job · indexed from UNICEF Careers

Policy and intersectoral cooperation expert on ECD/ECEC and Adolescents Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia

UNICEF

Published

15 Oct 2026

Deadline

21 Oct 2026

Within the UNICEF Country Programme and in support of Government of Serbia commitments on Early Childhood Development (ECD), Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), and child and adolescent mental health, UNICEF has supported systemic reforms across health, education and social protection sectors. Significant progress has been achieved through the expansion of parenting support programmes, family-centred early intervention services, inclusive preschool education, and community-based mental health services, supported by strong intersectoral cooperation and national policy frameworks. Despite these achievements, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and quality services for the most vulnerable children and families, particularly Roma, rural, poor households, and children with disabilities. Further strengthening of intersectoral coordination, local service networks, and sustainable system solutions is needed to scale up results. To support these priorities, UNICEF seeks an individual consultant to strengthen ECI, ECEC and mental health support systems through policy development, intersectoral cooperation, local-level implementation support, and the development of a Model Local Protocol on Intersectoral Cooperation to improve coordinated, accessible and community-based services for children, adolescents and young people. The assignment will contribute to stronger inclusion, wellbeing and support for vulnerable children, adolescents and their families.