Purpose of AssignmentThe purpose of the consultancy is to support Civil Registration Department (CRD) reach an estimated 42% of the population who are below 17 years of age with birth registration and certification services.Estimated level of the assignment NOBLocation of Assignment NairobiDuration of contractStart dateFrom:*1/07/2015To:15th/06/2016Reporting to: Child Health Specialist Budget Code:2400/A0/05/003/002/001 Is consultancy assignment in the approved Technical Assistance Plan **Yes* If, Yes, attach copy of the approved page If No, attach approved NFR/Justification for the consultancy
Background and Justification
Background
Kenya continues to make commendable progress in addressing child rights. This is most demonstrated by reported reduction in under 5 mortality rates in the 10 year period prior to 2014. During this period, under 5 mortality rate has declined from 74 to 52 per 1000 live births with regional disparities. While progress has been reported in key child health indicators, specifically skilled deliveries, stunting and access to treatment for diarrhea, some key indicators continue to record minimal progress with immunization showing a decline from 77% to 71% between 2009 and 2014. In-depth analysis of the latest DHS data shows disparities across counties and population groups for most the indicators.
Birth registration is fundamental to the realization of children’s rights including the right to a name and nationality guaranteed under art 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Registration is also a means of protecting other rights. Without documents to prove identity, children are unable to access health care, education and other basic social services. Registration is also crucial for preventing abuse, child trafficking, violence and exploitation. In later life, children whose births were not registered may have difficulty applying for a passport or driver’s license, opening a bank account, obtaining credit and registering to vote. Accurate data on birth registration also allows governments to collect data that can be used to plan and implement more effective development and poverty alleviation policies.
UNICEF places high priority on the registration of births for all children and ensuring that all registered children have birth certificates. Timely and efficient birth registration systems enable governments to know and plan for children born in a year and thereby plan for all required services that are key for their development. The African Union target on birth registration is 90% by 2015. However, rates within the sub-Saharan African region remain low and varied, ranging from 3% in Somali, to 83% for the Comoros. According to Kenya’s Department of Civil Registration (DCR) data for 2013 and KDHS 2008/9, 58% of people and 60% of under five children, respectively are registered; a big variation from the target considering that Kenya instituted compulsory and universal birth registration in 1971. There is also wide variation between urban rural areas and among the provinces: Nairobi Province (including the Capital City) has the highest coverage at 87% compared to North Eastern province with the lowest coverage of 21%.
Consistent with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and as part of the global effort to underscore the importance of birth registration (BR), UNICEF Kenya is committed to working with partners and counties to build lasting systems that will ensure that birth registration targets are not only achieved but maintained and the data used to inform planning across various government sectors including resource allocation with focus on identifying and targeting marginalized population groups to bridge the equity gap. In response to the low coverage rates, CRD has launched the CRD 2013-2017 Strategic Plan which outlines strategies aimed at realizing 100% birth registration coverage. They include the implementation of the Maternal Child Health (MCH) strategy of BR and CRVS system strengthening through automatic, digitalization and mop-up of unregistered children to populate the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS). Other strategies include capacity development for data processing and utilization of vital statistics as well as enhanced timeliness in documenting vital events through strengthening capacity of registration agents.
Justification
Kenya has one of the most progressive Bill of Rights including the Right to quality healthcare including reproductive Health. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, CAP 4 under the Bill of Rights, Part 3, section 53(1) (a) states that every child has a right to a name and nationality from birth. CAP 3 under Citizenship, Section 12(1) (b) states that every citizen is entitled to any document of registration or identification issued by the state to citizens. An effective Civil registration and Vital Statistics system provides critical data that can be used to clearly understand the population dynamics at all levels, plan for delivery of services, measure progress being made in reaching various population groups with social services and identify population that are not reached thereby bridging the equity gap to fulfil the demands of the constitution.
