UNICEF is hiring a National Individual Consultant to provide technical assistance to support the ISWG and the Government in translating policy commitments into actionable programme and implementation modalities, ensuring that refugees can progressively access national social protection benefits in a fiscally sustainable and administratively feasible manner.

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.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to care

The Republic of Moldova has faced a range of socio-economic challenges in recent years, including rising monetary absolute poverty. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 inflation surge, the refugee response, and the energycrisis have significantly affected economic development and the well-being of the population.
Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, Moldova has hosted a significant number of refugees, the majority of whom have been granted temporary protection status by the Government. While many refugees initially relied on humanitarian cash assistance to meet their basic needs, the protracted nature of displacement has increasingly required a transition from emergency support towards sustainable, nationally owned solutions that promote inclusion into social protection programmes.
In this context, the Government of Moldova has taken important steps to ensure that temporary protection holders have access to national social protection programmes. With technical support from UNICEF, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) has integrated eligible refugee children into key family social protection programmes, including monthly childcare benefits and child grant benefits. These measures represent a critical shift from parallel humanitarian cash assistance towards inclusion within national systems, contributing to improved equity and inclusive policies.
UNICEF co-chairs with UNHCR, UNDP and WFP the Inclusion and Solutions Working Group (ISWG), which brings together government and development partners to support the medium- and long-term inclusion of refugees into national systems. Under this platform, ISWG has 
developed a Concept Note outlining the operationalization of the Government’s National Programme for the phased integration of foreigners (including refugees) and development of the roadmap, including progressive integration into social protection programmes. This Concept Note defines the scope of the roadmap and serves as the basis for the development of a comprehensive Roadmap document for refugee integration into the national social protection system.
In this context, there is a need to provide technical assistance to support the ISWG and the Government in translating policy commitments into actionable programme and implementation modalities, ensuring that refugees can progressively access national social protection benefits in a fiscally sustainable and administratively feasible manner.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant will support UNICEF’s Social Policy section in strengthening evidence-based approaches, policy technical advice, and coordination efforts related to refugee inclusion. This work will build on strategic discussions and coordination within the ISWG, as well as consultations with government counterparts and development partners. This implies technical expertise and advice to the ISWG and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) in advancing the integration of refugees into national social protection programmes.
2. Objectives of the Consultancy
The two primary objectives of consultancy are as follows:
  • provide technical assistance to the MLSP in drafting and operationalizing the roadmap for refugee integration into social protection, ensuring alignment with national policies and sustainable implementation.
  • provide technical assistance to UNICEF and ISWG on coordinating and adapting activities to support refugee inclusion, while identifying gaps and opportunities for phased integration. The consultancy will also strengthen collaboration among ISWG, implementing partners, government actors, and development partners, promote evidence-based approaches, and support monitoring of progress.
The consultant is also expected to be responsive to additional tasks related to her/his area of expertise and within the scope of this TOR, as requested by the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist.
3. Details of how the work should be delivered.
The consultancy aims to provide technical, advocacy, and coordination assistance to UNICEF, MLSP, ISWG, and line government agencies, and to support close collaboration with national stakeholders and local authorities and agencies, which will require field visits. The working schedule and arrangements will be agreed upon with the selected consultant. The consultant will develop a detailed working plan under the guidance of UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist
4. Deliverables & timelines 

#

Tasks 

Deliverables 

Timeframe*

1.

Conduct a desk review and stakeholder consultation to follow up on the actions required to deliver the tasks outlined in the current ToR

Inception report (3-4 pages, containing context analysis and new activities as needed)

By 27 March 2026

2.

Provide technical support to strengthen ISWG strategic coordination and advisory support to MLSP on refugee integration into social protection programmes

Updated ISWG Action Plan aligned with national refugee integration priorities and transition from humanitarian to development assistance

By 24 April 2026

3.

Support consultations with government institutions and implementing partners (NGOs, UN, members of ISWG) on policy and programme adaptation for refugee inclusion into social protection

Consultation note identifying key gaps and opportunities for phased integration into social protection programmes

By 29 May 2026

4.

Support MLSP in translating the Joint Concept Note into an operational roadmap for refugee integration into social protection programmes

Draft Roadmap for Refugee Integration into Social Protection

By 31 July 2026

5.

Facilitate technical discussions with MLSP and partners to define implementation modalities and activities, and phased integration pathways into social protection programmes

Validated Roadmap including implementation and monitoring framework

By 25 September 2026

6.

Provide technical inputs to support presentation of the Roadmap to development partners and inform future planning

Final Roadmap and accompanying technical brief for stakeholder engagement

By 30 October 2026

7.

Contribute to ISWG reporting and evidence generation related to refugee inclusion into national systems

Brief analytical note on progress and challenges in refugee integration into social protection

By 27 November 2026

8.

Facilitate coordination between ISWG members and relevant sectoral working groups (e.g. Cash, Basic Services) to support refugee inclusion into national programmes

At least 7 strategic high- and technical levels coordination meetings conducted with the MLSP and implementing partners, and UN partners

By 25 December 2026

*Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon prior to contract signature.

5. Work location and official travel involved

The work may require local travel to conduct in-person visits and interviews with government officials. The consultant is expected to cover costs, arrange and schedule such visits, including transportation. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.
6. Definition of supervisory arrangements
The consultant will work under the oversight of the Social Policy Specialist of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

  • A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.
  • A minimum of three years of experience in public policy, technical assistance, or development work is required, with strong experience in social protection considered a strong advantage.
  • A good understanding of the humanitarian context of Moldova, public policy and finance, and shock-responsive social protection is considered a strong asset.
  • Demonstrated experience in providing coordination support to UN agencies is required.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in Romanian, and a working knowledge of English, are required. Knowledge of Russian would be an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are

  • 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 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR):

Download File 2026 TOR_Nat Indiv Consultant_Refugee Integration in SP Programmes_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain your Financial Offer (templates below)

Download File Financial Offer_Refugee Integration in SP Programmes.xlsx

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from targeted underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

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.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.