National individual consultants (3) to support revising the system for pricing and financing of social protection services

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. Our mission is to ensure every child has the right to protection and access to quality services.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to support the development, consultation, and preparation of a proposal for revising the system for pricing and financing of social protection services. The goal is to enhance equitable access to quality services for children, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable populations. The work will involve analyzing the current legal framework, including the Social Protection Law and related methodologies for service pricing and financing, to identify systemic challenges and propose improvements. The consultant will contribute to ensuring that financing mechanisms are sustainable and adequate to meet the needs of vulnerable families and enable service expansion, thereby strengthening the overall social protection system.

Responsibilities

The consultant will analyze the existing system for pricing and financing of social protection services in North Macedonia, as governed by the Social Protection Law and annual contracts between the Ministry of Social Policy Demographics and Youth (MSPDY) and service providers. This includes evaluating the current Methodology for Determining the Prices of Services, which calculates prices based on human resources, goods and services, and space usage, and identifying its limitations. The consultant will assess the challenges posed by annual financing through public calls, the lack of determined prices for certain social services due to missing by-laws, and the comprehensiveness of elements used in price determination. Recommendations will be developed to address the uneven availability and distribution of services, particularly for children, and to improve the sustainability and continuity of service provision. The consultant will also consider financing mechanisms for municipalities and non-state providers, including intermunicipal cooperation and partnerships, to ensure equitable access to quality social protection services for all children, especially the most vulnerable.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in social protection policy analysis, program management, or public finance. Experience in developing or revising financing mechanisms for social services is highly desirable. Proven track record in research, analysis, and report writing.

Skills

Social protection systems analysis, Public finance and budgeting, Policy development and reform, Stakeholder consultation and engagement, Research and analytical skills, Report writing and documentation, Project management, Understanding of social service delivery models, Knowledge of European Child Guarantee principles, Capacity building, Problem-solving, Communication skills

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