Consultant for Mid-Term Review and Volunteerism Policy Update

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established to work in some of the world’s toughest places, aims to reach the most disadvantaged children globally. With operations in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF is dedicated to saving lives, defending rights, and helping children fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to building a better world for everyone and operates with a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity for development and growth.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Community Mobilization Strategy (CMS) 2023–2027 and updating the National Volunteerism Policy in Rwanda. This position requires a deep understanding of community engagement, social mobilization, and the governance framework in Rwanda. The consultant will be responsible for generating evidence-based recommendations that will enhance the implementation of the CMS and align the Volunteerism Policy with national and global best practices. The work will involve extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and community members, to ensure that the strategies developed are inclusive and effective in promoting sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant/team will undertake the following key tasks: For the CMS Mid-Term Review, they will review relevant documents, including the CMS workplan, budget, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. They will analyze the effectiveness of mobilization platforms such as Umuganda and media campaigns, assess the inclusiveness of mobilization efforts targeting youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, and evaluate resource use and sustainability measures. Additionally, they will conduct national and district-level consultations through key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and validation workshops. For the Volunteerism Policy Update, the consultant will review the existing 2012 policy and related frameworks, conduct stakeholder mapping, and gather data from selected districts to inform their recommendations. They will draft an updated policy and implementation framework and facilitate validation workshops to finalize the updated policy.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in Public Policy, Education, Development Studies, Governance, or Social Sciences. They should have a minimum of eight years of experience in program evaluation, policy review, and social mobilization. Expertise in volunteerism frameworks, governance, education, and civic engagement is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in participatory research, monitoring and evaluation, and policy drafting, along with experience in Rwanda’s decentralization and community engagement systems. Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills in both English and Kinyarwanda are required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Education, Development Studies, Governance, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of community mobilization and policy development in the Rwandan context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience, particularly in program evaluation, policy review, and social mobilization. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in volunteerism frameworks and governance, as well as a strong understanding of Rwanda’s community engagement systems and decentralization processes.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Kinyarwanda is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for conducting consultations and drafting reports. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 5 months, from December 2025 to April 2026, encompassing a total of 85 working days. The selection process will evaluate both technical and financial proposals, with a maximum score distribution of 75% for technical and 25% for financial applications. Candidates must adhere to UNICEF's values and principles, including a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must ensure compliance with health and vaccination requirements related to COVID-1

• It is important to note that individuals engaged under this consultancy will not be considered staff members and will not receive benefits typically provided to staff, such as medical insurance or leave entitlements.