National Consultancy to Develop Zambia Sustainable Social Assistance Financing Strategy (2027‑2031)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking an experienced consultant to lead the development of a costed, evidence‑based Sustainable Social Assistance Financing Strategy for Zambia’s Social Cash Transfer and Cash Plus programmes covering 2027‑2031. The assignment will translate the existing Financing Framework into concrete actions, institutional arrangements and a results‑based monitoring plan.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a detailed financing roadmap, costed implementation plan and institutional framework for sustainable funding.
• Conduct a political economy analysis to assess feasibility, stakeholder interests and advocacy opportunities.
• Prepare a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation plan covering fiscal, economic and climate‑related shocks.
• Identify measures to protect and progressively increase government financing commitments.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and other stakeholders to secure formal clearance of deliverables.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in economics, public finance, development studies or a related field.
• Proven experience designing financing strategies for large‑scale social protection programmes.
• Strong understanding of public budgeting, fiscal policy and social assistance financing in low‑ and middle‑income contexts.
• Excellent analytical, writing and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills

• Financial modelling and cost‑benefit analysis.
• Political economy analysis.
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Project management and coordination.

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national social protection financing in Zambia.
• Collaboration with UNICEF and key government partners.
• Competitive consultancy fee for a three‑month assignment.