National Consultant- Social Protection, Office based, Dhaka, Bangladesh, travel required, Nationals only

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 children's rights not just as a job but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The National Consultant will support UNICEF's strategic collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh to advance the National Social Security Strategy (NSS), specifically focusing on social protection for children under 5. This involves supporting the implementation and scale-up of the cash plus component of the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP) under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA). The role will contribute to integrating cash assistance with essential services for children aged 0-4, working with ministries like Health and Local Government. The consultant will aid in expanding beneficiary coverage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups in hard-to-reach areas, and ensure linkage with services like ANC, PNC, and birth registration, while enhancing community awareness through MIS interoperability and SBCC.

Responsibilities

The National Consultant will provide technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh in implementing and scaling up the cash plus component of the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP). This includes supporting the integration of cash assistance with essential services for children aged 0-4, in coordination with relevant ministries. The consultant will work to expand the coverage of MCBP beneficiaries, with a focus on the most vulnerable women and children in poverty pockets and hard-to-reach areas, including marginalized groups. Key responsibilities include facilitating the linkage of MCBP beneficiaries with essential services such as Antenatal Care (ANC), Postnatal Care (PNC), and birth registration within 45 days. The consultant will also support the tracking of service linkage results at the national level through MIS interoperability and contribute to Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) efforts to increase community awareness. Additionally, the consultant may be required to support unexpected tasks and work within a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social protection, cash transfer programs, or social sector programming. Experience working in tea gardens is highly desirable.

Skills

Knowledge of humanitarian principles, standards, and best practices for cash-based interventions, Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, Ability to make timely and informed decisions in complex environments, Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, Experience with statistical analysis software, Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, Support unexpected tasks

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