Current vacancies

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, protection

In 2019, North Macedonia has embarked on an ambitious reform of social services, aimed to move toward a beneficiary-centred system that supports the provision of integrated services, anticipating the range of social services available to vulnerable populations across municipalities. In this process, fundamental change in the roles and responsibilities of organizations and staff is required, as well as providing intensive support to front-line staff in the municipalities, centres for social work (CSWs) and service providers.

There are 30 Centres for Social Work (CSWs) in the country that serve as the central social protection agencies. The overall availability of social services remains a key concern, particularly services for children, which also impact the utilization of case management system. For instance, spending in social services was minimal, under 0.1% of GDP in 2019, indicating a need for increased funding in this area. Significant constraints are the low capacities of centres for social work to deliver preventive services and referrals, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children at risk, Roma children, and children with disabilities facing discrimination and segregation. Additionally, the social workers in CSWs are generalists, taking on all forms of social work: with the elderly, the disabled, the disadvantaged as well as children and families. The result is a lack of specialism and experience in dealing with child protection cases, and especially complex child protection cases. The lack of specialism is further exacerbated by the provisions under the Social Protection Law, which permit child protection cases to be case managed by ‘a professional worker’, which includes social workers but also lawyers, pedagogues and psychologists.

The 2019 Law on Social Protection introduced new licensing requirements for professionals, replacing the previously singular license for social protection work with three distinct types: General License – for professional work in CSWs and other service providers; Special License – for case managers; and Specialized License – for education in childcare, supervision, counselling, and therapy. The 2021 Analysis of the Law on Social Protection Implementation Impact and Challenges indicates that one of the key innovations in the sector has been the gradual introduction of case management within CSWs, however, the implementation of this model has encountered several challenges: resistance from long-serving professionals, a lack of well-developed training modules, limited inter-institutional coordination, and the absence of a separate licensing pathway for case managers. Moreover, the diverse and often inadequate educational backgrounds of current CSW employees further complicate the licensing and training reforms. The Law calls for structural changes in the organization of ongoing professional education, whereas the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth has yet to allocate funding for continuous professional education outside the Institute for Social Activities. As a result, despite the legislative framework supporting diversification, all training remains centralized under the Institute, limiting the intended impact of the reforms.

The 2024 UNICEF commissioned Evaluation of the Child care and Deinstitutionalisation Reforms in North Macedonia indicates that when reforms take place at a rapid rate, with considerable legislative, structural and practice change, those working in the system may not adapt to the changes at the same pace. Consequently, well-structured and adequate capacity building should be timely provided for those working in the system is to familiarise them with the new system needs, and to continue even after the reforms have taken place. Although the social service workforce has received training and support to strengthen their capacity, the organisation of the CSW and the working practices work against efficient child protection services.

UNICEF provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth to (i) conduct mapping and analyses on the status of the social service workforce, and (ii) design a national plan for planning and development of

the social service workforce and improved internal organization and systematization of the CSWs. The aim is to ensure empowerment, professionalization, and adequate resourcing of the social work workforce. Within this framework, UNICEF is seeking an international consultant to support modernisation and adaptation of the pre- and in-service curricula for strengthening the social service workforce, firstly by complying with the legislative requirements, and secondly by incorporating contemporary capacity building approaches, methods, and programmes. Modernisation and adaptation of the pre- and in-service curricula will ensure the social service workforce is better equipped and supported to deliver preventative, responsive and promotive services that alleviate poverty, challenge and reduce discrimination, promote social justice and human rights, and prevent and respond to violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect and family separation.

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical assistance for review of the pre- and in-service curricula for the social service workforce to comply with the legislative requirements. More specifically, the consultant will be responsible for conducting analysis for revision of the social service workforce pre- and in-service curricula, to provide insight into alignment with the int’l standards and the recent reforms of the social protection system. The analysis should incorporate desk-research of available national analysis and reports; review of the current undergraduate level and the in-service curricula related to social and child protection; comparative analysis with the relevant European teaching practice; and primary data collection/analysis. In conducting the analysis, the consultant will work closely with the Faculty of Philosophy at the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodious”, particularly with the Institute for Social Work and Social Policy, that will provide expertise related to the national contexts.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be expected to conduct the following tasks:

1. Complete a desk review related to the pre- and in-service curricula review, complemented by an overview of a legal and policy framework and existing regulations, through comprehensive desk-research and secondary analysis of existing raw data and relevant statistics that would serve as evidence in developing policy recommendations.

