Home-Based Consultant UNICEF USA

An Introduction to UNICEF and Our Mission

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed to ensuring every child has a fair chance in life, focusing on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

To advance our mission in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, UNICEF is seeking to engage a diverse group of dedicated professionals. We are currently recruiting for 18 Home-Based Consultants to contribute their expertise across various projects and initiatives. This is not a single role, but a call for specialists in multiple fields to support our work through flexible, remote consultancy arrangements.

The Consultancy Roles in Detail: Scope and Impact

A consultancy with UNICEF is a dynamic opportunity to apply your specialized skills to address critical challenges affecting children worldwide. While each consultancy will have its specific Terms of Reference (TOR), the overarching purpose is to provide high-level expertise, analysis, and deliverables that inform UNICEF’s programmes, policies, and advocacy efforts.

As a Home-Based Consultant, you will be an integral part of a global team, working remotely to achieve concrete results. Your work will contribute directly to outcomes that improve the lives of children in areas such as health, nutrition, education, child protection, water and sanitation, and social inclusion.

Key Responsibility Areas for Consultants

The specific duties will vary by assignment, but common areas of responsibility may include:

• Research and Analysis: Conducting in-depth desk reviews, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and field research to generate evidence on critical issues affecting children.

• Programme Development and Evaluation: Supporting the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of UNICEF programmes, including developing strategic frameworks, monitoring tools, and final evaluation reports.

• Policy and Strategy Formulation: Analyzing existing policies and developing recommendations, briefing notes, and draft policy documents to guide governmental and organizational action.

• Capacity Building and Training: Developing training materials, manuals, and online modules, and facilitating virtual workshops for UNICEF staff, partners, and government counterparts.

• Technical Assistance: Providing specialized technical advice in your area of expertise (e.g., public health, education technology, gender equality, emergency response) to support programme implementation.

• Report and Content Development: Authoring, editing, and producing high-quality reports, donor proposals, communication materials, and knowledge products.

Potential Thematic Areas of Work

The 18 consultant positions will span a wide range of expertise. We are seeking professionals with backgrounds in, but not limited to, the following fields:

• Health & Nutrition: Maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, immunization, nutrition programming.

• Education: Early childhood development, education in emergencies, digital learning, skills development.

• Child Protection: Violence prevention, child rights governance, justice for children, social work.

• WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene): Emergency WASH, sustainable water management, hygiene promotion.

• Social Policy: Public finance for children, social protection, poverty analysis, data for children.

• Emergency Response & Preparedness: Humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction, cluster coordination.

• Communication for Development (C4D): Behavior change communication, social mobilization, community engagement.

• Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion: Mainstreaming gender and disability into programmes.

• Monitoring & Evaluation: Developing M&E frameworks, data collection systems, and performance metrics.

• Partnerships and Fundraising: Resource mobilization, partnership management, donor reporting.

Who We Are Looking For: The Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek individuals who are not only experts in their field but are also passionate about leveraging their skills for the betterment of children. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, self-motivated professional who thrives in a remote working environment.

General Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Health, Education, Law, or another related technical field.

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in a relevant area of specialization, with a proven track record of producing high-quality deliverables.

• Specific expertise in one or more of the thematic areas listed above, demonstrated through previous work, publications, or consultancies.

• Experience working with international organizations, the UN system, or NGOs is highly desirable.

Critical Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge and proven skills in your specific area of consultancy.

• Analytical and Conceptual Thinking: Strong ability to analyze complex information, synthesize data, and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.

• Excellent Communication and Writing Skills: Exceptional proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese) is a significant asset. You must be able to draft clear, concise, and persuasive reports and documents.

• Planning and Organizing: Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and deliver high-quality work on tight deadlines.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and adapt to changing priorities and demands.

• Drive for Results: A proactive, results-oriented mindset with a commitment to seeing assignments through to completion.

• Commitment to UNICEF’s Mission: A genuine passion for and commitment to the values and principles of UNICEF and the United Nations.

Benefits of a Consultancy with UNICEF

While a consultancy is a temporary assignment, it offers a unique and rewarding professional experience with a comprehensive benefits package.

• Competitive Compensation: You will receive a competitive salary that is commensurate with your experience and the level of the consultancy, in line with UN guidelines.

• Health Insurance: Access to a health insurance plan for the duration of your contract, ensuring your well-being is protected while you focus on delivering your work.

• Pension Plan Contribution: Eligibility for a pension plan contribution, providing financial security for your future.

• Paid Annual Leave: Consultants are entitled to paid annual leave, allowing you to rest and recharge during your assignment.

• Professional Development Opportunities: While a consultancy is a specific assignment, it offers immense professional development opportunities. You will gain invaluable experience, expand your professional network within the UN system, and enhance your portfolio with work that has a global impact.

• Global Impact: The most significant benefit is the opportunity to apply your skills to challenges that matter. Your work will directly contribute to creating a better world for every child.