Policy and intersectoral cooperation expert on ECD/ECEC and Adolescents Mental Health
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, 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
The ECD/ECEC and Adolescents Mental Health Policy and Intersectoral Cooperation Expert will provide analytical, policy, and technical assistance for the implementation of UNICEF's ECD Programme and Action Plan 2026-30 with the Ministry of Health. This role focuses on supporting the most vulnerable populations by mapping capacities and challenges in service provision, conducting field work, and coordinating with local partners. The expert will ensure the quality and sustainability of learning and communication assets, foster cross-sectoral linkages, particularly with education, to enhance social inclusion for vulnerable families. Additionally, the consultant will strengthen and institutionalize intersectoral mechanisms for the promotion, prevention, and protection of mental health among children, adolescents, and young people, emphasizing effective coordination, joint planning, service linkages, and the sustainability of local responses.
Responsibilities
Provide analytical, policy, and technical assistance to the UNICEF ECD Programme and Action Plan 2026-30, focusing on vulnerable populations. Map capacities and challenges in service provision for Early Childhood Development (ECD), Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), and adolescent mental health. Conduct field work and coordinate with local partners to ensure effective program implementation. Ensure the quality and sustainability of learning and communication assets developed under the program. Support cross-sectoral linkages, primarily with the education sector, to address social inclusion for vulnerable families. Strengthen and institutionalize intersectoral mechanisms for the promotion, prevention, and protection of mental health among children, adolescents, and young people. Facilitate effective coordination, joint planning, and service linkages among different sectors and local stakeholders. Support the monitoring and sustainability of local responses to mental health challenges. Contribute to policy development and advocacy efforts related to ECD, ECEC, and adolescent mental health in Serbia. Develop communication assets for public and targeted communities to raise awareness and promote services.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of experience in project/programme management and implementation with various counterparts. Experience in ECD and ECEC policy development, advocacy, and implementation in Serbia. Experience cooperating with government, NGOs, and CSOs, and in partnership building, especially for at-risk populations. Experience in developing communication assets.
Skills
Project/Programme Management, Policy Development, Advocacy, Implementation, Intersectoral Cooperation, Partnership Building, Communication Asset Development, Analytical Skills, Planning Skills, Coordination, Mental Health Support, Early Childhood Development