2. Design the methodology and the tools for quantitative and qualitative data collection from the key stakeholders and beneficiaries, including institutes at the Faculty of Philosophy, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodious”, training institutions, centres for social work, service providers, local self-government, and beneficiaries.

3. Collect and analyse the data from the key stakeholders and beneficiaries and develop a comprehensive report with short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for revision, adaptation and further development of the pre- and in- service curricula respectively.

4. Support the Faculty of Philosophy, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodious”, and other relevant institutions in developing a roadmap for revision of the social service workforce pre- and in-service curricula, based on the recommendations from the analysis, aimed at further refining the quality, cohesiveness and compliance of the curricula with the contemporary policies and standards in providing social and child protection.

The consultant should ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into each stage of the process and are incorporated in all deliverables. The gender-disaggregated data should be collected and analysed separately for men and women, girls and boys to identify specific needs, challenges and gaps to the extent possible and ensure that revised pre and in service training can best contribute to gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and how the training curricula needs to address the needs of boys and girls differently. The design of the roadmap for revision of the social service workforce pre- and in-service curricula should consider the gender dimensions and addresses any disparity.

Work Assignments Overview

(1) Complete a desk review related to the pre- and in-service curricula review, complemented by an overview of a legal and policy framework and existing regulations, through comprehensive desk-research and secondary analysis of existing raw data and relevant statistics that would serve as evidence in developing policy recommendations.
➢ Desk review report including at a minimum the following elements:
▪ A thorough analysis of existing analysis reports, documents, and curricula, identifying gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement.
▪ Legal and policy framework analysis to identify gaps and inconsistencies in the current framework.
▪ Present the findings to the relevant stakeholders, providing justification and rational, and indicating the best practices.

Delivery deadline: 1 October 2025, 10 working days

Work Assignments
(2) Design the methodology and the tools for quantitative and qualitative data collection from the key stakeholders and beneficiaries, including institutes at the Faculty of Philosophy, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodious”, training institutions, centres for social work, service providers, local self-government, and beneficiaries.
➢ Research Protocol including the following elements:
▪ Methodology developed, defining research objectives and scope; justification of chosen methodology; strategies for engagement with different groups; implementation and data management plan.
▪ Data collection tools and instruments developed and tested, including questionnaires, interview guides, consent forms and protocols for participation, and timeline for completion of the data collection.

Delivery deadline: 01 Nov 2025, 14 working days

Work Assignments
(3) Collect and analyse the data from the key stakeholders and beneficiaries and develop a comprehensive report with short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for revision, adaptation and further development of the pre- and in- service curricula respectively.
➢ Comprehensive analysis report, as per following:
▪ Data collection from the key stakeholders and beneficiaries, including semi structured interviews and focus group discussion.
▪ Deliver draft comprehensive report for revision of the pre- and in- service curricula.
▪ Deliver presentation of the findings and recommendations to validate the report.
▪ Finalise the report based on the feedback received from UNICEF and key stakeholders.

Delivery deadline: 31 Mar 2026, 20 working days

Work Assignments
(4) Support the Faculty of Philosophy, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodious”, and other relevant institutions in developing a roadmap for revision of the social service workforce pre- and in-service curricula, based on the recommendations from the analysis, aimed at further refining the quality, cohesiveness and compliance of the curricula with the contemporary policies and standards in providing social and child protection.
➢ Final draft roadmap, including:
▪ Propose structure of the roadmap.
▪ Provide guidance and expertise by actively engaging at the workshops aimed at roadmap development.
▪ Review and provide inputs and comments to the draft roadmap, aimed at finalisation.

Delivery deadline: 01 Jul 2026, 6 working days

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

• Advanced degree (PhD) in social work, social protection, social policy, or related fields;
• At least 10 years of experience and expertise in the area of social and child protection.
• Previous contribution in the social service workforce curricula development;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant international standards in the area child protection;
• Excellent command of English language;
• Strong facilitation and communication skills;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Prior experience working with the UN system and/or international development agencies is an asset.

Evaluation Criteria:
A) Technical Evaluation (e.g. maximum 75 Points)
B) Financial Proposal (e.g. maximum of 25 Points)

Recourse: The consultancy fee will be paid upon completion of deliverables, following submission of an invoice. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

How to apply: Please upload your most recent CV and Cover letter. Submit your financial proposal indicating the gross daily fee in USD.

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 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:  

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.