Consultancy: Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) Strategy 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 currently works in 190 countries and territories. The organization is known for being the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on various areas including child 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 consultancy position focuses on the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative, which aims to ensure that data practices are responsible and prioritize the rights and well-being of children. The consultant will assess the current state of the RD4C initiative and identify strategic opportunities for its evolution to maximize impact. This role is crucial in the context of increasing digital transformation and the associated risks and opportunities for children's rights. The consultant will work closely with the Child Protection Programme Team and the Office of the Chief Data Officer to enhance responsible data governance practices and ensure that children's needs are at the forefront of data and AI governance discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Mapping the ecosystem of organizations and initiatives related to child-centric responsible data governance, analyzing demand versus supply.
• Refreshing the vision and value proposition of the RD4C initiative based on the mapping results.
• Developing a governance proposal to strengthen collaboration across the ecosystem.
• Identifying new partners for the RD4C initiative and outlining their potential roles in governance.
• Creating a service catalogue and proposing a sustainable business model for the RD4C initiative to diversify funding sources. Each deliverable has specific deadlines, with the final deliverable due by January 31, 2026.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years of professional experience in data or AI governance or a related field. They should have experience in establishing and developing organizations or initiatives, including governance structures. Knowledge of the responsible data and AI ecosystem, including key players and funding partners, is essential. Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills are required, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as law, international development, public policy, computer science, or library science is required. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the consultancy, particularly in data governance and protection.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of eight years in data or AI governance or related fields. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in developing governance frameworks and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the impact of initiatives focused on children's rights.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in international contexts where multilingual communication is beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote-based and is expected to last from December 15, 2025, to January 31, 202

• Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal detailing costs for each deliverable. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if international travel is required. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance and may be subject to background checks. The consultancy does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities.