Learning and Leadership Development Consultant – Evaluation of UNICEF’s Manager Support Programme

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being across the globe. 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 areas including child health and 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 maintain its mission of ensuring every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive.

Job Overview:
The Learning and Leadership Development Consultant will play a crucial role in evaluating UNICEF's Manager Support Programme (MSP), which aims to enhance people management and leadership practices within the organization. This consultancy position is home-based with potential travel requirements, and it will run from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 202

• The consultant will be responsible for providing independent and credible evidence regarding the MSP's effectiveness and its impact on organizational culture. The evaluation will involve assessing the programme's achievements, understanding the conditions that influence its implementation, and generating recommendations for future phases. The consultant will collaborate with both internal staff and external consultants to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process that emphasizes adult learning and leadership development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include supporting the design and refinement of the evaluation methodology, focusing on adult learning and leadership development. They will contribute to data collection through various methods such as interviews, focus groups, and surveys, specifically targeting managers' experiences with the MSP. The consultant will lead the analysis of how different components of the MSP, such as e-learning and coaching, affect management practices and team dynamics. They will also facilitate participatory approaches for data collection and workshops, ensuring that findings are grounded in practical leadership development insights. Key deliverables will include drafting and finalizing reports, presentations, and communication products related to the evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters) in fields such as adult learning, leadership development, organizational studies, or human resources management. They should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in adult learning, leadership development, or organizational change within complex organizations. Demonstrated expertise in coaching, peer learning, and HR initiatives is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience with qualitative and mixed-methods evaluation approaches, integrating considerations of gender equality, equity, and inclusion. Strong facilitation skills for participatory evaluation processes are required, along with familiarity with the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) norms and standards for evaluation. Knowledge of UNICEF or similar multilateral organizations is desirable, as well as excellent synthesis and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Masters) in relevant fields such as adult learning, leadership development, organizational studies, or human resources management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of leadership and organizational dynamics, which are central to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in areas related to adult learning, leadership development, or organizational change. This experience should ideally be within complex organizations, demonstrating the ability to navigate and influence organizational culture and practices effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of UNICEF. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and is home-based with potential travel. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal detailing costs for deliverables. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if travel is required. The selected candidate must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award. Payment will be contingent on the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if standards are not met. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.