UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

The migration of children across Europe and its borders remains an unpredictable and pressing challenge, driven by factors such as political instability, conflict, climate change, and economic inequality. Europe serves as both a transit and destination region for children and families seeking safety and opportunity. Yet, these journeys often involve perilous routes, including across the Mediterranean and through the Western Balkans, where thousands of children affected by migration and displacement face disproportionate risks of violence, exploitation and abuse.

Children who arrive in Europe from other parts of the world are often met with overcrowded and inadequate reception facilities, long and bureaucratic procedures, and a lack of basic services, including health and education. As the EU pushes for closer alignment with its migration and asylum standards, Western Balkan countries, particularly pre-accession countries, are increasingly called upon to assume responsibility for controlling irregular flows, hosting returnees, and aligning their systems with the evolving EU acquis.

The BMI Migration initiative has been established as a platform to address these challenges and to support MIC (middle income country) to HIC (high income country) transition. By focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions, and identifying adapted funding models for such countries, the BMI aims to strengthen institutional engagement, advocacy, and programming for child-sensitive migration and asylum in countries transitioning from middle to high income country status.

Work Assignment Overview:

The consultant will support the UNICEF Country Office in Serbia by identifying and leveraging funding opportunities and analysing strategic partnerships and approaches in the field of migration in Serbia to strengthen programming for children on the move. This includes conducting a targeted desk review to identify potential national, European and international funding sources relevant to UNICEF Country Office in Serbia, with a strong focus on private funds and foundations providing grants addressing migration issues relevant for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC).

Also, the consultant will analyse approaches and plans of strategic partners in the field of migration in Serbia, including key government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, regional actors, and international partners in Serbia including EUAA. This analysis should be grounded in and aligned with the priorities outlined in the new five-year Country Programme Document (CPD), in order to identify engagement plan, strategic program approaches, which partners to collaborate with most strategically, assess opportunities for leveraging resources, expertise, and networks and recommend concrete strategic steps for engagement, collaboration, and joint initiatives.

Duration of the assignment: October 2025 – February 2026 (part-time, remote, up to 60 workdays)

Tasks overview:

1. Conduct a Targeted Desk Review
2. Develop a Strategic Resource Mobilization Plan
3. Develop Investment Cases
4. Develop Strategic Engagement Plan for UNICEF Serbia

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Advanced university degree in International Development, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management or another related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in resource mobilization, project development, or programme management within the international development sector.
• Experience in securing funding from the European Union, particularly the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) opened to Accession Countries and the EaSI (ESF+); IPA III and Private Actors.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with donors and key governmental and other partners related to migration and displacement issues.
• Excellent spoken and written English skills, including exceptional drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.
• Good understanding of the regulation, governance structures, key actors, and programming landscape related to migration and displacement in Serbia.
• Fluency in Serbian.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

1. Daily rate (all costs included, e.g. health insurance, pension, usage of mobile phone),
2. Daily travel allowance for an overnight stay in Serbia (including accommodation),
3. Daily travel allowance without overnight,
4. Transportation costs per km (for travel within Serbia).

*Applicants are requested to submit samples of reports/desk reviews/strategic plans relevant to the consultancy. Applications without a sample will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 19 October 2025.

Important notes:

• Please do not forget to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).  
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark "n/a” or “00" under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.