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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: PROSPECTS Policy Advisory Consultant   

Duty Station: Programme Group, GPD/CP&M/MDH

Duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 Dec 2026  

Home/ Office Based: Remote

 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in advocacy, in programmes, and in operations. UNICEF delivers change by advocating for high-quality programmes at scale, harnessing innovation and collecting evidence, in partnership with governments, other United Nations partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and children. It uses these strategies to leverage wider change nationally and globally through advocacy, communications and campaigning. UNICEF also wins the support of decision makers and the public around the world to drive change, volunteer, advocate and mobilize resources for the cause of children, and works with partners to achieve an even greater impact.

As a part of its portfolio, UNICEF’s Migration and Displacement Hub leads the strategic partnership, programme development and coordination for the Partnership for Improved Prospects (PROSPECTS) and supports UNICEF regional and country offices to effectively work on behalf of children on the move. PROSPECTS programme includes policy change objectives to advance the protection and opportunities to thrive of displaced people. The Policy Advice consultant will support policy analysis and policy advice through global fora to achieve these objectives

Scope of Work:This consultancy will focus on delivering technical inputs to support UNICEF’s strategic engagement and policy development on issues related to child-sensitive GCM and GCR implementation, including UNICEF’s work with the UN Network on Migration, alternatives to immigration detention and return and reintegration workstreams, while supporting capacity building of UNICEF HQ, Regional and Country office colleagues on these thematic areas.  

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline

1. Provide technical support for UNICEF's engagement with the UN Network on Migration (UNNM) Executive Committee (EC) and related processes, including the 2026 International Migration Forum (IMRF).

• Input into at least 6 UNNM EC or related meetings, including the May 2026 IMRF, with UNICEF technical content included in meeting agendas and/or position papers and statements
• Engage in at least 2 consultations to incorporate feedback from UNICEF HQ or Regional focal points in written or verbal format into the IMRF Progress Declaration and related documents
• Produce Briefing Notes for UNICEF’s ED or designee and other relevant UNICEF staff for the IMRF

- Talking points with technical inputs developed and delivered  for Six UNNM meetings including notes drafted and shared; Follow-up actions completed.

31 Dec 2026

- Technical Input into IMRF Progress Declaration drafted;  2 consultations conducted and outcomes incorporated into Declaration.

30 Jun 2026

- 1 package of IMRF Delegation briefing notes prepared.

30 Jun 2026

- Concept note, agenda and briefing notes prepared for 1 IMRF side event.

30 Jun 2026

2. Provide technical support to UNICEF’s engagement in the UNNM Workstreams at global and regional levels, with particular focus on UNICEF’s co-leadership of the Round-Table 2 workstream (which covers Alternatives to Detention, Return, Readmission and Reintegration, Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons, Missing Migrants and Humanitarian Assistance to Migrants in Distress, and Legal Identity).

• Conduct at least 2 consultations and draft and negotiate the final version of the IMRF Background Note for Round Table 2
• Coordinate the work of the Round Table 2 workstream, chairing at least 2 meetings and responding to members’ emails
• Provide technical support for 2 peer learning exchanges on ATD
• Facilitate input into UNNM work on ATD, returns, legal identity, missing migrants and humanitarian assistance to migrants in distress, smuggling, trafficking, climate-related migration, regular pathways, access to services, migration governance, and narratives on migration
• Provide written content and edits into the Background Notes and Key Messages for UNNM Round Tables 1, 3 and 4
• Draft talking points and background documents to support engagement with government officials and youth in close coordination with UNICEF global and regional focal points.
• 4 briefings provided to support UNICEF’s engagement with government officials when relevant, and for youth engagement.
• UNICEF inputs reflected in concept notes, agendas and reports for 2 events.
• Follow up actions disseminated through 12 consultation calls conducted and 18 emails delivered with technical support content.
• Final report written to summarize UNICEF engagement and recommendations for next steps

- Draft IMRF RT2 Background note

30 May 2026

- Workplan and roadmap drafted for RT2 Coordination, with 12 communications initiated; Agendas developed and two meetings facilitated.

30 Dec 2026

- Concept note, agenda and talking points developed for Two ATD learning exchanges; Events facilitation delivered.

30 Nov 2026

- 4 written contributions to UNNM technical papers and documents related to events, including text content and edits of documents to ensure child rights are reflected.

30 May 2026

- three background notes (1,3,4) reviewed and inputs provided

30 Dec 2026

- Two consultations with youth conducted, including invitations, agenda, talking points and outcome documents drafted.

30 May 2026

30 Jun 2026

- Four briefings delivered

30 Sept 2026

- Two event concept notes and agendas reflect UNICEF priorities

30 Jun 2026

- 12 consultations calls

30 Dec 2026

- Final report 

30 Dec 2026

3. Support capacity building for UNICEF related to ending immigration detention of children and other key thematic areas for children on the move, including briefings at the UNICEF Migration and Displacement Task Team and trainings on the new Global Programme Framework; the development and running of at least 2 internal trainings, and at least 2 external trainings

• 4 briefings delivered during the Migration and Displacement Task Team and other internal UNICEF meetings;
• Training content developed, agenda/invitation drafted, 2 Trainings conducted.

- Four briefing developed 

30 Nov 2026

- Two training sessions developed and delivered 

31 Oct 2026

4. Input into complementary work by UNICEF on refugee and displaced children, supporting UNICEF’s input into relevant UNHCR processes leading up to the 2027 Global Refugee Forum, including UNICEF's support to governments to implement their pledges and make further pledges, and UNICEF's promotion of youth engagement in these processes.

• At least 2 briefings provided to support UNICEF’s engagement with government officials when relevant, and for youth engagement.
• 4 concept notes and other relevant documents reviewed and inputs provided
• Follow up actions disseminated through at least 2 consultation calls conducted and/or emails delivered with technical support content

- Two briefings delivered 

30 Jun 2026

- Four concept noted drafted and disseminated 

31 Oct 2026

- Two follow up actions completed 

31 Dec 2026

5. Support to the Internal Displacement Solutions Fund and the Global Solutions Working Group.

Support the Global Lead’s participation in the IDSF and the GSWG as needed, including the review of proposals for the IDSF.

- One review of IDSF proposals and feedback drafted 

31 Jul 2026

6. Contribute to analytical briefs, reports, internal and external policy documents, and/or human rights processes related to current trends/critical issues for migrant/refugee/IDP children to ensure that UNICEF’s policy positions are properly articulated and reflected.

Analysis and inputs drafted and incorporated into at least 6 migration/displacement related policy documents (reports, human rights submissions, policy briefs with recommendations and key messages, etc)

- Six policy documents written and disseminated 

20 Dec 2026

Qualifications

Education:   

Master Degree in international human rights law, international relations, public policy, international development, or a related field.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

• At least 10 years of policy experience in international protection and migration at global level.  
• Demonstrated expertise in international protection and immigration at global level
• Strong knowledge of Global Compact on Refugees and Global Compact on Migrants essential
•  Prior experience with a UN/UNICEF is a distinct advantage.

Competencies  

• Strong communication, writing and presentation skills
• Strategic thinking and critical analysis skills
• Commitment and drive, with a clear focus on results
• Ability to juggle competing priorities under pressure, whilst maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

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.