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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.

How can you make a difference?  

Kenya has registered an impressive economic growth over the last two decades with GDP per capita growing from $3,743.6 in 2004 to $5,845.2 in 2024 (2021 international $ PPP) – a 56 per cent increase over the period. Despite this growth, poverty rates remain high. Estimates using the national poverty line show that 39.8 per cent of the population lived in poverty in 2022, up from 36.1 per cent in 2015/16. An estimated 42.4 per cent of children lived in monetary in 2022, higher than the national figure, and highlighting the higher vulnerability among children.

Potential consultant will analyse how economic growth in Kenya has translated into poverty reduction and child poverty outcomes at the national and county (sub-national) levels and to identify policy options to promote more inclusive and child-centred growth.

Potential consultant will lead the research on the study described above, particularly activities related to evidence review to identify the most appropriate analytical approach, data compilation, data analysis, and drafting of a working paper and brief.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy on the detailed deliverables and expected outcomes, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  ToR OSE SEP Growth Poverty.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: PhD in Economics, Public/Social Policy or related field.
• Work Experience: At least 8 years of professional experience in applied econometrics
• Skills: Demonstrated experience doing similar empirical analysis on the relationship between economic growth and poverty.
• Ability to organize own work and to conduct a research project with limited supervision according to deadlines.

• Language Requirements: Ability to speak and write fluently in English
• Desirables:
• Experience and familiarity with national and sub-national analysis.
• Experience doing policy-oriented work
• Experience working in low- or middle-income countries
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

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

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 reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities 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 promoting 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 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.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal  Financial proposal OSE SEP Growth Poverty.docx
• One sample of written work relevant to the assignment (a published report, working paper or journal article about economic growth, poverty or related topic.

Remarks:  If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not visible on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.

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.