Follow-up on the Recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Report “Interrupted Dreams”
Qualifications of Follow-up on the Recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Report:
- Location: La Paz
- Vacancy No: 583830
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
- Deadline:
Brief details about Follow-up on the Recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Report:
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
In Latin America and the Caribbean, child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM) continue to be a widespread problem that disproportionately affects girls and adolescent women. According to ECLAC data, one in four young women in the region married or entered into a union before turning 18, representing approximately 58 million girls and adolescents. Of this total, 25% entered into marriage or a union before age 18 and 5% before age 15, reflecting the persistence of a practice that seriously violates fundamental rights. Added to this is a marked age gap between spouses, with one in five girls in the region marrying a man at least 10 years older, reinforcing dynamics of inequality and asymmetrical power relations.
In Bolivia, this problem is no stranger. Despite the regulatory advances achieved with Law No. 603 (Family and Family Procedure Code), loopholes that have allowed unions and marriages of minors under 18 years of age to be celebrated still persist. In June 2024, the Ombudsman’s Office presented the Ombudsman’s Report “Interrupted Dreams: Violation of the rights of girls and adolescent women, emerging from child, early and forced marriages and unions and forced child pregnancy in Bolivia” [1] , which highlighted the magnitude of this situation. Between 2014 and 2023, 4,804 marriages of adolescents between 16 and 17 years of age and 487 marriages of girls between 12 and 15 years of age were recorded, despite the prohibition in force for the latter age group.
The report also identified 16 municipalities with pregnancy rates exceeding 35% among adolescents aged 10 to 19, recommending the adoption of differentiated actions and the reallocation of municipal budgets to reduce these rates. It also recommended the repeal of articles of the Family Code, Law 603, that still allow exceptions to marriage for minors under 18. This led to the approval in the National Senate of a bill seeking to absolutely prohibit marriage before the age of 18, currently awaiting final consideration in the Chamber of Deputies.
At the same time, at the municipal and departmental levels, limitations persist in preventing child marriage and providing timely care for forced child pregnancies, where the Offices of the Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents and the child protection and justice systems face barriers to implementing protocols for the Legal Interruption of Pregnancy (ILE) and other protection mechanisms.
In this context, UNICEF will provide technical assistance to support the Ombudsman’s Office in monitoring and implementing the recommendations of the “Interrupted Dreams” report, strengthening legislative advocacy, promoting differentiated territorial actions, and developing local regulatory frameworks that contribute to the protection of the rights of girls and adolescents. This consultancy will be implemented in close coordination with the Ombudsman’s Office and its departmental representatives, where appropriate.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?:
The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical assistance to the Ombudsman’s Office and UNICEF to monitor and support the implementation of the recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Report “Interrupted Dreams ,” aimed at eradicating child, early, and forced marriages and unions (CEMU) and forced child pregnancy in Bolivia. The work will focus on generating evidence, supporting advocacy processes, and promoting institutional and territorial actions that strengthen the protection of the rights of girls and adolescents.
Specific objectives
OE1. Support and promote compliance with the recommendations issued by the Ombudsman’s Office in the Ombudsman’s Report “Interrupted Dreams,” coordinating actions with state institutions and social organizations to strengthen the protection of the rights of girls and adolescents.
OE2. Monitor and promote legislative advocacy before the Plurinational Legislative Assembly for the approval of the reform to the Family and Family Procedure Code, which establishes the absolute prohibition of child, early, and forced marriages and unions (CFM).
OE3. Influence and strengthen the capacities of local stakeholders, especially the Child and Adolescent Ombudsman’s Offices (DNA) and local child protection authorities with high rates of pregnancy among girls and adolescents, to implement differentiated actions to prevent child marriage and forced pregnancy, including the application of protocols for legal termination of pregnancy.
EXPECTED PRODUCTS:
PRODUCT 1.- 20 days after signing the contract, 25% of the total contract amount.
Work plan and implementation methodology
Description:
Document establishing the consultancy’s work plan, detailing the intervention methodology, the schedule of activities, and the coordination strategy with the Ombudsman’s Office and UNICEF.
Deliverables:
- Work plan approved by UNICEF and the Ombudsman’s Office.
- Detailed schedule of activities and deliveries.
- Monitoring and impact methodology (legislative, territorial and with DNAs).
Deliverables:
- Work plan document.
- Detailed execution schedule.
- Methodological strategy for the process of dialogue and construction of proposals.
- Preliminary mapping of national and local key actors.
Activities:
- Document review and alignment with regulatory and technical references.
- Coordination meetings to validate the scope and activities of the consultancy.
- Presentation of a detailed schedule of activities, times, and responsibilities.
- Development and validation of the work plan, instruments, and proposed strategies with UNICEF.
- Adjustments to the work plan based on feedback received.
- Preliminary coordination with key actors.
PRODUCT 2.- 75 days after signing the contract, 25% of the total contract amount.
Interim progress report
Description:
First progress report documents the actions taken during the initial stage of the consultancy, including monitoring and legislative advocacy, and preliminary actions in prioritized municipalities.
Deliverables:
- Written report with progress against the work plan.
- Summary of actions and meetings held (with the Legislative Assembly, Ombudsman’s Office, DNAs, GAMs).
- Identification of obstacles and adjustment proposals.
Activities:
- Document review of national, departmental, and municipal data on early marriages and teenage pregnancy.
- Specific analysis of the 16 municipalities with teenage pregnancy rates above 35%, according to the Ombudsman’s report.
- Interviews and preliminary consultations with the Ombudsman’s Office (national office and departmental representation) and key local stakeholders.
- Identification of gaps, opportunities for impact, and initial action guidelines.
- Preparation of the progress report with preliminary findings and validation with UNICEF and the Ombudsman’s Office.
PRODUCT 3.- 135 days after signing the contract, 25% of the total contract amount.
Territorial progress and impact report
Description:
Second report systematizes the results obtained in the prioritized territories (Beni, Pando, La Paz, and others), documenting differentiated actions in the prevention of child sexual abuse, implementation of ILE protocols, and progress in the reallocation of municipal budgets.
Deliverables:
- Written report describing progress and evidence in prioritized municipalities.
- Systematization of good practices and identified barriers.
- Recommendations for methodological or impact adjustments.
Activities:
- Systematization of inputs collected in the preliminary diagnosis.
- Definition of differentiated guidelines and recommendations for priority municipalities with high rates of teenage pregnancy.
- Inclusion of proposals for municipal budget reallocation and strengthening of prevention actions.
- Technical validation workshop with the Ombudsman’s Office and UNICEF to gather feedback.
- Preparation of the progress report with adjusted guidelines.
PRODUCT 4.- 185 days after signing the contract, 25% of the total contract amount.
Description:
Consolidated document that compiles the achievements, progress in implementing the recommendations of the Ombudsman’s report “Interrupted Dreams,” as well as lessons learned and sustainability proposals for UNICEF and the Ombudsman’s Office.
Deliverables:
- Final written report with complete systematization of results.
- Annexes with supporting documents (meeting minutes, attendance lists, dissemination/training materials, etc.).
- Strategic recommendations for continuing work beyond consulting.
Activities:
- Integration of observations from UNICEF and the Ombudsman’s Office into the advocacy and action guidelines.
- Consolidated presentation of analysis, findings and recommendations.
- Proposal for coordination mechanisms between UNICEF, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Municipal Autonomous Governments.
- Preparation of a structured and complete final document, ready for dissemination and institutional use.
- Closing meeting with UNICEF and the Ombudsman’s Office to present results and establish continuity agreements.
REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE:
A) Technical Evaluation (75 Points)
- University degree in Social Sciences, Law, Psychology, Social Work, Political Science or related fields.
- Postgraduate studies, specializations, or courses in human rights, constitutional law, child protection, gender, gender-based violence, public policy, or related topics.
- Four years of professional experience in the design, implementation, analysis, or evaluation of programs and policies related to children’s rights, child protection, gender equality, or human rights.
- 3 years of experience in planning, evaluating, and monitoring ombudsman investigations (Required).
- Two years of experience in child, early, and forced marriage (CEMU), sexual and gender-based violence, and child and adolescent protection policies.
- Previous experience working with state institutions, human rights organizations, and/or civil society in research, report preparation, advocacy, or institutional strengthening.
- Experience in inter-institutional coordination and coordination with justice, protection, and legislative entities.
- Experience in preparing and managing written report requests and systematizing information related to human rights.
- Inter-institutional coordination, management, supervision or registration of legal information in public institutions.
- Coordination, training and direction of technical and advocacy meetings.
- Knowledge of international and regional instruments on children’s rights and gender (Convention on the Rights of the Child, CEDAW, among others).
- Solid knowledge of the national regulatory framework regarding the comprehensive protection of girls, boys and adolescents (including Law No. 548, Law No. 348, Law No. 603).
- Knowledge of the national and international regulatory framework related to children’s rights, gender-based violence, and child marriage.
- Knowledge of the Bolivian context regarding the rights of children and adolescents, with an emphasis on issues of sexual violence and child marriage.
- Ability to analyze public policies, regulations, and state programs, as well as technical writing and high-quality report production.
- Ability to identify patterns, structural problems and propose evidence-based solutions.
- Skills to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner to diverse audiences.
- Ability to build relationships of trust with state counterparts, civil society, and international organizations.
- Focus on delivering quality products on time.
- Ability to facilitate inter-institutional dialogues and coordinate with authorities at different levels.
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, travel expenses (tickets, lodging, food, etc.), 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: The travel itinerary will be agreed upon with the consulting supervisor. Travel to the following locations is required:
- Pando (Cobija), 2 trips with a total duration of 3 days
- Beni (Trinidad), 2 trips with a total duration of 3 days
- Chuquisaca (Sucre), a two-day trip
- Cochabamba (Cochabamba, Sacaba, Quillacollo, Sipe Sipe), a two-day trip
- Cochabamba (Villa Tunari and Chimoré), a two-day trip
- Oruro (Oruro), two trips with one day duration each trip, without overnight stay
- Potosí (Potosí, San Antonio de Esmoruco and Acacio), a two-day trip
- Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, Comarapa, Montero and Cotoca), two trips lasting two days
- Tarija (Tarija and Yacuiba), a two-day trip
The contract format is lump sum, meaning the contract amount covers all items: fees, travel expenses (lodging, food, transportation, communications, etc.), taxes, and any other items related to the achievement of the products. Each contract disbursement must be supported by the corresponding invoice issued by the consultant, and there are no payments or refunds beyond the amount established in the contract.
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.