KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

The consultant will be responsible for drafting the strategy, convening technical consultations with government counterparts and other key stakeholders, seeking government endorsement, and finalizing the following points:

1-   Outlining the vision of the Graduation Pathway Strategy in Iraq:

Review the current social protection systems, programmes, law, and policies, and identify the current challenges and gaps in the system with regards to graduation. Provide a clear vision to address the gaps and prepare a capacity-building plan to support MoLSA in enhancing their ability to implement the graduation pathway strategy. Formulate a draft of the amendment to the social protection law, including the proposed National Graduation Pathway Strategy.

2-   National Graduation Pathway Strategy:

The proposed National Graduation Pathway Strategy should include the strategy aims and objectives, making a case for graduation/economic empowerment of SSN beneficiaries. The strategy will also outline different graduation pathways including a description of economic empowerment programmes and how they can be linked to the social protection system and the eligibility criteria for participation of SSN beneficiaries in these programmes (i.e. the graduation threshold). The strategy should include a Theory of Change, a Results Measurement Framework, and outline processes for quality assurance, scale-up and sustainability.

3-   Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

Based on the Social protection Law No. 11/2014 and the Graduation Pathway Strategy, standard operating procedures (SOPs) will describe the specific details of the tasks of each stakeholder involved in the Graduation Pathway. It will provide tools and formats required to carry out these tasks and establish a detailed monitoring and reporting plan. These SOPs will then form the basis of specific training and standing support platforms for management and implementation actors and design a roadmap for the implementation of the strategy.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES

MoLSA will adopt a participatory approach in formulating the strategy to enhance ownership and facilitate endorsement by all political factions. Therefore, it is essential to consult and involve all key stakeholders related to the Graduation Pathway in the strategy development process. This includes national stakeholders, primarily various sectors of the Government, as well as international partners who can contribute knowledge and expertise to ensure a high-quality programme. 

With this overall approach, the Consultant, supported by WFP Iraq, will carry out the following tasks:

• Undertake a desk review of the available literature and documents in English (documents and literature in Arabic will be translated into English, to establish the prevailing strategy context, the sectoral support to graduation pathway already available and identify gaps in current capacity).
• Develop jointly with WFP Iraq a list of stakeholders to be consulted during the strategy formulation process and proposed approach for consultations.
• Conduct bilateral and multilateral consultations with identified stakeholders, jointly with the WFP Iraq, to explore their views on the Graduation Pathway in general and specific issues related to it. Obtain guidance for the drafting of the strategy document, e.g., through a debriefing workshop with the relevant stakeholders.
• Elaborate a first draft strategy document based on this guidance for circulation to stakeholders for comment and formulate a draft of the amendment to the social protection law.
• Incorporate comments received from stakeholders into a final draft document, which will then be submitted to the MoLSA and MoP for approval. 
• Draft SOPs that will outline how the strategy will be operationalized and provide guidance on the next strategic steps, including a a proposed workplan of activities and milestones to be undertaken, which should highlight capacity building initiatives.

Skills

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, Law, Economics, Sustainable Livelihoods, Social Science, or similar.

Experience: At least 10 years of experience in international development, including high-level government engagement on strategy and development issues.

Languages: Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Arabic is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• At least ten years of professional experience concerning economic empowerment/ productive social protection programmes.
• Capacity to engage with multiple stakeholders at both technical and political levels.
• Ability to analyze strategy and technical documents.
• Ability to prepare and facilitate bilateral and multilateral stakeholder discussions.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English (Arabic is an advantage, but not considered essential).