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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 quality health.

UNICEF South Africa - listen to children, stand up for the rights of every child, every day.

South Africa (SA) continues to be heavily burdened by HIV globally with about 8 million people known to be living with the virus (UNAIDS:2023). Of this prevalence 16.3% are adults aged 15 years and older, translating to an estimated 7.4 million adults aged 15+ years living with HIV (HSRC:2022). Contributing to the high prevalence rates are persistently high new HIV infections among key and vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (TG) individuals, and sex workers (SW).
While oral PrEP has seen nearly 1.9 million initiations, discontinuation and poor adherence are being undermined by multiple social and structural barriers, including stigma, pill fatigue, and logistical access barriers. All these are recognized challenges that require innovative solutions for HIV prevention and adherence. Despite notable progress in managing the HIV epidemic, women remain disproportionately affected. Nearly one in four (24.1%) women aged 15–49 years are HIV-positive, compared to 13.1% of their male counterparts.

Encouragingly, the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women has declined from 27% in 2017 to 23.9% in 2022. A key success of South Africa’s prevention of vertical transmission efforts, as outlined in the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–2022, includes an increase in the proportion of pregnant women living with HIV who were already on ART at their first antenatal visit from 52% in 2017 to 73% in 2021.
South Africa has the largest population of CLHIV globally; however, our treatment coverage as of June 2023, the country was at 56% ART coverage for the PLHIV < 19 population, this is per the data from the Private and Public Sectors. Results vary between Males and Females. For females < 19 this percentage is at 56%, whereas the number of males < 19 on treatment translates to 55% ART coverage in this group. Although the treatment coverage is 96% among pregnant women living with HIV, the country still experiences an estimated 10,000 new infections among children that Sero-convert post-delivery and during breastfeeding phase.

Addressing stagnancy and treatment inequities in children and adolescents, the UN agencies such as UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO, international partners like PEPFAR, Global Fund, country governments, as well as civil society announced the establishment of The Global Alliance to end AIDS in children by 2030.
The work of the Global Alliance plan is aligned with four pillars each of which has specific priority interventions:

• Pillar 1: Multi-model testing and optimized comprehensive, high-quality treatment and care for infants, children and adolescents living with and children exposed to HIV.
• Pillar 2: Closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV and optimizing continuity of treatment towards the goal of triple elimination of vertical transmission.
• Pillar 3: Preventing and detecting new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women, girls and women and their partners.
• Pillar 4: Addressing rights, gender equality, and the social and structural barriers that hinder access to services.

The work of the Global Alliance is built on multiple evidence-based peer model programs which most of them have achieved a formidable success through the implementation of the person-centered interventions driven by the population groups serving their peers.

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of the assignment is to develop a people-centred and community-led National Peer Model Framework. This should be in line with the principles in the National Strategic Plan (NSP), HIV, TB and STI 2023-2028. The NSP promotes an inclusive and participatory response through broad-based consultations and a multi-sectoral approach.

Scope of work

The Consultant will facilitate and develop a national peer model framework to guide organisations and government departments in designing and implementing peer model targeted frameworks or guidelines to address HIV, TB and STIs. The development process should include the following components:

1. Conducting a literature review of relevant peer led models, evidence of results and peer model frameworks including policies and guidelines to inform an appropriate theoretical methodology that will be suitable in the context of HIV, TB and STIs.
2. Conducting at least 3 consultation sessions with relevant stakeholders including peer mentors themselves to develop content that is for participatory and inclusive. The final consultation should be used to validate and approve a draft framework.
3. Developing a Peer Model framework that promotes inclusive, multi-sectoral, health and community systems strengthening and principles.
4. Developing a generic monitoring and evaluation framework with data tracking tools.
5. Costing and developing a funding model for implementation of Peer Model interventions including a funding strategy for a Peer Model Programme.

Activities will include:
1. Conduct a literature review of relevant peer led models, evidence of results and peer model frameworks including policies and guidelines, to inform an appropriate theoretical methodology that will be suitable in the context of HIV, TB, and STIs

• Conduct a literature search and review of all evidence-based and successful peer mentor models globally
• Synthesize the literature and submit the synthesis of the literature with results and recommendations
• Represent the literature review to South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and UNICEF
• Use literature to create an outline and section of the national peer mentor framework

2. Conduct at least three (3) consultation sessions with relevant stakeholders, including peer mentors themselves, to develop content that is inclusive. The final consultation should be used to validate and approve a draft framework.

• In collaboration with SANAC and UNICEF, identify relevant possible stakeholders for consultations
• Develop a consultation framework and/or questions to be answered based on the literature review and recommendations. This should include possible targeted groups for peer mentoring, skills standards, package of services etc.

3. Develop a Peer Model framework that promotes inclusivity, is multi-sectoral, and focuses on health and community systems strengthening principles.
• Based on the literature review and consultation, develop a draft national peer mentor framework for various populations affected by and living with HIV, TB and STIs
• Share and present the peer mentor framework to stakeholders
• Review the draft based on feedback
• Finalize the draft national peer mentor framework

4. Develop a generic monitoring and evaluation framework with data tracking tools.
• Develop an M&E chapter with indicators as part of the framework
• Possible, adaptable M& E tracking tools

5. Cost and develop a funding model for implementation of Peer Model interventions including a funding strategy for a Peer Model Programme.
• Develop a costed analysis of scaling up the peer mentor including possible sources of funding
• Develop a costing analysis and scale up model

UNICEF will be responsible for overall supervision and coordination with the South African National AIDS council and other partners. The consultant is responsible to arrange their own travel, facilitation and materials.

Outputs

• Inception report submitted - 31 January 2026
• Literature review and draft outline of the report - 31 March 2026
• Consultation tools and report - 18 April 2026
• Draft national peer mentor framework encompassing an M&E chapter and costing - 30 June 2026
• Final approved national peer mentor framework - 31 July 2026

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A master's degree or equivalent qualification and a post-basic diploma or advanced degree in economics. 
• Work Experience: At least 7 years of experience in a relevant field e.g. Public Health, Nursing, Health Systems Strengthening and HIV
• Skills:  

- Good understanding of the national strategic plan on HIV, AIDS, STIs and TB 2023-2028, UNAIDS 95-95 goal, and National Development Plan 2030.

- Project management experience, including program design and execution as well as Monitoring and evaluation.

- Strong strategic and problem-solving skills, including excellent analytical and quantitative skills.

- Strong writer, facilitator, and oral communicator able to explain complex concepts to a variety of audiences.

- Ability to work independently, self-motivated, and propose new initiatives.

- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and quickly adapt to changing priorities.

- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build relationships in a multicultural environment.

• Language Requirements: Excellent verbal, written interpersonal and presentation skills in English.

Desirables:

• Full proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of stakeholder Engagement and ability to resolve conflict.

Please indicate your ability and availability; and attach a technical proposal and financial proposal in ZAR to undertake the terms of reference above (including admin cost if applicable). Proposals submitted without a detailed financial proposal aligned to the assignment will not be considered.

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.

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 encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.

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.

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 is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

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.