Individual Consultant to support the Federation of BiH in developing a Universal Child Benefit Programme with different cost scenarios, Remote/Home-based with occasional travel, 60 working days

The aim of this Consultancy is to provide technical support to the authorities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in developing a universal child benefit programme for all children up to 18 years of age. This includes preparing various cost scenarios and analyses based on the expansion of coverage and the adequacy of the benefit amount. The scenarios will consider different income groups of families and focus on ensuring universal access for all children, with differentiated adequacy of the benefit amount based on the families’ economic situation. This approach will transform the programme from a social transfer into an investment in the future of children and the development of human capital.

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, a champion.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) has recognised the importance of developing the child benefit under the Law on Financial Support for Families with Children. Recent amendments to the Law have ensured equal conditions for all children in FBiH and stable funding at the federal level. However, despite these improvements in coverage and adequacy, universal coverage for all children remains unmet, as the benefit is subject to means-testing.

The expansion of this benefit’s coverage aims to establish the child benefit as not only a social transfer but also a key investment in human capital, consistent with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This approach seeks to improve children’s rights, provide equal opportunities for all children and enhance their development potential, particularly in the context of the demographic challenges faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In this context, it is necessary to examine multiple scenarios for expanding the programme’s coverage, including the adequacy of benefits that would be differentiated by the economic situation of families, while ensuring that access to this right remains universal for all children.

The aim of this Consultancy is to provide technical support to the authorities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in developing a universal child benefit programme for all children up to 18 years of age. This includes preparing various cost scenarios and analyses based on the expansion of coverage and the adequacy of the benefit amount. The scenarios will consider different income groups of families and focus on ensuring universal access for all children, with differentiated adequacy of the benefit amount based on the families’ economic situation. This approach will transform the programme from a social transfer into an investment in the future of children and the development of human capital.

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

Under the supervision of UNICEF BiH Social Policy Specialist, the consultant will provide technical support to the authorities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) in developing a universal child benefit programme for all children up to 18 years of age. This includes creating cost scenarios, analyzing coverage expansion, and proposing differentiated benefit amounts based on family income, with the ultimate goal of positioning child benefits as an investment in human capital aligned with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

How can you make a difference? 

The main deliverables and responsibilities of this consultancy are:

1. Reviewing Existing Legislation- Analysis of the current Law on Financial Support for Families with Children and any relevant cantonal laws, focusing on eligibility criteria and benefit coverage levels

2. Developing Coverage Scenarios- Creation of multiple scenarios for expanding child benefit coverage, including universal access options for children up to 7 years and up to 18 years.

3. Designing Adequacy Models- Proposing differentiated benefit amounts based on family income levels, ensuring that benefits are equitable and meet children’s needs.

4. Conducting Cost Estimation- Preparing cost projections for each proposed scenario, including short-term and long-term financial implications for FBiH.

5. Capacity Building for Key Partners- Organizing workshops and training sessions to build the capacity of institutions involved in the implementation of the benefit program.

6. Consultative Meetings with Stakeholders- Hold consultations with stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, civil society, and social policy experts.

7. Final Report with Recommendations- Compiling findings, analyses, and recommendations for implementing the universal child benefit program.

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

• Master’s degree in social policy, economics, public Administration, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years in social protection, specifically in developing cash benefit programs and economic/costing analysis.
• Experience in the field of social protection, specifically in developing cash benefit programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing legal frameworks and drafting various policy scenarios.
• Demonstrated experience in budget allocation analysis and preparing short-, medium- and long-term budget projections.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of economic and social statistics, with a focus on children and families.
• Understanding of the socioeconomic context of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
• Ability to deliver quality reports within set deadlines.
• Experience in capacity building and organising consultative processes with multiple stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Functional Competencies

• Proficient in fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to creativity and productivity.
• Proven ability to facilitate consultations with government entities, NGOs, children, and other stakeholders.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language required

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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. 

Remarks:  

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s 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. 

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, programme 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.