Remote Consultancy - Innovation Strategy and Country Engagement Adviser, Office of Innovation, Systems & Services, 11.5 months, Stockholm (Work from Home) #594169

Organizational Context

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. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do, promoting the rights of every child. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide specialized advisory support on innovation governance and systems-change methodology to UNICEF country engagement under COMPASS and SPARK. The consultant will contribute targeted expertise to the alignment, quality, and institutionalization of UNICEF’s innovation portfolio. Operating as part of a distributed team led by the Office of Innovation, the role involves direct governance mentoring to country offices and expert inputs to methodology alignment, guidance products, and institutional learning processes. While not leading delivery of COMPASS or SPARK workstreams, the consultant will strengthen the consistency, quality, and application of governance and systems-change approaches, ensuring coherence across country engagement and institutional frameworks. This ensures a bright future for every child by reinforcing UNICEF's innovative impact.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Innovation Manager (Systems & Services), the consultant will provide targeted advisory, mentoring, and quality assurance support, aligned with the resource coverage model. This encompasses significant Country Office Mentoring for COMPASS Cohorts 4 and 5, guiding country offices in applying innovation governance and systems-change methodologies effectively. A core responsibility involves Systems and Methodology Alignment, ensuring that innovation approaches are consistent and integrated across UNICEF's global operations. The consultant will conduct rigorous Quality Assurance of Guidance and Knowledge Products, verifying their accuracy, relevance, and utility for institutional learning and application. Furthermore, the role contributes to Institutional Learning and COMPASS Architecture, helping to evolve and refine UNICEF's innovation frameworks based on ongoing experience and best practices. Establishing robust SPARK and COMPASS Linkages is essential for fostering synergy between different innovation initiatives. Strategic Advisory support will be extended to Centers of Excellences and the Global Programme Division, offering expert insights on innovation strategy and implementation. The consultant will also contribute to the OECD Partnership and Knowledge Management, sharing UNICEF's innovation insights and learning from external partners. Providing Responsive Technical Assistance to various stakeholders is also a key duty, addressing specific needs and challenges. Finally, the role focuses on Governance Knowledge and Institutional Integration, embedding innovation principles and practices firmly within UNICEF's organizational structures and processes to enhance its ability to deliver results for children worldwide.

Work Experience

A minimum of 8 years of professional experience is required, including substantive work in governance model design or reform within international organizations. Demonstrated experience navigating senior stakeholder dynamics in complex, multi-divisional organizations is essential. Experience developing institutional frameworks, guidance documents, or policy integration tools in a UN or comparable context is also necessary. Familiarity with innovation portfolio management and UNICEF or UN governance structures is considered a strong asset.

Skills

Strong analytical and synthesis skills, Ability to translate complex governance and methodology into actionable documents, Experience providing quality assurance on policy/programmatic guidance, Ability to manage multiple parallel workstreams, Experience navigating senior stakeholder dynamics, Experience developing institutional frameworks/guidance, Familiarity with innovation portfolio management, Familiarity with UNICEF or UN governance structures, Prior experience with UNICEF's innovation governance structures (GIB, ISC), Knowledge of COMPASS, Knowledge of 5D Innovation Framework, Knowledge of OOI Systems & Services portfolio

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