Job Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job - it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

Contract Duration: 6 Months
Working arrangement: Hybrid

Purpose of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current disability assessment and certification system within the Ministry of Health (MoH), including its structure, tools, processes, and performance, and to identify gaps and limitations in relation to the transition toward a functional assessment approach for persons with disabilities.

Building on the previous assessment conducted in 2022 under the Report on Palestine Disability Assessments for Social Protection, and in line with the national direction outlined in the concept note recently endorsed by the Minister of Health, this assignment will support the Ministry in identifying existing capacities, areas requiring strengthening, and critical gaps. This will enable a gradual and effective transition toward a standardised, rights-based functional assessment system aligned with the guidance of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the International Labour Organisation's (ILO), Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202), Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), and The Employment Injury Benefits Convention, 1964 (No. 121).

This transition is not only intended to strengthen assessment methodologies but also to support broader system outcomes, including enhanced inclusion, improved targeting of social protection, strengthened labour market inclusion and access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods, and more equitable and person-centred delivery of health, rehabilitation, and social services for persons with disabilities.

The assignment will generate evidence-based recommendations and a prioritised, actionable roadmap to support system strengthening and inclusion in social protection programming, the integration of functional assessment approaches, and the improved planning and delivery of services across the health, rehabilitation, education, protection, labour, and social protection sectors.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: ToR_TMC0002698_Gap Analysis of the Current Disability Assessment System.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education:
  • Advanced (Master's) degree in public health, health systems, rehabilitation sciences, social sciences, disability studies, or a related field
• Work Experience:
  • Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in health systems strengthening, disability assessment and certification systems, rehabilitation services, or related fields.
  • Proven experience in conducting system assessments, institutional mapping, gap analyses, and developing policy, strategic, or operational frameworks in the health and/or social sectors.
  • Proven experience working on health data systems, disability certification and determination systems, or functional/eligibility assessment frameworks is an advantage.
  • Experience in similar assignments, particularly related to functional assessment systems, disability inclusion, or health system strengthening.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of disability frameworks, particularly the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
  • Strong understanding of health service delivery systems, eligibility/assessment mechanisms, and referral pathways within public systems.
  • Demonstrated experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, including government institutions and organisations of persons with disabilities, using inclusive engagement approaches.
  • Familiarity with functional assessment approaches and rights-based disability inclusion frameworks.
• Language Requirements:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic.
• Desirables:
  • Experience working with Ministries of Health, government institutions, or UN agencies on system reform or policy development.
  • Experience supporting the development of national strategies, guidelines, or standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly in the health or disability sectors.
  • Knowledge of inclusive social protection systems and the linkages between disability assessment and service entitlements.
  • Knowledge of the Palestinian health and disability context is considered a strong asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template) Financial Proposal_TMC0002698_Gap Analysis of the Current Disability Assessment System.docx
• A detailed technical proposal Applicants are requested to submit one writing sample (max. 10 pages), co-authored by the applicant, demonstrating relevant experience in producing technical, analytical, or policy documents related to health systems strengthening, disability/functional assessment, or similar public sector reforms, including system analysis, gap analysis, or development of technical guidance or frameworks.

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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here