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.
UNICEF’s approach to programming is grounded in human rights– and child rights–principles, particularly nondiscrimination,
a core tenet of both safeguarding and UNICEF’s Environmental and Social Standards framework. These
principles are fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda principle of Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) and underpin UNICEF’s
efforts to ensure that individuals, including children, communities and the environment are protected from harm arising
from its activities.
Building on this foundation, the Risk Management in Programming and Safeguarding (RMPS) Unit—situated within the
Programme Effectiveness Team (PET) of the Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM)—was
established in 2024 to promote an integrated approach to risk management and safeguarding across UNICEF’s
programme and operational activities.
The RMPS is structured around four interconnected pillars:
i) Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) in Programming and Safeguarding;
ii) Complaints and Feedback Management;
iii) Programme Implementation Risk Management / HACT; and
iv) Data Protection.
In line with DAPM/PET’s mandate, the RMPS contributes to driving decision making and organizational learning improving
effectiveness and achievement of results of UNICEF and its partners to realize the rights and improve the life of every
child. Furthermore, the RMPS collaborates with the Risk Chief Officer to strengthen UNICEF’s enterprise risk management
approach by fostering better coordination between different risk areas, integrated in programmatic, operational and
strategic planning and decision-making.
The Social and Behavior Change functions and teams are custodians of various forms of participation. UNICEF will work
with Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders and co-designers of policies, services and programmes, ensuring meaningful
and safe participation across the programme cycle. The PG Human Rights Unit represents UNICEF in the Inter-Agency
Support Group on Indigenous Issues, and coordinates UNICEF’s engagement with the UN Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues and relevant human rights mechanisms, including the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through this engagement the PG Human Rights
Unit aims to: 1) elevate attention to Indigenous children’s rights; 2) engage in joint advocacy, awareness-raising and
capacity-building initiatives to advance Indigenous children’s rights; and 3) facilitate the exchange of information,
experiences and good practices on advancing the rights of Indigenous children.
Through its Policy and Procedure on Environmental and Social Safeguarding in Programming, UNICEF has reaffirmed
its commitment to meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and to the promotion and protection of their rights,
in line with international human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and UN
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In addition, ESS and Safeguarding have become non-negotiable
requirements from UNICEF’s major donors – including expectations of full compliance with their specific policies on
Indigenous Peoples – and the demand is expected to grow.
The main objective of this consultancy is to support UNICEF’s Risk Management in Programming and Safeguarding (RMPS)
Unit in strengthening the organization’s approach to Indigenous Peoples specifically, within its social and environmental
safeguarding framework, contributing to enhanced programme effectiveness, operation excellence as well as donor
confidence.
Because of the cross-cutting nature of Indigenous Peoples’ issues, the Risk Management in Programming and
Safeguarding Unit (RMPS) is expected to supervise this consultancy in close coordination and collaboration with relevant
Sections within DAPM and other internal stakeholders. It is expected that the consultant will work closely with, and be
guided by relevant teams across the organization. Additionally, close collaboration with the Senior Adviser, Participation
in SBC, will be required to help institutionalize practices such culturally safe programme stakeholder engagement,
safeguarding, and responsive complaints and feedback management, so that Indigenous knowledge, priorities and
leadership inform decision-making, strengthen trust and social cohesion, and translate into measurable results for
indigenous peoples, children and communities.
Scope of Work:
The Consultant will support UNICEF’s Risk Management in Programming and Safeguarding (RMPS) Unit in strengthening
the organization’s approach to the rights of Indigenous peoples, inclusive of indigenous children, within its social and
environmental safeguarding framework. This includes assessing and revising corporate policies, procedures, and
programming tools to ensure alignment with Indigenous Peoples’ rights and donor requirements (e.g., GCF, WB),
developing targeted guidance and knowledge products, and delivering specialized training to regional and country offices.
The consultant will also provide technical assistance to country offices, facilitate internal coordination, and support
strategic engagement with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, and donors.
Expected Results:
Policy Framework
- Proposed revisions to UNICEF regulatory framework documents and supporting implementation tools to
incorporate Indigenous Peoples’ rights perspectives highlighting revisions that would address common policy
and/or compliance concerns of major funding partners, especially development banks.
- Compliance matrix and funding partner-specific guidance tools developed as part of the Social and
Environmental Safeguarding Handbook.
Guidance and Tool Development
- Region and country typology-specific concept notes, country-level checklists, FAQs, and FPIC guidance
produced as part of the Social and Environmental Safeguarding Handbook.
- Indigenous people’s participation guidance note for system strengthening across sectors, aligned with UNICEF
ESS and safeguarding standards.
