Local Individual Consultancy to update relevant parts of the Public Policy on Protection of Families with Children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Timeframe: May – September 2019

The purpose of the assignment is to update relevant parts of the Public Policy on Protection of Families with Children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter referred to as “the Public Policy”), with the primary focus on fiscal estimates of the two cash benefits (child allowance and maternity fees for unemployed mothers). More specifically, the assignment includes updating the data related to the analysis of the current situation and the definition of the Public Policy goals, including under Goal 2 – establishment of the cash benefit system based on equity principles, tackling child poverty and social exclusion of children. The primary purpose of the updated Public Policy is to provide relevant fiscal estimates to the Ministries of Finance for identification of fiscal space in the federal budget (child allowance) and cantonal budgets (maternity fees for unemployed mothers). Other intended users and stakeholders of this Public Policy are relevant sector Ministries at entity and cantonal levels (Social Protection and Health).

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Protection

The overarching goal of the 2015-2020 UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina is to support the efforts of BiH to accelerate the universal realization of child rights by fostering greater social inclusion, especially of the most vulnerable and excluded children and families: children with disabilities, children of minorities, especially Roma, and children in impoverished communities. The Country Programme is organized along four programme areas: (1) Child rights monitoring and social protection and inclusion, and (2) Child Protection and Justice for Children, (3) Inclusive Quality Education and (4) Young Child Wellbeing.

Within its social protection programme, UNICEF is closely engaged in the ongoing social and child protection reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Republika Srpska has developed and adopted the new Law on Social Protection (2012) and revised Child Protection Law (2018), the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is still undergoing social protection legislation reform. The decision has been made to separate the current Framework Law on Social Protection, Protection of Civil Victims of War and Protection of Families with Children (1999) into four separate Laws, as follows: Law on Financial Support to Families with Children, Law on Social Protection, Foster Care Law and Law on Social Services. In addition, there will be separate Laws covering the area of disability. So far, only the Foster Care Law has been adopted.

Throughout 2017, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy worked on the development of a Public Policy on Protection of Families with Children in the Federation of BiH, based on which the Law on Financial Support to Families with Children was developed and submitted for adoption. It has been adopted by the Federal Government in July 2018 and consequently by the Federal Parliament of Representatives in February 2019 (and currently awaiting the approval from the Federal House of Peoples). It is expected that the Law will be endorsed as of January 2020.

For this purpose, it is necessary to update the Public Policy on the Protection of Families with Children, and specifically the fiscal estimates for the years 2020/2021/2022, to provide a solid evidence base for defining the fiscal space in the federal and cantonal budgets, as relevant.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to update relevant parts of the Public Policy on Protection of Families with Children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter referred to as 'the Public Policy'), with the primary focus on fiscal estimates of the two cash benefits (child allowance and maternity fees for unemployed mothers).

More specifically, the assignment includes updating the data related to the analysis of the current situation and the definition of the Public Policy goals, including under Goal 2 - establishment of the cash benefit system based on equity principles, tackling child poverty and social exclusion of children.

The primary purpose of the updated Public Policy is to provide relevant fiscal estimates to the Ministries of Finance for identification of fiscal space in the federal budget (child allowance) and cantonal budgets (maternity fees for unemployed mothers). Other intended users and stakeholders of this Public Policy are relevant sector Ministries at entity and cantonal levels (Social Protection and Health)

Tasks to be accomplished

Under the overall supervision of the UNICEF Social Protection Specialist, and in close coordination with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the consultant will conduct the revision of the Public Policy, propose a methodology for updating the relevant parts, and especially regarding Goal 2 of the Public Policy - establishment of the cash benefit system based on equity principles, tackling the child poverty and social exclusion of children.

More specifically, the assignment will include the following:

• Desk review of the Public Policy;
• Develop a proposal and methodology for updating all relevant parts of the Public Policy;
• Review of the 3 options for defining the cash benefits for families with children and update of fiscal estimates for all 3 options (fiscal estimates for 2020, 2021 and 2022);
• Present the update of the fiscal estimates and incorporate comments and suggestions;
• Deliver the final updated Public Policy

Estimated duration of contract and tentative dates: 25 working days over a period of four months: May -September 2019 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree in economics, public finance or a related field;
• Solid knowledge of the social and child protection system of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in public finance management of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the areas of public expenditure, budgeting and costing analyses;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Proficiency in local language is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Please indicate your ability, availability and lump sum amount (in USD or BAM) to undertake the terms of reference above.

For further details please contact Human Resources at UNICEF Office in Sarajevo, Ms. Marina Kadic at 387 33 293 606, mkadic@unicef.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.