TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNICEF is working in an increasing number of fragile, violent and conflict-affected settings where children and communities face interconnected challenges, including conflict, displacement, climate shocks, poverty, weak governance and disrupted services. These pressures are straining national and local systems and limiting their ability to protect children and deliver essential services. This consultancy will support the development of a practical UNICEF strategy for engagement in these contexts, helping define UNICEF’s comparative advantage, strengthen the resilience of systems and communities, and promote more coherent, risk-informed and child-centered programming across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Drawing on evidence, country experience and existing UNICEF guidance, the assignment will produce a strategic framework to guide programming, advocacy, partnerships, resource mobilization and technical support in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Minimum requirements
Skills
The consultant should demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of fragility, violence, conflict dynamics and their impact on children, families, communities and service systems.
- Proven knowledge of resilience building, systems strengthening and risk-informed programming in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
- Familiarity with humanitarian-development-peace collaboration and its practical implications for UNICEF programming.
- Understanding of UNICEF’s mandate, country office mandates and child rights-based programming.
- Ability to translate complex analysis into clear, practical and user-friendly strategic guidance.
- Strong consultation and facilitation skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across headquarters, regional and country office levels.
- Excellent analytical, synthesis and writing skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage timelines and deliver high-quality outputs under limited supervision.
Language Requirements
Working knowledge of French is highly desirable
Desirables
- Previous experience supporting UNICEF Programming, strategies, plan and framework development, technical guidance or programme positioning.
- Experience working with country offices including in fragile, violent or conflict-affected settings.
- Experience in resilience systems strengthening, social service systems, child protection, education, social protection, health, WASH or multisectoral programming in most fragile contexts.
- Experience supporting advocacy, resource mobilization or partnership positioning with donors, governments or multilateral institutions including IFIs.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
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 promoting 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 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.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.