UNICEF works in some of the worldโs toughest places, to reach the worldโs most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.ย Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.ย And we never give up.ย
For every child, hope
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does โ in programs, advocacy and operations. In doing so, UNICEF establishes, promotes and nurtures partnerships with broad spectrum of national and international partners, most notably Government and its institutions.
Assignment background
Even though the Republic of Croatia is a high-income European Union member state, equity gaps and the issue of poverty and social exclusion are still present, including among children. The at-risk-of-poverty rates for children in Croatia are currently stable, however, the COVID-19 pandemic and the socioeconomic consequences of the global geopolitical disturbances, including the war in Ukraine, have led to an increase in the costs of living and inflation, requiring the Government to develop additional mechanisms for reducing the negative effects of multiple crises.ย Poverty and deprivation during childhood can have lifelong adverse effects, leaving consequences on an individualโs health, educational achievement, income-earning ability and social connection, and contributing to an increased risk of exposure to various forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation. The issue of child poverty and social exclusion is therefore recognized across national and EU policies and programs, including through the EU Council recommendation on establishing a European Child Guarantee. Namely, the objective of the European Child Guarantee is to prevent and combat social exclusion of children by guaranteeing effective access of children in need to a set of key services: free early childhood education and care, free education (including school-based activities and at least one healthy meal each school day) and free healthcare. As a response to the above identified issues and gaps, in July 2023, the Government of the Republic of Croatia (hereinafter: the Government) endorsed the National Action Plan to implement the EU Council recommendation on establishing a European Child Guarantee (hereinafter: NAP CG) as the main operational tool for improving equal access to key services for children in need, as an important way to strengthen efforts to prevent social exclusion and poverty in general. The document consolidates key strategic documents of the Republic of Croatia and forms the basis for the implementation of a wide array of policies, measures and activities in key intervention areas, with an emphasis on coordinated intersectoral action and the provision of high-quality integrated services to children at risk of poverty and social exclusion.ย Croatia is one of seven EU Member States that participated in the Phase III of the European Child Guarantee preparatory action, in close partnership with UNICEF. This preparatory phase of the plan revealed some serious challenges to the future implementation of the European Child Guarantee (further: ECG), including:
i. insufficient quality, availability and mismatch of data between different sources; ii. fragmentation of responsibilities regarding the wellbeing and child protection; iii. inadequate inclusion in, and informing the children about the decision-making processes, especially children at risk of poverty, children of the Roma national minority, children in isolated communities, in alternative care, migrant children and asylum seekers, children with disabilities, and children in the justice and health systems; and iv. insufficient capacity of administrations, both at national and local/regional levels, to plan, implement and monitor measures and that contribute to the implementation of the ECG in Croatia.
Addressing the persistent shortcomings in the coordination, planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of complex national programs is the prerequisite for the integrated and successful implementation of the NAP CG to achieve its main objective - breaking the circle of poverty and social exclusion for children.
How can you make a difference?ย
Under the guidance and supervision of the Child Rights Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and Planning and Monitoring Officer, the consultant is expected to provide expert technical support and leadership in all stages of the subject project. At the impact level, the consultant is expected to provide expert advice and inputs, coordination support services to achieve more effective planning, coordination, and monitoring of the implementation of all measures and activities planned by the national action plan for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee (NAP CG), by all national and sub-national stakeholders involved.