Kenya has a very well defined network of health facilities, community health services and an information system that if effectively utilized can drive change to ensure all children are registered at birth and deaths are reported and registered. This is further strengthened by the fact that nearly all children attend health facilities in the first 6 months of their lives for crucial preventive interventions like immunization. A strong Civil and Vital Registration System will provide additional information to the health sector that will support monitoring of outcomes and impacts of interventions thereby strengthening the MOH Information system. It is with this in mind that during the period January to December 2015, UNICEF Kenya, is planning to partner with the Department of Civil Registration (CRD) of the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, County governments and other partners in modelling the above approaches and documenting lessons learnt in Turkana and Homabay counties with emphasis in promoting inter-operability between birth registration and health and education sectors. Through partnership building, technical assistance in monitoring and evaluation of implementation of effective strategies in Turkana, Siaya and Homabay counties and 6 other counties under the H4 Plus partnership (Marsabit, Isiolo, Migori, Lamu, Wajir and Mandera) as well as documentation of lessons learnt, national and county level Technical Working Groups (TWGs) will be strengthened.
UNICEF will therefore provide technical assistance (SSA) to support CRD realize 100% BR coverage in an effective and efficient manner and to other sectors to utilize CRVS data to inform decision making.Scope of Work
Goal and Objective:Under the overall supervision of the Child Health Specialist under the Health Outcome area with strong collaboration with PME team, and the TAs for gender and ECD. points and in consultation with other UNICEF Specialists and Program Officers, the consultant will support CRD reach an estimated 42% of the population who are below 17 years of age with registration and certification services.
This assignment is linked to UNDAF Outcome 1.4; UNICEF Country Program Document (CPD) Outcome 3 and Output 3.2
Activities and Tasks: Specifically, the SSA will:
- Participate and influence the national and county level dialogue on birth and death registration through CRD, MoH (including school health and ECD forums) and MoE.
- Attend and influence BR/civil registration and other maternal and child health related deliberations through national and county level planning and review forums.
a. Prepare key messages on civil registration for high level advocacy (with Parliament, Constitution Implementation Commission, counties) for the enactment of the National Registration and Identification Bill, 2012
b. Provide support for CRD in liaising with other government sectors and UN partners (including UN agencies and donors) to provide coordinated support (financial, technical and logistical)
c. Provide support to the Ministry of Health, Division of e Health and related units, mainstream CRVS related interventions in the national M&E framework and accountability systems and citizens participation mechanism-RMNCH scorecard and social accountability
- Support in advocating for increased resource allocation to CRD at national and county level
a. Develop BR advocacy products for county and national engagement.
b.Prepare briefing notes and talking points for high level advocacy for increased resource allocation by treasury, county governments, donor agencies and other financing mechanisms-e.g. RMNCH Trust Fund, Global Fund, Global Financing Facility (GFF).
c.Participate in National and County RMNCH Investment case development process under the GFF mechanism to ensure BR maintains visibility at National and county level.
d. Assist CRD in preparation of detailed annual work plan and budget estimates for the birth registration strategies.
e. Initiate advocacy efforts at county level for the BR agenda and increase resources for BR scale-up through engagement with top county officers, stakeholders and CSOs.bv
4.Model implementation and support to MCH strategy roll out in other counties including Homabay, Siaya counties and H4 Plus Counties
a.Organize a joint GoK/UNICEF field visit and planning workshop for Turkana, Siaya and H4 plus Counties to review the linkage between the Community Health Strategy (CHS), EPI and explore modalities of implementing the MCH strategy for birth registration.
b. Support the establishment of County Multi-Sectoral CRVS working groups in the selected counties
c.Support the implementation, monitoring and documentation of the integrated Birth Registration model that includes linkage with child health (EPI, School Health, ECD and CHS including ICCM), Maternal and New born Child Health (MNCH) interventions.
d.Benchmarking on best practices to support adoption and explore scale up of learnings as well as evaluate the MCH BR strategy.
Work relationships:
- The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Child Health Specialist under the Health Outcome area with strong collaboration with PME team, and the TAs for gender and ECD focal points and in consultation with other UNICEF Specialists and Program Officers
- The consultancy will be for a maximum period of 11.5 months
- The consultant will dedicate 60% of his/her time supporting birth and death registration related activities with the rest supporting the National School Health and ECD Initiatives.
- The consultant will have access to a laptop computer and a desk at UNICEF.
- The contract can be terminated with immediate effect if the performance of the contractor is not satisfactory
- UNICEF and GoK shall have property right to all the materials developed during the consultancy.
- Penalties for Unsatisfactory Performance or Incomplete Assignment:
- Final payment of fees for this assignment will only be effected upon satisfactory completion of services and certification to that effect by the Supervisor of this assignment
Outputs/Deliverables:
- National Registration and Identification Bill, 2012 status updates and evidence of high level advocacy efforts. Frequency Monthly Reports
- County BR advocacy products (info graphics, policy briefs, documentaries etc)
- MOVE-IT mobile phone platform adopted in Homabay County and Siaya Counties leveraging on the Phone based reporting system for ICCM and cMNH.
- Turkana MCH strategy of BR model report with documented lessons learnt for benchmarking and advocacy with county and national government.
- MCH strategy and model for Birth Registration adopted in Siaya, Marsabit
BR included in the Ministry of Health National and County Accountability framework- through RMNCH Scorecard and Social accountability mechanisms and school health and revised ECD policy documents DeliverablesDuration (Estimated # of days or months) Timeline/Deadline Schedule of Payment Establish and orient multi-sectoral County CRVS working groups in Siaya and Homabay Counties and Participate in and Provide feedback to CVRS and ECD Technical Working Group at National level 1 month July 2015 Monthly payment Conduct training of Healthcare providers including CHVs on Birth registration and MOVE-IT mobile phone application in Homabay county; Participate in and Provide feedback to national CVRS Technical Working Group; Review RMNCH Scorecard and Social accountability mechanisms, school health and ECD policy to ensure Birth registration is reflected 1 month August 2015 Monthly payment Conduct Training of Healthcare providers on Birth Registration and MOVE-IT mobile phone application in Siaya county and Participate in and Provide feedback to CVRS Technical Working Group at National level 1 month September 2015 Monthly payment Establish and orient multi-sectoral County CRVS working group in Marsabit County 1 month October 2015 Monthly payment Conduct Training of Healthcare providers on Birth Registration in Marsabit county 1 month November 2015 Monthly Payment Monitor implementation of Birth registration at National level, Siaya, Marsabit and Homabay counties and Participate in and Provide feedback to National CVRS Technical Working Group 1 month December 2015 Monthly Payment Develop tools and guideline for the documentation of implementation of Turkana MCH strategy of Birth registration 1 month January 2016 Monthly Payment Undertake field work to document Turkana strategy for MCH Birth registration 1 month February 2016 Monthly Payment Develop tools, guide and participate in the Homabay, Siaya and Marsabit County review of performance of MCH BR strategy 1 month March 2016 Monthly Payment Participate in and Provide feedback to CVRS Technical Working Group and ECD meetings at National level and
Provide statsus update on MCH BR strategy in focus counties and status of National Registration and Identification Bill 2012 and evidence of high level advocacy efforts. 1 month April 2016 Monthly Payment Develop national and County BR advocacy products (info graphics, policy briefs, documentaries etc) 1 month May 2016 Monthly payment Develop final report and Documentation of BR Strategy implementation in Marsabit, Homabay and Siaya counties 0.5 month June 2016 Monthly payment Payment Schedule
The assignment will be for a period not exceeding 11.5 months starting from July, 2015. Payment will be made upon receipt of the following:
§ Monthly, based on Consultants report of activities undertaken and draft and final BR advocacy material generated, and
§ Deliverables that meet UNICEF’s quality standard Required qualifications, desired competencies, technical background and experience
(Consult with HR on this prior to signing off on the TOR)
a) Minimum qualification of a degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics Population Studies, public health, epidemiology, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
b) Previous experience in civil registration, vital statistics, health system strengthening, or related matters.
c) Have extensive experience (At least 2 years) and be well knowledgeable in the management and operations of civil registration and/or vital statistics systems, advocacy at national and county level will be an added advantage
d) Having knowledge/expertise in either of the following areas in their relevance and application to CRVS systems, is desirable
- Minimum qualification of a degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics Population Studies, public health, epidemiology, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Previous experience in civil registration, vital statistics, health system strengthening, or related matters.
