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For every child, the right to future

How can you make a difference?

The African Union (AU) and UNICEF are exploring a joint sports-for-development initiative linked to the 2027 African Games in Egypt and the broader ambitions of AU Agenda 2063. The proposed “A Million Balls” initiative aims to expand equitable access to regular, safe and inclusive sport and physical activity for children, particularly through schools, youth clubs and underserved communities. The African Games provide a high-profile opportunity to launch the initiative publicly, demonstrate the programme model and mobilize sustained continental support.

The immediate objective is to design, resource and prepare a joint AU–UNICEF launch event at the 2027 African Games that introduces A Million Balls as a practical sports-for-development programme. The launch should present a credible first phase of equipment provision, school and community participation, country-level delivery pathways and an ambition to scale towards one million balls. The existing concept envisages an initial 250,000–300,000 balls, subject to feasibility, funding and partner agreement. Sports personalities and advocacy will amplify the launch, but the centerpiece will be a concrete, inclusive programme for children, with commitments and an implementation pathway beyond the Games.

This time-bound consultancy will lead the technical preparation and coordination needed to make the proposed African Games launch feasible and ready for institutional decision. It will refine the programme design, establish an actionable funding and partner pipeline, develop a launch concept and run-of-show with the relevant teams, and prepare a costed operational plan for a credible first phase.

Under the supervision of the Senior Policy Advisor, and working closely with relevant UNICEF teams at headquarters, regional and country levels, including the AU/UNECA Office, the consultant will provide coordination, research and planning support for the Million Balls initiative and preparations for its proposed launch at the 2027 African Games. The assignment will cover five areas:

1. Programme development: Support the review and refinement of the programme concept, including objectives, target groups, potential participating countries, distribution through schools and communities, and expected results. Assist in preparing programme documents and materials for the proposed launch.
2. Partnerships and resource mobilization: Support the identification and mapping of potential corporate sponsors, philanthropists, sports organizations and other partners, particularly in Africa. Prepare background information, partnership briefs and funding proposals, and assist with partner engagement and follow-up.
3. Budget and financing: Support the preparation of indicative budgets for the launch event and initial programme activities, compile information on funding opportunities and maintain a tracker of potential partner contributions and commitments.
4. Programme planning: Gather information and support consultations with relevant UNICEF teams and partners on options for sourcing, branding and distributing sports equipment. Assist with identifying potential participating countries and schools, and preparing an initial implementation plan, including possible activities to be showcased at the launch.
5. African Games launch preparations: Provide coordination and logistical planning support for the proposed launch event, including preparation of agendas, briefing materials, participant lists, communications inputs and event planning documents. Support follow-up with the African Union and other partners through established UNICEF channels, track preparations and document outcomes and next steps.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  ToRTMC0008436.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Advanced university degree in international development, business administration, economics, international relations, sports management, public policy or related field. A first university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, subject to UNICEF rules.
• Work Experience: At least five years of relevant experience in African private-sector partnerships, business development, multi-country project design or programme coordination.
• Demonstrated experience engaging multiple stakeholders and producing high-quality concept notes, propositions and implementation plans.
• Skills: Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation support; excellent writing, research, analytical and project-management skills; ability to work across institutions and countries.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English required; French and/or Arabic desirable
• Desirables: Experience with UNICEF, the African Union, sports-for-development initiatives, sports federations, education systems, supply-chain planning or philanthropic networks in priority African markets

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 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.

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

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template)  Financial proposal TMC0008436.docx