Menstrual Health and Hygiene Consultancy

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years and works in 190 countries and territories. The organization is known for being the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on various aspects of child welfare, including health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, allowing it to carry out its mission effectively across diverse global contexts.

Job Overview:
The Menstrual Health and Hygiene Consultancy position is a critical role within UNICEF's Programme Group, specifically in the WASH Section. The consultant will be tasked with addressing the often-overlooked issue of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), which is vital for the dignity and well-being of over 2.1 billion girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals globally. The role involves supporting a global advocacy initiative aimed at elevating MHH as a priority in development and policy discussions. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders to co-create a Shared Agenda for Action on MHH, ensuring that the voices of adolescents and young people are included in the process. Additionally, the consultant will develop technical guidance on the intersection of climate change and MHH, recognizing the impact of climate-related events on menstrual health. This position is remote and spans from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while contributing to a significant global cause.

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

• Actively participating in the global coordinated advocacy initiative on MHH, which involves stakeholder mapping and engagement, as well as conducting a political economy analysis to identify key influencers and opportunities for change.
• Coordinating with regional and national networks to ensure diverse voices, particularly those of adolescents and young people, are represented in the global shared agenda.
• Co-developing the Global Shared Agenda for Action on MHH with relevant stakeholders, fostering ownership and buy-in from all parties involved.
• Supporting the preparation and execution of global advocacy activities related to MHH, including organizing advocacy events and producing thematic briefs that link MHH to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Developing technical program guidance on climate change and MHH, ensuring that menstrual health needs are addressed in the context of climate resilience.
• Delivering reports and knowledge products that inform and support the global advocacy efforts on MHH, including a communication strategy and relevant global knowledge products by the end of the consultancy period.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, or a related field. They should have at least seven years of experience in areas related to menstrual health and hygiene, demonstrating a strong understanding of the current state of MHH, key approaches, relevant policy mechanisms, and stakeholders involved. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, along with experience in designing and overseeing surveys and consultations, facilitating virtual engagements with diverse stakeholders, and supporting advocacy events. The ability to work dynamically across different teams and sectors is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required for this consultancy position, specifically in fields such as Public Health, Environmental Health, Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, or other related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding to effectively address the complexities of menstrual health and hygiene in relation to global health and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the field of menstrual health and hygiene. This experience should encompass a comprehensive understanding of the interlinkages between menstrual health, climate change, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) systems. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in dynamic environments, coordinating across various teams and sectors, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to advocate for MHH.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contexts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to run from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and is primarily remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal that outlines costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. Any travel costs and daily subsistence allowances will be covered if international recruitment is necessary. The selected candidate must have valid health insurance coverage at the time of contract award and will be required to confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities and adhering to strict child safeguarding principles.