Consultant for Social Policy Analysis

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Social Policy Analysis
Location: Tehran
Country: Iran
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with essential services and support to fulfill their potential. UNICEF's mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children thrive, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. With a workforce of thousands of employees globally, UNICEF collaborates with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs that address the needs of children and families in various contexts, including emergencies and development settings.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in analyzing Iran's social protection system, particularly the Yaraneh program, which aims to provide a quasi-universal basic income to vulnerable populations. The consultant will be responsible for producing eight evidence-based policy briefs that critically assess the current cash transfer system, identify its limitations, and propose a phased transition to a more targeted and effective 'Cash+' approach. This approach will integrate cash transfers with complementary interventions in key social policy areas such as education, health, nutrition, employability, and gender equality. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF's Social Policy Unit and other relevant sectors to ensure that the policy briefs are well-informed and actionable, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable social safety net in Iran.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing social and humanitarian cash transfer systems in Iran, assessing their fiscal implications, distributional impact, and effectiveness in poverty reduction.
• Develop a framework for linking conditional cash transfers to education outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups.
• Explore targeted cash transfers and supplementary programs to improve access to healthcare and address specific health vulnerabilities.
• Investigate strategies for enhancing nutritional intake through cash transfers and related programs.
• Design a program that combines cash transfers with access to quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and job placement services.
• Propose strategies for using cash transfers to promote gender equality and women's economic empowerment.
• Develop a framework for utilizing cash transfers as a rapid response mechanism during emergencies.
• Synthesize findings and recommendations into a cohesive roadmap for transitioning to a targeted, integrated Cash+ program.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders, including government bodies and UN agencies, to ensure the methodology is comprehensive and inclusive. 1
• Manage the design, documentation, and distribution of the policy briefs, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's communication and visibility requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in social sciences, economics, public policy, public administration, data science, or related fields.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in social policy, social protection, public financing, and policy making, including data assessment and experience in designing social protection schemes.
• Proven experience working with national social protection stakeholders.
• Strong analytical writing and communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and concise text in English and Persian.
• Ability to synthesize knowledge and effectively express ideas in writing.
• Previous experience working within the UN system is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as social sciences, economics, public policy, public administration, or data science. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to analyze complex social protection systems and develop effective policy recommendations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in social policy and social protection, with a strong emphasis on public financing and policy making. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing social protection schemes and working with national stakeholders in the field. Experience in programs focused on children is considered a strong asset, as the consultant will be addressing issues that directly impact vulnerable populations, particularly children and their families.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required, along with proficiency in Persian. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for drafting policy briefs and engaging with stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be conducted within Iran, and the consultant is expected to have independent office space and equipment. The work will involve desk research, focus group discussions, stakeholder engagement, interviews, and surveys. The consultant will report to the Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF Iran and will collaborate closely with relevant sectoral units. The consultant must ensure compliance with UNICEF's communication and visibility regulations and maintain adequate insurance coverage for any risks associated with the contract. The consultant is also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children and other stakeholders during interactions.