EMOPS Africa Strategy and African Humanitarian Agency Engagement Consultant
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work for children.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic, analytical, and coordination support to the Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS). This involves advancing the humanitarian component of UNICEF’s Africa Strategy and shaping UNICEF’s engagement with the African Union Commission on the operationalization of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA). The consultant will translate strategic direction into a coherent EMOPS engagement framework, defining UNICEF’s positioning, partnerships, and programmatic approaches. These approaches must be grounded in African ownership, subsidiarity, co-creation, child-centred humanitarian action, and a One UNICEF approach, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's global mandate and regional priorities.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic and analytical support to EMOPS in developing and refining the humanitarian component of UNICEF's Africa Strategy. Shape and advance UNICEF's engagement with the African Union Commission (AUC) regarding the operationalization of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA). Develop a coherent EMOPS engagement framework for Africa, outlining UNICEF's strategic positioning and key priorities. Identify and foster strategic partnerships with AUC, Regional Economic Communities, African governments, and other relevant stakeholders to advance child-centred humanitarian action. Support the development of programmatic approaches that align with the principles of African ownership, subsidiarity, co-creation, and a One UNICEF approach. Facilitate consultations and dialogues with senior officials from governments, regional institutions, UN agencies, civil society, and development partners to build consensus and drive progress. Draft policy briefs, strategy documents, roadmaps, and other high-level products to inform decision-making and guide implementation. Monitor and analyze the evolving humanitarian landscape in Africa, providing timely insights and recommendations to EMOPS. Ensure effective coordination and communication within UNICEF and with external partners to promote a unified approach to humanitarian action in Africa.
Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian policy, strategy development, institutional advisory work, international cooperation, or a related field. Demonstrated experience working with or advising African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, or African governments is essential.
Skills
Humanitarian policy and strategy development, Institutional advisory work, International cooperation, African Union/Regional Economic Community engagement, Humanitarian coordination, Preparedness and early warning systems, Anticipatory action, Emergency response, Localization of humanitarian aid, Systems strengthening, Multi-stakeholder facilitation, Strategic thinking and drafting