Regional Action Forum External Review Consultant

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 at the forefront of child welfare for over 70 years, operating in 190 countries and territories. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on various aspects of child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. The organization is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, emphasizing its commitment to children's survival, protection, and development.

Job Overview:
The Regional Action Forum External Review Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the Regional Action Forum (RAF) within the context of UNICEF's Child Protection Global program. The consultant will conduct an independent external review aimed at evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of the RAF platform, analyzing its coordination with members, identifying challenges, and determining sustainable strategies for the future. The consultant will also explore innovative approaches to engage girls, women, and survivors of child marriage, as well as the private sector, to enhance awareness and action against child marriage in the region. This position requires a deep understanding of child protection issues and the ability to translate evidence-based approaches into actionable recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities will include conducting a comprehensive external review of the RAF platform, focusing on the last three years of its operation. This will involve analyzing the RAF's scope, relevance, and purpose, as well as its coordination with members and the quality of work related to child marriage prevention and response. The consultant will engage in qualitative research, including desk reviews of existing documents and reports, and conducting semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in RAF's work. The deliverables will include a detailed report outlining findings, challenges, and recommendations for the RAF's future direction, ensuring that the review is thorough and reflective of the perspectives of various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in gender equality, child protection, and social norms change, with demonstrated technical expertise in these areas. A minimum of five years of experience in conducting qualitative research, including stakeholder interviews and analytical reporting, is required. The consultant should have strong analytical and report-writing skills, with a proven track record of producing high-quality evaluation reports. Additionally, candidates must have a completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit a financial proposal reflecting the costs associated with the deliverables.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters) in public relations, international development studies, social sciences, public policy, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively assess and analyze the RAF platform and its impact on child marriage prevention efforts.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant work experience, particularly in conducting qualitative research and evaluations related to child protection and gender equality. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to translate evidence-based approaches into effective design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, showcasing their expertise in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and communicate findings effectively. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it will facilitate engagement with stakeholders in the region and enhance the consultant's ability to understand the cultural context surrounding child marriage issues.

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

• The selected candidate will be required to submit a financial proposal that includes costs per deliverable and a total lump-sum for the entire assignment. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if travel is required. The consultant must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award and will be subject to rigorous reference and background checks. Selected candidates must also confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.