TERMS OF REFERENCE. Development of an investment case for early childhood development in South Africa

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1 Reference: ECD/DSD/INVESTMENT Distribution: General/Public Date: 22 October 2015 Status: Final TERMS OF REFERENCE Development of an investment case for early childhood development in South Africa INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY/CONTRACTOR OR INSTITUTIONAL CONTRACTOR Assignment Development of an investment case for early childhood development in South Africa Fee The fee structure is based on lowest costs linked to required outputs through competitive bidding. Location South Africa Estimate number of working Not applicable days` Start date 23 November 2015 End date 31 March 2016 Reporting to Education Specialist (Early childhood development) Closing date for proposals 4 November 2015 at 13h00 1. JUSTIFICATION/BACKGROUND Investing in young children is one of the smartest investments that countries can make 1. Early childhood development is a top national priority in the country and is an integral part of the National Development Plan: Vision UNICEF works towards supporting the Government of South Africa in early childhood development linking to the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) Outcomes 1 and 13 and the South African Integrated Programme of Action for Early Childhood Development Moving Ahead Arguments on the value of investing in quality interventions for young children have emerged over the past years and research on early childhood development confirms that effective and quality early childhood development interventions have a significant impact on development and well-being of the child throughout life, and is also an investment in the economic and social future of societies 2 Though the investment in inexpensive, poorly resourced services not meeting minimum quality norms and standards are a waste of money 3. Investment in the early years provides a good enough argument to solicit quality and comprehensive interventions, the provision of support, care and intervention services to young children is a fundamental 1 Sayre, R. K., Devercelli, A.E., Neuman, M. J., & Wodon, Q Investing in Early Childhood Development: Review of the World Bank s Recent Experience. World Bank Studies. Washington, DC: World Bank. 2 Doyle, O., Harmon, C.P., Heckman, J.J. & Tremblay, R.E Early childhood intervention: Rationale, timing and efficacy. UCD Geary Institute Discussion paper Series, UCD Geary Institute, Dublin & Shonkoff, J.P. & Richter, L The powerful reach of early childhood development. In Britto, P.R., Engle P.L. & Super, C.M. (Eds). Handbook of early childhood development research and its impact on global policy. New York: Oxford University Press. 3 National Science Council The science of early childhood development: Closing the gap between what we know and what we do. Cambridge: Harvard University. 1 P a g e

2 right that needs to be fulfilled 4. These rights are safeguarded in the international child rights treaty obligations that South Africa ratified as well as in The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Such a rights based approach to the provisioning of early childhood development places a clear obligation on duty bearers for young children, which include parents, in a horizontal application, and the State, in a vertical application, to protect and fulfil the rights of young children. Thus, investing in the care, support and early learning interventions for young children does not only ensure positive outcomes for the wellbeing and development of the individual child, but also ensures the realisation of the rights of young children. The draft National Early Childhood Development Policy for the Republic of South Africa is rooted in the premise of investment in the early years and securing the rights of infants and young children in South Africa, linked to the aforementioned National Development Plan: Vision 2030, Agenda 2063 The Africa we Want, as well as the recently approved global sustainable development goals, which all see investment in quality early childhood development as a key driver for transformation and achievement of suitable development. This assignment forms part and contributes to an UNICEF HQ multi-country initiative on investment in early childhood development. 2. PURPOSE The purpose of this assignment is to develop an investment case that supports and strengthens early childhood development as part of the Government of South Africa s national development goals, through the draft National Early Childhood Development Policy for the Republic of South Africa, for children from birth to four (not turned 5 yet) to ensure adequate resources, quality interventions and inter-governmental arrangements through government, civil society and the private sector. 3. SCOPE OF THE WORK (WORK ASSIGNMENT) This assignment requires cost-benefit analyses, and cost-of-inaction analyses (which may include an ex ante estimation of returns) in developing a solid case for investment 6 in early childhood development of children from birth to four (4) years living within the boundaries of South Africa, focussing on health care and nutrition programmes; social protection programmes; parent support programmes; opportunities for learning; national public early childhood development communications; housing, water, sanitation, refuse removal and energy sources; food security; and play facilities, sport and culture (as prescribed in the draft policy). It will in particular look at the following (a final decision on the particular aspects that are feasible within the scope of the assignment to be made during the inception phase): A deeper focus on the essential components of a comprehensive package of services driving access and quality for health care and nutrition, social protection, parent support programmes, opportunities for learning, national public ECD communications, basic services, food security and play and culture. National, provincial and local spheres of government in the investment for ECD, given that ECD budgets are anchored at provincial and local levels of government. Correct data on children that can be used for population based planning and linked to resource allocation. A component on parents and their role as duty bearers to invest in early childhood development. Parliament, Provincial Legislatures and Municipal Councils, who are responsible for the allocation of resources, approval of budgets and oversight. The inclusion of children with disabilities, i.e. children with developmental difficulties/delays and/or disabilities until the year before the calendar year they turn seven (7), which marks the age of compulsory schooling for all. 4 The Presidency Twenty year review: South Africa: Pretoria: The Presidency. & ACESS (The Alliance for Children s Entitlement to Social Security): Memorandum of minimum obligations necessary to realise the rights of young children (0-9) to an integrated package made up of grants, education, health care, food and nutrition, birth and other enabling certificates, and basic services so as to ensure that they develop to their full potential. Cape Town: ACESS. 5 Richter, L., Biersteker, L., Burns, L., Desmond, C., Feza, N., Harrison, D., Martin, P., Saloojee, H., & Slemming, W Diagnostic review of early childhood development. Pretoria: The Presidency. 6 Investment in early childhood development as a public good that leads to benefits for the child, the family, the community and society as a whole. Such investment is based on rights, equity and economic returns through quality, access and adequately resourced early childhood development services, primarily, but not exclusively, through public funding. 2 P a g e

3 Leveraging of technology for increased access and quality. Financial resources, human resources, infra-structure and learning materials. Framing of the investment arguments in such a manner that it will solicit increased and sustained public funding for the public provisions of early childhood development. The cost of not investing. The service provider/consultant will work in close collaboration with the UNICEF and identified government departments in the execution of this assignment. The following is required from the service provider in the execution of this assignment. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Inception phase (i) Develop and submit an inception report after an inception discussion that indicates: Aligning the proposal submitted with the final agreements on the execution and research approach(es) and methodologies of the study. Research protocol, and requirements for ethical clearance, as required. Data collection instruments for qualitative and quantitative data collection (ii) A detailed work plan that covers the complete time period of this assignment. Preparation, literature review and secondary data analysis phase (i) Conduct an extensive national literature and policy review against international literature 7 on the science on early childhood development, investment in early childhood development, link between early childhood development and national development, sustainable development, case studies of countries (developing and developed countries) that invest effectively in early childhood development (with purpose of comparison to SA in the investment case), African and South African literature and examples of investment in early childhood development 8. (ii) Review of South African law, policy and plans that either enhance investment in early childhood, or may counter such investment. (iii) Review and analysis of all available data related to early childhood development for the purpose of the development of the investment case. (iv) Identify key informants that will assist in providing the essential information required for the development of the investment case. (v) Identify key data sources for the development of investment case for ECD and obtain permission to access these. (vi) Develop a summary report on the above, though these will be more comprehensively integrated into the final report. Data collection, analysis and synthesising phase (i) Collect data from primary and secondary sources in accordance with the research protocol. (ii) Capture all data collected. All files with raw data must be stored appropriately. (iii) Analyse the data and information received. (iv) Make findings based on the above. Develop a comprehensive investment case for early childhood development in South Africa (i) Develop a comprehensive consolidated report reflecting all aspects of the assignment. (The details of the sections of the report will be agreed upon). (ii) Based on the findings and linked to the above report, develop an Investment Case Report for Early Childhood Development in South Africa, linked to the National ECD Policy and the NDP: Vision 2030, with reference to achieving national sustainable development goals. (iii) Develop one four page summary of the Investment case Report. Dissemination of investment case results 7 Sources are available on international research that will be availed from other similar studies undertaken by UNICEF. Thus, the international review will not absorb a significant amount of time in the assignment. 8 Will also draw on literature review that was done for the Grade R impact evaluation, to avoid duplication of costs and time. 3 P a g e

