Consultancy: Programme and Policy: Senior Economic Consultant - Req.#581755

UNICEF; New York (NY); Remote; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in children's rights is looking for a Senior Economic Consultant to develop a research agenda on the impacts of the debt crisis on children. This consultancy role involves providing expert guidance, shaping study direction, and ensuring effective communication of research findings for UNICEF's objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in relevant fields.
• Exceptional public speaking and writing skills.
• Network with thought leaders and academic partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on research framework related to debt crisis.
• Support development of a flagship publication and ensure analytical rigor.
• Contribute to the preparation of final research outputs.

Skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Expertise in social sciences

Research and analysis

Education

Master's in public policy, economics or social sciences

Job description

Consultancy: Programme and Policy: Senior Economic Consultant - Req.#581755

Join to apply for the Consultancy: Programme and Policy: Senior Economic Consultant - Req.#581755 role at UNICEF.

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: Programme and Policy: Senior Economic Consultant

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

Duration: September 30, 2025 to June 30, 2026

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 the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose Of Activity/Assignment: The purpose of this consultancy is to provide expert guidance on the development of a research and thought leadership agenda on the debt crisis and its impacts on children. The consultant will support the shaping of the research direction, advise on the production of key outputs, and contribute to the delivery of a flagship publication. This includes identifying and engaging contributing authors, facilitating research activities, supporting coherence across outputs, and advising on the preparation of a final book that synthesizes findings and policy insights.

Scope Of Work: Under the supervision of the Programme Group Director (and in close consultation with the Executive Manager), this consultancy will provide technical guidance and expert support to the following tasks:

• Contribute to the development of a research framework on the debt crisis and children.

Building on UNICEF’s legacy of Adjustment with a Human Face and in response to today’s global debt challenges, the consultant will provide expert input to the articulation of a forward-looking research framework. This framework will help shape UNICEF’s intellectual and policy engagement on the debt crisis and its implications for children, connecting historical lessons with present fiscal realities.

Activities May Include:

• Advising on the articulation of long-term objectives for UNICEF’s role in global discourse on debt and children.
• Recommending a typology of research and thought leadership approaches (e.g., explorative, formative, and directive).
• Contributing to the outline of methodological approaches and defining intended audiences.
• Advising on engagement with advisory and expert groups.

The consultant will provide support in leveraging established governance and expert structures to strengthen the implementation of the research agenda.

Activities May Include:

• Recommending approaches for convening the external advisory panel to ensure global relevance.
• Advising on engagement with the internal steering committee to ensure alignment with UNICEF priorities.
• Supporting the use of the internal expert group for technical input and thematic feedback.
• Suggesting ways to facilitate regular knowledge exchange across these groups.
• Support identification of research themes and contributors.

The consultant will contribute to refining and operationalizing a focused set of research themes aligned with the overarching initiative.

Activities May Include:

• Recommending and refining key research themes (e.g., debt and social spending, intergenerational equity).
• Mapping existing evidence and highlighting critical gaps.
• Suggesting potential researchers or institutions for commissioned work.
• Advising on approaches to statistical and qualitative analysis relevant to the project.
• Provide technical review and quality input across research activities.

The consultant will contribute to maintaining analytical rigor and policy relevance across the research outputs.

Activities May Include:

• Reviewing research drafts and providing feedback.
• Advising on coherence in analytical frameworks and thematic framing.
• Ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s broader strategic goals.
• Supporting peer review and quality assurance processes.

The consultant will provide input into the preparation of the final research publication and advise on the publishing process.

Activities May Include:

• Recommending suitable publishers and formats for dissemination.
• Providing editorial feedback on the manuscript.
• Advising on the integration of contributions from multiple authors.
• Supporting the finalization of the manuscript for submission.

The consultant will help ensure the work contributes to global dialogue and informs key moments in public debate and policymaking.

Activities May Include:

• Recommending approaches for the launch of the publication and related materials.
• Supporting engagement with media and communication teams.
• Identifying opportunities for integration into global policy events and forums.
• Advising on tailoring outputs for diverse audiences.

Terms of Reference / Specific Deliverables

1. Identification of research experts and support for developing research products.

Expert mapping note summarizing priority experts by thematic area and research focus. Regular discussions with internal advisors, with summary notes shared via email following each meeting. Due: 30 Sept 2025.

1. Development of statistical analysis for the research. Technical note outlining data sources, variables, and methods. Due: 30 Oct 2025.

1. Development of country case studies and analysis. Three draft case study papers (max 12 pages each) with structured analysis. Due: 30 Nov 2025.

1. Development of research on a reform agenda on debt restructuring processes. Discussion paper outlining reform proposals. Due: 20 Dec 2025.

1. Development of responsibilities of borrowing countries. Reform proposals discussion paper. Due: 31 Jan 2026.

1. Development of manuscript changes for Part 1: A framework of readjustment. Manuscript developed, comments summarized. Due: 28 Feb 2026.

1. Development of manuscript changes for Part 2: The impacts of debt burdens and restructuring on children. Manuscript developed, comments summarized. Due: 31 Mar 2026.

1. Development of manuscript changes for Part 3: A reform package for debt restructuring and improved child outcomes. Manuscript developed, comments summarized. Due: 30 Apr 2026.

1. Finalization of all parts of the full manuscript. Updated manuscript. Due: 30 May 2026.

1. Book finalization including copyediting, referencing, and front matter. Final book completed. Due: 30 June 2026.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Masters) in public policy, economics, social sciences.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in social sciences, economics, or public policy.
• Prior experience with UNICEF is an asset.
• Network with thought leaders and academic partners (required).
• Exceptional public speaking and writing skills.
• Proven ability to develop engaging written communication assets.

Requirements:

• Complete profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and upload academic credentials.
• Financial proposal including costs per deliverable and total lump sum (USD).
• Travel costs and daily subsistence allowance if applicable.
• Other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, living costs.
• Indicate availability.

U.S. Visa Information: Residing outside the U.S., visa status change to G4 may be required. Household members may need an Employment Authorization Card.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For every Child, you demonstrate… UNICEF’s core values and competencies. View our framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Please disclose during application if needed.

UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All candidates will undergo background and reference checks.

Remarks: Engagements as a consultant are not staff members and do not entitle benefits. Conditions governed by contract. Responsible for own taxes and legal compliance. Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to assignment, if applicable.