Capacity Development
- Training materials on ESS 6 (Indigenous Peoples) developed and delivered to the relevant stakeholders.
- Technical support provided to country offices implementing donor-funded programs involving Indigenous
Peoples.
- Country office “starter pack” for Indigenous Peoples engagement (TBD: consultation plan template,
power/stakeholder analysis, culturally appropriate tactics, simple training materials for CO/RO teams on
meaningful and safe participation with Indigenous Peoples)
Knowledge Products
- Knowledge products including lessons learned and evaluation inputs created.
- Case study series capturing promising, community-led participation practices and lessons learned across
regions and country typologies, feeding UNICEF knowledge products and communities of practice
Network Building
- Internal coordination mechanisms (e.g., working group/community of practice) established and supported.
- Development of a partnership strategy and/or participation in consultative mechanisms with Indigenous
Peoples’ organizations
Funding Partner Related
- Development of briefing notes and responsive technical advice to support UNICEF in donor engagement.
- Mapping of funding partners with dedicated programmes or objectives to finance national aspirations for
inclusive participation of Indigenous Peoples.
- Measurement tools: e.g. participation quality scorecard, feedback loop responsiveness metrics, and
trust/social cohesion indicators for integration in CO M&E frameworks.
Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:
Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline
1. Review of UNICEF policies, procedures, and programming tools Mapping of the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in UNICEF’s existing Regulatory Framework and Interagency related Commitments (ESS policy, procedure, risks management questionnaire, Implementing Partner (PCA/PD) templates, contract templates, etc. assessed, updated, and revised to ensure alignment with relevant international human rights and children’s rights standards, and from an Indigenous Peoples’ rights perspective.) and suggested roadmap / prioritization.
30 March 2026
2. Alignment with funding partner requirements
1 Compliance matrix; UNICEF framework against major funding partners (ie. GCF and development banks) with recommendations, identification of gaps and the development of management measures.
30 April 2026
3. Drafting of specific programming tools and guidance
1 Mapping of UNICEF programs to support the rights of Indigenous children developed
1 FAQ on UNICEF’s approaches for partnering and
collaborating with Indigenous Peoples’ networks and for programming with/for Indigenous Peoples developed
1 UNICEF FPIC Guidance Note Review of the ESRMP and management measures in relation to ESS6
30 July 2026
4. Design and delivery of ESS training (parts on Indigenous Peoples – ESS 6)
- Deep Dive session on Indigenous Peoples – ESS 6 prepared, ensuring the alignment with relevant international human rights and children’s rights standards, and donor requirements.
- 1 ToT for relevant UNICEF focal points on ESS6 (in person or remotely)
- 2-3 deep-dive training sessions and/or periodic analysis and monitoring of ESS 6 implementation (in person or remote)
June 30, 2026
5. Development of knowledge products
- Document on lessons learned and good practices on the application of Environmental and Social Standard
– Indigenous Peoples (EES 6) in UNICEF Programming
15 Feb 2027
6. Technical assistance to COs
- 1 Report detailing technical support provided throughout the consultancy to 2-5 COs (priority: major funding partner-funded programs) including prevention and management of harm as it relates to ESS6
15 Feb 2027
7. Supporting the coordination with internal partners
- 1 ToR for a UNICEF working group/community of practice on Indigenous Peoples’ issues drafted Prepare and facilitate at least 1 session of the working group/community of practice
July 30, 2026
8. Supporting the engagement with external partners - Indigenous Peoples’ organizations
- 1 Concept note drafted on partnership strategy with and/or participation/consultative mechanism with- Indigenous Peoples
Aug 30, 2026
9. Supporting the engagement with external partners - donors
- 1 Briefing note for donor engagement developed, based on the strategy defined in deliverable #8
- 1 Report on advice/support provided in response to any Indigenous Peoples related questions from donors throughout the consultancy
Dec 30, 2026
Qualifications
Education:
Master or equivalent in Management, Human Rights Indigenous People’s Rights, Social and Cultural Anthropology, History, Political/Social
Sciences or related field
A combination of 2 relevant disciplines would be a strong asset
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:
- Expert knowledge required on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Additional expertise on children’s rights, and on
the human rights-based and child rights-based approaches
desirable.
- At least 10 years of program experience on the rights and development of Indigenous Peoples, including field experience and exposure at country and regional/global levels
- Knowledge and/or experience in risk management and in drafting programming guidelines, standards, safeguards,
training materials, especially in relation to Indigenous Peoples, is a strong asset
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is a strong asset
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross-functional, multicultural teams
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.