4 (i) Develop a capacity development module to train government officials on utlisation of the investment case, and how to advocate and make a case for increased resources for early childhood development. (ii) Three capacity development sessions based on the above. (iii) Develop a PowerPoint Presentation that can used to present the findings of the Investment Case for early childhood development (d) (e) (f) The service provider shall have regular consultations with UNICEF as needed, either in person or telephonically. These consultations may bring about slight deviations in agreements and the work assignment. This includes an inception discussion to ensure that aspects of the work assignment are understood clearly. The service provider will provide the final draft as agreed on CD and by in MsWord, Ms Excel and PowerPoint formats. All raw data will be handed over electronically, or if not available electronically, in hard copy. The service provider shall undertake to keep all information regarding the report and the content thereof confidential. 4. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES 4.1 It is expected from the service provider to achieve the following deliverables as per work assignment: a) Inception report and work plan b) Summary report on 3(b) c) Comprehensive Report on the process, data, findings and recommendations, inclusive of an executive summary d) Investment Case Report for Early Childhood Development in South Africa, inclusive of an executive summary. e) One 4 page summary of the Investment case Report f) Capacity development module, and three related trainings. g) A PowerPoint presentation based on the audit report. 4.2 The payment schedule will be as follows: 20% on the submission of the inception report and work plan. 20% upon submission of the Summary report. 25% upon the submission of the Comprehensive Report on the process, data, findings and recommendations, inclusive of an executive summary 35% upon the submission of the Investment Case Report for Early Childhood Development in South Africa, inclusive of an executive summary; one 4 page summary of the Investment case Report; capacity development module, and three related trainings; a PowerPoint presentation based on the audit report and the overall satisfactory completion of the assignment. 5. DESIRED BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE The following are desired and applicants will be strictly weigh against these criteria: The service provider shall at least have a Master s degree in degree in Economics/Social Sciences/ Statistics or related fields. Doctoral degree preferred. At least 5-8 years of demonstrated mid-level experience in the area of economics, public policy, socio-economic development and early childhood development. Strong analytical and writing skills, ability to conceptualise, plan and prepare analytical reports in English. Work effectively through , phone, and other means of communications. Availability to travel if needed. Preference will be given to South African Nationals/candidates who have permanent residence/temporary residence and/or valid work permit for the duration of the contract will be 4 P a g e

5 considered. An in-depth understanding and knowledge of the South African situation and early childhood development will be an added advantage. 6. CALL FOR PROPOSALS 6.1 A proposal that will indicate the following: i. The service provider s qualification and experience. ii. The approach that the service provider will follow in executing the assignment. iii. The fee structure/budget (detail) that the service provider usually asks. iv. Full Curriculum Vitae v. Names of collaborators (if applicable) with their full curriculum vitae. vi. References that can be contacted (at least two) vii. Reference to similar work (final products that are available and accessible) 6.2 Proposals must be clearly marked and ed to safpretoriavacancy@uncef.org before on 4 November 2015 at 13h00. No late submission will be accepted. 6.3 The selection of the service provider will be done by UNICEF in accordance with its procedures. 6.4 Assessment of proposal will be weighted as follows: Technical quality of the proposal, inclusive of suitability and cost-effectiveness of approach that 50% will be followed: Appropriate qualifications of the service provider to execute the assignment: 20% Price (fee comparison related to UNICEF standards and comparable with other applicants where appropriate. 30% TOTAL 100% 7. CONDITIONS The service provider will work on its own computer(s) and use its own office resources and materials in the execution of this assignment. The service provider s fee shall be inclusive of all office administrative costs. Payment will be effected upon receipt of an invoice to UNICEF, and upon satisfaction of the key deliverables by UNICEF. Any deliverable submitted and not meeting the specifications must be reworked and resubmitted at no additional cost. Local travel (outside Gauteng) and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with UNICEF s rules and tariffs. Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per UNICEF policies. Any air tickets for travel, will be authorized by and paid for by UNICEF directly, and will be for the attendance of meetings and workshops (if service provider is from outside Gauteng) The drafts and final documents, as well related data, will be property of UNICEF after completion and will be handed to the Government of South Africa with full title rights. The service provider will be acknowledged for the work done in the draft documents as well as the final document, accept if the document is published as official policy or document of the Government of South Africa, then the discretion to do this lies solely with the Government of South Africa in accordance with its policies and procedures. The service provider shall at all times keep information obtained during the work assignment confidential and shall not circulate the document or any part there-of, at any stage to any party without the explicit permission of UNICEF. The service provider shall not publish the document, any part thereof, or any reworked version thereof, without the explicit permission of UNICEF under such conditions that both parties will agree too. Please also see UNICEF s Standard Terms and Conditions attached. UNICEF IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT. UNICEF IS COMMITTED TO GENDER BALANCE AND DIVERSITY WITHOUT DISTINCTION AS TO RACE, SEX OR RELIGION, AND WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. WELL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 5 P a g e

