Individual Consultancy to design a Gender-Transformative Childcare Model, Nairobi, Kenya, Office-based + travel, 9 months #595000

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. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to design a Gender-Transformative Childcare Model in Nairobi, Kenya. This involves conducting a literature review and contextual analysis, engaging with stakeholders, assessing risks and safeguards, and ultimately developing a comprehensive model. The consultant will integrate Feminist and Gender Frameworks, such as the 5R model (Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Reward, Represent), to ensure gender-responsive elements are embedded. The work must align with UNICEF's Gender Policy 2021-2030 and Action Plan 2026-2029, with a focus on targeted investments in adolescent girls' health, nutrition, education, skills, and protection, while also promoting norm changes and male involvement in childcare.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough literature review and contextual analysis related to childcare models and gender transformation in Kenya. This includes identifying best practices, challenges, and opportunities. A key responsibility will be stakeholder engagement, involving consultations with relevant government bodies, NGOs, community representatives, caregivers, and adolescents to gather input and ensure the model is contextually relevant and inclusive. The consultant must also conduct a risk assessment and identify appropriate safeguards for the proposed childcare model. The core responsibility is the design of the Gender-Transformative Childcare Model, ensuring it integrates Feminist and Gender Frameworks, such as the 5R model, and aligns with UNICEF's policies and action plans. This includes developing gender-responsive elements and proposing targeted investments for adolescent girls. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring the model promotes norm change and male involvement in childcare, and for documenting all findings and recommendations in a comprehensive report.

Work Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in childcare, early childhood development, social protection, gender programming, child rights, or public policy. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing childcare or related programmes, with a strong understanding of care economy and gender-transformative approaches.

Skills

Gender Analysis, Childcare Model Design, Stakeholder Engagement, Feminist Frameworks, Gender Policy Alignment, Risk Assessment, Programme Design, Social Protection, Child Rights, Public Policy Analysis, Research and Analysis, Report Writing

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