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If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines fordeveloping countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries

Consultancy: Ventures Development Consultant

Duty Station: Programme Group, Generation Unlimited

Duration: 1 December 2025 – 30 November 2026

Home/ Office Based: Remote

 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU) is a global public-private-youth partnership dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people aged 10–24 to transition from learning to earning by 2030. Through a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurship, skilling, and employment initiatives, GenU collaborates with governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth networks to co-create and scale solutions that enable dignified livelihoods and measurable impact.

Within this global effort, GenU’s Entrepreneurship Portfolio serves as a flagship driver of youth economic empowerment, encompassing initiatives such as imaGen Ventures, BeGreen Africa, EKYAN, Community Health Worker (CHW) Entrepreneurship, AI Ventures, Micro Entrepreneurship etc. Collectively, these programmes support young people in more than 60 countries to develop, launch, and grow enterprises that address social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director of Programmes, the direct supervision and oversight of the Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship Lead, and in collaboration with the GenU Team and UNICEF Country Offices, this consultancy will deliver time-bound outputs that enhance the technical and strategic quality of GenU’s entrepreneurship initiatives. The consultant will apply practical expertise in entrepreneurship, venture development, and livelihoods to design, document, and implement deliverables that strengthen programme models, frameworks, and partnerships across the portfolio.

Key areas of work will include developing the strategic repositioning plan for imaGen Ventures, shaping cross-cutting approaches for green, health, AI, and necessity entrepreneurship, and curating partnership and financing models that connect youth-led ventures with accelerators, investors, and governments. The assignment will contribute to positioning GenU’s entrepreneurship work as a results-driven, scalable, and evidence-based contributor to youth livelihoods globally.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will deliver a series of analytical, technical, and partnership-oriented outputs to advance the strategic direction and implementation quality of Generation Unlimited’s entrepreneurship portfolio. The assignment will focus on strengthening programme frameworks, developing market-relevant tools and models, and curating partnerships that enable youth ventures to thrive in real-world ecosystems. The consultant will produce deliverables that drive the evolution of imaGen Ventures into a scalable model while supporting the design and refinement of other entrepreneurship initiatives within the portfolio. This will include preparing concept and implementation documents, technical toolkits, and investment-readiness resources that enhance programme coherence and scalability across the portfolio.

The consultant will also deliver targeted outputs that strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems and partner linkages, including the development of incubation frameworks, post-challenge mentorship models, and private-sector engagement plans connecting youth-led ventures with accelerators, investors, and corporate actors. The role will emphasize generating actionable insights—through country collaboration, peer learning, and synthesis of evidence—that inform programme adaptation and future investment priorities. Across all deliverables, the consultant will ensure that Generation Unlimited’s entrepreneurship programming reflects market realities, measurable impact pathways, and strong integration between design, implementation, and learning functions, contributing to a portfolio that is technically rigorous, investment-ready, and responsive to youth needs globally. 

Main Deliverables: 

Strengthen Strategic Positioning and Framework Development

• Define clear pathways for entrepreneurship across thematic clusters (green, health, AI, and necessity/subsistence entrepreneurship) to ensure alignment, complementarity, and coherence within the global portfolio.
• Produce a set of standardized tools and templates for programme design, financing structures, and partner engagement, applicable to Country Offices and regional programmes.
• Ensure the framework incorporates private-sector logics such as market segmentation, business model validation, and investment-readiness tiers to strengthen sustainability and scale potential.

Revamp and Reposition imaGen Ventures

• Develop a strategic repositioning plan for imaGen Ventures, outlining its evolution into a context-relevant model that strengthens government ownership, private sector participation, and scalability.
• Draft a transition roadmap detailing core processes, implementation guidelines, and the incubation and mentorship structures required for the next phase of imaGen Ventures.
• Document successful case studies, institutional lessons, and performance data from prior cycles to inform the next iteration of the programme.
• Provide technical inputs to ensure imaGen Ventures continues to serve as an innovation and learning hub within the global entrepreneurship portfolio.

Deepen Technical and Financial Design of Entrepreneurship Pathways

• Identify and document livelihoods value chains and market opportunities relevant to young entrepreneurs across thematic areas and regions.
• Develop a Financing Options Paper that maps potential funding and sustainability models—such as blended finance mechanisms, revolving funds, or public-private co-investment schemes—to strengthen programme longevity.

Strengthen Partnerships, Ecosystem Linkages, and Investment Readiness

• Curate a partnership and investment-readiness package connecting youth-led ventures with accelerators, venture builders, angel networks, and corporate mentors.
• Identify strategic private sector and ecosystem actors to expand access to technical assistance, early-stage finance, and mentorship opportunities for youth ventures.
• Coordinate and facilitate targeted engagement sessions, webinars, or learning exchanges with global partners and Country Offices to share promising practices and address common implementation challenges.
• Develop short analytical briefs capturing partnership models, co-investment approaches, and lessons from engagement with private sector or financial institutions.

