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For every child, HOPE!

Consultancy Title: Consultant (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) Safe Online

Section/Division/Duty Station: Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children- Safe Online Prog. Div., NYHQ

Duration: August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2028

Home/ Office Based: REMOTE

Purpose of Activity

Since its inception in 2016, Safe Online has been at the forefront of combating online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) through its diverse portfolio of grantees. It is the only global investment vehicle dedicated to keeping children safe in the digital world. As an investment platform, Safe Online’s mission is to foster a digital environment where every child feels safe and empowered. This is achieved by investing in evidence, solutions, cutting-edge technologies and cross-sectoral programmes and capacities, each aimed at addressing online child sexual exploitation, abuse and other digital harms. Through its investments, Safe Online builds a global evidence base and facilitates advocacy and collective action for the rights and safety of children in the digital world. With a growing investment portfolio of nearly US$100 million invested in +100 projects across +100 countries, Safe Online continues to evolve its strategy to better support the collective impact of the portfolio of grantees and lay the foundations for systemic change at scale, all in view of making the internet safe for children. Four key goals for 2023-25 are to 1) Invest for Impact, 2) Evidence and Knowledge, 3) Advocacy and Action, and 4) Measure Change.

Rationale for the Consultancy

Safe Online is seeking an experienced professional to provide technical advice and facilitate and support the implementation of the Evidence and Knowledge Generation and Measuring Change and Impact objectives under the Safe Online Strategy 2024-2025. This includes facilitating and quality assuring evaluations and learning across the Safe Online investment portfolio and network of grantees/partners, contributing to Safe Online strategic development and planning across evaluation, performance monitoring and learning. S/he will liaise on all issues related to the evaluations with the Safe Online Evaluation Advisory Group, including capacity building exercises with grantees and partners. This consultancy will also contribute to the assessment of the portfolio’s needs, support Safe Online portfolio monitoring and annual progress reviews and facilitate capacity development for Safe Online grantees in the field of monitoring and evaluation. The consultant will work closely with the Safe Online Portfolio team as well as Communications, Admin, Finance, etc.

Scope of Work:

The Consultant will provide technical advice in facilitating and quality assuring evaluations undertaken as part of the Safe Online targeted investment round on Evidence Generation for Sustainable and Scalable Impact in Combatting Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and work with the Safe Online Evaluation Advisory Group. S/he will technically support the implementation of MEL capacity development plan for Safe Online grantees. In addition, s/he will provide technical support on the execution of the Safe Online Strategy and portfolio evaluation, performance monitoring of key results and learning across the Safe Online portfolio.

Currently, there is insufficient funding to cover all planned activities until 2028. Some deliverables may be completed if additional resources become available.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables: 

Phase 1                       

Del. 1: Evaluation and Evidence Generation, through organization meetings (3-4) and reviews for quality assurance of evaluation reports/knowledge products (at least 2 inception reports and 9 evaluation reports/knowledge products) and case studies (2)     

- Safe Online Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG)

A minimum of 3 EAG meetings (up to 4 as needed) organised

EAG supporting documents and progress updates via email prepared and disseminated

EAG meeting minutes drafted and shared

EAG review of 9 evaluation reports/knowledge products facilitated and completed

30 October 2025 – 28 April 2026

- Safe Online Investment Round on Evidence Generation

Peer review and quality assurance of at least 2 inception reports and 9 evaluation reports/knowledge products completed and structured feedback provided

At least 9 ERG meetings organized by the grantees attended

Evaluation learning synthesis brief co-developed

Global South Case Studies

Quality assurance of qualified firm to conduct 2 case studies completed with proposals reviewed

Case studies implemented

- Inception phase: Review of methodology and work plan completed

- Peer review and quality assurance of knowledge products and lessons map completed and structured feedback provided

28 April 2026 - 28 July 2026 - 18 August 2025 - 30 March 2026

Del. 2: Capacity Building and Evidence Uptake, through organization of webinars (10) and learning resources, learning events (1) and reviews for quality assurance of SOPs   

Grantee Capacity Building Events

- 10 webinars and learning resources facilitated liaising with suppliers and grantees

Tailored grantee support for 15 grantees facilitated liaising with suppliers

One COP learning event facilitated liaising with IDS and grantees

Peer review and quality assurance of SOPs for MEL processes and final capacity building report by suppliers completed and structured feedback provided

30 Oct. 2025 - 30 Dec. 2025 - 30 January 2026 - 20 Feb. 2026

Del. 3: Safe Online Strategy and Portfolio Performance Monitoring and Learning: Development of Key metrics for Safe Online Results Framework, review for quality assurance of Grantees’ Results Framework, and provision of inputs on Strategic documents   Safe Online Results Framework

Key metrics for Safe Online Results Framework aligned with new Safe Online Strategy (2026-2028) defined

Safe Online Portfolio Performance Monitoring and Learning

Peer review and quality assurance of Results Frameworks of new grantees (onboarded in 2024 and 2025) completed and structured feedback provided

Safe Online Annual Reporting/ Donor Reporting/ Resource Mobilisation Proposal Development

Written inputs on strategic and operational lessons from the results framework and evaluation component of the projects for Safe Online annual report and donor reports and at least 1-2 proposals for resource mobilization provided

Safe Online Funding Round 2025

Technical inputs to Safe Online Grant Management team on monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning aspects on the call for proposals for 2025 funding round

30 Dec. 2025 - 31  Aug. 2025 - 30 Nov. 2025 - 31 July 2026       

Phase 2

Del. 1: Evaluation and Evidence Generation, through organization meetings (3-4) and reviews for quality assurance of evaluation reports/knowledge products (at least 1 evaluation reports/knowledge products) and baselines assessments (2-3)          Safe Online Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG)

A minimum of 3 EAG meetings (up to 4 as needed) organized

EAG supporting documents and progress updates via email prepared and disseminated.

