[Hiring] Childcare Policy Consultant @AGORA

Role Description

UNICEF India’s Country Programme Document (2023–2027) commits to strengthening child-sensitive social protection systems, advancing early childhood development, and supporting policies that reduce gender inequalities. The UNSDCF for India identifies social protection and human capital development as priority areas for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Looking ahead, UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 places care systems and social protection at the heart of its global agenda, emphasizing integrated approaches that link nutrition, learning, protection, and women’s empowerment.

This consultancy will therefore deliver two technical outputs:

• National Policy Guidelines on childcare as a core pillar of the care economy, focusing on affordable, accessible, quality and universal childcare.
• Operational Blueprint for Palna, for UNICEF’s internal use, translating the Guidelines into a practical framework.

Together, these outputs will give UNICEF India a unified institutional position on childcare across SPSP and the Nutrition Network, align with CPD, UNSDCF and Strategic Plan 2026–2029 commitments, and support structured engagement with government, private sector and NGO partners.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or above) in Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related field. Specialisation and record of research in the care economy is preferred.
• Minimum 10-12 years of progressively responsible experience in care economy policy design, early childhood development, or women’s economic empowerment.
• Demonstrated experience of producing high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs or strategy documents for a UN agency, Government or major development organisation.
• Proven familiarity with India’s child care landscape, including relevant schemes (ICDS, Palna, PMMVY, GPDP) and key ministries (MoWCD, MoLE, MoHUA).
• Demonstrated understanding of care economy-child care linkages and integrated service delivery.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and engaging with senior government officials.
• Strong analytical writing and facilitation skills; ability to synthesise complex evidence into accessible, professionally written documents.
• Prior experience working with or for UNICEF or a UN agency in India is an advantage.

Requirements

• Language Requirements: Hindi and English.
• Extensive experience in care economy with expertise on ECD.

Benefits

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

Company Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture.