Consultant for Financing of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 has a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. UNICEF offers a supportive environment for professional and personal development, with a strong emphasis on values such as care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that all children, especially the most disadvantaged, have access to their rights and opportunities for growth.

Job Overview:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive seven-month desk-based analytical study on the financing of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, which is a flagship initiative of the Government of Indonesia. The role involves analyzing the financing of MBG within the State Budget (APBN), focusing on budget allocations, expenditure trends, and the composition of spending. The consultant will assess the adequacy, efficiency, and fiscal sustainability of current financing arrangements and identify opportunities to enhance budget performance. Additionally, the consultant will evaluate fiscal incentive mechanisms related to stunting reduction and their alignment with MBG objectives. This position requires strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into actionable policy recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a detailed analysis of the financing of the Free Nutritious Meal programme within the State Budget, including budget allocations and expenditure trends.
• Assess the adequacy, efficiency, and fiscal sustainability of current financing arrangements for the MBG programme.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen budget performance and support informed decision-making regarding the programme's scale-up and long-term viability.
• Evaluate fiscal incentive mechanisms and frameworks related to stunting reduction and their potential contributions to MBG objectives.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations based on the analysis conducted.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and development partners, to gather data and insights.
• Present findings to UNICEF and other stakeholders, ensuring clarity and actionable recommendations.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong expertise in public financial management (PFM), including budget analysis and expenditure review.
• Solid understanding of intergovernmental fiscal systems and decentralization.
• Familiarity with fiscal transfer mechanisms and incentive frameworks, particularly those related to nutrition and stunting reduction.
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate findings into clear, actionable policy recommendations.
• Strong analytical writing and communication skills in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Public Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to conduct the required analysis effectively.

Experience:
The consultant should have significant experience in public expenditure analysis, particularly in social sectors such as nutrition, health, and education. Experience at the subnational level is also important, as it will provide insights into local financing mechanisms and challenges. Previous work with development partners or international organizations is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the operational context and collaboration in similar projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in both languages are essential for effective collaboration and reporting. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is seven months, and the working arrangement is home-based. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.