Consultancy: IMF and social spending analysis Consultant - Req.#581244

UNICEF; New York (NY); Remote; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated consultant to explore the intricate relationship between debt financing and social spending, particularly focusing on its implications for children's rights and development. This role involves conducting in-depth research, analyzing IMF spending approaches, and producing a comprehensive paper that will contribute to policy discussions aimed at safeguarding children's futures in the context of rising national debt. If you possess a PhD in Economics and have extensive experience in debt analysis, this is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on global child welfare. Join a mission-driven organization committed to advocating for the most vulnerable populations worldwide.

Qualifications

• PhD in Economics or related field with 8+ years of experience.
• Proven expertise in debt analysis and IMF spending approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop a background paper on IMF social safeguarding approaches.
• Analyze the impact of debt on children's outcomes.

Skills

Debt Analysis

Social Spending

Research Skills

Analytical Writing

Development Economics

Education

PhD in Economics

Advanced degree in Development Economics

Job description

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, hope.

Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: IMF and social spending analysis Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: Director’s Office Programme Group – NYHQ

Duration: June 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025

Home/Office Based: REMOTE

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

Background

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: Debt financing can play a crucial role in effective public finance and for children it can accelerate crucial investments with high and long-term returns. However, when debt obligations grow too large without sufficient or timely economic returns, the negative consequences—such as constrained national budgets—intensify. The effects on children can be particularly severe, impacting their development with long-term implications for children and economies more broadly. UNICEF is increasingly concerned about the rising burden of national debt and debt service obligations, especially in lower- and lower-middle-income countries, where shrinking fiscal space threatens social spending and children's rights. The number of developing countries with public debt exceeding 60% of GDP has risen sharply, from 31 in 2013 to 59 in 2023. According to the World Bank and IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA), of the 67 low and lower-middle income countries assessed, 10 are in debt distress, 17 at high risk, with 25 at moderate risk. The diversification of creditors has made debt restructuring negotiations more complex. Private creditors now account for 61% of total debt, bilateral creditors 26%, and multilateral institutions 14%. This diversification has expanded access to financing but complicated restructuring efforts, requiring alignment of interests across varying legal frameworks and debt management approaches. Notably, around two-thirds of debt is owed to non-Paris Club lenders, operating under different principles and conditions for debt relief. Aid flows are under threat, and the increasing use of loans rather than grants exacerbates development finance challenges, making effective debt management more critical to protect fiscal space for social spending and sustainable development. The international community has taken steps to improve debt restructuring mechanisms, including the Common Framework for Debt Treatments, which aims to provide timely and comprehensive solutions for countries with unsustainable debt levels. A key step is the establishment of an IMF program and its spending conditions, which shape fiscal policies during debt restructuring. Social safeguards are now explicitly included in IMF programs, considering social implications. Despite these efforts, many countries with heavy debt burdens have yet to undergo restructuring, and those that do face lengthy, complex processes. Persistent fiscal constraints limit investments in essential services like education, health, and social protection, further risking children's well-being. UNICEF is undertaking research to assess the impacts of the current debt situation on children and explore policy approaches that prioritize child outcomes and long-term investments in human capital. This research will include developing a background paper investigating IMF social safeguarding approaches in protecting and promoting child development, especially in the context of debt restructuring and IMF program conditions.