[Hiring] National expert to support the development of Guidelines on assessment and determination of the best interests of unaccompanied children in the context of migration @AGORA

Role Description

The consultancy will support UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina in developing comprehensive and practical Guidelines on Best Interests Assessment and Determination of unaccompanied and separated foreign children in the context of migration and asylum who enter or are present on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The consultant will provide a comprehensive analysis of relevant laws and procedures; identify challenges, gaps and good practices; ensure consultations with key government partners and produce the Guideline that addresses the best interests of unaccompanied and separated children with a focus on durable solutions.

The development of the Guidelines will be undertaken through a consultative process involving relevant government institutions, child protection actors, migration and asylum authorities, civil society organizations, and UN agencies to ensure ownership and alignment with existing legal and institutional frameworks.

Scope of Work

• Provide technical support in developing Guidelines on Best Interests Assessment and Determination for unaccompanied and separated children.
• Facilitate multi-sectoral consultations.
• Undertake legal and policy analysis.
• Draft practical guidance that strengthens decision-making on durable solutions in line with international standards and national legislation.

Deliverables

• Inception report outlining workplan, methodology, and timeline.
• Review of national legislation, policies, regulations, and applicable international frameworks.
• Conduct consultations with selected key stakeholders.
• Develop draft Guidelines on Best Interests Assessment and Determination.
• Prepare and facilitate technical validation workshops.
• Submit the revised BID Guidelines based on stakeholder and UNICEF feedback.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in Law - Master’s degree in law, social work, child protection, with proven expertise in migration law.
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in child protection, social welfare, child rights, migration or refugee protection.
• Demonstrated experience supporting governments in the development of legislation, policies, guidelines or standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• Sound knowledge of Bosnia and Herzegovina and international legal framework relevant for the protection of unaccompanied and separated children.
• Proven experience facilitating high-level government consultations and multi-sectoral technical working groups.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in Best Interests Assessment (BIA), Best Interests Determination (BID), case management.
• Strong legal and policy analysis skills, including the ability to identify gaps in existing legislative and institutional frameworks and formulate practical recommendations.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and child protection standards into clear, practical, and operational guidance.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English and fluency in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is required.

Desirables

• Previous experience developing or contributing to Best Interests Assessment (BIA), Best Interests Determination (BID) guidelines, child protection protocols, or standard operating procedures for unaccompanied and separated children.
• Demonstrated experience working on child protection in migration, asylum, or refugee contexts, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Western Balkans.
• Experience in developing practical case management tools, referral pathways, assessment templates, or multidisciplinary decision-making procedures for child protection systems.
• Knowledge and practical experience in identifying durable solutions for unaccompanied and separated children, including family tracing and reunification, alternative care, local integration, and cross-border cooperation.
• Previous experience collaborating with government institutions, UN agencies, international organizations, or civil society organizations on child protection system strengthening, particularly in migration and asylum contexts.
• Experience facilitating participatory consultations, technical workshops, or validation processes and translating stakeholder recommendations into operational guidelines or policy documents.

Application Process

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV).
• Cover letter.
• A separate financial proposal in accordance to the deliverables.

UNICEF’s Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust and Accountability
• Sustainability

UNICEF Competencies

• Builds and maintains partnerships.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
• Drive to achieve results for impact.
• Innovates and embraces change.
• Manages ambiguity and complexity.
• Thinks and acts strategically.
• Works collaboratively with others.