Consultancy _ Social Policy Expert

Job Description

Scope of Work :? - Social Protection: the sector is defined by a number of characteristics that make it inefficient, ineffective, and inequitable, leaving a significant part of the population unprotected. In addition, the social protection environment is characterized by little to no cross-sector dialogue. As such, no national framework or strategy exists for social protection and no cross-sector coordination platforms operate.UNICEF is leading support the Government of Lebanon. Ministry of Social Affairs in moving toward a national social protection framework, in close coordination with other partners such as the World Bank and the European Union.? - Public Finance Management: the national budget in Lebanon is developed in isolation, without oversight or broad discussion, and lack of consultation. The national budgets are not linked to clear objectives; and performance reporting is equally not linked to achievements.UNICEF sees potential to support the Government of Lebanon Ministry of Finance and the Institute of Finance in public finance management in general, and more specifically in building accountability, transparency on budget execution, tax reform, and project-based budgeting.In line with the above, the expert's key responsibilities, as required in one of the two areas (social protection and PFM), will include the following:? Provide advisory role on stakeholders strategic partnership in the social policy sector? Advise on social policy and provide overview on the required technical support to be provided to relevant governmental stakeholder.Work Assignment OverviewTasks/Milestone:Deliverables/Outputs:TimelinePublic Finance Management120 daysConsultations and discussions with relevant stakeholders, and explore interest of key Ministry of Finance staffFeedback through minutes of meetings and an inception report20 days- Review, analyse, summarise and identify gaps and opportunities of the current performance reporting and review process within Lebanon s PFM system i.e. line Ministry budget performance reports- Technical advice, recommendations and inputs on support to be provided in relation to PFM, and public finance for children based onbudget analysis, PER etc.- Summary notes and / or reports- Draft policy notes and / or reports20 days- Explore opportunity to use simple accountability tool for tracking major budget objectives in a year? Propose possible other ideas to increase accountability and transparency of budget informationBudget accountability tool noting key objectives at year beginning with allocated budget and updating at year end according to budget actually spent and proportion of target actually achieved30 daysDevelopment of a national information sharing and public accountability tool publicizing national budget information (going beyond/supporting the Citizens Budget)National information sharing and public accountability tool30 daysDesign workshops on key topics to be delivered to relevant government bodies and line ministriesWorkshop and minutes20 daysSocial Protection60 daysSupport in process to develop a Social Protection Framework (workshops, national discussions, and consultations)Feedback note and recommendations20 daysSupport in finalizing the National Social Protection FrameworkTechnical review and input for final deliverables and recommendations10 daysSupport and guidance to establish institutional and coordination mechanisms and processesDraft policy notes and reports15 daysSupport to government to deliver the new framework/ implement policy (organizational set-up)Draft policy notes and reports15 daysEstimated Consultancy fee180 daysTo qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:? Master's degree in Economics, Public Finance Management, Public Policy and/or Administration, Social Sciences or other relevant disciplines.? Extensive (15 years) international knowledge and relevant experience in social development, socio-economic analysis, public finance management, social protection. Experience in child related policies is an asset.? In depth understanding of the development and political context in Lebanon.? Demonstrated experience working with the Government at the national or subnational level.? Knowledge and experience in designing and analysing socio-economic policies in a range of countries across the world.? Proven track record through written research and analysis on public finance management and social protection.? Experience in the MENA would be an asset.? Excellent spoken and written English and Arabic. French is an asset.?of the selection process.

Keyskills :
Consultancy _ Social Policy Expert