Individual International Consultant for Study on Financing Options for Shock Responsive Social Protection in Viet Nam

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Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

This assignment aims to conduct a comprehensive study on financing options for shock-responsive social protection in Viet Nam.

Background:

Viet Nam’s rapid economic development in the past decades has put tremendous pressure on the environment. The country has experienced rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to increased levels of pollution, particularly in urban centers. Air and water pollution, waste management issues, and resource depletion have been exacerbated by the fast pace of economic growth. Viet Nam was ranked the 13th most affected country globally by climate vulnerability and extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019 with an estimated loss of 3.2 per cent of GDP in 2020. Over the last three decades, Viet Nam has suffered an average annual loss of 1-1.5 per cent of GDP and an average of 430 deaths due to climate-related disasters. The impact of climate change has been more severe, including rising sea levels and saline intrusion affecting the plain areas such as the Mekong Delta; extreme climatic conditions eroding agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure; rising heat affecting labor productivity across economic sectors; and more severe and frequent floods and droughts. Climate changes has increased children’s vulnerability, especially in Viet Nam where 95% of children are exposed to 4 or more climate risks – in comparison to 68% in the East Asia and the Pacific region and 38% globally.

Currently, Viet Nam is still making significant efforts to respond to the devastating impacts of Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm in 30 years. Government reports indicate that more than 350 people are either dead or missing. The hardest-hit provinces are home to over 19 million people, including 5.5 million children. Among them, more than 150,000 children with disabilities live in the affected areas. Homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and water and power systems have been damaged, severely impacting millions of families. The estimated total cost of damage from Typhoon Yagi is approximately US$1.6 billion. Overall, Viet Nam is likely to incur, on average, VND 30.2 trillion (USD 1.4 billion) per year in direct losses from floods, typhoons, and earthquakes.

Shock responsive social protection is a new concept in Viet Nam. However, there is a range of challenges in the creation of an effective and efficient, rapid, and adequate emergency response system. There are very few disaster risk insurance products in Viet Nam and mainly targeted at large organizations and corporation, power plants, industrial plants and government agencies. As a result, affected populations often do not receive an adequate level of support in comparison to the damage that a disaster may have caused to their livelihoods. The application process for additional funds from central government by local governments tends to take time, often resulting in people failing to receive timely support. Furthermore, local government’s main focus is on short-term emergency relief, provided immediately after natural disasters and mostly through in-kind aid. Cash support is only provided in selected cases according to the recently revised Decree 20 (in July 2024) on social assistance and not based on needs assessment but property damage. Finally, there is limited local capacity to forecast need for effective and efficient planning and budgeting for emergency response as well as ability to assess damage and identify people’s needs, risks and vulnerabilities.

In 2021, UNICEF conducted a feasibility analysis on delivering cash assistance for children in emergencies in Viet Nam (report available via this link). With the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events and climate change, it is crucial to undertake an in-depth study on the policy and financial options for shock-responsive social protection in the country. The study will also unpack the bottlenecks/ or the enabling institutional and systemic issues that needs to be addressed for efficient response and also efficient utilization of the funds. This study will also seek to strengthen the connections between shock-responsive social protection systems and anticipatory action, ensuring a more effective and timely response to future climate crises.

Scope of Work:

The study aims to analyze the delivery (including adequacy and impacts) and financing mechanisms of shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) in Viet Nam and propose viable and sustainable financing options to enhance the effectiveness of SRSP.

Specific objectives include:

• Update the situation analysis: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Viet Nam’s context regarding extreme weather events and climate change and cost of inaction analysis, alongside the existing shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) system, legal frameworks, and policies. This should include evaluating the design, functionality and vertical and horizontal capacity of the system in addressing and mitigating residual risks, as well as enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of shock response efforts.
• Assess current delivery systems for SRSP/cash transfer in emergencies: Perform an in-depth assessment of current delivery systems and/or models for cash transfers during emergencies. This will involve identifying key stakeholders, their specific roles, existing coordination mechanisms and bottlenecks that hinder the facilitation of shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) as well as key enablers for the finance to work better. Focus on how current financing mechanisms are allocated and utilized for delivering cash in emergencies, particularly in light of response efforts following the recent Yagi typhoon.
• Identify financing options: Explore suitable financing options for shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) by proposing a range of instruments, including ex-ante, post-ante, and innovative approaches. Emphasize both domestic and external financing sources while considering potential climate funding, particularly in light of the challenges posed by climate change.
• Develop policy recommendations: Formulate policy recommendations aimed at improving the financing and facilitation of SRSP. This will include creating a roadmap that outlines clear entry points, key actors and strategic interventions for policy and practice changes related to SRSP in the context of Viet Nam.

Key Research Questions:

• How vulnerable is Viet Nam to extreme weather events and climate change, and which populations are most affected?
• What are the strengths and gaps in Viet Nam’s shock-responsive social protection system (SRSP) for addressing these vulnerabilities? (especially in relation to trigger mechanisms, challenges related to early warning system, limitation related to vulnerability analysis, beneficiary targeting, identification and registration, and existing social registry).
• What has been the impact of SRSP on vulnerable populations during past emergencies, and what factors have influenced its success or failure?
• What models exist for cash transfers during emergencies, and what are their key components? What bottlenecks have been identified in the delivery of cash transfers (particularly during Typhoon Yagi), and who are the key stakeholders involved?
• What are the current and potential financing mechanisms for SRSP in Viet Nam, and how can they be optimized, including through innovative or climate-related funding?
• What policy, legal and institutional reforms are necessary to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and coverage of SRSP in Viet Nam, and what opportunities exist for these reforms?
• How can enhanced stakeholder coordination and engagement, including participatory approaches, improve the design and implementation of SRSP in Viet Nam?
• What strategies can be employed to strengthen capacity to forecast need for effective and efficient planning and budgeting for emergency response?

