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UNICEF is increasingly engaging with the private sector to protect children’s rights. Understanding the role that businesses play in human development has strong implications for UNICEF’s programme planning and implementation (e.g. prioritization of sector and engagement strategies). To UNICEF, work with the business sector must be grounded in a high-quality analysis of its impacts and of the opportunities available in the framework of programme outcomes for children.
In this context, UNICEF Malawi Country Office is undertaking a deep dive analysis to understand better the role of the local business sector in driving results for children in the country. The goal is to then put in place an effective engagement strategy to identify future credible partners and relevant areas of engagement.
GlobalCAD and local consultancy Kadale Consultants are conducting this business Situation Analysis of children’s rights in Malawi for UNICEF. The study examines the degree to which the business sector is a key stakeholder in addressing child deprivations, and the role business plays in providing essential goods and services.
This will be achieved by analysing the impact of business operations and practices on children’s well-being and on UNICEF’s ability to achieve programmatic goals. The assignment will also assess the influence of the sector on determining national development plans or poverty reduction strategies.
The business Situation Analysis will thus provide insights into the impact of the private sector on women’s and children’s rights and their engagement with corporate social responsibility. The consortium will finally provide conclusions and strategic recommendations to UNICEF Malawi for targeted and impactful engagement strategies.
The activities will start with a desk review of UN reports, market industry data and corporate social responsibility information in Malawi, as well as surveys and in-depth interviews with key informants. These will include businesses, private sector associations, government institutions, multilateral agencies, NGOs and civil society organizations. The analysis will focus on the sectors with a larger economic and social influence in Malawi, and those most strategic for long-term partnerships.
The project implementation is expected to last five months and will finalise with a validation workshop with UNICEF and key stakeholders.
