Early Childhood Intervention Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. 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 Early Childhood Intervention Consultant will provide high-level strategic and technical expertise to UNICEF Bulgaria and national partners. The primary focus will be on supporting the sustainability, institutionalization, and future scale-up of the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) system in Bulgaria. This role requires a deep understanding of early childhood development and intervention, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government institutions and local organizations. The consultant will be expected to develop national strategies, roadmaps, and policy frameworks that align with UNICEF's mission and objectives, ensuring that the ECI system is effectively integrated into existing services and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to UNICEF Bulgaria and national partners on the ECI system.
• Support the development and implementation of national strategies and policies related to early childhood intervention.
• Collaborate with government institutions, municipalities, and professional organizations to strengthen the ECI system.
• Conduct evaluations and assessments of existing ECI services and programs to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop methodological and technical resources to support the implementation of ECI services.
• Facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders involved in early childhood development and intervention.
• Monitor and report on the progress of ECI initiatives and provide recommendations for scaling up successful practices.
• Engage in advocacy efforts to promote the importance of early childhood intervention at national and local levels.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Intervention, Public Management, or Policy.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in early childhood development, early childhood intervention, disability inclusion, education, health, or social services.
• Proven experience in policy development, systems strengthening, and institutional development.
• Demonstrated ability to work with national and local government institutions and other stakeholders.
• Experience in developing strategic, methodological, or technical resources related to early childhood intervention.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Intervention, Public Management, or Policy. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the ECI system in Bulgaria.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include progressively responsible roles in early childhood development, early childhood intervention, and related fields. Candidates should have a strong background in policy development, systems strengthening, and institutional development, as well as experience working with various stakeholders, including government institutions and professional organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in Bulgarian is mandatory, along with excellent written and spoken English. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the development of resources and documentation related to early childhood intervention. Previous experience working with UNICEF, UN agencies, or other international organizations is considered a desirable asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 16.7 months, and the working arrangement is remote with travel requirements. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization adheres to strict policies regarding the protection of children's rights and conducts rigorous background checks on all selected candidates. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and ensures that all positions are advertised publicly.