National Consultant - Social Protection

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Social Protection will play a crucial role in advancing the National Social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Strategy (NSS) in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on social protection for children under 5 years of age. This position involves supporting the implementation and scaling up of the cash plus component of the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA). The consultant will work to integrate cash assistance with essential services for children aged 0-4, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations, including marginalized groups and women in hard-to-reach areas, receive the necessary support. The role requires tracking service linkage results at the national level and increasing community awareness about the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Government of Bangladesh and relevant ministries to implement the MCBP effectively.
• Support the expansion of beneficiary coverage, particularly for vulnerable women and children.
• Facilitate the integration of cash assistance with essential services such as antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), and birth registration.
• Monitor and evaluate the results of service linkages through Management Information Systems (MIS) and Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC).
• Conduct community awareness campaigns to inform beneficiaries about available services.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to local authorities and stakeholders involved in the MCBP.
• Prepare reports and documentation on the progress and challenges of the program implementation.
• Engage in capacity-building activities for local partners and stakeholders to enhance their understanding of social protection mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Administration, Disaster Management, Development Studies, or related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social protection, cash transfer programs, or social sector initiatives.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and statistical analysis software is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Administration, Disaster Management, or Development Studies. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of social protection and the specific needs of vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social protection, cash transfer programs, or related social sector initiatives. Experience working in tea gardens is highly desirable, as it provides insight into the unique challenges faced by specific communities in Bangladesh.

Languages:
Fluency in Bangla and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 8.5 months, and the working arrangement is office-based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct. Candidates are required to submit an up-to-date TMS profile, CV, cover letter, a financial proposal, and a technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.