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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, life 

How can you make a difference? 

1. Background and Context

The current UNICEF Mozambique Country Programme Document (CPD), which covers the period from January 2022 to December 2026, was developed in the context of the national development priorities and the joint UN priorities, in line with the Government Five-Year Plan 2020–2024, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026, the National Development Strategy 2015–2035 and relevant sector policies and programmes. The CPD aimed to support the Mozambique country to accelerate efforts towards achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and meeting its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of children, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCCs).

By 2026, the vision of the current CPD is that more children, adolescents, and women in Mozambique – particularly the most vulnerable – will have their rights realized and live in a safer environment. The theory of change is based on achieving the following:

1.   Enhanced Government Capacities: The Government, at national and subnational levels, will have improved capacities to plan, implement, monitor, and coordinate shock-responsive and resilient service delivery systems.

2.   Access to Social Services: Children, adolescents, and their families, particularly the most disadvantaged, will have greater access to quality, inclusive, and sustainable essential social services.

3.   Healthy and Protective Behaviors: Parents and other caregivers will practice healthy, caring, nurturing, and protective behaviors, including using social services, in a supportive community environment where harmful social and gender norms are addressed.

4.   Empowered Children: Children, especially adolescents, will be empowered and participate as agents of change to promote child rights.

5.   Resilient Communities: Households and communities will be more cohesive, resilient, and better able to resist shocks and prevent conflict.

The new Country Programme will be aligned with the SDG priorities, the 2027-2031 UNSDCF, and the new UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2030. Throughout 2024, the Mozambique Country Office (MCO) conducted a series of moments of reflections (MR) on its country programme, assessing areas to accelerate and prioritize for the remaining CPD duration, as well as areas to deprioritize given the evolving context and challenges. The next CPD is expected to emphasize building resilience under conditions of crises, emergencies, and disasters, while reviewing the typology of the Mozambique office based on the context and ensuring that the business model is fit-for-purpose and aligned with the Future Focus Global Review of UNICEF.

The development of the new CPD began in mid-March 2025, with a two-phased approach:

1.   Phase One (March 2025 - June 2025): This phase will involve a structure change for 2026, resulting in a Programme and Budget Review (PBR) considering the current global funding context.

2.   Phase Two (June 2025 - May 2026): This phase will involve the full planning and development of the next CPD 2027-2031. The country office aims to submit the document to the UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) in May 2026 for tabling at the regular session of the Executive Board in September 2026.

Strategic Planning Consultancy

UNICEF Mozambique intends to engage a Strategic Planning Consultancy to support the new CPD planning and development process. This includes facilitating workshops, coordinating between teams, drafting/updating the CPD, consolidating submission materials, and ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) coordinated by the Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Country Programme Planning Process

The Country Programme Planning/Development process will involve various phases and activities:

1.   Gender and Evidence Programmatic Review and Situation Analysis: Both reviews are expected to be completed by the end of August 2025. These are critical to inform the office’s strategic priorities and will lay the foundation for the CPD development.

2.   Prioritization of Deprivations and Theory of Change (TOC) Development: This step involves prioritizing strategic issues and child deprivations based on consultations with children and adolescents, bottleneck analysis, prioritization mapping, and a visioning & prioritization workshop with all relevant staff and government counterparts. The workshop should be planned for October 2025, followed by several sectoral TOC workshops and one overall country programme TOC workshop between October and early December 2025

3.   Development and Validation of CPD Documents: This includes developing the Results and Resources Plan (RRP), Explanatory Notes, and reviewing, validating, and endorsing the CPD.

2. Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the development of UNICEF Mozambique’s Country Programme Document (CPD 2027-2031). This consultancy will primarily focus on Steps 2 and 3 of Phase Two of the country programme planning process, as outlined above.

The consultant should possess strong strategic expertise and extensive experience with UNICEF programming, particularly from similar processes in other UNICEF country offices. It is crucial to have an expert guide to help UNICEF teams think through their proposed strategic direction, ensuring that cross-cutting areas such as gender, disabilities, equity, climate change, and emergency preparedness and response are adequately considered.

3. Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the Deputy Representative - Programmes and in close collaboration with the Chief PME, the consultant will support the planning and development process consisting of – i) programme strategizing and ii) and development and finalization of all CPD-related documents.

Guided by the latest procedure for the development of country programmes, as well as following the Office of the Executive Board (OSEB) CPD standard template (UNICEF CPP Guidance) , the consultant is expected to support with the following specific tasks:

   Plan and facilitate the Prioritization and Visioning Workshop including elaboration of the workshop report. During the inception phase, discuss with the UNICEF team on how to meaningfully engage the government in this workshop and other key moments of the CPD process. One idea is to co-organize and co-facilitate the prioritization and visioning workshop with 1 or more key government stakeholders (e.g., the planning director of the Ministry of Planning). This would allow them to fully understand UNICEF’s rationale and process leading up to the final CPD and ensure their buy-in and engagement in the future work.

   Plan and facilitate several Sectoral Theory of Change workshops (number to be confirmed depending on the upcoming design) and 1 overall CP TOC workshop together with UNICEF and key stakeholders, including developing the TOC visuals and short narratives. Similarly to the prioritization workshop, UNICEF would like the government key counterparts to be meaningfully involved and engaged, ideas on how to do so can be discussed and agreed during the inception phase.

   Ensure adequate consideration in the CPD development process for cross-cutting areas including gender, disabilities, equity, climate change and emergency preparedness and response. Draft country programme document, including results, indicators, targets, and resources (financial and staffing) matrix and costed evaluation plan based on standard CPD format and word limits and aligned to the UNSDF, national priorities, UNICEF Strategic Plan as well as other global agenda for children.

   Produce the final draft country programme document after incorporating feedback from validation workshops with key stakeholders and regional office.

