TERMS OF REFERENCE
To further strengthen services for children with disabilities and their families, the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has requested technical support from UNICEF Oman to adapt and institutionalize the Portage Home Visiting Programme within the national social service system. Portage is an internationally recognized early intervention and home-visiting approach that equips parents and caregivers with practical skills to support the development of children with developmental delays and disabilities within their home. The programme focuses on empowering caregivers through coaching, individualized developmental planning, regular home visits, monitoring of child progress and the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities across key domains, including communication, cognition, socialization, self-help, and motor development. The programme emphasizes family participation, individualized goal setting, and continuous assessment to promote children's developmental progress and inclusion.
Under the supervision of UNICEF Oman and in close collaboration with the MoSD, the consultant will provide technical assistance for the design and development of a Portage-based home visiting programme for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and conduct ToT.
The assignment will contribute to strengthening Oman’s disability-inclusive social service system by empowering families and caregivers, enhancing the capacities of the social workforce and ensuring that children with disabilities receive timely, family-centered developmental support within their communities.
Masters degree in disciplines
• Disability Inclusion
• Child Development and Early Intervention
• Special Education
• Social Work and Case Management
Work experience
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Disability Studies, Child Development and Early Intervention, Special Education, Social Work and Case Management or a related field.
• Extensive, demonstrable experience in developing training curricula, training materials, and delivering ToT programmes for frontline service providers
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
• Experience with the Portage Home Visiting Programme or similar family-centered early intervention models.
Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
Desirables:
• Previous work experience with UN agencies, international organizations or development partners is highly desirable.
• Experience in the Middle East and North Africa region, preferably in GCC countries, is considered an asset.
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
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.