Consultancy: Baseline Study on Investment and Budgeting for Children in Africa – UNICEF Ethiopia
Organization: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Job Title: Consultant – Baseline Study on Investment and Budgeting for Children in Africa (Continental Benchmark for Child Protection)
Job Requisition ID: 596990
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Remote with Travel)
Contract Type: Consultancy (9.5 Months)
Application Deadline: November 23, 2026 (23:55 EAT)
Job Overview
UNICEF Ethiopia, in collaboration with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), is seeking an experienced Consultant to lead a landmark baseline study on public investment and budgeting for children across Africa.
While sectors like health and education benefit from established global and continental financing standards, child protection lacks dedicated budget visibility and a comparable minimum investment benchmark. Over a 9.5-month period, the selected consultant will assess current public financing gaps, evaluate budget adequacy and equity, and develop a proposed continental benchmark for planning and budgeting for children—with a specific focus on child protection.
Key Objectives & Scope of Work
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Evidence Generation: Establish a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the level, composition, equity, and efficiency of public investment in children across African Union Member States.
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Cross-Sectoral Analysis: Examine financing gaps affecting children across key sectors and draw lessons from existing health and education financing benchmarks.
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Benchmark Development: Formulate a practical, proposed continental benchmark for minimum public investment in child protection to support state accountability, expenditure tracking, and advocacy.
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Stakeholder Alignment: Align study findings with the mandate of the ACERWC Special Rapporteur on Investment and Budgeting for Children, General Comment No. 5, and relevant African Union frameworks.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements
Education
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An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Economics, Public Finance, Development Studies, Public Policy, Law, Human Rights, Children’s Rights, Political Science, or a related social science field.
Work Experience
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A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in children’s rights, public finance, development planning, national budgeting, or public policy, preferably within the African context.
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Proven track record in conducting multi-country research, comparative assessments, and developing analytical frameworks, indicators, or financing benchmarks.
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Experience collaborating with UN agencies, African Union institutions, national governments, international NGOs, or civil society organizations.
Technical Skills & Competencies
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Demonstrated expertise in child-responsive budgeting, public expenditure tracking, resource allocation analysis, and national planning frameworks.
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In-depth knowledge of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the mandate of the ACERWC, and African Union child rights frameworks.
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Superior analytical and writing skills with the ability to translate complex fiscal and budgetary data into actionable policy recommendations.
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Experience facilitating regional or continental multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops (considered a strong asset).
Language Requirements
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English: Fluency is required.
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French: Working knowledge is a distinct advantage given the range of States Parties and source documentation covered.
Required Application Documents
Qualified candidates must submit a complete application package through the UNICEF Talent Management System (TMS) prior to the deadline:
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Updated TMS Profile and Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Cover Letter
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Financial Proposal: Must be submitted separately using the official Financial Proposal Template (TMC0007459.docx).
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Technical Proposal: Including:
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A motivation letter highlighting relevant experience, strengths, and professional references.
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An introduction demonstrating understanding of the Terms of Reference (ToRTMC0007459.pdf), including any comments.
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Proposed research methodology.
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Detailed work plan and timetable for deliverables.
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How to Apply
Review the complete Terms of Reference (ToRTMC0007459.pdf) and submit your application directly via the: >> UNICEF Careers Portal before November 23, 2026, at 23:55 EAT.
Note: UNICEF does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
