Country: Lebanon
Closing date: 26 Jul 2017
BACKGROUND
Persons with disabilities are among the most marginalized groups in Lebanon. Although the Law 220/2000 on Rights of Persons with Disabilities addresses the rights of people with disabilities to proper education, rehabilitation services, employment, medical services, sports and access to public transport and other facilities and stresses the right to participation, most of its provisions are not being implemented . Social norms and attitudes are further hindering the activities and participation of children and youth with disabilities. In the emergency context of Lebanon, given the colossal number of affected population, the specific needs of refugees with disabilities have been largely overlooked. Refugee children and youth with disabilities have extremely limited access to services, and there are no systematic interventions addressing their needs.
In the Country Programme Document 2017-2020, UNICEF committed “to work across program outcomes to gather robust data and mainstream the needs of children and youth with disabilities, planning evidence-based specific interventions to address their needs”. Objectives targeting disabilities were incorporated in the Annual Work Plans of all program sections. To operationalize this commitment, disability was addressed in CPD and the Strategic Notes of all UNICEF programs. Specifically, in support of children with disabilities, C4D will help reducing stigma towards physical and intellectual disabilities, sensitize and raise awareness in the communities about the rights of persons with disabilities.
C4D will engage at three levels - family, community, and services (schools, social and other services) to change attitudes, sensitize and raise awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. Families will be empowered to advocate for the rights of their children’s access to education, health and protection services and participation in communities. In addition, C4D section is currently conducting a survey on social norms and attitudes towards disabilities as a part of KAP survey. It includes household survey, as well as key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the survey will be ready in Mid-august.UNICEF education section is supporting MEHE to start a pilot programme on inclusive education, and is building the capacity of NFE partners to include more children with disabilities in non-formal education. Child protection section works on mainstreaming disability issues in PSS and GBV case management as well as provides specialized services for children with more severe disabilities through NGOs. The Health and Nutrition section is supporting MOPH to develop Early Identification and Intervention Strategy.
SCOPE OF WORK
Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication for Development Section, in collaboration with disability focal point and programme sections (Education, Adolescents and Youth, Child Protection, Health & Nutrition and WASH), the consultant will provide technical support for developing C4D strategy and messages directed towards the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities. In addition, the consultant will train key focal points in the gateways for the dissemination of these messages, and prepare a guidance for specialized NGOs to improve engagement with family and community.
- Communication for development strategy (including messages, and dissemination plan) for promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities, both physical and intellectual, into the society. The main directions are inclusive preschool, school and vocational education, inclusive WASH, early identification and intervention, participation in community life and interaction with other children, protection from violence, abuse and neglect, prevention of institutionalization, inclusive work environments for youth, etc. The messages should be developed for:
- a) children and parents without disabilities - b) children with disabilities and their parents - c) community influencers and policy makers.
If needed, the messages need to be customized for Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian audiences. The messages should be developed in English and Arabic. The strategy should be informed by the findings of the KAP survey.
- Capacity building of key focal points at main gateways (SDCs, child friendly spaces, specialized NGOs, etc.). Guidance to specialized NGOs on family and community engagement. This should include a standardized training guide to be used across LCO trainings by partners
DELIVERABLES
In 50 Working Days and within a period of four months, the consultant is expected to deliver the following items:
PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
EXPERIENCE:
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=505872