Consultant for Violence Against Children (VAC) Economic Cost Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of children. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The organization focuses on various issues, including health, education, protection from violence, and emergency response, aiming to create a world where every child can grow up healthy, educated, and safe. UNICEF's mission is to promote the rights of children and ensure their access to essential services, particularly in the most disadvantaged communities. Through partnerships with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders, UNICEF strives to address the root causes of child poverty and inequality, advocating for policies that prioritize children's needs and rights.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in estimating the direct costs associated with violence against children (VAC) in Brazil. This position is integral to UNICEF's efforts to produce robust evidence that will inform public policy and advocacy aimed at reducing VAC. The consultant will utilize the Social Spending on Children and Adolescents (GSCA) Methodology to analyze public budget and expenditure reports from the Federal Government, as well as data from selected municipalities. The overarching goal is to quantify the economic costs of inaction and the financial implications of investing in prevention and response strategies for VAC. This analysis will not only highlight the urgent need for action but will also provide a compelling case for increased public investment in child protection systems. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF and Ipea, ensuring that the findings are communicated effectively to policymakers and stakeholders, thereby fostering a greater understanding of the economic impact of VAC and the importance of prioritizing children's rights and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will include:

• Identifying public expenditures related to VAC within the Federal Budget (OGU), focusing on programs and investments aimed at preventing violence and assisting affected children and adolescents.
• Classifying these expenditures according to the GSCA methodology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape surrounding VAC.
• Selecting relevant ministries for detailed analysis, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, Family, and Fight Against Hunger, Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, and Ministry of Justice and Public security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security.
• Quantifying and consolidating identified expenditures, adjusting for monetary value to reflect the base year of the research.
• Mapping state and municipal budget data, where feasible, to provide a more localized understanding of VAC costs.
• Producing detailed reports that consolidate findings and offer evidence-based policy recommendations, clearly outlining key assumptions and limitations of the analysis.
• Collaborating closely with UNICEF and Ipea throughout the consultancy to ensure alignment with organizational goals and methodologies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, economics, or other humanities. An advanced degree, such as a master's or PhD, is considered an asset. Additionally, a minimum of five years of professional experience in public budget and finance is required, particularly in relation to programs and actions that finance public policies for children and adolescents. The consultant should have a proven track record in writing analytical reports and synthesizing complex information from diverse sources. Strong skills in producing high-quality, evidence-based reports and actionable recommendations based on research findings are essential. The ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines is also crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, economics, or related fields. An advanced degree, such as a master's or PhD, is highly desirable and will be considered an asset in the selection process. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of public finance and the socio-economic factors affecting children and adolescents in Brazil.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in public budget and finance, with a specific focus on programs and actions related to the financing of public policies for children and adolescents. Candidates should have experience in writing analytical reports and synthesizing complex information, demonstrating the ability to produce high-quality, evidence-based reports. Familiarity with Brazilian administrative data and official household surveys is also advantageous, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to conduct thorough analyses and provide actionable recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and understanding of local contexts. Additionally, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are necessary, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and presentations in English for international stakeholders. Proficiency in both languages will facilitate collaboration with UNICEF and Ipea, as well as enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract will have a duration of 210 days, during which the consultant will be expected to deliver specific outputs and reports as outlined in the job description. The financial proposal must include a comprehensive fee structure based on the deliverables and number of days required for the assignment. Consultants are encouraged to provide all-inclusive fees that cover administrative costs, travel expenses, and subsistence costs, as applicable. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization adheres to strict child safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must ensure compliance with visa and health insurance requirements for the duration of the contract.