[Hiring] National Consultant for Implementation of the SDG2030BiH Programme @AGORA

Role Description

Under the supervision of the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, the National Consultant will provide structured implementation support, field-level coordination and quality assurance for UNICEF-supported activities under the Joint Programme “Accelerating Agenda 2030 through Governance and Sustainable Growth – SDG2030BiH.” The assignment will cover eight selected local governments and relevant partner institutions, with a focus on:

• Strengthening and standardizing inclusive social services
• Improving linkages between local planning, costing, budgeting, financing and implementation
• Supporting the development and application of sustainable financing approaches for selected social protection services and early childhood education and care

The Consultant will provide practical technical assistance to partner institutions in the design, improvement, standardization, costing, financing and implementation of inclusive services, applying gender equality, disability inclusion and Leave No One Behind principles. Responsibilities include:

• Promoting consistent use of agreed tools, methodologies, timelines, quality standards and reporting templates across the eight locations
• Coordinating technical inputs with the SDG2030BiH Joint Programme team and participating United Nations organizations
• Translating agreed Programme objectives and UNICEF technical guidance into location-specific implementation actions
• Maintaining regular liaison with eight selected local governments (Livno, Orasje, Laktasi, Gradiska, Istocno Novo Sarajevo, Gorazde, Banja Luka and Zvornik), Centres for Social Work, public and community-based service providers, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders
• Supporting implementation planning and follow-up
• Facilitating institutional and service assessments, service mapping, consultations, trainings, workshops and local planning processes
• Consolidating and validating programme information required for evidence-based decision-making
• Regularly monitoring UNICEF-supported interventions and grants through progress reviews, field visits, stakeholder consultations and maintenance of relevant tracking tools
• Documenting implementation progress and stakeholder feedback
• Identifying risks, delays, bottlenecks and systemic constraints at an early stage
• Recommending practical corrective measures
• Promptly escalating issues requiring UNICEF’s strategic, technical or operational follow-up

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, social policy, social work, public administration, development studies, local governance, social protection, child protection, community-based service delivery, or related disciplines
• A master’s degree in a relevant field would be considered an asset

Requirements

• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in social protection, child protection, social services, local governance, community-based service delivery, programme implementation, field coordination or other closely related areas
• Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance, methodological support and quality assurance
• Strong experience in stakeholder coordination with local authorities, Centres for Social Work, service providers, civil society organizations and/or development partners
• Experience in monitoring, reporting, risk identification and preparation of concise analytical reports
• Fluency in written and spoken local languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Strong understanding of social protection, child protection, local governance and community-based service delivery in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Strong planning, organizational and coordination skills
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, Centres for Social Work, service providers and other local stakeholders
• Ability to work independently across multiple field locations and manage competing priorities
• Strong analytical, synthesis and report-writing skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify implementation bottlenecks and propose practical solutions
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and produce concise, high-quality written reports
• Valid driving licence and ability to self-drive to a minimum of eight target locations

Benefits

• Diverse opportunities for professional and personal development
• Attractive compensation and benefits package