Strategic Technical Consultant

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, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Technical Consultant position is focused on addressing the growing burden of childhood overweight and obesity in China, particularly related to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). The consultant will provide high-level strategic and technical advisory support to UNICEF and its national partners, exploring the feasibility and policy relevance of fiscal measures such as SSB taxation. This role requires a deep understanding of health taxation and fiscal policy, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of policy development and reform in a sensitive political environment. The consultant will be expected to generate evidence, engage in policy dialogue, and advocate for healthier food environments for children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for providing strategic and technical advisory support, including but not limited to: conducting comprehensive analyses of fiscal policies related to health and nutrition; developing recommendations for the implementation of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation; engaging with government officials and stakeholders to promote policy dialogue; conducting workshops and training sessions; preparing detailed reports and policy briefs; and collaborating with international organizations and partners to align strategies and share best practices. The consultant will also need to assess the socio-economic and fiscal context of China to ensure that recommendations are relevant and actionable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in health taxation, fiscal policy, public finance, or nutrition policy. They should demonstrate expertise in sugar-sweetened beverage taxation and health taxes, as well as proficiency in fiscal modeling and economic data analysis. Strong analytical, strategic advisory, and policy writing skills are essential. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of China or similar countries is highly desirable, along with experience supporting governments or international organizations in fiscal policy design and implementation.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Health, Nutrition Policy, Health Financing, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health taxation and fiscal policy, as well as for conducting the necessary analyses and developing effective recommendations.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in relevant fields such as health taxation, fiscal policy, or public finance. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with governments or international organizations on fiscal policy design and implementation, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex policy environments and contribute to significant health initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. While English proficiency is essential for communication and documentation, additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in Mandarin or other languages relevant to the Chinese context, although they are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 12 months, with a working arrangement that is primarily remote but may involve travel to Beijing. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is dedicated to safeguarding children. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.