Strengthen Evidence, Learning, and Knowledge-Sharing

• In collaboration with the evidence and MERL lead, contribute to the preparation of portfolio learning products, including case studies, technical guidance notes, and evidence summaries capturing results and lessons across entrepreneurship programmes.
• Develop a knowledge exchange mechanism (virtual or hybrid) to foster cross-country learning and peer-to-peer collaboration among implementing teams and youth entrepreneurs.
• Produce documentation that highlights effective models, pathways to scale, and opportunities for replication within and beyond UNICEF’s ecosystem.

Contribute to Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization

• Prepare inputs for strategic briefings, presentations, and partner engagement materials positioning the Entrepreneurship Portfolio within global youth employment and livelihoods initiatives.
• Support the identification of funding and co-creation opportunities with development finance institutions, private foundations, and corporate partners to sustain and expand entrepreneurship programming.
• Draft concise, results-oriented materials—such as one-pagers, talking points, or executive summaries—to communicate programme outcomes to leadership and external stakeholders.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline

1. Define entrepreneurship pathways across thematic clusters

-  Deliver a concise framework outlining entrepreneurship pathways under green, health, AI, and necessity/subsistence clusters to ensure portfolio alignment and coherence

15 Jan 2026

2. Produce standardized tools and templates for programme design.

-  Develop 3 adaptable templates for (1) programme design, (2) financing structures, and (3) partner engagement usable by Country Offices and regions

10 Feb 2026

3.  Integrate private-sector logics within portfolio frameworks.

-  Prepare a short analytical note embedding market segmentation, business-model validation, and investment-readiness tiers into entrepreneurship guidance.

18 Mar 2026

4. Develop a strategic repositioning plan for imaGen Ventures.

- Deliver a strategy document outlining its evolution into a context-relevant Challenge-Fund model with stronger government and private-sector participation.

8 April 2026

5. Draft an imaGen Ventures transition roadmap

-  Produce detailed implementation guidelines, incubation and mentorship structures, and timelines for the next programme phase

22 May 2026

6.  Document case studies and lessons from prior imaGen Ventures cycles

-  Compile 1 document with evidence and insights to inform programme iteration and cross-country learning

12 Jun 2026

7. Identify livelihoods value chains and market opportunities

-  Deliver a mapping brief of sectoral opportunities relevant to youth entrepreneurs across portfolio areas

7 Jul 2026

8. Analyse and present feasible funding and sustainability mechanisms—blended finance, revolving funds, co-investment models—to enhance programme longevity

-  Financing Options Paper developed

19 Aug 2026

9. Curate a partnership and investment-readiness package

- Develop and publish a comprehensive partnership and investment-readiness package that includes at least three practical tools (e.g., partnership mapping guide, venture–accelerator matching template, investor readiness checklist) and two resource compendiums

9 Sept 2026

10. Facilitate targeted engagement sessions with partners and Country Offices.

-   Organize two learning or exchange sessions highlighting promising practices and partnership models

3 Oct 2026

11. Produce analytical briefs on partnership and co-investment approaches

-  Deliver two concise notes summarizing ecosystem lessons and partnership typologies

14 Oct 2026

12.  Prepare portfolio learning products and case studies

- Develop 3 case studies, 1 technical note, and 1 document of evidence summary in collaboration with the evidence/MERL focal points.

6 Nov 2026

13.  Design and launch a virtual or hybrid knowledge-exchange mechanism.

-  Deliver an operational concept and first facilitated session to foster cross-country learning

21 Nov 2026

14.  Produce final documentation of scalable models and replication opportunities

-  Submit a synthesis brief consolidating best practices, pathways to scale, and recommendations for replication within UNICEF and partners

28 Nov 2026

Qualifications

Education: 

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, or a related field

A first-level degree with at least two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Language Proficiency:

Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of another UN language an asset

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in entrepreneurship programme design, venture incubation, business acceleration, or livelihoods development, preferably in emerging or developing markets.
• Demonstrated track record in building or managing entrepreneurship ecosystems, including experience working with accelerators, incubators, investors, or entrepreneurship funds.
• Proven expertise in enterprise development, market systems strengthening, and investment-readiness support for startups or MSMEs.
• Experience in designing financing mechanisms for entrepreneurship programmes (e.g., challenge funds, blended finance, or revolving capital models).
• Strong understanding of youth livelihoods, job creation, and private-sector engagement in the context of sustainable development.
• Experience producing technical toolkits, strategy documents, or analytical papers for entrepreneurship or private-sector development.
• Prior experience with entrepreneurship in the global south is highly encouraged.

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. 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.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

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

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

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:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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.