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For every child, the right to a future
Considering the current political transition unfolding in Syria following 8 December 2024 events, a historic opportunity arises to influence the upcoming changes in Syria and ensure it foster justice, accountability, reconciliation and sustainable peace and recovery. In response to this transformative moment, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) is starting to prepare a new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) to respond to the government's new priorities, with the UNSDCF expected to enter into effect in January 2027. Since the current UNICEF Syria Country Programme (CP) ends in 2026 and, UNICEF Syria Country Office (SCO) is now embarking on planning and designing the next Country Programme cycle for 2027-2030 aligned with the new UNSDCF preparation.
The design of the new CP will be informed by key evidence such as programmatic evaluations/studies/research, ongoing nutrition SMART survey, sectoral assessments and multi-dimensional study, Multiple Cluster Survey (MICS) that is being implemented in 2026 and the available Situation Analysis and Common Country Analysis. The office has also concluded an internal Strategic Moment of Reflection (SMR) workshop with the Regional Office in December 2025 which was informed by several recalibration office exercises in 2025 (shift from Whole of Syria to One Syria approach, Bottleneck/Prioritization exercise, Operational/Management review and renewal of Office Accountability Framework) considering the fluid context in the country and region, ongoing changes within UNICEF and broader UN, and the global current funding landscape to identify and define vision, strategies and programme priorities for the short, mid and long-term.
The development of new CP will be guided by UNICEF Global Guidance; to identify programme priorities aligned with UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029, the National Recovery Plan - to be launched in January 2026, UNSDCF 2027-2030; develop Theory of Change (ToC) each programme priorities/outcomes, and; describe the multi-year strategies that UNICEF will pursue to achieve the results in the Country Programme Document (CPD). The CPD will primarily spell out the proposed four-year programme of cooperation between UNICEF and the host country. The final draft CPD needs to be ready by the end of July 2026 for sharing with the Regional Office for review followed by clearance by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and ultimately submission to the Office of the Secretary of the Executive Board in October 2026 to be approved through the 1st regular Executive Board session in February 2027.
The importance of developing a strategic, highly impactful and highest-quality CPD that reflects UNICEF comparative strengths to deliver better results for children in Syria that is responsive to the country’s transitional but complex context cannot be over-emphasized. Given the high level of technical rigor with socio-political acumen required to write the CPD which is succinct, analytically sound and strategic requiring strong internal and external coordination with UNICEF teams and multiple partners within a compact timeline, the office is seeking additional support of an International Consultant to draft/write the CPD and related documents.
How can you make a difference?
The main objective of this consultancy is to ensure effective and timely drafting and development of the 2027-2030 CPD, in consultation with SCO team and guidance from the Deputy Representative – Programmes working closely with the Planning team. The specific objectives are:
- To rigorously review key strategic documents including internal (UNICEF) and external (key partners and others) evidence including reports and analysis that are available to inform the CP design.
- To ensure robust incorporation of insights from the key internal and external preparatory and planning processes/phases, collective reflections and final outcomes of the consultations/discussion led by SCO such as:
- Evidence Synthesis (ES);
- Prioritization;
- Theory of Change (ToC);
- Results and Resources Plan (RRP);
- Explanatory Notes (ENs).
- To strategically analyze and ensure UNICEF planned priorities are aligned with the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029, National Recovery Plan and UNSDCF 2027-2030.
- To draft (write and edit) a high-quality Country Programme Document 2027-2030 and the required annexes adhering to the required corporate guidance contained in the UNICEF Country Programme Planning Guidance Note 2022, as well as the CPD development guidelines and template.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete ToR here:
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Academic qualifications:
- Advanced degree in social sciences, international relations, development planning, or other social science field is required.
Work experience / Technical competencies:
- 10 years of expertise with planning and development, including strong understanding of UN’s relevant Programming Guidelines on UNSDCF and UNICEF Country Programme planning process, Gender Equality and Human Rights Based Programming (HRBP) approach;
- Strong track record in results-based management practice specifically in programme design (prioritization, theory of change, results framework, results-based budgeting, programme monitoring, results reporting, etc.
- Previous work experience with UNICEF and the MENA region in a similar capacity is an advantage;
- Strong skills for analytical and quality writing (sample of a recent analytical report will be requested);
- Strong communication skills in English (fluency required);
- Strong coordination and facilitation skills and ability to adhere to deadlines;
Language requirement:
- Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is required. Language skills in Arabic will be an added value.
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
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
- Applications through UNICEF’s Talent Management System (TMS)
- Cover Letter
- CV.
- Financial quote as lump sum for professional fees only.
- Examples of previous work/proposed methodology/approach to managing the project
- At least 3 Referees from Direct Supervisors
Final recommendation will be made based on “best value for money”, i.e. the hiring section/office shall normally select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from among the candidates who are assessed as suitable for achieving all tasks on time, as per the criteria stipulated in this ToR, and based on the outcome of the evaluation/assessment conducted.
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.
We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, including paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
General Remarks:
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
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.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