EAG meeting minutes drafted and shared.

EAG review of baseline assessments facilitated and completed.

Safe Online Investment Round on Evidence Generation

Peer review and quality assurance of at least 1 evaluation reports/knowledge products completed and structured feedback provided

At least 2 ERG meetings organized by the grantee attended

Baseline assessments of 2-3 tech-focused grants implemented

Grant amendment process completed – including review of ToRs and evaluation of consultants/companies by the corresponding grantees

Baseline assessments implemented and peer review of assessment reports completed with structured feedback provided

20 July 2027 - 30 Nov. 2026 - 20 July 2027

Del. 2: Capacity Building and Evidence Uptake, through the organization of MEL COP learning events (at least 2) Grantee Capacity Building Events

At least 2 MEL COP learning events organized

MEL COP maintained with monthly emails

Training on MEL SOPs conducted for new grantees

28 April 2027

Del. 3: Safe Online Strategy and Portfolio Performance Monitoring and Learning, through reviews for quality assurance of grantees’ Results Frameworks and inputs on Strategic Documents Safe Online Portfolio Performance Monitoring and Learning

Peer review and quality assurance of Results Frameworks of new grantees (onboarded in 2026) completed and structured feedback provided

Safe Online Annual Reporting/ Donor Reporting/ Resource Mobilisation Proposal Development

Written inputs on strategic and operational lessons from the results framework and evaluation component of the projects for Safe Online annual report and donor reports and at least 1-2 proposals for resource mobilization provided

Safe Online Funding Rounds

Technical inputs to Safe Online Grant Management team on monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning aspects on the call for proposals for 2026 funding round provided 

30 Sept. 2026 - 30 Nov. 2026 - 31 July 2027

Phase 3                       

Del 1: Evaluation and Evidence Generation, through organization meetings (3-4) and reviews for quality assurance of evaluation reports/knowledge products and baselines assessments

Safe Online Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG)

A minimum of 3 EAG meetings (up to 4 as needed) organized

EAG supporting documents and progress updates via email prepared and disseminated.

EAG meeting minutes drafted and shared.

EAG review of baseline assessments facilitated and completed.

Safe Online Project Evaluations

Peer review and quality assurance of at least one evaluation reports/knowledge products completed and structured feedback provided

20 July 2028

Del  2: Capacity Building and Evidence Uptake, through the organization of MEL COP learning events (at least 2) and training sessions on grantees  Grantee Capacity Building Events

At least 2 MEL COP learning events organized

MEL COP maintained with monthly emails

Training on MEL SOPs conducted for new grantees

28 April 2028

Del 3: Safe Online Strategy and Portfolio Performance Monitoring and Learning through reviews for quality assurance of grantees’ Results Frameworks and inputs on Strategic Documents

Safe Online Portfolio Performance Monitoring and Learning

Peer review and quality assurance of Results Frameworks of new grantees (onboarded in 2026) completed and structured feedback provided

Safe Online Annual Reporting/ Donor Reporting/ Resource Mobilization Proposal Development

Written inputs on strategic and operational lessons from the results framework and evaluation component of the projects for Safe Online annual report and donor reports and at least 1-2 proposals for resource mobilization provided

Safe Online Funding Rounds

Technical inputs to Safe Online Grant Management team on monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning aspects on the call for proposals for 2027 funding round provided 

30 Sept. 2027 - 30 Nov. 2027 - 31 Aug. 2028

Qualifications

Education:

An advanced university degree (master’s or above) in business, economics, political science, finance, education, international development, or related field. 

Work experience:

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

Minimum 8 years of experience in managing evaluations at the initiative and programmatic level, with a strong practice understanding of both traditional and ‘new wave’ evaluative approaches and methods. 

Demonstrated experience in results-based management (RBM), learning, monitoring and evaluation process development and management and has worked with NGOs or preferably foundations in a collaborative process in designing and implementing one or more of the following: implementation research, process evaluations, formative research, qualitative research, impact evaluations.

Extensive knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies i.e. both quantitative and qualitative data collection, processing and analysis.

Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills demonstrated through evaluation / research with a micro and systems level perspective.

The successful candidate will be highly responsive, discreet, analytical, and results-oriented, with a flexible approach, and able to contribute strategic and out-of-the-box thinking. 

Strong organizational and process-management skills and a keen ability to deliver against multiple priorities and deadlines, as well as monitor multiple tasks and actors while keeping people on task.

Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural, and highly collaborative environment.

Confidence, diplomacy and savvy in engaging with high-level partners and stakeholders.

Substantive knowledge and experience related to child rights programming and/or ending violence against children is highly desirable. Experience related to work on prevention, identification and/or deterrence of online child sexual exploitation and abuse would be considered an asset.

Demonstrable knowledge on cutting-edge technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain) will be considered an asset.

Technology industry or other private sector experience is desirable.

Experience of the UN context and the role of the UN, its entities, and hosted funds is desirable. 

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

Upload copy of academic credentials

Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.

travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.

Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.

Indicate your availability

Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

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

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 committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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 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 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.