National Consultant to provide support to a Social Protection expenditure review and documentation of the government’s COVID-19 social protection response (Sri Lankan Nationals only)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, How can you make a difference?

How can you make a difference?

Under the Supervision of Chief of Social Policy and Child Rights Monitoring, the consultant will be required to aid in research and review on two papers 1) A mapping and public expenditure review (PER) of national-level and government-led social protection programmes in Sri Lanka, and; 2) A review focusing on social protection responses to COVID-19 adopted following the outbreak of the pandemic

Activities and tasks:

• Review and revise the IPC-IG document “Public Expenditure Analysis for Social Protection in Sri Lanka”, along with research to complement or update its contents with information from official (government) sources.
• Review and revision of the IPC-IG summary document “Social Protection Responses to Covid-19 in Sri Lanka”, including research to complement or update the contents with information from official and secondary sources.
• Coordination with GoSL stakeholders to provide feedback and analysis for the two documents
• Update papers after they are presented to GoSL
• Support the process of validation of the papers with GoSL by UNICEF/IPC-IG.

Work relationships:

The completion of the above tasks will be the responsibilities of the consultant. UNICEF will however assist the consultant to meet with different counterparts/stakeholders. UNICEF Zone Offices will facilitate visit to agencies/institutions in their respective zones, if necessary.

Outputs/Deliverables:

• Annotation of (comments and track changes) of the two document drafts.
• Help develop a set of questions for government agencies responsible for administering key social protection programmes with IPC-IG and UNICEF Sri Lanka.
• Send questionnaires, liaise, and gather feedback from GoSL agencies in charge of key social protection programmes.
• Conduct follow-up interviews to supplement or corroborate the information obtained from the questionnaires.
• Obtain, as needed, official or secondary documentation to support the information being compiled. Including translations of key information, unavailable in English, from Sinhala or Tamil.
• Help to prepare for the presentation to Government by finalising drafts, helping with PPTs, and conducting preparatory meetings with IPC-IG.
• Submitting two finalized studies that consider comments and additions from the validation workshop.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

1. Education: At least a master’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Social Policy, International Development Development Policy or closely related field. PhD in the mentioned fields considered an asset.
2. Specialist skills/Training:

• Proven communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.
• Solid record of research and publications in themes relevant to this consultancy.
• Proven understanding of and work on social protection/security/welfare, particularly on inclusive/universal social protection is a major advantage.
• Ability to plan own work, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.
• Sound interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations.

3. Years of experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in applied socio-economic research and in high-quality economic and social policy advisory roles, including in areas such as social policy, poverty, social protection policy, and experience in issues related to political economy and human development.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working on policy and social issues in Sri Lanka.
• At least 5 years of experience of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to the analysis of public and social policy, especially in developing countries.

4. Competencies required[1]: Drive to achieve results for impact (1), Works collaboratively with others (2), Builds and maintains partnerships (3), Thinks and acts strategically (4), Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (5), Innovates and embraces change.
5. **Languages required****: Fluency in English & Sinhala (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Tamil considered an asset.

Duration - 25 working days

How to apply

Please complete your profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system. https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_consultancy_assignments.html. Please submit a Cover Letter explaining your motivation and key skills you would bring to the position.

Please indicate your ability, availability and fee / rate (in LKR) to undertake the terms of reference above. (Indicate an all-inclusive fee (including lump sum travel, IT accessories, Internet and subsistence costs, as applicable) to undertake the tasks in the Terms of reference. Office 365 license will be provided by UNICEF, as applicable)

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

f you think this Consultancy might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.