National Consultant in Social Policy

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 belonging and growth within the organization.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant in Social Policy at UNICEF Georgia aims to establish a roster of qualified experts to support the implementation of the 2026–2030 Government of Georgia–UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation. This role is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by children in Georgia, particularly those stemming from poverty, inequality, and social vulnerabilities. The consultant will provide expertise in areas such as social policy, social protection, disability inclusion, public finance for children (PF4C), and local governance. The overarching goal is to enhance the effectiveness and quality of social policies and programs that benefit vulnerable children and families. The consultant will be expected to engage in various tasks, including developing strategies for child-sensitive social protection, promoting child cash assistance, and integrating risk analysis into social protection design. This role is vital for ensuring that all children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to quality services and opportunities for development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Developing comprehensive strategies for child-sensitive and shock-responsive social protection systems.
• Promoting universal child cash assistance and providing technical assistance for its implementation.
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research to inform policy and decision-making.
• Supporting local authorities in child-rights-centered planning and budgeting.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society organizations, to advocate for child rights and social protection measures.
• Designing and delivering training programs for municipal staff to enhance their capacity to address social needs.
• Contributing to the development of policy briefs, legislative analyses, and other documentation to support UNICEF's objectives in Georgia.
• Participating in in-country travels as required for specific assignments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in public policy, social policy, social sciences, policy analysis, economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in public/social policy and social protection.
• Proven experience in research and analysis, with the ability to generate and utilize data effectively.
• Strong understanding of social policy, social protection, and child rights within the context of Georgia.
• Experience in formulating, designing, and evaluating social protection legislation and programs.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and negotiation skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written Georgian and English.
• High level of computer literacy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as public policy, social policy, social sciences, policy analysis, economics, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of social protection systems and child rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in public/social policy and social protection. This experience should include a strong focus on research and analysis, as well as practical involvement in the design and implementation of social protection programs and policies. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Georgia and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in both Georgian and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in these two languages to effectively engage with stakeholders and produce necessary documentation.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy work will focus on Georgia, and consultants are expected to manage their own facilities while conducting their work. Being part of the roster does not guarantee formal engagement with UNICEF, but it allows for rapid engagement for short- and medium-term assignments. The contract length will depend on project needs and funding availability. UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is mandatory.