National/International Individual Consultant to conduct a Business Impact Analysis on Children, Adolescents and Young People in Moldova

UNICEF’s mission in Moldova is to make sure every child in the country is healthy, educated and safe from harm, therefore having the best start in life and a fair chance to reach her or his full potential and benefit from the country’s prosperity. We believe children have a right to live in a more equitable society, where their voices are heard, and needs met as a matter of priority in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. More information on what we do in Moldova is available at: https://www.unicef.org/moldova/

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1. Purpose of the assignment

The main purpose of this assignment is to conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to assess the impact of the Moldova business sector on children/adolescent/young people’s rights. The analysis should examine firstly the key areas and sectors in the Moldova economy, and the potential and actual impacts that business in Moldova are having on children’s rights, with a particular focus the most vulnerable children.

2. Objectives of the consultancy

The main objectives of the consultancy to conduct a Business Impact Analysis on Children, Adolescents and Young People in Moldova are the following:

• Conduct a diagnostic of the business sector in Moldova and examine the degree to which the business intersects with children’s rights and is therefore a key stakeholder in addressing child rights deprivations.
• Assess the direct or indirect impact of business operations and practices on children’s well-being and UNICEF’s ability to achieve programmatic goals, and the influence of business or broader industry on determining national development plans or poverty reduction strategies.
• Identify and analyse practices and activities of the business sector in Moldova that have a positive impact on the well-being of children, adolescents and young people, and indicate models that would allow the promotion and strengthening of such practices and activities.
• Analyse to what extent there is an enabling environment (i.e. laws, policies and regulations) in Moldova, to engage the business sector in the realization of the rights of all children, adolescents and young people, and analyse if and how child-and youth-friendly business policies are incentivized or embedded in national policies, laws, strategies, plans and budgets.
• Capture new or emerging areas of concern regarding business impact on children, adolescents and young people, such as COVID-19 response and recovery implications (unemployment, digitalization, online safety, mental health, etc.), environmental and climate issues, etc.
• Analyze business roles and motivations, their accountability and their capacity to act.
• Assess the level of awareness of the business sector with regards to corporate responsibility, as well as the potential of working together with the private sector to improve children’s rights in Moldova, particularly in areas of UNICEF’s programme priorities.
• Identify pathways to influence individual businesses or industry for programme, policy, advocacy and fundraising.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered

The overall conceptual framework of the Business Impact Analysis is the Children’s Rights and Business Principles1 issued by UNICEF, Save the Children and UN Global Compact in 2012, based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and relevant guidance issued by UNICEF since the adoption of the CRBPs2, as well as taking into account the Business 4 Results approach.

The consultancy will primarily rely on secondary data analysis, while limited primary data collection from major private sector representatives and associations (eg. European Business Association, AmCham, etc.) and other key informants may occur. This will specifically include:

• Online interviews with selected private sector representatives and business associations on existing trends and available opportunities.
• Desk review of existing nationally and internationally available data and evidence on selected topics published in studies, research, evaluation and survey reports.
• Desk review of data, programme reports and analysis generated by UNICEF, including studies, research and evaluations.
• Desk review and comparative analysis of available legislation, policies, government strategies and budget allocation and analysis of relevant documents and practices in other countries.

4. Working arrangements and reporting requirements

The contractor will report to UNICEF Moldova Communication Officer, who will regularly communicate with the contractor and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to contractor’s performance and quality of work.

The contract implies remote/home-based work.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• Advanced degree in social sciences or related fields relevant for the assignment.
• Strong analytical skills – references to previous work or institutions;
• Good knowledge of private sector analysis, statistics, corporate responsibility and responsible business conduct, human rights, the development agenda, gender and equity issues;
• Good understanding of the business environment in Moldova and in the region;
• Previous experience with UNICEF is an advantage;
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in development of analytical reports and policy documents related to business analysis, corporate social responsibility, etc;
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, policy (and finance) analysis and report preparation;
• Experience in facilitating consultations with business and government representatives and other stakeholders; •Fluency in English and Romanian or Russian;
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

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

For more details on deliverables and minimum requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)

 ToR Business Impact Analysis Moldova_va.pdf

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain two separate attachments: Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal (templates below). Please secure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates.

 Technical Offer_BIA consultancy.docx

 Financial Offer_BIA consultancy.xlsx

Applications for this assignment must be received no later than: 23 September 2021

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. 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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks: Individual Consultants and Contractors are responsible for paying own taxes derived from the earnings received from UNICEF.