About UNICEF
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children. Through partnerships, innovation, and evidence-based programming, UNICEF helps children survive, thrive, and reach their full potential from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, promoting the rights of every child is more than a profession—it is a mission. The organization offers an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative work environment where professionals can make a meaningful global impact.
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Opportunity Overview
UNICEF is seeking an experienced Programme Coordination Consultant to support the Global Practice for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) under its Centre of Excellence model.
Job Title: Programme Coordination Consultant – Global Practice for WASH
Organisation: UNICEF
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Level: Consultancy
Location: United States
Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
The consultancy will provide strategic programme coordination, partnership management, grant administration, technical assistance tracking, research support, and front-office coordination for the Director’s Office. The role is critical in strengthening operational effectiveness and ensuring timely delivery of priority initiatives that support UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029.
The successful consultant will help improve the efficiency, accountability, responsiveness, and overall effectiveness of the Global WASH Practice while supporting country and regional offices worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Coordination and Strategic Support
- Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of priority initiatives across the Global WASH Practice.
- Assist in monitoring programme delivery and organizational priorities.
- Coordinate activities and follow-up actions across multiple teams and stakeholders.
Technical Assistance Coordination
- Track and manage technical assistance requests from Country and Regional Offices.
- Maintain monitoring systems and workflows to ensure timely responses and follow-up.
- Support reporting on technical assistance activities and outcomes.
Partnership and Grant Management
- Support donor engagement and partnership coordination activities.
- Assist with proposal development and resource mobilization efforts.
- Contribute to grant administration, reporting, and compliance requirements.
Research and Knowledge Management
- Conduct research and analysis to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Develop briefing notes, reports, presentations, and knowledge products.
- Strengthen knowledge-sharing processes and documentation systems.
Executive and Front Office Support
- Provide coordination support to the Director’s Office.
- Assist with strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Support management reporting and decision-making processes.
Required Qualifications
Education
Applicants must possess:
- A Master’s Degree in International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Public Health, WASH, Environmental Sciences, Project Management, Communications, International Relations, or a related field.
OR
- A first-level university degree combined with an additional two years of relevant professional experience.
Professional Experience
Candidates must demonstrate:
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in programme coordination, project management, partnerships, grant management, reporting, research, knowledge management, or technical assistance coordination.
- Experience supporting complex multi-country, regional, or global programmes.
- Experience in donor reporting, proposal development, and partnership coordination.
- Experience creating and managing dashboards, trackers, project management tools, and reporting systems.
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across geographic locations.
Highly Desirable Experience
- Supporting senior leadership teams, executive offices, or front-office functions.
- Working with UNICEF, the United Nations system, or international development and humanitarian organizations.
- Experience in WASH, climate resilience, public health, systems strengthening, or humanitarian programming.
Required Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates will possess:
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and communication abilities.
- Ability to synthesize complex information into concise reports and decision-making products.
- Knowledge of programme planning, monitoring, reporting, and results-based management.
- Experience in partnership management and donor engagement.
- Strong stakeholder coordination and collaboration skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and quality assurance.
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and project tracking systems.
- Understanding of UNICEF programming approaches and WASH priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Knowledge of UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026–2029.
- Familiarity with the Global WASH Programme Offer.
- Understanding of the Centre of Excellence model.
- Experience in climate resilience, emergency preparedness, or humanitarian programming.
- Experience developing research briefs, knowledge products, and strategic communication materials.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an asset.
UNICEF Core Values
UNICEF seeks professionals who embody its core values:
- Care
- Respect
- Integrity
- Trust
- Accountability
- Sustainability (CRITAS)
These values guide UNICEF’s commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children worldwide.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UNICEF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.
Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process.
Child Safeguarding and Ethical Standards
UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Abuse of authority
- Discrimination of any kind
All selected candidates will undergo comprehensive reference checks, background verification, and credential validation as part of UNICEF’s safeguarding commitments.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Separate Financial Proposal
Applications must be submitted through UNICEF’s online recruitment platform before the closing date.
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Important Notice
UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent recruitment schemes requesting payment or financial information.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
