​​National Individual Consultant to support the Ministry of Health of Montenegro in drafting report for 2025-2026 Action Plan and 2027 Action Plan of Early Childhood Development Strategy ​

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

Early childhood is a critical period that lays the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Investing in the early years enables children to reach their full developmental potential and contributes to stronger, more resilient societies. The Government of Montenegro adopted the Early Childhood Development Strategy (2023-2027), promoting a coordinated, multisectoral approach across health, education, and social welfare sectors. This strategy provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening services for young children and their families, emphasizing early identification, integrated service delivery, and intersectoral coordination, particularly for vulnerable groups. As the strategy nears its final year, it is essential to review progress and define clear priorities for the remaining period to ensure the final phase is guided by realistic, evidence-based, and well-coordinated actions to achieve the strategy's intended results.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health of Montenegro in reviewing the implementation of the Action Plan for 2025-2026. This includes collecting data and preparing a comprehensive report on the progress made during this period. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate the development and finalization of the Action Plan for 2027, which represents the final phase of Montenegro’s Early Childhood Development Strategy (2023–2027). This facilitation will involve coordinating with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the plan is evidence-based, realistic, and aligned with the overall goals of the strategy. The consultant will also contribute to strengthening intersectoral coordination and capacity building efforts related to early childhood development services, ensuring that the final actions are well-defined and contribute to improved outcomes for all children in Montenegro.

Work Experience

At least five years of professional experience in programme management, policy development, or research related to early childhood development, public health, or social services. Experience working with government ministries and international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Programme management, Policy development, Research and analysis, Data collection and reporting, Stakeholder coordination, Early childhood development, Public health, Social services, Intersectoral coordination, Capacity building, Report writing, Project planning

Explore related opportunities