Youth Led Action/Humanitarian Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to advocate for the protection of children's rights, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing approximately 13,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various areas including education, health, nutrition, and child protection, aiming to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. UNICEF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where employees can grow professionally and personally while contributing to the well-being of children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Youth Led Action/Humanitarian Consultant position is a 12-month consultancy role within UNICEF’s Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) team. The consultant will be instrumental in managing and implementing UNICEF’s Youth-Led Action commitments, which span both development and humanitarian contexts. This role involves providing technical assistance to various country initiatives, developing global resources, and supporting partnerships and resource mobilization efforts. The consultant will work closely with other sectors within UNICEF, including Health and Mental Health, to ensure cohesive and effective programming. The position requires a proactive approach to building partnerships, engaging with youth organizations, and facilitating training and capacity-building initiatives. The consultant will also be responsible for documenting insights and best practices, contributing to advocacy efforts, and maintaining a user-friendly online hub for youth-led action resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical assistance for youth-led action initiatives across countries, ensuring strategic partnerships and programmatic goals are met.
• Delivering training and facilitating curriculum development to scale up youth-led action at various levels.
• Developing and maintaining global resources related to youth-led action, including online courses and resource guides.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by engaging with donors and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.
• Managing communities of practice for youth-led action, including moderating discussions and facilitating learning opportunities.
• Documenting key insights and lessons learned from youth-led action efforts to inform future programming and advocacy.
• Producing analytical reports and success stories to share findings and promote visibility of youth-led initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters) in relevant fields such as International Relations, Public Policy, or Education. Additionally, they should have at least six years of professional experience in program planning and management, with a focus on youth engagement. Experience in resource mobilization and direct interaction with funders is essential, along with demonstrated training and facilitation skills. Candidates should also have direct experience working with youth organizations and initiatives, particularly in areas related to mental health, education, and humanitarian settings. Strong communication and analytical skills are required to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and document program outcomes.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Masters) in fields such as International Relations, Adolescent Development, Public Policy, Human Rights, Public Health, Education, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, or other relevant technical fields. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding to effectively contribute to UNICEF's youth-led action initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in program planning, management, and monitoring and evaluation specifically related to youth engagement and youth-led action initiatives. Additionally, at least three years of experience in resource mobilization and funding, particularly with private sector donors, is required. Experience in training and facilitating peer-to-peer learning is also essential, as is direct work experience with youth organizations and advocacy initiatives. Familiarity with adolescent participation and civic engagement is highly desirable, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where UNICEF operates, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is set to last from August 6, 2025, to August 6, 2026, and can be performed remotely or from UNICEF's New York headquarters. The consultant will be compensated based on deliverables, with payment contingent upon the satisfactory completion of agreed-upon tasks. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel expenses related to the consultancy. Candidates must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables do not meet required standards. The organization promotes a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.