Country: Georgia
Closing date: 19 May 2017
BackgroundBetween April 2016 and September 2016 UNICEF, in cooperation with the informal Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Child Wellbeing (including representatives of four key ministries responsible for child well-being) and with the assistance of a group of international social work experts, developed a Conceptual Framework for Social Work Practice in Abkhazia, Georgia and a Training Curriculum for Social Workers that have been reviewed and approved by the Working Group. Consequently, the implementation of a pilot social work project in three districts of Abkhazia, Georgia (Sukhum/i city, Gal/i and Gudauta) for a period of 18 months (1 January 2017 – 30 June 2018) was agreed with the Working Group and a first group of 13 social workers was recruited to operate in the three pilot districts. Before assuming their duties, social workers took a pre-service training course on social work which included an introduction to social work, the state of child welfare and social work in Abkhazia, Georgia, social work skills and values for direct practice with children and families, and specific clinical knowledge for working with vulnerable children (216 hours). At the same time, efforts were made to develop collaboration between the new social workers and other specialists of relevant central and district level structures providing services to vulnerable children and their families.UNICEF will support the employment of this first group of social workers in Abkhazia, Georgia and their coordinator in the de facto Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Protection financially, methodologically and technically during the pilot phase, including through follow-up and additional training, external supervision for social workers, as well as further support in strengthening social work practices and referral mechanisms. Simultaneously, to ensure the sustainability of the development of social work in Abkhazia, Georgia as a profession, UNICEF will assist the Abkhaz State University in the development and implementation of a social work course that students of relevant faculties interested in becoming social workers could attend to receive basic knowledge and skills for the social work profession.
Purpose of the consultancyUNICEF seeks to engage one or several international consultant(s) to undertake – in close cooperation with UNICEF’s Sukhumi Field Office – the supervision of the first group of social workers and their local coordinator, additional in-service trainings for social workers and other specialists working in contact with children, support to the strengthening of social work practices and cross-sectoral collaboration/referral mechanisms on central, district and local levels in Abkhazia, Georgia, as well as the development and support to the implementation of the social work course at the Abkhaz State University.Interested experts can apply individually or as a team of consultants for the whole consultancy or for specific tasks (see below) under this consultancy.
Tasks and timeframe*Task:1.External supervision for the first group of social workers and their local coordinator •Conduct group supervision sessions for social workers and the local social work coordinator once a month. Monthly supervision sessions should include the discussion of concrete cases and making decisions on how to elaborate, change or adjust the individual work plans with children and families. Besides, monthly supervision should provide overall analysis of the activities of the social workers undergoing the supervision, including the discussion of overall progress and difficulties encountered and the identification of ways to improve the mechanisms of work, as well as the social workers’ needs for additional training. Finally, supervision sessions should aim at supporting the social workers’ psychological wellbeing and prevention of professional burnout.Timeframe: throughout the whole consultancy period, i.e. till 30 June 2018Number of working days: up to 28 (14 monthly sessions, of which every 2-2,5 months one in Abkhazia, Georgia, while others from home)Deliverables: 14 quality group supervision sessions.
•Individual (emergency) supervision for social workers and the local social work coordinator upon request of supervisees. Individual supervision sessions should be conducted in cases of an urgent need of a social worker to consult on issues arising during his/her work.Timeframe: throughout the whole consultancy period, i.e. till 30 June 2018Number of working days: up to 28 (regular on-demand individual supervision sessions from home)Deliverables: Regular quality on-demand individual supervision sessions.
Task:2.Follow-up and additional in-service trainings for social workers•Based on the ongoing assessment of training needs of social workers during the implementation of the social work pilot model in Abkhazia, Georgia, identify – in close coordination with UNICEF – topics for in-service trainings, develop detailed training session plans and materials, and conduct trainings. Depending on the topics of the trainings, other specialists representing central and district structures/organizations providing services to children and their families can also participate. Trainings will be conducted once in 2 – 2,5 months throughout the pilot phase.Timeframe: throughout the whole consultancy period, i.e. till 30 June 2018Number of working days: 30 (six 3-days trainings in Abkhazia, Georgia, and each 2 work days from home per training for preparation and reporting)Deliverables: Good quality detailed training session plans and training materials; six quality 3-days trainings
Task:3.Support to the strengthening of the social work practice and cross-sectoral collaboration/referral mechanisms on central and district level •Participate in meetings with representatives of the informal Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Child Well-Being and other relevant central and district level structures/organizations dealing with child issues. This activity should aim at providing feedback to the stakeholders on progress in the implementation of the social work pilot model in Abkhazia, Georgia, as well as at providing recommendations to UNICEF and its local partners on further strengthening of the social work practice and referral mechanisms.Timeframe: throughout the whole consultancy period, i.e. till 30 June 2018Number of working days: 6 in Abkhazia, GeorgiaDeliverables: quality recommendations for strengthening social work practice and cross-sectoral collaboration/ referral mechanisms on central and district levels
Task:4.Development and support to the implementation of the social work course at the Abkhaz State University•On the basis of the Training Curriculum for Social Workers (developed by UNICEF in 2016), develop a curriculum for the social work course at the Abkhaz State University that students of relevant faculties interested in becoming social workers could attend. The detailed plan of the work under this task will be elaborated in consultation of UNICEF with the consultant(s) and the Abkhaz State University representatives. In particular, it will include a rapid assessment of staff capacities of the University, consultations on the format and the number of teaching hours, the development of the curriculum for the social work course, as well as the support in the implementation of the course at the University, including guest lectures and workshops for lecturers of relevant faculties of the University.Timeframe: Preparations, curriculum and teaching materials by 31 December 2017, guest lectures and workshops by 30 June 2018Number of working days: Up to 30 (at least 6 in Abkhazia, Georgia)Deliverables: Quality curriculum and materials for the social work course at the Abkhaz State University; guest lectures and workshops/meetings with University leadership and lecturers.Total number of working days: up to 122 (at least 48 in Abkhazia, Georgia during at least 6 visits)
* The exact dates of trainings and supervision sessions will be identified in consultation with, and under coordination of UNICEF with the consultants and local stakeholders.
Qualifications/experience required•Advanced university degree in social work, psychology or other fields relevant to social work;•At least 5 years of practical experience as social worker, or in working in other relevant functions in the field of child care/social protection;•Deep understanding of child care/protection systems and services; •Excellent communication skills;•Proven experience in the supervision of social workers;•Proven experience in developing university courses and/or training modules, and in delivering courses and/or training;•Fluency in English and Russian; excellent writing and presentation skills.
RemunerationApplicants are required to submit a financial proposal for the requested services including the consultancy fee and expected travel costs. The remuneration will be negotiated between the applicants and UNICEF Georgia and will be paid in one or several installments against delivered services at the end or throughout the contract period and as agreed between UNICEF and the consultants.
LocationThe consultancy requires extensive work in Abkhazia, Georgia, as well as work from home.
Performance indicatorsConsultants’ performance will be evaluated against the following criteria: timeliness, responsibility, initiative and quality of the products delivered.
Supervision arrangementThe selected consultants will work under the supervision of the Chief of Sukhumi Field Office and the National Child Protection Officer, as well as in close cooperation with international Child Protection Specialist and the Child Wellbeing Assistant of UNICEF.
Unsatisfactory performanceIn case of unsatisfactory performance the contract will be terminated by a notification letter sent 15 days prior to the termination date.
Requested InformationInterested applicants are requested to submit their application online.
Application DeadlineApplication deadline is COB 19 May 2017.
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=504640