Consultant to coordinate the Regional Action Forum

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 currently works in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on various aspects of child welfare, including health, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in coordinating the Regional Action Forum to End Child Marriage (RAF) in the Arab World, which aims to strengthen efforts to combat child marriage in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This position requires the consultant to lead key deliverables that enhance the Forum's effectiveness, positioning, and impact. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF and UNFPA focal points to ensure that the RAF aligns with regional priorities and contributes to the global agenda against child marriage. The role involves fostering collaboration among RAF members, organizing meetings, and facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening initiatives. The consultant will also support the development of strategic outputs and regional public goods that address child marriage and promote gender equality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include coordinating the governance of the RAF, fostering collaboration among members, and supporting the implementation of the RAF annual workplan. The consultant will organize regular coordination meetings, facilitate knowledge sharing through webinars and learning events, and develop communication products to support evidence-informed programming. Additionally, the consultant will engage with religious leaders and boys and men to address harmful gender norms, promote girls' agency, and design events such as the International Day of Girls. The consultant will also co-develop a comprehensive Regional Manual on Addressing Child Marriage and coordinate advocacy campaigns and visibility products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s) in international relations, gender studies, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of experience in programming related to child marriage, harmful practices, or gender equality. A proven track record in coordinating regional initiatives and facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms is essential. Strong facilitation, analytical, and communication skills are required, along with a solid understanding of the socio-political dynamics in the MENA region. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in strategic communication and social media engagement, particularly for advocacy purposes.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, gender studies, social sciences, or development studies is required. Advanced degrees may be preferred but are not explicitly stated as necessary.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in programming related to child marriage and harmful practices. Experience in coordinating regional initiatives and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government and civil society, is crucial. The consultant should also have experience in facilitating Communities of Practice and engaging youth networks.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory, while a working knowledge of French is considered a strong asset. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the MENA region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote and is expected to last from March 15, 2026, to March 31, 202

• The consultant will be compensated based on the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if standards are not met. The consultant must have valid health insurance and may need to change their visa status to G4 if applicable. UNICEF encourages individuals with disabilities to disclose their needs for reasonable accommodation during the application process. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.