TERMS OF REFERENCE
The purpose of this consultancy is to deliver analytical, policy, knowledge and technical products on gender-responsive social protection and care and support systems, in support of the Inclusive Social Protection thematic area of the Economic and Social Policy Global Practice (ESP GP) and in collaboration with UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight.
The ESP GP requires dedicated capacity to support the production of technical products, synthesize and translate evidence into actionable guidance, facilitate multi-stakeholder processes, and deliver outputs in support of UNICEF's engagement on gender-responsive social protection and care and support systems. These workstreams demand demonstrated thematic expertise, the ability to work independently across a range of deliverables, and the capacity to engage substantively with governments, UN agencies, civil society partners, and research institutions.
This consultancy will contribute to:
• developing evidence-based capacity building, policy dialogue, and programme delivery on gender-responsive social protection across priority countries and regions;
• synthesizing cross-country programmatic evidence on social accountability and engaging civil society in social protection and adolescent girl programming, and translating findings into policy-relevant guidance for country offices and global audiences;
• developing technical and advocacy products on care and support systems, including country-level guidance and policy briefs, in support of UNICEF's engagement with the global Year of Care 2028 agenda;
• contributing substantive technical input to thematic interagency and global platforms, including the UNICEF Global Technical Team on Family-Friendly Policies and Care; and
• supporting knowledge dissemination and communications for the Transfer Project, ensuring that evidence on cash transfers and gender-responsive programme design is effectively communicated to policy and practitioner audiences.
If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s) in social policy, development studies, gender studies, international development, or a closely related field.
Work Experience
Language Requirements
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
• Strong analytical and policy writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, well-structured, and evidence-based products independently
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent deliverables across diverse thematic and geographic contexts
• Sound judgment in translating complex technical and programmatic content into accessible policy and advocacy products
• Ability to engage substantively and credibly with a range of stakeholders including government officials, UN agencies, research institutions, and civil society organizations
• Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with supervising staff and partner teams.
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 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.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- A detailed technical proposal
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.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.