Scope of Work/Objectives:
Under the overall coordination, management and technical guidance of UNICEF staff, the consultant is expected to:
Support the NAP CG coordinator and NAP CG Committee and manage the process of reviewing and enhancing the NAP CG monitoring framework; produce a methodological guide for monitoring indicators, tools and time-frame;ย ย Support the NAP CG coordinator and NAP CG Committee and manage the process of harmonization of the monitoring processes and procedures, including the development of a set of tools for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data regarding the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the measures implemented under the NAP;ย ย Conduct a needs assessment and develop and implement the education and training activities for the designated national institutionsโ staff to competently use the monitoring framework, plan, manage and participate in the coordination processes and report on NAP CG implementation. This includes the organization of a targeted study / working visit to a selected country โ participant in the multi-country project. In her/his work the consultant will have the opportunity to include other specific subject experts into education and training activities, but is, however, expected to provide substantial input and perform organization and coordination role; Initiate and coordinate the process of early evaluability assessment โ taking stock of the elements necessary for the evaluation of NAP CG (theory of change, baseline data, institutional framework and capacity, etc.). The result of this exercise should feed-in into the final review of the NAP CG monitoring framework; Develop NAP CG Evaluation Terms of Reference and guidance document for developing Evaluation management response plan. However, the consultant is not expected to perform full NAP CG evaluability assessment; Initiate, coordinate and provide quality control / testing in the process of developing a web-based indicator monitoring pilot-platform, developed in the form of a dashboard for entering information and data to serve for monitoring and reporting; develop procedure, protocols and user guidance; Initiate, manage and oversee implementation of the initial analysis and the development of a framework/foundational tool for an in-depth analysis of the โhidden costsโ associated with the provision of education and healthcare to children, notwithstanding the nominal status of these services as free; support development of initial draft policy recommendations to address the hidden costs of access to healthcare and education; The research / analytical team will be contracted directly by UNICEF; Initiate and coordinate the process of development of a set of improved tools and guidelines to plan, manage, coordinate, implement and monitor NAP CG measures and activities within the area of responsibility of sub-national level decision makers (counties); Facilitate dialogue with the subnational counterparts; Prepare and deliver Train-the-trainers program for the inclusion of the regional and local authorities into the national implementation, monitoring and reporting mechanisms for NAP CG, incl. exchange of information with and between sub-national authorities; Provide inputs to and participate in communication, consultation and dissemination activities.All points listed above will be implemented in consultation and collaboration with the UNICEF M&E specialist and P&M officer, with support by the program associate. For specific areas of engagement, where appropriate, the consultant will receive support from other UNICEF CO staff, in particular the Education and ECD officers, CD specialist, Ops manager and Comms associate. Whenever necessary and appropriate, the consultant will communicate with UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) TSI multi-country coordinator and other relevant advisors/specialists, to ensure multi-country coordination vis-ร -vis the budget utilization, communication with the donor, knowledge exchange and learning. When relevant and in agreement with supervisors, the consultant will communicate and cooperate with the SG Reform representatives. Furthermore, the consultant will work directly with the beneficiaries of the project, represented by the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family and Social Policy (hereinafter: the Ministry). Other direct beneficiaries include all members of the Committee for Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation of the NAP CG (hereinafter: NAP CG Committee).
Work assignment overview
Tasks/Milestone:
Deliverables/Outputs:
Timeline
Est. % of workload*
1. Inception phase
1.1. Inception report with an overview of next steps, timeline, methodology, responsibilities and workplan prepared and submitted
1.2. In cooperation with the UNICEF Croatia Communications unit prepared brief communication and information plan for the implementation of the project
May/June 2025
10%
2A. NAP CG monitoring framework development
2A.1. Developed draft set of SMART indicators for different result levels of the NAP CG, incl. methodology notes where necessary
2A.2. Data collection and reporting templates prepared and presented to relevant stakeholders
2A.3. โOfflineโ NAP CG monitoring framework, including all the above listed elements, consulted, assessed and endorsed by the Project Steering Committee
May โ September 2025
15%
2B. NAP CG monitoring framework processes and procedures harmonization, presentation and training
2B.1. Conducted needs and capacity assessment of M&E staff from key stakeholders
2B.2. Education and training workplan prepared and endorsed by the NAP CG Committee
2B.3. Information and training workshops delivered
2B.4. Working / study visit organized
September - November 2025
15%
3. NAP CG evaluability assessment
3.1. Prepared ToR for the external service providers โ evaluability assessment and development of guidelines for evaluation management response plan;
3.2. Prepared ToR for future Evaluation of the NAP CG
September 2025 - March 2026
10%
4. Development of a web-based indicator monitoring pilot-platform / dashboard
4.1. Based on the system established under the deliverables 2A.1, 2A.2 and 2A.3 above, prepared technical specifications (functionalities, authorization flows, elements of design and accessibility, etc) for the engagement of the external service providers โ development of a web indicator monitoring platform
4.2. Testing of the platform facilitated and feedback provided
4.3. Development of user guidelines, presentation and endorsement of the platform coordinated and facilitated.
November 2025 โ September 2026
15%
5. Development of a framework/foundational tool for an in-depth analysis of the โhidden costsโ associated with the provision of education and healthcare to children
5.1. Terms of reference prepared for the external service providers to conduct the initial analytical framework for hidden costs, in cooperation with the Ministry and UNICEF designated staff
5.2. Coordination with other deliverables as inputs, and facilitation of the consultations with national stakeholders provided.
July 2025 โ March 2026
10%
6A. Development of tools and guidelines to plan, manage, coordinate, implement and monitor NAP CG measures at sub-national level
6A.1. Initial presentation of the CG NAP and the project to the sub-national authorities (counties) prepared and delivered
6A.2. Brief analytical report on the availability and quality of data, and gaps in the collection, communication, analysis, coordination mechanisms at the county level produced and presented
6A.3. Recommendations developed in the form of a standard protocol for the data providers and counties (collectors), with templates and clear communication and coordination procedures, intervals and division of responsibilitiesย
February โ May 2026
10%
6B. Strengthening capacities to plan, manage, coordinate, implement and monitor NAP CG measures at sub-national level
6B.1. Upon endorsement of the above-mentioned protocol, guidance โpackageโ prepared and assessed/endorsed by the Steering committee and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. counties โ through Croatian Association of Counties
6B.2. Train-the-trainers program on the above-mentioned guidelines and at least one co-hosted pilot workshop with local authorities relevant for data collection and reporting prepared and delivered.
June โ October 2026
15%
7. Maintenance of internal and external communication and project visibility
7.3. Project information and visibility activities carried out in line with the Communication and visibility rules for EU funding programs 2021-2027 โ Guidance for Member States.
Throughout the Project duration
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To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveโฆย
A first level University degree (Masterโs or PhD preferred) in one of the following fields: social work, sociology, economics, political science and other social sciences is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in the following areas (one or more): planning, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of social protection / education / public health policies and programs, is required. Close coordination and cooperation with government institutions is preferred. Understanding of child rights and the situation of children in Croatia, including equity and gender equality issues. Good knowledge of EU funding mechanisms and regulations and the Governmentโs budget processes. Good knowledge of national and/or EU policies relevant to children and families is required. Knowledge with regards to the policies and measures referred to in the Child Guarantee initiative is preferred. Excellent oral and written command of Croatian and English is required. Commitment to adhere to the UNICEF Code of Conduct.For every Child, you demonstrateโฆย
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS)ย and core competencies. To view our competency framework, please visit here.
In addition to these required qualifications, skills and competencies, you will preferably have:
Proven experience in working on EU funded projects in the areas of social policy, public health and / or education, preferably in management / key expert roles Experience in research and analysis in the areas listed above, and the ability to use data as evidence Excellent planning and communication skills Good multi-cultural and interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (ministry, regional and local authorities, beneficiaries, implementing partners, NGOs and local organizations). Self-motivation with strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure; good negotiation and presentation skills; pro-activity and a strong orientation towards results. Proven written, analytical, presentation and reporting skills and demonstrated computing skills. High level of computer literacy.What to submit: In addition to the Cover letter and CV, please submit: Technical proposal with brief reflection on the ToR and understanding of expected assignment. If there is a need to adjust tasks/workplan from those in the ToR, please elaborate with sufficient rationale and justification on effectiveness and efficiency of the revised approach; A list of previous work undertaken as the Key expert (main author in case of studies and other publications); Financial proposal in EUR as an all-inclusive lump sum fee (tax inclusive) against the deliverables.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.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.
Remarks:ย ย
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFโs policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.ย The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, program delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.ย