Individual Consultant for Integrated Services Model for Children with Disabilities

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to ensure the rights of every child, particularly the most disadvantaged, by providing healthcare, education, protection from abuse, and opportunities for participation. UNICEF employs thousands of staff globally, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, and operates with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The position involves coordinating the phase II pilot implementation of an integrated services model for children with disabilities at the sub-national level in Thailand. The consultant will devise strategies for scaling up this model nationally, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the necessary support and services. This role is crucial in addressing the gaps in accessibility and service delivery for children with disabilities, particularly in light of the challenges identified in the National Economic and Social Development Plan. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local organizations, to enhance the effectiveness of the model and advocate for its broader implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and assess the existing integrated services model for children with disabilities, providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Develop a detailed pilot implementation plan and a strategy for national scale-up, including identifying potential additional locations for pilot sites.
• Coordinate ongoing pilot sites in Chiang Mai province and expand to new locations, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and training for front-line staff.
• Conduct advocacy efforts to promote the scale-up of the integrated services model, including organizing consultation meetings and gathering insights through interviews and focus groups.
• Collaborate with the Monitoring & Evaluation consultant to implement the M&E framework and adjust the model as necessary.
• Deliver regular progress updates to UNICEF, NESDC, and DEP, and prepare reports on implementation challenges and solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Social Policy, Social Science, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in disability, social protection, or social services is required. Familiarity with government sectors and advocacy work is essential, along with demonstrated experience in program management. Strong planning and organizational skills, as well as fluency in Thai and English (both verbal and written), are mandatory.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Social Policy, or Social Science is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of social services and policies affecting children with disabilities.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional or research experience in areas related to disability, social protection, and social services. Experience working with government sectors and a proven track record in advocacy are crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Thai and English is mandatory for this position, both in verbal and written communication. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is from March 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The consultant will be expected to travel to selected pilot locations within Thailand. This position is a consultancy role and does not confer staff member status under the UN regulations. Selected candidates will be subject to background checks and must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, unless working remotely.