Consultant for the Development of Budget Briefs

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. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusivity and growth.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the Development of Budget Briefs is integral to UNICEF Malaysia's Public Finance for Children (PF4C) initiative. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing and summarizing national budget allocations and expenditures, focusing on sectors critical to children's well-being. This role is pivotal in generating insights that will inform advocacy efforts and support evidence-based policymaking aimed at enhancing public investment in children. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Malaysian government, to ensure that the budget briefs effectively reflect the needs and rights of children in Malaysia. The position requires a strong understanding of public finance management and the ability to communicate complex financial information in an accessible manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop annual budget briefs that analyze national budget allocations and expenditures related to children's services.
• Collaborate with UNICEF and government stakeholders to gather relevant data and insights.
• Prepare visually engaging PowerPoint presentations to communicate findings effectively.
• Conduct thorough research on budgeting systems at both federal and state levels in Malaysia.
• Provide recommendations for improving public investment in child-related sectors based on budget analysis.
• Ensure that all reports and presentations are tailored to meet the needs of policymakers and the general public.
• Maintain a strong understanding of social sectors, including child protection, social protection, and health systems in Malaysia.
• Engage in advocacy efforts to promote the importance of child-focused budgeting.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess an advanced degree (master’s or higher preferred) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, or Data Science. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, demonstrating a strong understanding of public finance management and budgeting systems in Malaysia. Familiarity with Malaysia’s institutional frameworks and service delivery systems is essential. Candidates should also have excellent report writing skills and the ability to create visually engaging presentations for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have an advanced degree, preferably a master's or higher, in fields such as Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, or Data Science. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public finance and the socio-economic factors affecting children's well-being in Malaysia.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience. Candidates should have a proven track record in public finance management, with specific experience in analyzing budget allocations and expenditures. Experience in developing budget briefs is considered an asset, as is familiarity with the social sectors impacting children in Malaysia.

Languages:
Candidates must have good reading proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia to analyze federal budget documents and excellent written English skills to produce briefs and presentations for policymakers and the general public. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be full-time and may involve working closely with various stakeholders in Malaysia. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.