Lead Consultant (Viksit Chhattisgarh Social Policy Support -- VC-SPS - Nationals only, Office based with travel

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to provide strategic support to the Viksit Chhattisgarh Social Policy Support (VC-SPS) team, anchored within Rajya NITI Aayog (RNA). The primary goal is to embed children's wellbeing, equity, social protection, and public finance priorities into the Viksit Chhattisgarh Progress Measurement Framework (VC-PMF) and associated policy processes. The consultant will generate evidence-based insights and translate them into concrete inputs for the VC-PMF, contributing to the Government of Chhattisgarh’s ambitious agenda for inclusive development under Viksit Chhattisgarh Vision 2047. This role is crucial for institutionalizing child-focused priorities within state planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems.

Responsibilities

The Lead Consultant will conduct high-quality policy analysis focusing on child poverty, social protection, and public expenditure. A key responsibility is to support the institutionalization of child budgeting and Public Finance for Children (PF4C) within the VC-PMF. The consultant will also provide strategic advisory support to RNA and relevant line departments, guiding them in integrating child-focused priorities into their planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems. This involves generating and deploying evidence for policy advocacy with senior government stakeholders and working effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment, collaborating with government entities, UNICEF teams, and development partners. The role requires strong quantitative skills for analysis and the ability to translate complex data into actionable policy recommendations.

Work Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant experience in social policy, public finance, or child poverty analysis, including research experience. Demonstrated analytical and advisory engagement with state or national government institutions is required. Prior experience with UN agencies, bilateral donors, or multilateral development organizations in Chhattisgarh or comparable states is preferred. Strong quantitative skills are essential.

Skills

Policy analysis (child poverty, social protection, public finance), Child budgeting, Public Finance for Children (PF4C), Quantitative analysis, STATA proficiency, Econometrics, Composite index construction, GIS/ArcGIS spatial analysis, SDG monitoring frameworks, Evidence-based policy advocacy, Multi-stakeholder engagement, Advisory support

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