6 ENQUIRIES: Please direct any enquiries to and mark it clearly as an ENQUIRY (indicating the title of the assignment). Any enquiries must be submitted before 30 October UNICEF Standard Terms and Conditions 1. LEGAL STATUS Individuals engaged under a contract for individual contractor serve in a personal capacity and not as representatives of a Government or of any other authority external to the United Nations. They are neither "staff members" under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor "officials" for the purpose of the Convention of 13 February 1946 on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations. Individual contractors may, however, be given the status of "experts on mission" in the sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the Convention. If they are required to travel on behalf of the United Nations, they may be given a United Nations certification in accordance with Section 26 of Article VII of the Convention. 2. OBLIGATIONS Individual contractors shall have the duty to respect the impartiality and independence of the United Nations and shall neither seek nor accept instructions regarding the services to be performed for UNICEF from any Government or from any authority external to the United Nations. During their period of service for UNICEF, individual contractors shall refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the United Nations or UNICEF and shall not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the discharge of their duties with the Organization. Individual contractors are required to exercise the utmost discretion in all matters of official business of the Organization. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, individual contractors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service. Individual contractors are to comply with the UNICEF Standards of Electronic Conduct and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General s Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, both of which are incorporated by reference into the contract between the individual contractor and UNICEF. Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, individual contractors shall not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or other authority external to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has become known to them by reason of their association with the United Nations. The individual contractor may not use such information without the written authorization of UNICEF. Nor shall the individual contractor use such information for private advantage. These obligations do not lapse upon cessation of service with UNICEF. 3. TITLE RIGHTS UNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material which bears a direct relation to, or is made in consequence of, the services provided to the Organization by the individual contractor. At the request of UNICEF, the individual contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to the Organization in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law. 4. TRAVEL If individual contractors are required by UNICEF to travel beyond commuting distance from their usual place of residence, such travel at the expense of UNICEF shall be governed by conditions equivalent to the relevant provisions of the 100 series of the United Nations Staff Rules(Chapter VII) and relevant UNICEF policies and procedures. Travel by air by the most direct and economical route is the normal mode for travel at the expense of UNICEF. Such travel will be by business class if the journey is nine hours or longer, and by economy class if the journey is less than nine hours, and first class by rail. 5. MEDICAL CLEARANCE Individual contractors expected to work in any office of the Organization shall be required to submit a statement of good health prior to commencement of work and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement, including confirmation that they have been fully informed regarding inoculations required for the country or countries to which travel is authorized. 6. INSURANCE Individual contractors are fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the period of their services on behalf of UNICEF as they consider appropriate. Individual contractors are not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to United Nations staff members. The responsibility of the United Nations and UNICEF is limited solely to the payment of compensation under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below. 7. SERVICE INCURRED DEATH, INJURY OR ILLNESS Individual contractors who are authorized to travel at UNICEF's expense or who are required under the contract to perform their services in a United Nations or UNICEF office, or their dependants as appropriate, shall be entitled in the event of death, injury or illness attributable to the performance of services on behalf of UNICEF while in travel status or while working in an office of the Organization on official UNICEF business to compensation equivalent to the compensation which, under Appendix D to the United 6 P a g e

7 Nations Staff Rules (ST/SGB/Staff Rules/Appendix D/Rev.1 and Amend.1),would be payable to a staff member at step V of the First Officer (P-4) level of the Professional category. 8. ARBITRATION Any dispute arising out of or, in connexion with, this contract shall, if attempts at settlement by negotiation have failed, be submitted to arbitration in New York by a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties. Should the parties be unable to agree on a single arbitrator within thirty days of the request for arbitration, then each party shall proceed to appoint one arbitrator and the two arbitrators thus appointed shall agree on a third. Failing such agreement, either party may request the appointment of the third arbitrator by the President of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal. The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute. 9. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT This contract may be terminated by either party before the expiry date of the contract by giving notice in writing to the other party. The period of notice shall be five days in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two months and fourteen days in the case of contracts for a longer period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of misconduct by the individual contractor, UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice. In the event of the contract being terminated prior to its due expiry date in this way, the individual contractor shall be compensated on a prorate basis for no more than the actual amount of work performed to the satisfaction of UNICEF. Additional costs incurred by the United Nations resulting from the termination of the contract by the individual contractor may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the individual contractor from UNICEF. 10. TAXATION The United Nations and UNICEF undertake no liability for taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the individual contractor on payments made under this contract. No statement of earnings will be issued by the United Nations or UNICEF to the individual contractor. 7 P a g e