Consultancy: Public Finance Training Consultancy

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on children's survival, protection, and development, providing essential services such as vaccinations, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees in more than 145 countries, UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, making it the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role involves developing and delivering a training program focused on public financial management (PFM) tailored for the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) staff. The EOF is engaged in innovative, outcomes-based education programs across Africa, partnering with non-state actors and governments to enhance learning outcomes. The training aims to equip EOF staff with insights into PFM processes and the political economy of budgetary practices in resource-constrained environments. The training will be delivered online over 1.5 to 3 days and will include a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical tools to navigate decision-making processes effectively. The consultant will work closely with EOF to ensure the training meets the specific needs of the staff and aligns with their professional development objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design a comprehensive training curriculum in consultation with EOF’s program team, focusing on public financial management processes and the budget cycle.
• Deliver the training online to approximately 20 EOF staff members, ensuring an interactive and engaging learning experience.
• Produce a summary report evaluating the training's effectiveness, incorporating feedback from participants and suggesting follow-up actions.
• Ensure that the training content is relevant to the realities of public financial management in African contexts, integrating political economy analysis and practical tools for engagement with government institutions.
• Facilitate discussions and case studies to enhance understanding and application of the training material.
• Provide pre-reads or assignments to participants to prepare them for the training sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in international development, public policy, or the global education sector. They should have subject-matter expertise in public financial management systems in Africa and a strong background in working with public financial management reform initiatives. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate expertise in 'Thinking and Working Politically' approaches and have a proven track record of delivering interactive training programs, particularly for non-specialist audiences. Strong communication and facilitation skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Education, International Public Policy, International Development, Political Science, or Economics is preferred, although not strictly required. The emphasis is on practical experience and expertise in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in relevant fields such as international development or public policy. Candidates should have a solid understanding of public financial management practices and experience working in or with reform initiatives in Africa. Practical experience in delivering training programs is also crucial.

Languages:
The training will be conducted in English, making proficiency in English a mandatory requirement. Additional language skills relevant to the African context may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to run from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026, with the training being delivered remotely. The consultant must submit a financial proposal detailing costs for each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the assignment. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel and related expenses if required. Selected candidates will need to have valid health insurance and may be subject to background checks. The consultancy does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status against COVID-19 if they are expected to work on-site or travel.