International Research Consultant – child poverty, inequality and social protection, Ukraine

UNICEF Ukraine is seeking an International Consultant, to provide remote support for the Research team, with the main objective to contribute to the study on Child Poverty and Disparities in Ukraine in the following way: 1. Support UNICEF research Team in providing international expertise in child poverty, including new research developments; best practices from Europe and Central Asia region and beyond; provide recommendations for evidence-based policy making, planning and programming. 2. Complement data analysis on child poverty/inequality in Ukraine, including on multidimensional poverty, with relevant international data analysis.

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

UNICEF Ukraine is seeking an International Consultant, to provide remote support for the Research team, with the main objective to contribute to the study on Child Poverty and Disparities in Ukraine in the following way:

1. Support UNICEF research Team in providing international expertise in child poverty, including new research developments; best practices from Europe and Central Asia region and beyond; provide recommendations for evidence-based policy making, planning and programming.

2. Complement data analysis on child poverty/inequality in Ukraine, including on multidimensional poverty, with relevant international data analysis.

Households with children remain one of the most vulnerable groups in Ukraine, especially households with three or more children. Poverty rates (including multidimensional measures) fluctuated significantly over the last 10 years, driven by changes in socio-economic situation, political turmoil and conflict in the East. Current National Poverty Reduction Strategy 2016-2020 approved by the Government will be reviewed in 2020. Being a long-term partner, UNICEF strongly supports the Government in developing effective poverty reduction measures for families with children. However, the country lacks rigorous analysis of situation with child poverty and disparities in Ukraine.

Therefore, in order to support the Government in the process of developing the next Poverty Reduction Strategy and to inform UNICEF programs and interventions in Ukraine, it is important that a comprehensive study of the current situation and existing poverty reduction efforts takes place with focus on the most vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities, children without parental care, children from migrant families, and Roma children.  Efforts to keep children at the forefront of the National Poverty Reduction Strategy and to improve monitoring of multidimensional poverty for shaping the intersectoral response are highlighted as program priorities in Ukraine UNICEF CPD 2018-2022. This assessment will also contribute to achievement of Goal area 5 of UNICEF Strategic Plan 2018-2021 and SDG 1.

How can you make a difference?

Work Assignment Overview: Methodological and research support is provided for effective preparation and drafting of the study.

Deliverables/Outputs: Methodological recommendations are provided to the Draft outline of the study ‘Child Poverty and Disparities in Ukraine’ based on international best practices.

Date: 23 December 2019 (2 working days)

Work Assignment Overview: Analytical/data analysis support is provided.

Deliverables/Outputs: International data on child poverty/inequality is analysed and incorporated into the study, including international comparisons of key child poverty / inequality indicators

Date: 15 January 2020 (3 working days)

Work Assignment Overview: Advisory support is provided.

Deliverables/Outputs: Advisory support is provided for evidence-based policy making, planning and programming based on international best practices (4 skype Q&A sessions are conducted).

Date: 20 February 2020 (2 working days).

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

Education: A Master’s degree minimum, PHD strongly preferable, in development economics, public policy, or closely related field.

Experience: Knowledge and understanding of child poverty, deprivation and social protection issues; child related issues; social and economic aspects of wellbeing. A minimum of 10 years’ work in applied policy areas, experience working with UNICEF will be considered an advantage. Exceptional analytical and communication skills, including experience drafting high-quality technical publications. Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and drive for results. Experience in data analysis. Fluency in English.

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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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

Please fill in the form properly and indicate your daily fee, travel lump sum and total fee to complete the assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.