The purpose of consultancy

The Republic of Serbia is among the European countries that record the largest share of older persons in the population. According to data from the Statistical Office of Serbia (SORS), the percentage of people over 65 is 21.3%, meaning that every 5th person is older than 65. Furthermore, the mean age has increased from 40.2 in 2002 to 43.5 in 2021. A number of strategic documents and action plans, which partly or entirely refer to the position of older persons, have expired. This primarily refers to the National Strategy on Ageing, adopted in 2006 and in force until 2015. It guided actors in society and indicated ways to improve older persons' social, economic, political, and cultural positions and roles. The new Strategy for Ageing should be based on evaluating the previous strategy, considering older persons' current situation and needs. In addition to addressing all issues of importance for improving the position of older persons, the new strategy would also contribute to changing attitudes towards older persons, encouraging active and healthy aging, and promoting the capacities of this generation, while also promoting intergenerational exchange and tolerance.

The Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia defines that for the purposes of drafting the planning document, an ex-post and ex-ante analysis of the impact of public policies should be carried out. The Evaluation of the implementation of the National Strategy on Ageing of the Government of the Republic of Serbia (2006-2015) was conducted in 2016 by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs with the support of the UNFPA CO Serbia. This document was accepted by the relevant authorities as the ex-post analysis of the evaluation of the achieved effects of the National Strategy on Ageing (2006-2015). The development of the ex-ante analysis for the National Strategy on Ageing of the Republic of Serbia will be convened by the Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography. Other relevant institutions in this process are the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, National Councils on Older Persons and Ageing, Social Protection Institute of the Republic of Serbia and other relevant institutions and ministries.

UNFPA CO Serbia has been invited to provide support, per its mandate, in drafting the ex-ante analysis for the National Strategy on Ageing of the Republic of Serbia. UNFPA CO Serbia is engaging three national consultants, one as a lead expert and project coordinator and two researchers, to support this process. The results and data generated through this reporting process will also contribute to preparing the next National Voluntary Report on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The methodology for conducting an ex-ante analysis of the effects of public policies is defined by the Regulation on the methodology of public policy management, analysis of the effects of public policies and regulations, and the content of individual public policy documents (2020). The Regulation defines guidelines and steps in order to choose the optimal public policy, which implies a detailed analysis of the effects while respecting the principles of proportionality and precaution, which are defined by the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia.

The ex-ante analysis for the National Strategy on Ageing of the Republic of Serbia will be prepared in accordance with the following guidance documents:

i/ Regulation on the methodology of public policy management, analysis of the effects of public policies and regulations and the content of individual public policy documents (2020);
ii/ Evaluation of the implementation of the National Strategy on Ageing of the Government of the Republic of Serbia (2006-2015) conducted by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs and the UNFPA CO Serbia;
iii/ National Report for the Fourth Review and Appraisal Cycle of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and its Regional Implementation Strategy (MIPAA/RIS) 2018 – 2022 of the Republic of Serbia iv/ Evaluability assessment for ex-ante analysis for the Strategy on Ageing conducted by the UNFPA CO Serbia and NGO Ideas in 2022;
v/ Loneliness and social isolation of older persons in the Republic of Serbia, conducted by the UNFPA CO Serbia and NGO Ideas in 2022;
vi/ Special Report on discrimination against older persons in the Republic of Serbia consolidated by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality in 2021;
vii/ Poverty Projections for Older Persons - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis on the poverty of older persons in the Republic of Serbia, prepared by UNFPA under the UN Joint
Programme “Extending Social Protection to Families in Serbia with Enhanced shock-responsiveness.”

All these documents will be provided to the consultants by the UNFPA CO Serbia.

Two National Consultants - researchers will provide a comprehensive range of services for the purposes of this assignment in agreement with the lead expert - project coordinator and tasks listed below. The National Consultants - researchers will report to the lead expert - project coordinator, the focal point of the Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography of the Republic of Serbia, the UNFPA Head of Office, and the UNFPA PD Programme Analyst. The Consultants will cooperate closely with the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, National Councils on Older Persons and Ageing, as well as with additional relevant institutions and organizations such as the Social Protection Institute of the Republic of Serbia, regulatory bodies and CSOs.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. University degree in social sciences, law, economy, political sciences, public health, demography, or related field. Master’s degree/Ph.D. is considered an advantage;
2. Experience of at least seven years in analyses, assessments, and report writing;
3. Experience working with governmental, international organizations, and NGOs on issues relating to aging, and/or rights of older persons.
4. Good knowledge of national policy and practice in the Republic of Serbia, national laws and by-laws, key players both at the institutional as well as local levels, and understanding of challenges in Serbia and globally related to aging and the rights of older persons;
5. Good knowledge and access to information relating to the National Reports of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing of the Republic of Serbia will be considered an
asset.
6. The ability to meet deadlines and dates and prioritize multiple tasks;
7. Strong organizational skills, self-motivated, result oriented, and proactive;
8. Excellent communication, writing, and editorial skills.

Applicants should send their resume (CV) with a motivation letter to vacancies.serbia@unfpa.org, no later than 17th May 2023, 5.00 PM CET.

Please refer to the attached ToR for further information.