Research Consultant on the Protection of Water and Sanitation in Conflict

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 and works in 190 countries and territories. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. The organization is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, emphasizing its commitment to children's survival, protection, and development.

Job Overview:
The Research Consultant will play a crucial role in producing Volume 4 of the 'Water under Fire' series, which aims to address the impact of conflict on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, particularly concerning children. This position involves engaging with various stakeholders to gather insights, conducting comprehensive research, and analyzing data to draft a report that highlights the challenges faced by children in conflict zones regarding access to water and sanitation. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that the report aligns with UNICEF's strategic priorities and effectively communicates findings to relevant audiences, including Member States, donors, and WASH practitioners. The consultant's work will contribute to advancing the protection of WASH infrastructure from both normative and operational perspectives, ultimately aiming to improve the situation for children affected by conflict.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including focus group discussions and individual interviews, to gather relevant information for Volume
• Engage with a technical-level expert group to validate findings and analysis throughout the consultation process.
• Perform complementary research and analyze secondary sources, including academic papers, publications from NGOs, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council resolutions.
• Draft the report based on gathered material, ensuring it reflects the insights from consultations and research.
• Coordinate the internal and external review process of the draft report, incorporating feedback and making necessary revisions.
• Finalize the report for Senior Management review and approval, ensuring it meets quality standards.
• Liaise with relevant parties for the report's publication, including layout, image selection, and editing.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on key findings and recommendations to UNICEF staff and other stakeholders.
• Conduct a lesson learned exercise to evaluate the project and contribute to institutional learning.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree in Political Science, International Relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Humanitarian Practice, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in humanitarian and emergency work, with a focus on coordination, programming, protection, or WASH-related fields.
• Experience in developing organizational publications, including editing and layout, is highly desirable.
• Excellent written communication, presentation, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a complex environment with minimal supervision.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Humanitarian Practice, Engineering, Environmental Science, or similar disciplines. This advanced educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the specific challenges related to water and sanitation in conflict situations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in humanitarian and emergency work. This experience should preferably include roles in coordination, programming, protection, or WASH-related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing publications and engaging with various stakeholders in complex environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from February 15, 2026, to June 1, 2026, and is home/office-based, allowing for remote work. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. Any travel costs and daily subsistence allowances will be covered by UNICEF if applicable. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance and may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-1

• The consultancy does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.