Analysis and Proposal of the Structure of SPINNA (Comprehensive Plurinational System for Girls, Boys, and Adolescents)
Qualifications of Analysis and Proposal of the Structure of SPINNA:
- Location: La Paz, Bolivia
- Vacancy No: 583828
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
- Deadline: 13 Sep 2025
Brief details about Analysis and Proposal of the Structure of SPINNA:
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
Since the last quarter of 2023, Bolivia has experienced a worsening of macroeconomic imbalances, manifested primarily in a severe shortage of foreign currency, which has significantly limited foreign transactions and hampered the import of strategic goods, including fuel. This shortage has contributed to a progressive increase in domestic prices, with inflation reaching nearly 10% at the end of 2024 and continuing to accelerate.
In this context, various political actors are proposing fiscal adjustment proposals with budget cuts and economic reforms in their government programs. They have also mentioned the possibility of eliminating the Ministry of Justice and Institutional Transparency, which governs SPINA, as provided for in Article 14 of the Child and Adolescent Code.
Furthermore, in the more than ten years since Law No. 548, the Child and Adolescent Code, has been in force, SPINA stakeholders, and particularly SIPPROINA stakeholders, have been identifying regulatory gaps, overlaps, and a lack of clarity in the regulations relating to the governance of the system, which hinder the exercise of the governing body’s functions and the coordination and articulation between the different levels of the entities that comprise it.
In this context, it becomes urgent and a priority to carry out a technical study that:
- Analyze the current regulations on the institutional structure, powers, and governance of SPINA.
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of this regulation in its practical application.
- Analyze forms of institutional structure and governance of child protection systems in legislation and comparative systems.
- Propose a structure, responsibilities, and governance for SPINNA bodies, in light of potential budget adjustments and restrictive fiscal conditions, supporting the proposal from a social, institutional, and legal perspective.
This analysis and assessment are key to enabling organizations such as UNICEF and other state and international cooperation entities to technically influence decision-making processes, promoting a functional and viable institutional structure for the child protection system that also meets international standards for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?:
The objective of the consultancy is to analyze the regulations of the Comprehensive Plurinational System for Children and Adolescents (SPINNA), conducting a review of the two systems comprising it: the Comprehensive Plurinational System for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (SIPPROINA) and the Adolescent Criminal Justice System (SPA), and their structure, governance, articulation, and coordination. Based on this analysis and the review of comparative legislation, the consultancy will develop proposals for institutional structure, governance, articulation, and coordination, including a regulatory proposal.
EXPECTED PRODUCTS:
PRODUCT 1.- 5 days after signing the contract, 10% of the total contract amount.
Work Plan and Schedule.
Activities.-
- Review of previously available and updated works and studies related to the topic.
- Develop a work plan that includes: methodology, timeline, identifying information sources, and analysis tools.
Present the work plan to the UNICEF team at a meeting and make any requested additions and modifications.
Objective: To establish a clear roadmap for the execution of the consultancy’s objectives.
Deliverable: Work plan and schedule approved by UNICEF
PRODUCT 2. – 25 days after signing the contract, 43% of the total contract amount.
Analysis and assessment of the institutional structure, powers and governance of SPINA.
Activities:
- Documentary and comparative legislation review.
- Interviews with SPINA experts and operators.
- Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of said regulations in their practical application.
- Identification of regulatory gaps, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the interpretation of regulations.
- Presentation of the product to the UNICEF technical team for feedback.
Aim:
Identify, based on interviews with experts and the analysis of existing studies, the strengths and weaknesses of the SPINA structure and governance.
Identify best practices in comparative legislation on the structure and governance of child protection systems.
Contents:
Analysis of the regulations, in terms of structure, governance, coordination, and articulation of SPINA levels. Identification of strengths, weaknesses, regulatory gaps, and contradictions in the interpretation of the regulations.
Analysis of legislation and comparative systems regarding the institutional structures and governance of child protection systems (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, among others)
Deliverable: Technical document that incorporates feedback from the UNICEF team and presents an updated and comprehensive analysis of the structure, governance, and responsibilities of SPINA, including its strengths and weaknesses, regulatory gaps, and inconsistencies in the interpretation of regulations.
The document will also include a section on comparative legislation and systems, discussing the institutional structure and governance of other child protection systems.
PRODUCT 3. – 45 days after signing the contract, 48% of the total contract amount.
Proposals for SPINA structures and governance, as well as regulatory proposals for inclusion in the LOE (executive body law) and summary slides.
Activities:
- Document review.
- Formulation of structure proposals in a graphic manner, with explanations and justification.
- Presentation of the product to the UNICEF technical team for feedback.
Aim:
To formulate a viable and functional proposal for the structure and governance of SPINA in the current context, while also meeting international standards for the protection of children and adolescents .
Deliverables: Technical document containing:
- Proposals for SPINA structures and governance
- Regulatory proposal for inclusion in the LOE (executive body law), with explanatory statement.
- Summary presentation in slides (Power Point or Canva) of the proposed structure and governance of SPINA, comparing the current structure with the one suggested for adoption.
REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE:
A) Technical Evaluation (75 Points)
- Academic training in Law.
- Postgraduate studies at the master’s level in human rights, children’s rights, public policy, development, or similar.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in consulting, standard-setting, studies or research.
- Experience (at least 5 years) in children’s and adolescents’ rights, in consulting, research or teaching.
- Experience (at least 3 years) in public management, preferably in SIPPROINA or SPA institutions.
- Experience working in regulatory development on childhood issues (desirable)
- Experience working with United Nations agencies (desirable)
- Knowledge of regulatory drafting techniques.
- Knowledge of comparative law analysis.
- Knowledge of the rights-based approach for girls, boys, and adolescents.
- Ability to write reports, documents, and summaries.
- Ability to reason analytically and technically with qualitative and quantitative information.
- Ability to express and communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Good human relations.
- Intercultural and gender sensitivity
- Sensitivity in working with people with disabilities.
- Knowledge of regulatory drafting techniques.
- Knowledge of comparative law analysis.
- Knowledge of the rights-based approach for girls, boys, and adolescents.
- Ability to write reports, documents, and summaries.
- Ability to reason analytically and technically with qualitative and quantitative information.
- Ability to express and communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Good human relations.
- Intercultural and gender sensitivity
- Sensitivity in working with people with disabilities.
B) Economic Proposal (25 Points)
The final selection will be based on the principle of “best value for money,” i.e., achieving the desired result at the lowest possible cost.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR THE APPLICATION:
- Curriculum vitae/CV
- COVID vaccination card with at least two doses of the vaccination schedule
- Economic proposal in local currency (bolivianos) expressed as the total amount for the consultancy, including professional fees, invoice issuance, etc.
It is not necessary to attach a technical proposal to your application.
IMPORTANT:
- Have Bolivian nationality or permission to work in Bolivian territory
- Detailed knowledge of national or local socioeconomic conditions.
- Consultants must have their own equipment, tools, and materials to perform their services. Access to UNICEF email and systems is restricted.
- The successful candidate must have health insurance with outpatient and hospitalization coverage. UNICEF has no preference for any particular insurance; it can be public or private, and the candidate may be the holder or beneficiary. If the candidate does not currently have health insurance, it is recommended that they include this cost in their budget. Selected candidates are solely responsible for ensuring that the visa (if applicable) and medical insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire duration of the contract.
TRAVEL: No travel is planned.
IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS:
- The issuance of an invoice is mandatory for each amount disbursed. UNICEF only accepts invoices issued by the consultant; invoices issued by other individuals or institutions, nor forms or other tax payment releases, are not accepted. Consultants are responsible for complying with all tax obligations, in accordance with Bolivian laws and all applicable regulations. UNICEF promotes compliance with all Bolivian tax laws related to the provision of its consulting services.
- The successful candidate must have a bank account in Bolivian pesos in their name and must provide the office with the minimum information for registration in the accounting system. Furthermore, before beginning their duties, they must complete the mandatory online training required by the organization’s regulations.
- Likewise, payment to the Pension Fund is the sole responsibility of the consultant, in accordance with Bolivian tax regulations; UNICEF will not request proof of contribution for any disbursement.
- The consultant will deliver the agreed-upon products and reports electronically in a universally acceptable language and in hard copy if required by the organization. The costs of issuing and delivering these products/reports will be borne by the consultant.
- The payment process takes up to two weeks, from product approval.
- Individuals engaged under a consultant contract will not be considered “staff members” under the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and UNICEF policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits under them (such as leave and medical insurance coverage). Their terms of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contract for Consultant Services. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax obligations and paying any taxes and/or fees, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
- All consultants providing services at UNICEF facilities, traveling on behalf of UNICEF, or requiring access to program locations must be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, as available in the country of service. This provision is in line with our core value of Care and Respect, critical to their own health and personal well-being, the health of their colleagues, and UNICEF’s mandate to protect children’s fundamental rights, especially their right to health.
Full vaccination includes the initial vaccine doses, as well as being up-to-date with recommended vaccinations; for example, when these include booster vaccinations. The number and types of vaccines required to meet the full vaccination requirement may depend on the local context and availability at the respective duty station, mission, or area of assignment, as well as the guidance and recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer or the World Health Organization. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) must be completed prior to the start of the contract.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Documentation will not be accepted by email or in hard copies at our offices; only candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted.
UNICEF exists to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. UNICEF is committed to including all people, regardless of race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socioeconomic background, or any other personal characteristic.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions, or personal assistants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during the application process if you require reasonable accommodations during the selection process and subsequent assignment.
UNICEF operates a zero-tolerance policy toward conduct inconsistent with the goals and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child protection principles. All selected candidates are expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. These background checks will include verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may be asked to provide additional information to conduct the background check.
UNICEF does not recruit candidates who are married to minors (people under 18 years of age). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct inconsistent with the goals and principles 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 origin, or disability. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.
Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and are expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include validation of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may be asked to provide additional information to conduct these checks, and selected candidates with disabilities may be asked to confidentially submit supporting documentation related to their disability.