National Consultant to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and to 46 municipalities to scale up the Local Social Fund, Social Protection, Tirana, Albania, Remote

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 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 National Strategy on Social Protection 2024-2030 aims to address poverty, social exclusion, and advance reforms in integrated social care services, disability assessment, and deinstitutionalization. This strategy emphasizes increasing the supply and quality of social services across the territory to support reforms in cash assistance, disability, and social care, empowering families and children at risk. It also aims to consolidate social care services at the local level through decentralization and deinstitutionalization, strengthening the mandate and capacities of local government units for social planning, service provision, and financing. The consultant will provide technical assistance to strengthen municipal capacities for establishing and operationalizing Local Social Funds, integrating them into local planning and budgeting processes.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to strengthen municipal capacities for the establishment and operationalization of Local Social Funds. Increase understanding of the legal, financial, and administrative requirements for Local Social Funds. Support the integration of Local Social Funds into local planning and budgeting processes. Provide tailored tools, mentoring, and technical support to municipalities throughout the establishment process. Facilitate peer learning and exchange among municipalities regarding the establishment of Local Social Funds. Coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) and Ministry of Finance (MoF), and municipalities. Develop and implement a proposed methodological approach for training and mentoring municipalities. Organize forums for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Track municipal progress for the Local Social Fund establishment and operationalization. Ensure engagement with relevant government bodies and local governments. Develop a clear plan of activities and timeline for completion of key deliverables as per the Terms of Reference.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of experience in public finance and decentralization. Proven experience working with municipalities and central government institutions in public finance and social protection. Proven experience working with local financing and social protection programmes.

Skills

Facilitation, Capacity building, Mentoring, Stakeholder engagement, Analytical skills, Communication skills, Report-writing skills, Coordination, Technical assistance to local governments, Public finance, Decentralization, Social protection programmes

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