TERMS OF REFERENCE
Access to Assistive Technology (AT) in Pacific Island Countries remains limited, including for school-aged children who require vision, hearing, and mobility assistive products to participate effectively in education and daily life. Key barriers include gaps in service availability, low awareness, stigma and discrimination, weak demand, and limited integration of AT into policy, planning, and financing systems. These barriers are often shaped by gender norms and roles, which can influence care-seeking behaviours, decision-making power, access to services, and control over resources. Girls and boys, as well as women and men (including caregivers), may face different barriers in accessing assistive technology and related services.
UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office is implementing the ATscale-supported programme “Unlock Healthy Learning in the Pacific: Improving access to assistive technology and related rehabilitation services for school-aged children” in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, and Vanuatu. In parallel, a consortium led by the Fred Hollows Foundation and WHO is supporting Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Solomon Islands. The programme focuses on increasing access to priority assistive products – particularly eyeglasses, hearing aids, and mobility devices – for school-aged children, both in and out of school, through integrated screening and service delivery. At the same time, it strengthens national AT systems, including policy and financing frameworks, workforce development, service delivery pathways, supply chains, advocacy, and data systems.
Within this broader context, there is a need to strengthen strategic, evidence-based advocacy and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) to improve awareness, address stigma, and support equitable uptake of AT, particularly for school-aged children. While AT is relevant across the life course and for diverse populations, this assignment focuses on the AT priorities under the ATscale-supported programme, while promoting inclusive approaches applicable to wider AT use.
The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) is well placed to support this work because of its mandate, regional reach, and strong relationships with organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). However, the assignment requires dedicated technical expertise to develop a clear regional package of evidence, tools, and strategies that are disability-inclusive, gender-responsive, and adaptable across different country contexts.
A consultant is therefore required to provide focused technical support to generate behavioural evidence, co-develop advocacy and SBC tools, facilitate inclusive consultations, and produce practical outputs. All outputs will be treated as regional public goods, supporting coordinated advocacy and system strengthening efforts across participating countries.
Minimum requirements
For every Child, you demonstrate...
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.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.