNICEF Offices.

7. QUALIFICATIONS / SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE/ LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED 

1) Education

• Advanced degree in Human Resources Management (HRM), Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a relevant social sciences field. A first university degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Recognized professional certification in HRM is highly desirable.

2) Work experience

• At least five years of progressive experience in human resources management, specifically in recruitment and performance management. Experience in other similar areas such as programme management, administration, or executive management, with focus on confidentiality may also be considered.
• Familiarity with UN entities and UNICEF is a distinct advantage.

3) Other skills

• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English is required. Proficiency in French, Spanish, and/or Arabic is highly desirable. Candidates fluent in two or more UN languages will have a competitive advantage.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Good judgment, high sense of responsibility, tact and discretion.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Exceptional time management skills and an ability to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.

8. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA (WITH WEIGHTS FOR EACH CRITERIA)

The selection of consultants for the LTA will be based on technical evaluation and financial offers in the ratio of 80:20. The criteria for technical evaluation will be as follows:

Criteria	Marks
	Min	Max
1. Cover Letter	3	5
2. Relevant educational qualifications of the candidate.	10	15
3. Relevant work experience.	10	15
4. Fluency in two or more UN languages.		5
5. A written test and/or interview will be administered to shortlisted candidates.	28	40
TOTAL TECHNICAL SCORE The minimum overall qualifying score is 51. Only those candidates who meet the overall qualifying marks of 51 and score the minimum cut-off score in each of the above sub-criteria, including the interview, will be considered technically suitable, and their financials will be opened.	51	80
6. FINANCIAL SCORE The selection of the consultant will be based on technical evaluation & financial offer in the ratio of 80:20.		20
TOTAL		100

9. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The LTA to be signed will have a fixed fee rate for three (3) years. However, UNICEF does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming needs.

10. CONTRACTS CREATED AGAINST THE LTA

Whenever the consultants’ services are required by the SLS Team, details of the requirement/deliverables including quantities and deadlines will be presented to the top-ranking LTA holder. Should this consultant not be available for this assignment, UNICEF will contact the second ranked consultant and so on.

Upon receipt of confirmation of availability and interest in the assignment, a contract will be issued with the prices/fees agreed in the LTA. The consultant must sign the contract prior to commencement of work.

Payment will be made after completion of deliverables and submission of invoices for the actual work completed, subject to satisfactory performance.

HOW TO APPLY: 

The application to be submitted through the online portal should contain four attachments:

1. A Cover letter explaining the motivation for applying and explaining how the qualifications and skillset of the candidate (to be uploaded online under “Cover Letter” tab).
2. Copy of academic credentials and certificates (to be uploaded online under “highest level of education certificate” tab).
3. Consultants must have an updated profile in TMS (Talent Management System).
4. A financial proposal indicating professional fee as per the below template. Please do not forget to specify your name in the file while saving. (To be uploaded under other supporting documents).

Financial Proposal   Long-Term Agreement for Individual Consultancy Services: Reference Checking Support to Senior Leadership Support Team, DHR, UNICEF (Home based) Services Rate (USD) Service 1: HR SLS Team support – Reference Checking Support: Deliverable unit: One (1) Reference check call    Service 2: HR SLS Team support – Reference Checking Support: Deliverable unit: One (1) Reference check report with summary                      Name of the Consultant: _________________________    Signature: _____________________________________              Email address: _________________________________ Date: ______________________________________­­­­­­­­__

5. Two Work Samples – This includes two previously written human-interest stories / reports / advertising materials / content created / proposal.

 

Without the above documents (1 through 4) your application will be considered incomplete and invalid and will not be considered further.

• Any attempt to unduly influence UNICEF’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.
• Joint applications of two or more individuals are not accepted.
• Please note, UNICEF does not charge any fee during any stage of the process.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds including persons living with disabilities to apply.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.