National Consultant for the National Centre of Culture for Children (NCCC)

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 is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of building careers that contribute to the welfare of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will support the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports (MoTCS) in Albania in developing the management plan for the National Centre of Culture for Children (NCCC). This role involves coordinating with stakeholders, mapping donors, and operationalizing programs for the NCCC. The consultant will provide technical support in designing the management plan, ensuring that it aligns with government reforms and policies related to culture, education, and youth. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations and contribute to the development of inclusive and accessible programs for children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce a Management Plan Framework Document that outlines the management structure, roles, responsibilities, governance mechanisms, and resource allocation for the NCCC, ensuring alignment with government policies.
• Conduct focus group discussions and key informant interviews with stakeholders to gather input for the Centre’s Annual Programs Framework, Activity Plan, and Calendar.
• Design programmatic activity curricula for various spaces within the Centre, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for children of all backgrounds.
• Develop a budget and resource plan for proposed activities, including cost estimates and logistical needs.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping to identify potential contributors and synergies for the Centre’s programs.
• Design a governance system for the Centre’s management and programs, ensuring sustainability and alignment with child safeguarding priorities.
• Develop a Staff Capacity Building Plan and Staffing Needs Assessment Report to enhance the skills of existing staff and identify future staffing requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Public Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies, Business Administration, or Political Economy.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public sector budgeting, governance, and financial planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing financial frameworks for national programs, particularly in education, youth, and culture.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and the use of planning and budgeting tools.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Public Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies, Business Administration, or Political Economy. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public sector budgeting and governance.

Experience:
Candidates should have 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public sector budgeting, governance, and financial or economic planning at national or sectoral levels. This experience should include expertise in designing and implementing financial frameworks for national programs, particularly in areas related to education, youth, and culture. The candidate should also have a proven track record of advising government or international institutions on governance and public financial management.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Albanian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be conducted remotely. Candidates are required to submit a letter of interest, an updated resume, a financial proposal, and a proposed methodology. The financial proposal must be submitted in local currency (LEK) and should include a breakdown of costs per deliverable. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse.