Youth Innovation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on children's survival, protection, and development, and is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries. With a workforce of over 12,000 staff members across more than 145 countries, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments. Its mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, advocating for equitable access to essential services and protection from violence and exploitation.

Job Overview:
The Youth Innovation Consultant will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction and assessment of Yoma's innovation pilots and ecosystem-level strategies. This position involves collaborating with various partners, including SAP, Accenture, Standard Chartered, and Capgemini, to ensure that each pilot is designed with a youth-centered approach and incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating progress, identifying barriers and opportunities, and generating evidence-based recommendations to enhance the learning-to-earning pipeline across multiple regions, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines. The role encompasses shaping strategies related to AI innovation, green economy pathways, digital skills development, and youth engagement models, ensuring alignment with Yoma's long-term vision and Generation Unlimited's global priorities. The consultant will also synthesize insights into actionable guidance for scaling and strengthening the ecosystem, ultimately empowering young people globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include producing pilot-specific reports and strategic analyses that evaluate the quality of innovations, youth engagement, implementation progress, and overall impact within the Yoma ecosystem. Each assessment will document lessons learned, identify enablers and barriers, and outline opportunities for adaptation or scale. The consultant will provide strategic guidance in emerging areas such as AI-enabled employability and green economy pathways, ensuring that pilots remain responsive to youth needs and market trends. By synthesizing findings across pilots, the consultant will create a coherent understanding of effective strategies and areas requiring refinement, culminating in clear, actionable recommendations that inform future interventions and enhance Yoma's role in empowering youth.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Social Innovation, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or Business Administration. They should have at least 4 years of professional experience leading or supporting youth-focused innovation projects, particularly in digital skills development, green economy roles, or entrepreneurship. Expertise in designing and managing large-scale skilling and employment ecosystems is essential, along with experience in youth-centered program development and innovation. Proven ability to cultivate partnerships across public, private, and non-profit sectors is required, as well as proficiency in agile project management and remote coordination. Candidates should also have skills in data analytics for assessing program outcomes and experience working with international organizations on multi-country programs.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Social Innovation, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or Business Administration is required for this position. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to the role of Youth Innovation Consultant.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in leading or supporting youth-focused innovation projects. Candidates should have a strong background in areas such as digital skills development, green economy roles, or entrepreneurship, demonstrating their ability to manage and implement programs that engage youth effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills in French or African languages are considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home/office-based, with a duration from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The consultant will be required to submit a financial proposal that includes costs per deliverable, total lump-sum for the assignment, and estimated 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 based on the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the deliverables do not meet the required standards. The selected candidate will also need to confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.