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BACKGROUND
The Government of Uzbekistan is advancing a comprehensive reform of its Public Financial Management (PFM) system to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and equity of public spending. The PFM Reform Strategy for 2021–2024, which is now reinforced by the newly adopted PFM Reform Strategy for 2025–2030 charts a transition toward results-oriented budgeting, including the rollout of medium-term expenditure frameworks, integration of off-budget resources, and the institutionalization of programme-based budgeting (PBB) and Results-Based Management (RBM) across public institutions. In line with this agenda, Presidential Resolution No. PP-455 dd 25 December 2024 and the 2025 State Budget Law require six central ministries and agencies, including the National Agency of Social Protection (NASP) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to prepare programme budgets, while also establishing internal units for budget programme formulation, coordination, and monitoring.
NASP is responsible for coordinating and delivering an integrated and equitable social protection system. The programmes administered by NASP serve more than 5 million children, women, and persons with disabilities, providing critical support through benefits and services. Ensuring that public resources allocated to social protection are used adequately, effectively, efficiently, equitably, and transparently is essential to fulfil NASP’s mandate. In this context, institutionalizing RBM and PBB within NASP is considered a critical step toward aligning financial planning with strategic policy priorities and improving social outcomes.
UNICEF, as a long-standing partner of the Government of Uzbekistan, has been supporting both PFM and social protection reforms with a strong focus on integrating child-sensitive approaches into planning and budgeting of social protection benefits and services. Through its Public Finance for Children (PF4C) agenda, UNICEF has supported the development of national PBB regulations, conducted assessments of PBB implementation, developed technical manuals, and delivered targeted training for over 135 officials working in child-sensitive social sectors. It has also supported applying results-based planning and budgeting in local governance of six pilot cities.
As one of the key institutions mandated to implement RBM and PBB by 2026, NASP requires targeted technical support to design and operationalize a results-oriented planning, budgeting, and monitoring system that ensures child-sensitive and equitable service delivery. In this context, UNICEF is seeking to recruit an international consultant to support NASP and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MoEF) in piloting and institutionalizing RBM and PBB in the social protection sector—contributing to more strategic and transparent allocation and use of public resources for children, adolescents, and families.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical assistance to NASP and MoEF to support the design, piloting, and implementation of RBM and PBB frameworks, tools, and processes. The consultant will provide technical expertise, capacity strengthening, and advisory services aimed at enhancing results-based planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting in NASP.
Specific objectives include:
- Supporting the development of RBM and PBB frameworks and methodologies tailored to NASP functions.
- Assisting in the integration of strategic plans with programme budgets, including formulation of performance indicators and child-sensitive budgeting mechanisms.
- Strengthening institutional and staff capacities through training, mentoring, and technical guidance.
- Supporting the establishment of an effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system aligned with RBM/PBB principles.
SCOPE AND FOCUS
An international consultant is expected to accomplish the work with the following scope and focus:
1. Desk review of existing literature and documents on:
- PBB Methodological approaches developed by the MoEF and other documents/reports produced on PBB work being undertaken by the MoEF in partnership with development partners
- PFM and budgetary frameworks/processes, ongoing reforms and PFM practices in Uzbekistan to understand the budget and public finance context and bottlenecks in the system
- Best international practices to plan and implement RBM and PBB in advancing the managing and financing for results practices in public sector, by focusing on social protection system
- Relevant documents produced by UNICEF and other UN and international organizations
- Developing inception report to summarize desk review findings as well as proposing initial workplan for accomplishment of the assignment and the methodologies and tools for online and offline interviews (concept, questions, stakeholder list, schedule of interviews etc)
2. Assessment and Design
- Conduct a diagnostic review of existing planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems within NASP.
- Analyze current strategic frameworks and their alignment with budget programmes.
- Review budget programmes developed by NASP and MoEF for 2025–2027, including off-budget and social protection spending.
- Conducting interviews with the NASP, MoEF, line ministries and other main stakeholders to understand their expectations, concerns and recommendations.
- Development of the final report on i) assessment findings of and ii) recommendations for improving NASP planning, budgeting, and M&E systems through implementation of RBM and PBB; iii) Action plan on implementation of RBM & PBB within NASP.