- Have extensive experience (At least 2 years) and be well knowledgeable in the management and operations of civil registration and/or vital statistics systems, advocacy at national and county level will be an added advantage
- Having knowledge/expertise in either of the following areas in their relevance and application to CRVS systems, is desirable
a) Civil Law
b) Public health
c) Statistics (Demography and Social Statistics)
d) Public Administration
- Strong planning and coordination skills and ability to network and link with strategic partners towards delivering results for government counterparts.
- Knowledge and experience working with the UN, international humanitarian organizations or the Government of Kenya preferred;
- Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and as part of a team;
- Excellent English writing and presentation skills in English.
- Availability for the period indicated.
Key Competencies
The candidate should have proven competencies in the following areas:
• Communication-level 2
· Working with People, Level 1
· Drive for Results, Level 1
· Formulating Strategies and Concepts, Level 1
· Analyzing, Level 2
· Applying Technical Expertise, Level 2
· Learning and Researching, Level 2
· Planning and Organizing, Level 2
Languages required:*English is preferred language.*
Administrative issues
The consultant is expected work at UNICEF offices and travel to county offices. The consultant will have access to a laptop computer, internet and a desk at UNICEF. Any cost incurred to enable the consultant successfully carry out the assignment, such as phone, will be covered entirely by the consultant.
Conditions
UNICEF will cover the cost of flights and DSA when on official travel. Travel will be by the most economical fare and reimbursement as per UNICEF policy.
As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.
The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.
· The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Child Health Specialist under the Health Outcome area with strong collaboration with PME team, and the TAs for gender and ECD. points and in consultation with other UNICEF Specialists and Program Officers
· The consultancy will be for a maximum period of 11.5 days
· The consultant will dedicate 60% of his/her time supporting birth and death registration related activities with the rest supporting the National School Health and ECD Initiatives.
· The contract can be terminated with immediate effect if the performance of the contractor is not satisfactory
· UNICEF and GoK shall have property right to all the materials developed during the consultancy.
· Penalties for Unsatisfactory Performance or Incomplete Assignment:
o Final payment of fees for this assignment will only be effected upon satisfactory completion of services and certification to that effect by the Supervisor of this assignment.
The consultant is expected to commit fully to this task as per the TOR and adhere to the tasks, subject to inclusion of additional duties as required by the supervisor. The consultant’s duties will be guided by the Child Health Specialist. The consultant will not have supervisory responsibilities nor authority on UNICEF budget and other resources.
Please consult with KCO SSC as entitlements and conditions of service are governed by UNICEF policies.
Risks
UNICEF will take responsibility of providing technical and financial guidance to the incumbent on a regular basis and assisting in introducing the incumbent to key counterparts to minimise risk of the incubent not receiving effective support from partners.
A lack of coordinated approach in communication may lead to a waste of resources and weaken UNICEF’s image as an authoritative voice for children.
UNICEF has the obligation to demonstrate value for money to their respective. Poor communication will hider that ability and may even result in loss of trust and funding.
Ethical Considerations
All products and data developed or collected for this agreement are the intellectual property of UNICEF and the Government of Kenya (CRD). The consultant may not publish or disseminate the final report or any other documents produced from this work without the express permission of and acknowledgement of UNICEF.
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form (which can be downloaded athttp://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) with subject line “Birth Registration Consultancy” and reference “KCO/SSA/HLTH/2015-021” by 06 July, 2015.
All applications should be sent to:
The Human Resources Manager
UNICEF Kenya Country Office
Email address: kenhrvacanciesE@unicef.org
Interested consultants to indicate ability, availability and all inclusive rate (daily/Monthly fee) for expected deliverables to undertake the terms of reference.
Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.
