National Social Protection Consultant (Remote 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. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of child rights not just as a job but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and actionable plan to support the implementation of major social protection programmes in alignment with the Integrated National Social Protection Framework (INSPF). This involves systematically analyzing the framework, drafting and refining an action plan in close collaboration with key stakeholders, and ensuring it incorporates expert insights and government priorities. The process will include consultations with relevant ministries and development partners, validation through interministerial engagement, and the integration of feedback into a costed draft. The ultimate goal is to deliver a thoroughly reviewed and nationally endorsed Action Plan, which will be formally submitted to the National Planning Commission for subsequent implementation, thereby strengthening social protection systems.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the Integrated National Social Protection Framework, identifying key recommendations for its implementation, and outlining an action plan. This includes conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with at least 10 individuals from the National Planning Commission, government ministries, departments, UNICEF, ILO, and other development partners. The consultant will organize ministry-level consultations to gather feedback and secure endorsement for the draft plan. A crucial task is organizing an interministerial validation workshop on behalf of the National Planning Commission. The consultant will prepare a costed draft Action Plan, incorporating all feedback received, and ensure it is reviewed by the National Planning Commission and relevant ministries. Finally, the consultant will submit the final Action Plan to the National Planning Commission and an inception report including the outline of the NISP Action Plan. Ensuring stakeholder engagement is paramount, given the multi-sectoral nature of social protection, requiring intensive consultation with key stakeholders to foster ownership.

Work Experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in social policy work, preferably with the UN system or government. Demonstrated experience and evidence of developing Action Plans in previous roles.

Skills

Social protection systems and policies expertise, National strategy and action plan development, Stakeholder engagement and facilitation, Consultation organization, Interministerial workshop facilitation, Costing and budgeting, Implementation planning, Institutional analysis, Governance analysis, Financing analysis, Child-sensitive programming, Poverty and vulnerability analysis

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