UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

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, HOPE!

Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: Programme and Policy: Senior Economic Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: Director’s Office Programme Group – NYHQ

Duration: September 30, 2025 to June 30, 2026

Home/ Office Based: REMOTE

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide expert guidance on the development of a research and thought leadership agenda on the debt crisis and its impacts on children. The consultant will support the shaping of the research direction, advise on the production of key outputs, and contribute to the delivery of a flagship publication. This includes identifying and engaging contributing authors, facilitating research activities, supporting coherence across outputs, and advising on the preparation of a final book that synthesizes findings and policy insights.

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of the Programme Group Director (and in close consultation with the Executive Manager), this consultancy will provide technical guidance and expert support to the following tasks:

1. Contribute to the development of a research framework on the debt crisis and children

Building on UNICEF’s legacy of Adjustment with a Human Face and in response to today’s global debt challenges, the consultant will provide expert input to the articulation of a forward-looking research framework. This framework will help shape UNICEF’s intellectual and policy engagement on the debt crisis and its implications for children, connecting historical lessons with present fiscal realities.

Activities may include:

• Advising on the articulation of long-term objectives for UNICEF’s role in global discourse on debt and children.
• Recommending a typology of research and thought leadership approaches (e.g., explorative, formative, and directive).
• Contributing to the outline of methodological approaches and defining intended audiences.

2. Advise on engagement with advisory and expert groups

The consultant will provide support in leveraging established governance and expert structures to strengthen the implementation of the research agenda.

Activities may include:

• Recommending approaches for convening the external advisory panel to ensure global relevance.
• Advising on engagement with the internal steering committee to ensure alignment with UNICEF priorities.
• Supporting the use of the internal expert group for technical input and thematic feedback.
• Suggesting ways to facilitate regular knowledge exchange across these groups.

3. Support identification of research themes and contributors

The consultant will contribute to refining and operationalizing a focused set of research themes aligned with the overarching initiative.

Activities may include:

• Recommending and refining key research themes (e.g., debt and social spending, intergenerational equity).
• Mapping existing evidence and highlighting critical gaps.
• Suggesting potential researchers or institutions for commissioned work.
• Advising on approaches to statistical and qualitative analysis relevant to the project.

4. Provide technical review and quality input across research activities

The consultant will contribute to maintaining analytical rigor and policy relevance across the research outputs.

Activities may include:

• Reviewing research drafts and providing written or verbal feedback.
• Advising on coherence in analytical frameworks and thematic framing.
• Ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s broader strategic goals.
• Supporting peer review and quality assurance processes.

5. Support the development of the flagship publication

The consultant will provide input into the preparation of the final research publication and advise on the publishing process.

Activities may include:

• Recommending suitable publishers and formats for dissemination.
• Providing editorial feedback on the manuscript.
• Advising on strategies for integrating contributions from multiple authors.
• Supporting the preparation and finalization of the manuscript for submission.

6. Advise on dissemination and outreach strategies

The consultant will help ensure the work contributes to global dialogue and informs key moments in public debate and policymaking.

Activities may include:

• Recommending approaches for the launch of the publication and associated materials.
• Supporting engagement with media and communication teams.
• Identifying opportunities for integration into global policy events and forums.
• Advising on the tailoring of outputs for diverse audiences.

Terms of Reference / Specific Deliverables

# 1: Identification of research experts and support to developing research products

1x expert mapping note summarizing priority experts by thematic area and research focus.

Regular (at least bi-weekly) discussions with internal advisors, with summary notes prepared and shared via email following each meeting.

30 Sept 2025

#2: Development of statistical analysis for the research 1 x Technical note outlining data sources, variables, and methods

1 x Statistical output summary, including graphs/tables for manuscript integration.

30 Oct 2025

#3: Development of country case studies and analysis

3 x draft case study papers (max 12 pages each) with structured analysis (context, debt trajectory, restructuring process, child impact).

30 Nov 2025

#4: Development of research on a reform agenda on debt restructuring processes. 1 x Discussion paper outlining reform proposals with precedent, feasibility, and implications for child-focused outcomes.

20 Dec 2025

#5: Development of responsibilities of borrowing countries. 1 x Discussion paper outlining reform proposals with precedent, feasibility, and implications for child-focused outcomes.

31 Jan 2026

#6: Development of manuscript change for Part 1: A framework of readjustment 1 x Manuscript for Part 1 developed. Comments received and summarized from internal and external experts.

28 Feb 2026

#7: Development of manuscript change for Part 2: The impacts of debt burdens and restructuring on children

1 x Manuscript for Part 2 developed. Comments received and summarized from internal and external experts.

31 March 2026

#8: Development of manuscript change for Part 3: A reform package for debt restructuring and improved child outcomes.

1 x Manuscript for Part 3 developed. Comments received and summarized from internal and external experts.

30 April 2026

#9: Finalisation of all parts of full manuscript

1x Updated completed manuscript developed.

30 May 2026

#10: Book finalization including copyediting and referencing, and front matter (forward and acknowledgements).

1 x Final book completed with all required elements.

30 June 2026

Qualifications

(1) Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters) in public policy, economics, social sciences

(2) Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• A minimum of 15 years of work experience in social sciences, economics, or public policy
• Prior knowledge of working at UNICEF an asset
• Network with thought leaders and academic partners (required)
• Exceptional public speaking and writing skills
• Proven ability to develop engaging written communication assets

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

o the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.

o travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.

o Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.

o Indicate your availability

• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.

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

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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:

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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