- Presentation to and validation of findings, recommendations and action points with NASP and MoEF senior management and staff members.
3. Capacity Strengthening
- Develop and deliver
An introductory workshop programme for NASP and relevant MoEF staff on RBM and PBB, including workshopmaterials and manuals. The workshop should focus on essential components of RBM & PBB for social protection, as well as on important elements for developing and implementing required frameworks and tools for comprehensive in-house RBM and PBB system.
I. Based on results of preceeding phases to conduct Diagnostics Review and Development of Frameworks and Tools, designing and conducting TOT on RBM and PBB for selected staff members of NASP responsible for development and implementation of RBM and PBB frameworks within the NASP, as well as for designing and organizing continuous capacity building, training and re-training for NASP staff members.
- Support peer-to-peer learning and mentoring for NASP staff.
- Facilitate practical, hands-on workshops and clinics to support the piloting of tools.
I. Developing teaching and learning materials on RBM and PBB, that will be used by the Training center under the NASP and/or MoEF to organize trainings on rolling basis
II. Coaching/mentoring for TOT participants to conduct independently training course on RBM and PBB for sub-structures of NASP in the regions.
4. Development of Tools and Frameworks
- Develop RBM and PBB frameworks, including methodologies for programme formulation, cost estimation, performance measurement, and monitoring.
- Support development of programme structures, sub-programmes, and performance indicators (including child-focused markers).
- Draft operational guidance notes and SOPs for integration of strategic planning, budgeting, and monitoring functions.
5. Technical Support and Quality Assurance
- Provide ongoing technical assistance during piloting phase of RBM and PBB within the NASP.
- Advise on alignment of NASP budget submissions with MoEF budget guidelines and programme classification.
- Support the establishment of an internal unit within NASP responsible for budget programme formulation, monitoring, and reporting, as per government decree.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
- Support the design and operationalization of a results-oriented M&E system within NASP.
- Provide recommendations for regular performance reporting, public disclosure of results, and accountability mechanisms.
7. Coordination of Work and Reporting
- Working closely with the NASP, MoEF and UNICEF to discuss and plan the work;
- Working and holding meetings with national counterparts, working group members; in coordination with the national consultant finalization and submission of documented reports on the points discussed and action agreed upon during the meetings.
- Coordinating the work of national consultant to support with coordination of work with NASP, MoEF, UNICEF, data and information gathering, organizing consultations etc
- Producing reports (max 10 pages) on accomplished deliverables, which includes self-reflected assessment of the work accomplished, what went well and could be improved, as well as recommendations on further work to increase institutional capacity of the NASP and the MoEF to implement RBM and PBB within NASP and other social sector ministries
Timeline and Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the tasks during 60 working days during the period of 15 May 2025 –31 December 2025
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- Advanced university degree in economics, public policy, social policy or any other relevant field with specialization in public finance and governance.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in field of public financial management, public policy, public administration (verified by records of work experience).
- Proven track record in supporting/advising government in social protection and PFM reforms, including to design, implement and practical application of results-oriented management and budgeting for for governance of social sectors.
- Knowledge and experience in academia (teaching or research) and/or in undertaking capacity building and ToTs, including in public finance, administration of social programmes, public administration, RBM and PBB (verified by records of work experiences in carrying out at least two trainings/workshops, and development of knowledge products)
- Good written and spoken command in Russian and English, and Uzbek is an asset (verified by review of CV/profile and interview).
- Good knowledge of Uzbekistan PFM and social protection context and/or working in Uzbekistan and/or CIS/Central Asian region
- Excellent analytical, presentation and communication skills (verified by records of work experience in delivering speeches or presentations).
- Familiarity with UNICEF’s PF4C framework and SDG budgeting principles is desirable.
Management
While the assignment will be carried out under overall supervision of the Social Policy Officer (PFM) of UNICEF Uzbekistan for contract administration purposes, international consultant will be required to work in close collaboration with NASP, MoEF and other identified institutions in the execution of this assignment. UNICEF Uzbekistan will undertake monitoring and coordination of the assignment, MoEF and NASP will facilitate involvement of relevant staff members from the NASP and the MoEF and other stakeholders to provide requested information and to validate them.
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.