Consultant for CRVS Strategic Plan Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs thousands of staff worldwide and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of Section and the Child Protection Specialist, leading the development of a fully costed Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Strategic Plan for 2026-203

• This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Local Government, and ensuring that the plan is evidence-based and aligned with national priorities. The consultant will also strengthen coordination mechanisms at national and district levels to oversee the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to CRVS processes, ensuring universal coverage and improving registration completeness. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate inter-ministerial engagement and conduct capacity-building for government staff on system use and data governance, ensuring the sustainability of the CRVS system.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the analytical and consultative processes for developing the CRVS Strategic Plan 2026-203
• Ensure the plan is evidence-based, context-appropriate, and aligned with national priorities.
• Strengthen national and district-level coordination mechanisms involving relevant government ministries and partners.
• Oversee the implementation of SOPs on CRVS business processes.
• Conduct regular meetings and develop agreed workplans with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
• Support the TICAD-funded project on integrated digital identity and system linkages.
• Facilitate regular coordination between participating ministries to ensure alignment and resolve dependencies.
• Conduct capacity-building for at least 50 government staff across key ministries on system use, data governance, and routine maintenance.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Social Science, Strategic Planning, Public Policy, Human Rights, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least two completed assignments involving assessment or strategic planning for civil registration and vital statistics systems or comparable national-scale registration systems in developing countries.
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in Strategic Planning, Development, and Change Management.
• Strong understanding of public sector planning and funding cycles, as well as the Child Protection sector and Sustainable Development Goals.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or higher, in relevant fields such as Social Science, Strategic Planning, Public Policy, Human Rights, or Public Administration. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of civil registration and vital statistics systems.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of professional experience in Strategic Planning, Development, and Change Management, with a focus on civil registration and vital statistics systems. Candidates should have completed at least two assignments related to assessment or strategic planning in developing country contexts, demonstrating a strong background in the field.

Languages:
Excellent writing skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and has a duration of 6.5 months. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.