TERMS OF REFERENCE
The consultancy will provide dedicated national technical and operational support to the ECG Deep Dive Analysis so that the assessment is firmly grounded in Kosovo's legal, policy, institutional, service-delivery and subnational context. The local consultant will support the identification, collection and review of national and municipal evidence; facilitate access to institutions and data holders; contribute to stakeholder and service mapping; support qualitative fieldwork and contextual interpretation; and help verify findings, commendations, indicators and institutional responsibilities. The assignment will strengthen the completeness, accuracy and practical relevance of the Deep Dive while avoiding duplication of the international consultant's technical-lead role.
Education
Masters degree in Economics; Social Policy; Public Policy/Public Administration; Sociology; Development Studies; Statistics/Demography; Public Finance; Law; or another relevant social-science discipline. A Bachelor's degree with substantial additional relevant experience may be considered where permitted by UNICEF procedures.
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in social policy, social protection, child rights, poverty/social exclusion, public policy research, service delivery analysis or a closely related field in Kosovo. Demonstrated experience conducting desk research, policy analysis, data compilation and/or mixed-method research involving government institutions, municipalities, service providers or civil society.
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
Practical experience with stakeholder mapping, key informant interviews, focus groups, field visits, structured note taking and synthesis of qualitative evidence. Experience working with quantitative or administrative datasets and ability to organize data, document metadata/limitations and prepare clear evidence tables. Advanced statistical modelling is not required. Experience reviewing public budgets, municipal financing, programme expenditure or public-finance documents is an asset.
Strong knowledge of Kosovo central-local governance and service-delivery arrangements, including experience working with municipalities. Experience with UNICEF, UN agencies, EU-funded programmes, government institutions, international organizations or comparable development partners is an asset.
Experience applying ethical research, confidentiality and child-safeguarding requirements is required where children or vulnerable groups are consulted.
Language Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English and at least one official language of Kosovo (Albanian or Serbian) is required.
Working knowledge of the other official language of Kosovo is a strong asset. Knowledge of other community languages is an asset.
Previous work on child poverty, social inclusion, European integration/social policy, the European Child Guarantee or related national/municipal diagnostics. Experience with Kosovo administrative data, household survey/census sources, service mapping or indicator frameworks.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.