- Background and Context:
Youth policy is one of the main priorities of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The basic document regulating youth issues in the country is the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan «On youth policy», adopted in 2002 (a number of changes have been introduced to the Law on 8th of May, 2007).
The Law was adopted to stress and pull efforts towards enhancing the status of different youth groups including the marginalized ones. The law strives to draw favorable conditions and development of youth through creating different opportunities, enhance their participation at different levels and provide support mechanism for better living i.e. entrepreneur and finally encouraging different youth development organizations.
The main focus areas of the Law include: • Moral-ethical upbringing of young people and their participation in cultural life • State care for talented young people • Protection of health and physical development of young people • Ensuring employment of young people • State support for young families • State support to youth organizations
A five year State Programme 2005-2009 interpreting the Youth Law into a practical framework of action was developed by the Azerbaijani Government. The state program has the following priority areas:
• Upbringing of young generation as patriots and citizens; • Prevention of delinquency, drug addiction and other risky behaviours among youth; • State support to talented and creative youth; • Facilitation of youth entrepreneurship; • Support to youth in need of social protection, including young families; • Provision of conditions for proactive participation of youth in country’s public-political life through enhancing access to information, capacity building and involvement. • Development of youth international cooperation and tourism through building and strengthening international relations of Azerbaijan and participation of youth and youth organisations’ representatives in international events.
• Upbringing of young generation as patriots and citizens; • Prevention of delinquency, drug addiction and other risky behaviours among youth; • State support to talented and creative youth; • Facilitation of youth entrepreneurship; • Support to youth in need of social protection, including young families; • Provision of conditions for proactive participation of youth in country’s public-political life through enhancing access to information, capacity building and involvement. • Development of youth international cooperation and tourism through building and strengthening international relations of Azerbaijan and participation of youth and youth organisations’ representatives in international events.
According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) feedback on the state programme, it succeeded to infiltrate the state priorities within the ministries plans and to continue to be a reference document when it comes to the youth development vision and work.
Although the state programme has an action plan that entails some components e.g. objectives, budget, etc., it is still too generic to ensure the effective implementation of the programme. Moreover, the level of direction and coordination within the state programme, including the main ministries, provides variation between activities, programmes and directions with a limited logical sequence. In addition, some key players, including the representatives of young people, experts, private sector and middle managers from different organizations, those who can play a major role in hindering or facilitating the implementation process of the state program, are not enrolled in it to the extend required.
Article 6.1.1 of the Programme stipulates thorough review of the Law by MoYS in 2012. In this regard, UNICEF was requested to provide technical assistance through engaging international expertise and administrating the overall process of review.
Based on the request, UNICEF has initiated the process through calling for establishment of the inter-ministerial working group which will be coordinating the process of review through close interaction with UNICEF, MOYS, a selected group of local lawyers and a selected consultant.
- Purpose of the assignment: The purpose of the assignment is to prepare basis for the launch of a joint UNICEF-Ministry of Youth and Sports Psychosocial Recovery project aimed at improving a psycho-social status of internally displaced adolescents and young people affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and residing in various locations, including public settings, collective centres, dormitories, with the host families or in the newly constructed settlements
Specific objectives: • Obtain information on the psychosocial status of children, young people and women affected as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict • Identify Government psychosocial priorities in respect of IDP adolescents and young people • Identify capacity gaps in providing short and long-term psychosocial recovery services • Identify potential partners on the ground to carry out or to support psychosocial recovery activities • Develop a framework for necessary psychosocial recovery interventions 4. Duty station: Baku, Azerbaijan 5. Supervisor: Aida Ailarova, Youth and Adolescent Development Officer 6. Methodology and Key Actions to be Taken: This consultancy will be expected to be divided into the following phases: • Desk review • Data gathering on types of psychosocial problems of conflict-affected young people, on government priorities and on capacity gaps; • Development of recommendations to address them
Key actions to be taken will include the following: a) Design of the framework for the Rapid Psychosocial Assessment: • analyze all existing data, including the outcomes of surveys and assessments conducted by other agencies in the past; • identify the number of target groups for interviews and discussions; • develop questionnaires; • develop timeframe.
b) Identification of Government’s priorities in terms of psychosocial assistance to conflict affected young people of Azerbaijan: • meet with focal points from relevant ministries and institutions; • interview beneficiaries, if required.
c) Data gathering on types of psychosocial problems of conflict-affected young people: • conduct individual interviews; • facilitate focus group discussions; • other.
d) Identification of capacity gaps: • estimate qualifications of the psychologists and social workers representing different organizations; • review the methodologies used by them; • identify training needs of the specialists.
e) Data analysis and recommendations’ development: • identify and list the main psychosocial problems faced by IDP adolescents and young people; • identify target groups for the future project; • design of a drat framework to address the needs of IDP adolescents and young people. 7. Outcomes and deliverables: • Desk review completed by 15 November; • Framework for the Rapid Assessment submitted to UNICEF by November 21; • Report on findings including on government’s priorities and capacity gaps along with the recommendations in relation to programming submitted to UNICEF by 7 December. 8. Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required:
• Post-graduate university degree in psychology • Not less than five years of practical experience as academic, organizational psychologist, clinical or counseling psychologist; • Extensive knowledge of psychological trauma and PTSD • Familiarity with Youth and Adolescent development and participation issues • Strong analytical and research skills • Knowledge of Azerbaijani or Russian will be an asset
9. 10. Estimated cost: The project cost is to be proposed by a potential contractor and agreed with UNICEF in line with UN rules and regulations. Proposed budget should be in line with UNICEF budget format 11. Procedures and logistics: • UNICEF will provide all necessary project-related documentation to the selected consultant • UNICEF will hire local psychologist(s) to assist the selected international consultant(s) in the course of preparation for, implementation and follow-up to the assessment. • The assessment will be coordinated jointly by UNICEF, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Youth Foundation • The consultancy may not be commenced unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
9. 10. Estimated cost: The project cost is to be proposed by a potential contractor and agreed with UNICEF in line with UN rules and regulations. Proposed budget should be in line with UNICEF budget format 11. Procedures and logistics: • UNICEF will provide all necessary project-related documentation to the selected consultant • UNICEF will hire local psychologist(s) to assist the selected international consultant(s) in the course of preparation for, implementation and follow-up to the assessment. • The assessment will be coordinated jointly by UNICEF, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Youth Foundation • The consultancy may not be commenced unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
How to apply:
Application:
Interested consultants are requested to send: a) Resume/CV with a cover letter; b) Reference from the previous relevant work (if available); via email to: baku@unicef.org
All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality. UNICEF is an equal opportunity employer. Deadline: November 11, 2012
For further information please contact: Aida Ailarova, Youth and Adolescent Development Officeraailarova@unicef.org
