TERMS OF REFERENCE
The purpose of this assignment is to strengthen disaster risk financing (DRF) systems for social sectors in selected Pacific Island Countries (Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu) by improving the capacity of governments and partners to mobilize and deliver financial resources effectively to protect children and essential services during shocks. The consultancy will support UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO) to enhance its role as a strategic partner in DRF by working closely with Ministries of Finance and line ministries responsible for education, health & nutrition, child protection, WASH, and social protection to strengthen the integration of social sectors within DRF frameworks. This includes assessing and improving shock-responsive delivery systems (“money-out”), identifying systemic bottlenecks, and providing targeted technical support and initial capacity-building to ensure that financial resources translate into timely and effective support for children. The assignment will further contribute to elevating the role of social sectors within national DRF approaches, ensuring that financing mechanisms explicitly account for the protection of essential services and the needs of children in disaster contexts. In parallel, the consultancy will facilitate engagement with key regional and international partners, including PCRIC, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), to align UNICEF’s work with broader DRF initiatives and promote coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches. Finally, the consultancy will contribute to the development of donor-ready proposals and a UNICEF DRF roadmap, ensuring that country-level engagement and systems improvements are translated into actionable strategies, strengthened partnerships, and resource mobilization opportunities to better protect children from disaster impacts.
Minimum requirements
Public Policy or Public Financial Management Climate Change or Development Studies or a related field
Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, particularly Ministries of Finance and/or
social sector ministries (education, health & nutrition, child protection, WASH, child protection, social protection)
Proven experience in designing or supporting DRF systems, policies, or instruments, including shock responsive systems and/or financing mechanisms
Experience in multi-country or regional assignments, preferably in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or the Pacific region
Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination, including collaboration with development partners (e.g. multilateral development banks, regional organizations, UN agencies)
Experience in strengthening shock-responsive delivery systems (“money-out”) and linking financing to Service delivery
Ability to translate analytical and technical findings into practical policy and operational recommendations
Experience in developing donor proposals, concept notes, or investment cases
Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills
Desirables
Familiarity with Pacific regional institutions and DRF actors (e.g. PCRIC, World Bank, ADB, PIFS)
Previous experience working with UNICEF or other UN agencies
Experience delivering capacity-building or facilitation with government stakeholders
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.