TERMS OF REFERENCE
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive 2026–2030 Action Plan for the UNICEF China Country Office to implement the global Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS). The plan must align with the global vision of creating a barrier-free and inclusive world by 2030, the UNICEF China Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030, and the EAP Regional Initial Action Plan.
The consultant will build upon the achievements and lessons learned from the previous UNICEF China CO’s DIP Strategic Plan 2023–2025, focusing on a twin-track approach (mainstreaming and targeted actions) to advance the rights of children with disabilities in China.
Scope of Work
The purpose of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive 2026–2030 Disability Inclusion Action Plan for the UNICEF China Country Office that compiles and analyzes findings from internal and external stakeholder consultations, project evaluations, and situation analyses conducted at the national and sub-national levels. The plan will provide insights into the varying degrees of maturity and coverage of the disability inclusion process within UNICEF China’s sectoral and organizational functions, identifying key themes, trends, systemic challenges, and strategic opportunities in both mainstreamed and targeted programming. Finally, it will offer concrete actions with suggested accountabilities and timelines for the new five-year cycle to ensure UNICEF’s future work aligns with the global DIPAS vision of creating a barrier-free and inclusive world where every child with a disability can realize their full potential by 2030.
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Desk Review: Review global DIPAS requirements, the EAP Regional Action Plan, the UNICEF China CO 2023–2025 Action Plan, and the new 2026–2030 CPD to ensure strategic alignment.
• Stakeholder Consultations & Interviews: Conduct an indispensable series of interviews with all UNICEF programme and non-programme sections (Social Policy, Child Protection, Public Partnership, CHD, Education, People and Culture, Partnership and Innovation, Operation, Communication, Front Office, PME, etc.) and key external stakeholders, including government partners (e.g., China Disabled Persons Federation) and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
• Desk-based Review & Virtual Consultations: Conduct desk reviews of project implementation materials and organize virtual interviews with sub-national partners to ensure the plan reflects local realities and 'reaches the most marginalized'.
• Action Plan Development: Draft a results-oriented action plan encompassing Programmatic Strategies (cross-sectoral coordination, data, systems strengthening) and Organizational Strategies (accessibility, inclusive HR, and procurement).
• Validation: Facilitate feedback loops with the CCO Task Force on Disability Inclusion to refine and finalize the document.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences, Disability Studies, International Development, or a related field
Work Experience
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in strategic planning, disability-inclusive programming, or human rights
Language Requirements
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (required for the report) and Mandarin Chinese (highly preferred for stakeholder interviews)
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
• Deep understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and global UNICEF disability frameworks.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative interviews and stakeholder consultations.
• Strong familiarity with the Chinese disability policy landscape, including an understanding of the roles of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and the national social protection, health system, education system, and national AT supply system.
Desirables
- Expert knowledge of the global DIPAS 2022–2030 framework and the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) to ensure the new Action Plan meets all global accountability standards.
- Proven track record in applying the "Twin-Track Approach," demonstrating the ability to simultaneously mainstream disability inclusion across sectors while designing targeted actions for children with disabilities.
- Extensive experience in meaningful stakeholder engagement, specifically in conducting qualitative interviews and rights-based consultations with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
- Technical competency in inclusive data frameworks, particularly familiarity with the Washington Group/UNICEF Module on Child Functioning (CFM) for identifying and assessing children with disabilities.
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
- A detailed technical proposal
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.