Ventures Development Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established 70 years ago, is the world's leading children's rights organization, operating in 190 countries and territories. With over 12,000 staff, UNICEF focuses on promoting children's survival, protection, and development, and is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries. The organization is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.

Job Overview:
The Ventures Development Consultant will work within UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU), a global public-private-youth partnership aimed at expanding opportunities for young people aged 10-24 to transition from learning to earning by 203

• The consultant will enhance the technical and strategic quality of GenU’s entrepreneurship initiatives, applying expertise in entrepreneurship and venture development to design and implement deliverables that strengthen program models and partnerships. The role involves developing strategic plans for initiatives like imaGen Ventures, focusing on entrepreneurship that addresses social, environmental, and economic challenges. The consultant will produce analytical and technical outputs to advance GenU’s entrepreneurship portfolio, ensuring alignment with market realities and measurable impact pathways.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for defining entrepreneurship pathways across thematic clusters, producing standardized tools for program design, integrating private-sector logics into frameworks, developing a strategic repositioning plan for imaGen Ventures, and documenting successful case studies. They will also identify market opportunities for young entrepreneurs, analyze funding mechanisms, curate partnership packages, and facilitate engagement sessions with partners. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to strategic planning and resource mobilization by preparing materials for stakeholder engagement and identifying funding opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least five years of progressively responsible experience in entrepreneurship program design, venture incubation, or livelihoods development, preferably in emerging markets. They should have a proven track record in building entrepreneurship ecosystems and experience with accelerators, incubators, and investors. Expertise in enterprise development, market systems strengthening, and investment-readiness support is essential, along with experience in designing financing mechanisms for entrepreneurship programs. A strong understanding of youth livelihoods and private-sector engagement in sustainable development is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, or a related field is required. A first-level degree with at least two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship program design, venture incubation, or livelihoods development, with a focus on emerging or developing markets. Experience in managing entrepreneurship ecosystems and working with various stakeholders is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and working knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote and spans from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 202

• Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and provide a financial proposal reflecting costs per deliverable. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if applicable. Selected candidates must have health insurance coverage and will undergo background checks. The consultancy does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities.