Strengthening Disaster Risk Financing Systems and Partnerships for Social Sectors and Children in the Pacific

The consultancy aims to strengthen disaster risk financing systems for social sectors in selected Pacific Island Countries by improving government and partner capacity to mobilize and deliver financial resources effectively to protect children and essential services during shocks. The role involves supporting UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office to enhance its strategic partnership in disaster risk financing, working closely with Ministries of Finance and social sector ministries to integrate social sectors within disaster risk financing frameworks and improve shock-responsive delivery systems.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen disaster risk financing systems for social sectors in selected Pacific Island Countries by improving government and partner capacity to mobilize and deliver financial resources effectively to protect children and essential services during shocks
• Support UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office to enhance its role as a strategic partner in disaster risk financing by working closely with Ministries of Finance and line ministries responsible for education, health & nutrition, child protection, WASH, and social protection
• Strengthen the integration of social sectors within disaster risk financing frameworks, including assessing and improving shock-responsive delivery systems (“money-out”)
• Identify systemic bottlenecks and provide targeted technical support and initial capacity-building to ensure financial resources translate into timely and effective support for children
• Elevate the role of social sectors within national disaster risk financing approaches, ensuring financing mechanisms explicitly account for the protection of essential services and the needs of children in disaster contexts
• Facilitate engagement with key regional and international partners, including PCRIC, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), to align UNICEF’s work with broader disaster risk financing initiatives and promote coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches
• Contribute to the development of donor-ready proposals and a UNICEF disaster risk financing roadmap, ensuring country-level engagement and systems improvements are translated into actionable strategies, strengthened partnerships, and resource mobilization opportunities

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Economics, Disaster Risk Financing / Disaster Risk Management, Public Policy or Public Financial Management, Climate Change or Development Studies or a related field
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk financing (DRF), disaster risk management, public finance, or related areas
• Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, particularly Ministries of Finance and/or social sector ministries (education, health & nutrition, child protection, WASH, child protection, social protection)
• Proven experience in designing or supporting DRF systems, policies, or instruments, including shock responsive systems and/or financing mechanisms
• Experience in multi-country or regional assignments, preferably in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or the Pacific region
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination, including collaboration with development partners (e.g. multilateral development banks, regional organizations, UN agencies)
• Strong understanding of public financial management (PFM) and disaster risk financing frameworks
• Experience in strengthening shock-responsive delivery systems (“money-out”) and linking financing to Service delivery
• Ability to translate analytical and technical findings into practical policy and operational recommendations
• Experience in developing donor proposals, concept notes, or investment cases
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills
• Familiarity with Pacific regional institutions and DRF actors (e.g. PCRIC, World Bank, ADB, PIFS)
• Previous experience working with UNICEF or other UN agencies
• Experience delivering capacity-building or facilitation with government stakeholders

Skills

• Disaster Risk Financing
• Disaster Risk Management
• Public Financial Management
• Policy Design
• Shock Responsive Systems
• Financing Mechanisms
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Multi-country Programmes
• Regional Coordination
• Public Finance
• Donor Proposals
• Capacity Building
• Government Relations
• Analytical Skills
• Operational Recommendations
• Social Sector Integration
• Development Partner Engagement
• Pacific Regional Knowledge
• Investment Case Development

Languages

English