UNICEF Consultancy 2025 – Lead Budget Reform & Social Protection as a Consultant
Looking to make a global impact through public policy and financial strategy? UNICEF is currently hiring a Social Policy Consultant in Monrovia, Liberia to provide expert support in program-based budgeting and the implementation of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to work with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), focusing on child-sensitive programs and sustainable development. Apply by April 21, 2025.
Background & Job Description
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, continues to play a vital role in advancing the rights and well-being of children across the globe. In Liberia, UNICEF supports a broad array of initiatives focused on education, health, child protection, and social policy. One of the major strategic efforts underway in Liberia is the implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) 2025–2029. This national development strategy is aligned with Liberia Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ECOWAS Vision 2050.
Liberia remains challenged by post-conflict economic instability, governance deficits, and structural weaknesses. These issues are compounded by a heavy dependence on external aid and inefficient fiscal systems that hinder timely and effective budget execution. Despite these challenges, Liberia has made strides in decentralization and social protection.
As part of efforts to achieve sustainable, child-focused development, UNICEF Liberia, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), is recruiting a qualified and experienced Social Policy Consultant. The consultant will support the government’s capacity to implement program-based budgeting, improve fiscal decentralization, and expand social protection systems.
This consultancy is designed for professionals with a strong background in public finance, social policy, and development cooperation. The selected candidate will work closely with national stakeholders and international partners, ensuring that budgetary and policy decisions support equitable development and the well-being of Liberia’s children.
Contract Type: Consultancy
Duty Station: Monrovia, Liberia
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Job Number: 580848
UNICEF Consultancy 2025 – Lead Budget Reform & Social Protection as a Consultant in Liberia
Tasks
The Social Policy Consultant will undertake the following key responsibilities:
- Assessment of Budget Allocations: Conduct a thorough analysis of national and sub-national budget allocations for child-centered social sectors and social protection programs in line with the AAID.
- Policy Brief Development: Draft a policy brief on financing options for expanding social protection coverage in four counties. Present the brief to the Technical Working Group chaired by MFDP.
- Technical Guidance on Fiscal Decentralization: Provide strategic support and capacity-building assistance to MFDP on fiscal decentralization planning and implementation.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Facilitate consultations with relevant ministries, development partners (e.g., IMF, World Bank, WFP, Swedish Embassy), and UNICEF to ensure alignment of budget advocacy with Liberia’s policy priorities.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- A Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Social Protection, or a related discipline is required.
Experience
- A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in social protection policy design, public finance, and program-based budgeting.
- Proven experience with national governance systems and fiscal decentralization frameworks, especially in post-conflict or African contexts.
- Demonstrated success in working with government institutions, international development agencies, and UN organizations such as UNICEF.
- Strong analytical capabilities in resource allocation, financial planning, and impact evaluation.
- Prior advisory roles related to government financial and social policy reforms are essential.
- Familiarity with the UN operational framework and development cooperation strategies is an added advantage.
Additional Information
- Working Arrangement: The position is based in Monrovia, Liberia. The consultant will use their own ICT equipment to complete the assignment.
- Supervision: The consultant will report to the Deputy Representative – Programme at UNICEF Liberia.
- Required Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, updated CV, and a comprehensive financial proposal including all consultancy-related costs (fees, travel, accommodation, etc.).
- Selection Criteria: Evaluation will be based on qualifications, relevant expertise, and a balance between technical and financial proposals. The technical component accounts for 75% of the score, while the financial proposal covers 25%.
- Application Deadline: Interested candidates must apply by April 21, 2025.
This consultancy is ideal for professionals who are passionate about using economic and social policy to create tangible improvements in children’s lives. By working with UNICEF Liberia and the MFDP, the consultant will play a key role in promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.
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