UNICEF Brazil, within the scope of the Country Program Document (CPD) 2024–2028, has been strengthening innovation as an institutional practice to accelerate results and reduce inequalities among children and adolescents. The section responsible for innovation and strategic partnerships supports teams and allies in identifying implementation bottlenecks, designing and testing solutions, and building adoption and scaling routes, coordinating governments, the private sector, foundations, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. Recent advances include consolidating a more structured innovation agenda and activating partnerships and platforms to mature solutions and expanding their capacity scale.

However, challenges remain, including intersectoral fragmentation, local capacity constraints, and fiscal restrictions, as well as the need to translate STI and public financing opportunities into executable arrangements aligned with institutional safeguards. In this context, this consultancy will provide services to UNICEF for 10 months, with monthly deliverables, to map and structure opportunities for public policies, government financing, and STI instruments (including the Partnership Agreement for Research, Development, and Innovation – APPD&I/APPDI), as well as incorporating scientific forums as levers for mobilizing partnerships in favor of innovations focused on children and adolescents.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The overall objective of this consultancy is to support UNICEF Brazil in identifying, structuring, and operationalizing opportunities for public policies and government funding for innovation focused on children and adolescents, through the articulation of the STI ecosystem and the proposal of arrangements and instruments, including the Partnership Agreement for Research, Development, and Innovation – APPD&I/APPDI of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

In line with the "Deliverables" section, the consultant shall:

1. Map and analyze public funding opportunities and STI instruments (federal, state, and municipal) applicable to the UNICEF Brazil Country Program agenda, with a prioritization matrix and actionable recommendations.
2. Structure and qualify a pipeline of partnerships (governments, ICTs, foundations, companies, and networks) focused on innovation for children and adolescents, including value propositions, possible trade-offs, and risks.
3. Develop a proposal on how to incorporate Science Fairs and Exhibitions and the Science Olympics Forum as platforms for influencing public policy and generating a pipeline of solutions.
4. Produce knowledge of products and recommendations to UNICEF for decision-making and resource mobilization, ensuring specific and measurable monthly deliverables.

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DELIVERABLES

1. INCEPTION REPORT AND DETAILED WORK PLAN

1.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What:

· One (1) inception report (max. 8–10 pages) and detailed work plan, including:

· Methodological approach, workplan, timeline, milestones, and expected deliverables for the full consultancy.

· Initial mapping of priority policy, financing, and STI opportunity areas relevant to UNICEF Brazil’s innovation agenda.

· Preliminary stakeholder mapping and proposed coordination arrangements with UNICEF and relevant partners.

· Identification of main risks, assumptions, and mitigation measures for implementation of the assignment; and

· Validation meeting and updated roadmap incorporating UNICEF feedback.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements):

· Conduct alignment meetings with UNICEF focal points and review key reference documents, including CPD priorities, innovation agenda materials, and relevant policy/financing references.

· Apply an analytical framework for prioritization, considering relevance, feasibility, timing, partnership potential, and institutional risk;

· Submit the inception package in editable format and revise it based on UNICEF feedback.

1.2. Deadline: End of month one

1.3. Estimate Budget: 20% of the general budget

2. MAPPING, ANALYSIS, AND STRUCTURING OF PRIORITY OPPORTUNITIES

2.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What:

· One (1) analytical package consolidating the core technical outputs of the consultancy, including:

· Mapping and analysis of public funding opportunities and STI instruments (federal, state, and municipal), with prioritization criteria, requirements, risks, counterparts, and adherence to UNICEF Brazil’s CPD agenda.

· Qualified partnership pipeline with relevant governments, ICTs, foundations, companies, and networks, including value proposition, potential contribution, trade-offs, and safeguards.

· Technical note translating APPD&I/APPDI and related STI cooperation mechanisms into practical implementation pathways for UNICEF Brazil.

· Proposal for leveraging science fairs, exhibitions, olympiads, and scientific forums as platforms for advocacy, partnership mobilization, and solution pipeline generation; and

· At least two concept notes or opportunity briefs for prioritized arrangements with potential for implementation or resource mobilization.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements):

· Conduct desk review and targeted consultations with relevant actors from government, STI ecosystem, foundations, and innovation networks, as agreed with UNICEF.

· Produce structured matrices, trackers, and concise analytical notes to organize opportunities, partners, risks, and recommended next steps.

· Translate legal, technical, and institutional instruments into practical recommendations suitable for UNICEF Brazil’s programmatic and partnership context.

2.2. Deadline: By the end of month three

2.3. Estimate Budget: 40% of the general budget

3. PARTNERSHIP MECHANISMS AND ADOPTION ROADMAP

3.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What:

· One (1) package of partnership and decision-support tools, including:

· Partnership mechanisms and engagement materials for prioritized opportunity areas or partner profiles.

· Updated prioritization matrix and pipeline (v2) incorporating UNICEF feedback and internal validation.

· Recommended next-step arrangements, including indicative responsibilities, sequencing, and minimum safeguards; and

· Adoption and scale roadmap for the following 12–18 months, covering priority opportunities, engagement pathways, and operational recommendations for UNICEF Brazil.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements):

· Facilitate validation moments with UNICEF and revise the materials based on technical feedback.

· Organize recommendations in a practical format that can support outreach, internal decision-making, and partnership development.

· Ensure all tools are submitted in editable format and structured for UNICEF’s future use.

3.2. Deadline: By the end of month six

3.3. Estimate Budget: 20% of the general budget

4. FINAL REPORT AND HANDOVER PACKAGE OF TOOLS

4.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What:

· One (1) final report (max. 15–20 pages) including:

· Summary of activities carried out across the consultancy and key achievements.

· Consolidated lessons learned, evidence generated, and recommendations for next steps.

· Final synthesis of priority public policy, financing, partnership, and STI opportunities for UNICEF Brazil; and

· One (1) organized handover package with practical tools and materials, which may include matrices, trackers, templates, concept notes, engagement materials, process notes, and reference files produced during the consultancy.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements):

· Integrate the main outputs from the consultancy into a coherent final package for institutional use.

· Organize and submit files in editable format, with clear naming and structure to support continuity after the consultancy.

· Present the final synthesis and handover package to UNICEF for review and final validation.

4.2. Deadline: By the end of month nine

4.3. Estimate Budget: 20% of the general budget 

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Punctuality in meeting deadlines.
• Quality of the contents.
• Timely provision of deliverables;
• Full adherence to the monthly work plans and diligence as agreed with the supervisor. 
   

Deliverable Acceptance and Review Process: All deliverables will be submitted in editable format (e.g., MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and as a final PDF upon request. UNICEF will review each deliverable within 10 working days of submission. Up to two rounds of revisions are included per deliverable, to be addressed by the consultant within 5 working days after receiving consolidated feedback. A deliverable will be considered accepted only upon written confirmation from UNICEF. Payments are conditional upon acceptance of deliverables.

Immediately upon the agreement's signature, the UNICEF supervisor and the selected individual contractor will meet to discuss the Work Plan and the quality criteria for product delivery. Regular meetings will also be scheduled, either in person or at a distance, to follow up on the activities defined in the Work Plan. If needed, UNICEF may request revisions and alterations related to quality and technical depth parameters. Only after final clearance from UNICEF Brazil will the payment be processed.

TRAVEL PLAN

No travel is planned under this consultancy.

Technical background and experience required  

• First University or bachelor's degree in political science, Education, Economics, Sociology, Communication, Public Policy, or related fields.
• Teamwork and good communication skills.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, innovation ecosystems, science/technology/innovation (STI), public financing instruments, partnerships, and/or government relations.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality analytical products and partnership recommendations under tight timelines.
• Knowledge or interest in topics related to youth and similarities.
• Proven experience working with Brazilian STI governance and legal/institutional frameworks (e.g., Marco Legal de CT&I), including partnership instruments for R&D and innovation (e.g., APPD&I / PD&I agreements), cooperation mechanisms with ICTs, foundations, and private sector, and public funding modalities (federal/state/municipal).
• Ability to translate legal/technical instruments into practical implementation pathways for UNICEF programs.

Language Proficiency

• Portuguese

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 CORE VALUES

Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) 

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 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.

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GENERAL CONDITIONS: PROCEDURES AND LOGISTICS

• The consultant will work from home, using their own equipment and office supplies. UNICEF will provide office space for consultative meetings when necessary.
• The consultant's travel expenses shall be included in the consultant's fees.
• No contract may commence without being signed by UNICEF and the consultant and without the mandatory courses being completed.
• Consultants will have no representative, certifying, or approving authority, nor will they have any supervisory responsibilities or authority over UNICEF's budget.
• The consultant will work remotely on a delivery basis.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

• The costs indicated are estimates. The final fee will follow the principle of "best value for money," i.e., achieving the desired result at the lowest possible fee.
• A financial proposal must be submitted that includes the fee for the task based on the expected results and the number of days. Consultants must stipulate all-inclusive fees, including a fixed amount, administrative costs, travel costs, and living expenses, as applicable.
• Payment will be based on the presentation of the agreed results. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the results presented do not meet the required standard or in the event of delays in the presentation of results by the consultant.

• Financial proposals from local consultants shall be submitted in the local currency in effect at the time of submission. UNICEF will evaluate and contract based on this amount, which shall remain fixed and not subject to adjustment due to subsequent exchange rate fluctuations.

INSURANCE AND HEALTH COVERAGE

• The contractor is fully responsible for providing, at their own expense, life, health, and other insurance deemed appropriate to cover the term of the contract.
• The contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance plans available to UNICEF and United Nations employees.

 RESTRICTIONS

• Consultants cannot receive training at UNICEF's expense. However, consultants must complete the applicable mandatory training before signing the contract.
• In the case of civil servants, the contract cannot be issued without prior written authorization from the Government, or unless they are on unpaid leave.

Remarks:  

Individuals hired as consultants will not be considered "staff members" under the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and UNICEF policies and procedures and will not be entitled to the benefits provided therein (such as vacation entitlement 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 obligations and for paying any taxes and/or fees in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible for ensuring that the visa (if applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire duration of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of full vaccination status against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), which must be completed before taking up the position. This does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and who are not expected to work or visit UNICEF premises, program implementation sites, or interact directly with the communities and/ s with which UNICEF works, nor to travel to perform duties for UNICEF during the term of their consulting contracts.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.