Proposed Methodologies:

The international consultant is expected to propose a robust methodology for this study. The following are suggested methods for consideration:

• Literature and policy review: Review relevant academic papers, government reports, policy documents, and international case studies and good practices/standards to gather secondary data on existing financing and financial mechanisms for social protection, risk-informed PFM practices, and innovative financial instruments used globally. This includes the analysis of different ways/models in which the Government and other stakeholders used to provide cash assistance to affected families by the recent typhoon Yagi. Importantly, the desk review also includes the analysis of existing legal frameworks, capacities and policies as well as future law-making and reform agenda in relation to SRPS. The expected output will be a comprehensive baseline of current practices, key bottlenecks, legal gaps, opportunity windows for policy changes and successful models from other countries.
• Stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs): to gather insights from key stakeholders involved in SRSP, finance, and disaster risk management, including government officials (at both national and sub-national levels in selected locations), donors, NGOs, and financial institutions. The expected output will be an in-depth understanding of operational bottlenecks, coordination issues, and areas of improvement in financial mechanisms.
• Case studies of financing and financial models for SRSP and climate financing: examine how other countries or regions have successfully mobilized finance for SRSP through blended financial mechanisms. It is suggested to select 3-5 countries with relevant SPSP and PFM systems and conduct comparative case studies. Use some simulations or macro modelling for fiscal space analysis to suggest finacing options and scenarios for shock-responsive social protection. Explore their use of contingent funds, climate finance, insurance schemes, etc. (money in) and financial mechanisms for funds disbursement (money out). The output will include a set of good practices and transferable lessons and suggested financial options for SRSP in the context of Viet Nam.
• Policy analysis and consultation workshop: refine the study findings and discuss potential policy recommendations with stakeholders from government, local organizations, and international partners through a participatory workshop where key findings are presented, and participants collaborate to finalize policy recommendations and action plans. The expected output will be a validated set of policy recommendations with a road map that outlines clear entry points for policy and practice changes related to SRSP in the context of Viet Nam.

Final Deliverables:

• Comprehensive study report (maximum 50 pages with Executive Summary): Detailed findings on existing SRSP, financial and financing mechanisms (including stakeholder analysis, bottlenecks and PFM gaps), international good practices for financing SRSP, financing options, and strategic and practical policy recommendations for Viet Nam.
• Policy Brief (3-5 pages): Concise summaries of key findings and recommendations for policymakers.
• Workshop presentations: Available presentation in PowerPoints and other forms if appropriate to share and discuss the study’s findings with key stakeholders.

Supervision and Management:

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of UNICEF’s Social Policy and Governance Specialist and the overall management of UNICEF’s Chief of the Social Policy and Governance Programme. He/she will ensure a participatory process that incorporates technical perspectives and guidance from all relevant UNICEF programmes.

The international consultant is expected to work closely with UNICEF and Viet Nam Disaster and Dike Management Authority (VDDMA) throughout the entire assignment. She/he will be supported by two national consultants (national consultant on disasters and emergency and the other on public finance for social protection). The international consultant will retain overall responsibility and accountability for the quality of the final report.

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Full TOR with deliverables as attached 

TOR Study on Financing Options SRSP.pdf

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Minimum Qualifications required:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in social sciences, Public Policy, Economics, Development Economics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in social protection, with a focus on shock-responsive social protection.
• Experience in financing for shock-responsive social protection is an advantage.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Strong understanding of Viet Nam’s political landscape, legal framework, and policies, particularly in relation to social protection and shock-responsive mechanisms.
• Demonstrated expertise in research and analytical writing, with a focus on social protection, shock-responsive social protection, financial analysis for shock-responsive systems, and public finance for social protection.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English.

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UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

Assessment criteria:

For evaluation and selection method, the Cumulative Analysis Method (weight combined score method) shall be used for this recruitment:

a) Technical Qualification weight 75 points:

Educational background (15 points):

• A minimum of a master’s degree in social sciences, Public Policy, Economics, Development Economics, or a related field.

Relevant work experience (40 points): 

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in social protection, with a focus on shock-responsive social protection.
• Experience in financing for shock-responsive social protection is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of Viet Nam’s political landscape, legal framework, and policies, particularly in relation to social protection and shock-responsive mechanisms.

Skills (20 points):

• Demonstrated expertise in research and analytical writing, with a focus on social protection, shock-responsive social protection, financial analysis for shock-responsive systems, and public finance for social protection.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English.
• Submission of at least 2 samples of written work required.

b) Financial Proposal (Maximum 25 Points)

All prices/rates quoted must be exclusive of all taxes as UNICEF is a tax-exempt organization.

Financial proposal should be all-inclusive lump-sum cost including consultancy fee, travel and any related costs for the assignment.

The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened/evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

The contract will be awarded to the candidate with the highest total score, based on these criteria, ensuring that the selected consultant possesses the necessary educational background, relevant experience, and technical skills.

Submission of applications:

a. Letter of interest/CV;

b. Three references of relevant previous assignment(s);

c. At least 2 samples of written work;

d. Financial proposal: All-inclusive lump-sum cost including consultancy fee, travel and any other relevant costs for this assignment. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks: 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

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