National Consultant for the Development of the Methodology for Calculation of Accommodation Costs in Safe Houses

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and empower women globally. It combines the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of gender equality. UN Women is committed to addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices that affect millions of women and girls, advocating for their rights and providing support to survivors. The organization plays a crucial role in setting global standards and working with governments and civil society to implement laws, policies, and programs that promote gender equality and protect women's rights.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive methodology for calculating accommodation costs in safe houses in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This position requires close collaboration with the FBiH Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and representatives from safe houses. The consultant will analyze existing legal, institutional, and financial frameworks, identify cost calculation models, and develop a cost structure model that distinguishes between fixed and variable costs. The consultant will also prepare an analytical framework for calculating optimal accommodation costs per beneficiary per day, conduct a comparative analysis of regional and EU practices, and draft a methodology and rulebook in accordance with federal legislation. The consultant will ensure that the methodology is validated through a consultative process with relevant institutions and organizations, culminating in a final documentation that includes the validated methodology and key recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include:

• Conducting an analytical overview of the existing legal, institutional, and financial framework for financing safe houses in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Identifying existing cost calculation models and key challenges in practice.
• Developing a cost structure model that distinguishes between fixed and variable costs, including minimum standards for various expenses such as human resources, energy, food, and material costs.
• Preparing an analytical framework and scenarios for calculating the optimal accommodation cost per beneficiary per day, with adjustments based on the size and capacity of safe houses.
• Conducting a comparative analysis of regional and EU practices, particularly focusing on methodologies used in Slovenia and other countries with similar financing models.
• Drafting the Methodology and Rulebook on the calculation of accommodation costs in safe houses, ensuring compliance with federal legislation and social protection standards.
• Engaging in a consultative process to present draft documents to relevant institutions and organizations, collecting feedback, and finalizing the Methodology and Rulebook.
• Submitting final documentation, including the validated methodology, final draft rulebook, and a summary of the consultation process with key recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, public administration, social policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the same fields combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. The qualifications will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis, ensuring that candidates meet the educational requirements necessary for this consultancy role.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, public administration, social policy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in the same fields, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience, may also be accepted. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social protection systems and the financial models related to service provision for vulnerable groups.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in social work, social policy development, or economic analysis of social services. They must demonstrate proven experience in developing methodologies, cost analyses, or financial models related to social protection or service provision for vulnerable groups, including survivors of violence. Experience working with governmental institutions at the entity or state level on budgeting and social protection systems is also required. Additionally, candidates should have a track record of producing high-quality analytical reports, assessments, or policy documents in the areas of social work, social protection, or gender equality.

Languages:
Excellent communication and written skills in B/C/S are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience and stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will facilitate the consultant's work in drafting reports and engaging in consultations with various institutions and organizations.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, meaning that the consultant is not required to be present at UN Women premises or travel to complete the assignment. The consultant will report regularly to the UN Women BiH Country Office regarding the progress of deliverables. All deliverables must be submitted in B/C/S language, and the final documentation is due by December 18, 202

• The consultancy will involve a total of 20 days of work, with specific deliverables due at various stages throughout the assignment. UN Women emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.