Current vacancies

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to innovate….

 

The Office of Innovation (OoI) works to catalyze UNICEF and partners’ expertise and resources to solve key challenges facing children and young people, with a view to sourcing, accelerating and scaling the most effective solutions to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs. To achieve this the Office of Innovation uses an innovation portfolio management approach and leverages support from a range of stakeholders including from intergovernmental, multilateral, private sector, young people and non-governmental fora (think tank, academia).

Our team
We're an interdisciplinary team around the world tasked with identifying, prototyping, and scaling new technologies and practices. With our partners, we focus on convening and collaborating on new and different solutions, low- and high-tech, by:

• Looking at the 2–5-year horizon to evaluate emerging and trending technologies and to see how UNICEF can work with the private sector on doing better business while improving essential services for children.
• Investing in early-stage solutions that show great potential to positively impact children in the 02 year future including the Venture Fund that invests in open-source technology solutions from start-ups based in UNICEF’s programme countries;
• Identifying proven solutions that can be implemented at national scale in multiple countries – taking the ideas that help thousands in one country, bringing them to dozens of countries across multiple sectors, and impacting the lives of millions of children.”

 

The consultant will be working under the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in the Office of Innovation’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)/Knowledge Management (KM) team. Our goal is to maximize the impact of UNICEF's innovations globally through rigorous, data-driven evidence. In short, we care about what works in innovation, and why. And we care about bringing these insights to UNICEF globally and beyond.

Our work spans across an expansive range of initiatives, from generating direct evidence on our innovation initiatives, to providing thought leadership in innovation scaling and providing corporate guidance on measurement and evidence in innovation.

How can you make a difference? 

FunDoo is a digital life coach to equip young people with 21st century skills, employability skills, and provide access to information on careers, mental health, climate change and gender-based violence. Launched in 2020, FunDoo is a flagship innovation product by UNICEF Office of Innovation and is available on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. As a low-band-bandwidth solution, FunDoo enables learning opportunities in areas with low internet connectivity. It has been created to provide young people and adolescents from 14 to 24 years of access to holistic, quality education and learning opportunities. More than 1.7 million users have registered on FunDoo who have taken over 4.1 million real-life transformative actions. The digital life coach is currently active in 17 countries and has successfully achieved national adoption in 7 countries. Based on open-source technology, FunDoo is an adaptable, low-cost and scalable learning solution.

The content developed for FunDoo is byte-sized and gamified; the tasks can be completed at home and follow the learning by doing principle. At present, there are more than 200 tasks with short and simple actionable prompts for users, which are tangible and reportable. FunDoo tasks are available on-demand and do not have a time limit, providing learners with the agency to choose what they want to learn and when they want to learn.

Objectives of the Impact Assessment

The impact assessment of Fundoo seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the platform's ability to enhance key competencies while examining the underlying mechanisms that drive key outcomes. This study will analyze also how implementation factors, user engagement patterns, and demographic variables influence its effectiveness. By combining impact measurement, process assessment, and economic analysis, this assessment aims to generate actionable intelligence that can inform both the continued development of Fundoo and broader strategies for digital skill-building interventions.

Impact Assessment

• What is the impact of accessing Fundoo on the development of targeted 21st-century skills among the users, and to what extent are these skills improved?
• Are there heterogeneous effects across different user demographics (e.g., gender)
• Through which pathways do observed impacts on the development of 21^st century skills occur?
• Which features of Fundoo most effectively contribute to skill acquisition?

B. Process assessment

1. What was the implementation fidelity in Fundoo delivery? Are the relevant content and capabilities of the solution successfully prepared and integrated into the solution? [Delivery]
2. Have participant recruitment strategies and partnerships been effectively planned and implemented to increase the number of users of Fundoo?[Reach]
3. What external factors have influenced the implementation of the solution, its delivery, use, and reach? [Context]
4. To what extent is the solution (or Fundoo) acceptable and engaging to users, in terms of its design, content, and overall user experience? [User experience: acceptability and engagement]
5. How does user interaction with FunDoo vary between messaging channels (e.g., SMS and instant chat), and what differences, if any, can be observed?

Cost-benefit analysis

6. What is the cost effectiveness ratio analysis i.e per head costing for a specific level of change (cost-benefit calculation) for Fundoo?