4. Expected Deliverables and Reporting Requirements

The consultant will need to spend an adequate number of working days in country/at UNICEF Mozambique to facilitate workshops, consultations and internal brainstorming sessions with UNICEF teams. In-country time is critical for the consultant to be immersed within the team to fully understand UNICEF Mozambique’s programme and context. The consultant will have an opportunity to interact with relevant partners at national level through various meetings and workshops.

Programme strategizing

Key tasks

Inception activities: process detailed planning, desk review of key documents (e.g. SitAn, 2024 Audit report, etc.)            

Period

July 2025          

Deliverables

1.   Inception report, including detailed workplan, identification of all planning requirements to ensure quality assurance through the process and from deliverables

2.   Desk review of key documents completed      

Modality

Remote

10 days estimated

Key tasks

Guide and coordinate internal and external thematic consultations on vulnerability, risks, deprivations and bottleneck analysis        

Period Deliverables

August – September 2025        

Deliverables

3.   Analysis of vulnerability, risks, deprivations and bottlenecks produced per sectoral programme component            

Modality

Part remote, part in-person

8 days estimated

Key tasks

Plan and organize for the prioritization and visioning workshop, potentially in close collaboration with key government counterparts

Co-facilitate the prioritization and visioning workshop             

Period Deliverables

October 2025  

Deliverables

4.   Workshop Concept Note and Agenda

5.   Workshop Final Report              

Modality

Part-remote and part in-person

5 days estimated

Key tasks

Develop an overarching concept note for the TOC workshops, coordinate the TOC development process (including facilitating the workshops), draft and finalize the sectoral TOCs and overall TOC for the next country programme.         

Period

October – November 2025       

Deliverables

6. Sectoral TOC workshops x 5 – Agenda, facilitation and final visuals and short narratives

7. Overall Country Programme TOC workshop - Agenda, facilitation and final visual and short narrative

Modality

Part-remote, part in-person

14 days estimated

Key tasks

Review of draft Explanatory Notes developed by sectoral sections     

Period Deliverables

October – December 2025       

Deliverables

8. Quality assurance and editing completed for all explanatory notes   

Modality

Remote

5 days estimated

Development and finalization of all CPD-related documents

Key tasks

Coordinate the development until finalization of the Results and Resources Plan and the detailed results framework including the detailed outcome and output indicators etc.  

Period

January – May 2026      

Deliverables

9. Results and Resources Plan (RRP) drafted with a detailed outcome and output level logical framework analysis

Modality

Remote

10 days estimated

Key tasks

Preparation and drafting of CPD, ensure validation with Government and other Partners, and finalize the CPD based on reviews and comments received, including all documents related to the CPD submission (i.e., RRF, costed evaluation plan, integrated budget, etc.)

Period

January – May 2026      

Deliverables

10. CPD is drafted and finalized and submitted to ESARO by the deadline           

Modality

Remote (part in-person can be considered)

16 days estimated

Key tasks

Provide support on post-OSEB submission on reflecting comments received in the final CPD before its publication            

Period Deliverables

June – August 2026      

Deliverables

11. Final CPD documents revised further based on OSEB and Executive Board comments    

Modality

Remote

3 days estimated

Notes:

•    The total number of days for this consultancy is estimated at 71 days, but the consultant/team of consultants can suggest a different duration as per the activities in the table above using their own judgement in their application.

•    The consultancy is expected to include travels if the consultant is based out of Mozambique (estimated 2 in-country missions).

•    The mandate will be with Section Chiefs to own the actualizing and development of several products (e.g. Programme Rationale, Explanatory Notes) with the expectation that the consultancy will support coordination, compilation and ensure synchronization of efforts.

The percentage payment schedule against these deliverables should be proposed by the consultant in their financial proposal.

6. Administrative issues and conditions

The assignment will be both on-site and off-site depending on activities as explained above and as agreed in the work plan at the inception stage. The consultant is expected to take care of their visa clearance (if required), travel arrangements and accommodation arrangements when providing in-country support.

•    The consultancy days are estimated to be 71 and will be over a period of 12 months divided between working in Mozambique for short critical periods as laid out in the deliverables’ table above; and from their own base.

•  The consultant will be paid an all-inclusive fee (stationary, communication and other miscellaneous expenses) as per the stipulated deliverable and payment schedule and LTA if relevant.

 Annex 3 - TORs_Country Programme Planning (CPP) process and development of the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2027 – 2031..docx

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

•  At least a master’s degree in a relevant field (international relations, development studies, business administration, management consulting, social sciences, economics, etc).

Work experience and technical skills:

•  At least eight to ten years of strategic planning and programme design experience in the social development field is required.

•  Proven track record of developing any UN or UNICEF country programme documents and results frameworks is required.

•  Proven experience in results-based management practices, including in programme design (prioritization, theory of change, results framework and results-based budgeting) is required.

•  Proven track record in organizing, facilitating and coordinating multi-stakeholder groups is essential.

•  Sound and up to date knowledge and expertise in human rights-based approach to programming, gender-responsive, equity-focused and risk-informed programming.

•  Conversant with the Convention on the Rights of the Child as it relates to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child.

•  Experience in development and humanitarian programming in the Eastern and Southern Africa, especially in Mozambique, is an asset.

Competencies:

•  Strong analytical and conceptual thinking

•  Strong coordination and facilitation skills

•  Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.

•  Drive to achieve results for impact with minimal supervision.

•  Ability to work under pressure and to manage different expectations.

•  Strong verbal and written communication skills, and able to work collaboratively and positively with others, especially when it’s remote.

•  Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.

Languages:

Fluency in English language combined with strong presentation and written communication skills is required. Knowledge of Portuguese language will be an asset.  

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

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

 To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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.