Lead Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, and it fosters a culture of belonging and growth, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Lead Consultant position is focused on supporting the Government of Chhattisgarh in implementing its Viksit Chhattisgarh (Anjor) Vision 2047, which aims for inclusive development. The consultant will play a crucial role in embedding children's wellbeing, equity, social protection, and public finance priorities into the Viksit Chhattisgarh Progress Measurement Framework (VC-PMF). This role requires conducting high-quality policy analysis on child poverty, social protection, and public expenditure, as well as providing strategic advisory support to integrate child-focused priorities into planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems. The consultant will work closely with the VC-SPS team and will be expected to generate evidence-based insights that inform policy processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead Consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive policy analysis on child poverty, social protection, and public expenditure. This includes supporting the institutionalization of child budgeting and public finance for children (PF4C) within the VC-PMF. The consultant will provide strategic advisory support to the Rajya NITI Aayog (RNA) and relevant line departments, ensuring that child-focused priorities are integrated into their planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems. The consultant will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government institutions and development partners, to advocate for children's rights and wellbeing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Geography, or similar disciplines in social sciences. A PhD is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in social policy, public finance, or child poverty analysis, including research experience from doctoral or post-doctoral programs. Demonstrated analytical and advisory engagement with state or national government institutions is essential, along with prior experience working with UN agencies, bilateral donors, or multilateral development organizations in Chhattisgarh or similar contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Geography, or other social sciences. A PhD is highly desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in areas such as social policy, public finance, or child poverty analysis. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting research and analysis, particularly in relation to government institutions and policy frameworks. Experience with UN agencies or similar organizations is preferred, especially in the context of Chhattisgarh or comparable regions.

Languages:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi are mandatory for this position. Familiarity with the Chhattisgarhi context is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders and understand regional issues.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 18.5 months, and the working arrangement is office-based with travel requirements. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all positions are advertised publicly.