Consultant for Support the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography in Budgeting of the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee, Podgorica, Montenegro (Internationals only) - 5 months, Home Based #592950

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

The consultant will support the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography in Montenegro in the budgeting process for the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee. This role involves providing expertise in public sector budgeting, social policy financing, and costing of reforms and programmes within the social sectors. The consultant will work closely with government institutions, particularly those in economic and finance fields, to ensure effective financial planning and budgeting processes are established. The objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry to allocate resources effectively for child protection and well-being initiatives, aligning national plans with European standards and funding mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography in developing and implementing a comprehensive budget for the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee. Conduct an analysis of current social sector financing mechanisms and identify gaps and opportunities for improved resource allocation. Develop costing methodologies for proposed actions within the National Action Plan, ensuring alignment with policy objectives and available resources. Facilitate workshops and training sessions for ministry staff on public sector budgeting, social finance, and programme costing. Advise on best practices for linking policy design with financial planning and budgeting processes. Support the Ministry in engaging with relevant stakeholders, including other government bodies and international partners, on budgetary matters. Prepare detailed reports and recommendations on budget development, financial management, and resource mobilization strategies. Ensure that budgeting processes are transparent, accountable, and contribute to the effective implementation of the Child Guarantee. Assist in identifying potential funding sources and in aligning national budgets with EU funding instruments where applicable.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of experience in public sector budgeting, social policy financing, costing of reforms and programmes in social sectors. Proven experience working with government institutions, particularly in economic and finance fields.

Skills

Public sector budgeting, Social policy financing, Costing of reforms and programmes, Financial planning, Budgeting processes, Government institution collaboration, Analytical skills, Facilitation skills, Presentation skills, Report-writing skills, EU social policy frameworks, EU funding instruments

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