Individual National Consultancy for Public Finance for Nutrition

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. With a workforce dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed to providing diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. The organization has a long-standing presence in Laos, having served for over 50 years, and works closely with the Government of Lao PDR and various partners to enhance the welfare of children and women in the region. UNICEF's culture is inclusive, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, and it offers an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees. The organization emphasizes the importance of building careers and fostering a sense of purpose in its staff while serving communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual National Consultancy for Public Finance for Nutrition at UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR, is a critical role aimed at enhancing the financial management of nutrition programs. The consultant will collaborate with the Social Policy Specialist and the Public Finance for Children (PF4C) international consultant team, focusing on improving the institutional capacity for budget and expenditure tracking across relevant government agencies. The consultant will also engage with various ministries, including Finance, Health, Education, and Agriculture, to ensure effective implementation of nutrition-related financial strategies. This role requires the consultant to develop training modules, technical inputs for financial reporting, and monitoring tools to track government participation in nutrition initiatives. The consultant will work remotely but will need to travel occasionally for fieldwork, with an expected maximum of four trips per year, each lasting up to five days.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include supporting the assessment of institutional capacity for budget and expenditure tracking, developing a capacity-building roadmap for nutrition budget tracking, and creating training modules for government officials. They will provide technical inputs for designing a nutrition financial dashboard and contribute to the annual Nutrition Financial Performance Report. The consultant will also develop monitoring tools to track outcomes of nutrition-related activities and support the Ministry of Finance in rolling out a nutrition budget tagging system. Additionally, the consultant will engage in capacity building by delivering training and workshops, advising on Lao public finance management systems, and facilitating stakeholder consultations and advocacy events to promote nutrition investment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor or Advanced degree in finance, economics, business administration, or related fields. They should have demonstrated professional experience collaborating with government institutions and development partners, particularly in budget tagging and tracking related to nutrition or other cross-cutting issues. Experience working with the Ministry of Finance is considered an asset. Candidates should also have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in public finance management within social sectors such as finance, health, education, or agriculture. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in diverse teams and environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a Bachelor or Advanced degree in finance, economics, business administration, or related fields. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of public finance management and its application in social sectors, particularly in relation to nutrition and child welfare.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in public finance management, specifically within social sectors such as finance, health, education, or agriculture. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government institutions and development partners, particularly in areas related to budget tagging, tracking, and capacity building for nutrition and other cross-cutting issues. Familiarity with the Lao public budget process and financial procedures is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with good written and verbal communication skills being essential for effective collaboration and reporting. While English is the primary language required for this position, knowledge of Lao or other relevant languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and government officials.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months, starting as soon as possible. The consultant will primarily work from home but will need to travel occasionally for fieldwork, with an anticipated maximum of four trips per year, each lasting up to five days. The application process requires candidates to submit a letter of interest, a CV or resume, and a financial proposal that includes all-inclusive costs for the assignment, including medical insurance, travel, and accommodation. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse.