Expression of Interest (EoI) for PROGRAM MANAGER – Strengthening the Oversight, Monitoring and Accountability Functions of National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) and Data Management

(National Commission on the Rights of Child)

Location: Islamabad

Contract Type: Consultant

Duration: Contract based (initially for 6 months) extendable subject to satisfactory performance / project extension and approval of the UNICEF.

Open till: Within 15 days of the advertisement 

Objective and Rationale:
The objective of this assignment is to provide high-quality technical support to NCRC to enhance its effectiveness through leading the planning, design, implementation, and management of an integrated Management Information System (MIS) for strengthening NCRC’s oversight, monitoring, accountability, and complaint redressal functions that concern child rights violations and protection systems in Pakistan. The rationale is to strengthen the statutory role of NCRC under the NCRC Act 2017, enabling the Commission to offer evidence-based recommendations to government bodies, ensuring timely and efficient handling of child rights violations, and enhancing data-driven decision-making. Furthermore, the assignment aims to digitize complaint systems, establish a centralized child rights information portal, and support Pakistan’s compliance with international child rights obligations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Oversight of MIS Design & Implementation

Lead the design, development, and deployment of a scalable, secure, and child-sensitive Management Information System (MIS) aligned with child protection priorities. Ethical data standards to be enforced and compliance with Pakistan's Personal Data Protection Bill and international norms (e.g., GDPR) must be ensured.

2. Development of a Knowledge-Hub to Integrate Child Rights Data & Support Analysis
   Ensure MIS captures data in compliance with UNCRC, SDGs (Targets 16.2, 5.3, 4.1), and national child protection laws to generate evidence for policy and programming.

3. Strengthen Complaint Redressal System
   Digitize and enhance the complaint handling mechanism of NCRC, with clear SOPs, referral pathways, and child-sensitive procedures for violations reporting.

4. Development of an Oversight, Monitoring & Accountability (OMA) Framework
   Implement and monitor an OMA framework to track violations, institutional responses, and recommend actions to concerned authorities.

5. Stakeholder Coordination & Engagement

Liaise with NCRC, MoHR, NADRA, Police, Judiciary, Health, Education departments, and NGOs to ensure interoperability and collaborative governance.

6. Supervision and Monitoring
   Supervise Database Officer and monitor progress on Database development and management.

7. Documentation & Knowledge Management
   Oversee development of SOPs, user manuals, training materials, and technical documentation to ensure institutional memory.

8. Child-Sensitive and Ethical Data Practices 
   Ensure all data handling is aligned with child protection principles, including safeguarding of survivor / complainant identity, non-judgmental classifications, and ethical use protocols. 

9. Coordination with MIS and Program Teams 
   Act as the bridge between field data operations and the central MIS team, ensuring timely data syncing, issue resolution, and performance monitoring. 

10. Evidence-Based Policy Advocacy
    Provide timely and accurate child rights data to support policy briefs, legal reforms, and advocacy with stakeholders and parliamentarians.

11. Donor & Partner Coordination
    Serve as focal technical lead for coordination with UNICEF, UNDP, Save the Children, ensuring compliance with donor frameworks and reporting.

12. Compliance and Confidentiality Agreement
    Uphold confidentiality agreements, sign non-disclosure undertakings, and strictly follow the organization’s Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct, and Ethical Guidelines.

13. Any other assignment or role approved by the Chairperson, NCRC.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration/Policy, Development Studies, Law,Sociology / Anthropology, Gender Studies or relevant qualifications

• Minimum 7 to 10 years of experience in programme and data management, policy recommendations and implementation process, or advocacy, particularly in the field of child rights, social welfare, or protection-focused systems.

• Prior experience working with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) or similar government structures.

• Familiarity with international frameworks like Paris Principles, UNCRC, and national legislation related to child rights.

• Strong understanding of child rights frameworks, gender and disability inclusion, and ethical use of digital technology in public interest programs.