New Consultant to support the EU MCO Positioning, Partnerships, and catalytic Programming Value Proposition, Zagreb, Croatia - remote, UNICEF Croatia, on behalf of Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece and Romania, 4.7 months

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. This consultancy supports the Multi-Country Office (MCO) concept for Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Romania, focusing on strategic positioning, partnerships, and catalytic programming to fulfill UNICEF's mission for children in the region.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to support and coordinate a participatory Multi-Country Office (MCO) strategic planning process for the operationalization of the EU MCO concept note. This involves applying three core strategies: positioning, partnering, and catalytic programming. A key objective is the development of robust results frameworks, ensuring clear and measurable outcomes are defined at all levels. The consultant will be instrumental in aligning these frameworks precisely with the timeline and results of UNICEF's overarching Strategic Plan (2026-2029), as well as other pertinent strategic documents, existing strategies, and identified resource requirements. The exact duration and detailed scope of the results framework will be collaboratively determined during the inception phase of the consultancy, specifically during the 'Inception and Process design' stage. This role is crucial for establishing a coherent, effective, and strategically aligned direction for the multi-country office across Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Romania.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for supporting and coordinating a comprehensive, participatory strategic planning process for the EU Multi-Country Office (MCO), encompassing Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Romania. This includes facilitating the operationalization of the EU MCO concept note by actively applying and integrating the three key strategies: strategic positioning, effective partnering, and catalytic programming. A core responsibility involves leading the development of robust results frameworks, ensuring that clear, measurable, and actionable results are defined across all levels of intervention. Furthermore, the consultant will ensure meticulous alignment of these developed frameworks with the established timeline and expected outcomes of UNICEF's Strategic Plan (2026-2029). This also extends to harmonizing with other relevant strategic documents, existing programmatic strategies, and identified resource requirements. The role demands active engagement in the inception phase, particularly in the 'Inception and Process design,' to determine the precise duration and scope of the results framework. The consultant will also contribute significantly to facilitation and consensus-building in multi-stakeholder environments, demonstrating political sensitivity and diplomacy to achieve multi-country alignment, and effectively manage complex, matrixed structures under tight deadlines.

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic programme planning and programme management. Experience in Results Based Management and Theory of Change development is essential.

Skills

Strategic programme planning and management, Results-Based Management (RBM) and Theory of Change development, UNICEF programming knowledge (MICs, UMICs, HIC frameworks), Strong facilitation skills for participatory processes, Strong analytical and strategic thinking, Change management / organizational transition experience, Multi-stakeholder facilitation and consensus-building expertise, Political sensitivity and diplomacy (multi-country alignment), Ability to manage complex, matrixed structures, Strong time management under tight deadlines, Digital facilitation expertise

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