 

Assessment Methodologies

This assessment will employ a mixed-methods approach combining a randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodology with qualitative components to assess Fundoo's impact and implementation. The quantitative design features treatment and control groups, with participants randomized at either the individual or cluster level depending on the delivery context. The treatment group will receive access to the relevant modules with personalized learning pathways, while the control group will be waitlisted and receive access to these modules only after the study concludes. Participants will be recruited from an existing cohort of Fundoo users. If needed, additional recruitment will utilize an open enrollment campaign targeting youth within a specified age group, supplemented by on-site, in-person recruitment efforts. Sample size determination will be based on power analysis conducted once the final design is established. Primary outcome measures will focus on targeted skills assessment scores, while secondary outcomes will include certification completion rates, platform engagement metrics, learning persistence, and career confidence measures.

 

Data collection will involve online participant surveys administered at baseline and follow-up points including at endline, complemented by platform usage analytics to capture behavioral engagement patterns. The qualitative component will incorporate focus group discussions with Fundoo users and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, conducted at the conclusion of the solution delivery period to provide contextual insights and user experience perspectives that complement the quantitative findings.

The assessment methodology will prioritize inclusive data collection and analysis to ensure comprehensive representation across diverse participant populations. All data will be systematically disaggregated by gender, age, disability status, and geographic location to identify potential disparities in platform access, engagement, and outcomes. Special attention will be given to incorporating perspectives from marginalized groups through targeted recruitment strategies and culturally sensitive data collection approaches. The qualitative components will deliberately include participants from underrepresented communities, with focus groups and interviews designed to capture diverse experiences and potential barriers to participation.

Several limitations are likely to affect data collection and interpretation. Connectivity issues and digital access barriers may limit participation, particularly among rural or economically disadvantaged populations, potentially introducing selection bias. Participant attrition over the study period could compromise longitudinal data integrity and affect the representativeness of findings. Ethical concerns include privacy risks associated with digital platform usage data, and the possibility of social desirability bias in self-reported outcomes.

 

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToR fundoo impact assessment.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

For this assignment, UNICEF seeks a consultant with the following qualifications and attributes:

• Advanced university degree in International Development, Political Sciences, Economics, Gender Studies, Psychology, Education, Social and Behavior Change, Computer Science or a related field.
• At least 8 years of individual experience in development programming related research/assessment/studies, including conducting and leading data collection (qualitative and quantitative) and analysis.
• Extensive expertise and strong skills in evaluation mixed methods, including RCT design. Experience in using participatory and innovative evaluation methods for digital solutions and application of technology in the development sector is highly desirable.
• Good understanding of rights-based programming for children and guiding international frameworks-
• Proven experience collecting data with adolescents and meaningful participation of adolescents in research and experience using participatory methods.
• Ability to train and quality assure the work of local coordinators partners in the target country
• Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills in English, with the ability to work multiculturally
• Experience in leading and conducting multi-disciplinary applied research work/evaluations to assess education/digital learning programmes
• Strong project coordination and management skills, and demonstrate capacity to carry out studies/research/evaluations and complete deliverables in a timely manner and within the set workplan
• Proven experience managing and coordinating a team of consultants
• Expertise and experience conducting cost-effectiveness ratio analysis for education/digital learning programmes
• Knowledge of the UN’s human rights, gender equality and equity agendas and experience in applying these to research/evaluations.
• Proven work record in Eastern and Southern Africa is an asset
• Proven ability to develop attractive/user-friendly evidence products that present complex information via Infographics and other communication means

Modality and Travel

• No work-related travel is required for the role.
• The role is a remote-based consultancy, with no expectation of in-person or office presence. No specific preference is given to the candidate’s location, as long as the candidate is able to attend several regular meetings online in Central European time zone.
• The consultant will report to the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist as part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)/Knowledge Management (KM) team.

 

Payment details and further considerations

• Payment of professional fees will be based on the satisfactory submission of agreed deliverables and their approval by UNICEF team. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. 

 

How to apply:

• Interested applicants are required to submit a technical proposal and a financial proposal with all-inclusive fee.   Consultancy Financial Offer template.docx
• Please see the financial proposal template.
• Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

 

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

 

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks: 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

 

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.