International Consultant to Develop a PEFA Methodology for Assessing Child-Responsive Public Financial Management

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a global organization that works 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. Established in 1946, UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, which is not just a job but a calling. The organization is committed to providing diverse opportunities for professional and personal development for its staff, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities worldwide. UNICEF values diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds to contribute to its mission, and offers an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop and test a draft Child-Responsive Public Financial Management (ChPFM) assessment methodology that can be piloted in various countries and potentially integrated into the PEFA framework. Public financial management systems are crucial in ensuring that policy commitments to children translate into effective budgets, predictable financing, and accountable results. UNICEF has been active in strengthening Public Finance for Children in 144 countries, generating analysis and evidence to enhance budgets for children. The current lack of a globally established methodology for assessing how PFM systems support children's rights and equitable outcomes highlights the need for this consultancy. The initial phase will involve comparative evidence review, development of a robust draft methodology, and initial testing through retrospective application to a country case or consultation with an active PEFA process. The final deliverables will include the draft methodology and a protocol for future multi-country piloting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of existing methodologies and frameworks related to public financial management and child rights. They will develop a draft core methodology for assessing child-responsive public financial management systems, ensuring alignment with PEFA concepts while incorporating a child-rights and equity lens. The consultant will also engage in initial testing and validation of the methodology through retrospective application to a selected country case or in consultation with ongoing PEFA processes. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate expert consultations to gather insights and feedback on the draft methodology, ensuring it is robust and applicable across different contexts. The final output will include a detailed methodology document and a protocol for piloting the methodology in multiple countries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in public finance, public expenditure analysis, public financial management, or fiscal policy, with a focus on child-focused expenditure analysis. Demonstrated expertise in the PEFA framework, including the application or development of PEFA or supplementary assessments, is essential. Experience in developing indicator frameworks, assessment methodologies, and technical guidance for governments or development partners is also required. Familiarity with equity-oriented public financial management and social-sector financing will be considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy, or Public Administration is required for this position. This educational background is critical as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to understand complex public financial management systems and their impact on children's rights and welfare.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in public finance, public expenditure analysis, public financial management, or fiscal policy. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with ministries of finance and other public financial management institutions in various country contexts. Experience in child-focused expenditure analysis and familiarity with the PEFA framework, including gender-responsive assessments, will be advantageous. The consultant should also have experience in developing methodologies and operational tools for governments or development partners.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French is considered a significant asset, particularly for contexts where French is prevalent. Knowledge of another UN language would also be beneficial, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contexts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be a full-time engagement, with specific deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its mission, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are required to submit an up-to-date profile and CV, a cover letter, a financial proposal, and a detailed technical proposal as part of their application.