Humanitarian Initiatives and Strategy Consultant (Innovation Consultant)
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to bolster UNICEF’s humanitarian innovation agenda by supporting the development of the Office of Innovation’s Humanitarian Innovation Strategy. The role involves advancing innovative solutions to enhance emergency response for children and communities. The consultant will play a key part in identifying, developing, and scaling high-impact initiatives. Specific focus will be placed on 'Kits that Fit,' which aims to provide more tailored and locally relevant humanitarian aid kits, and 'Project Alpha,' which seeks to broaden access to sustainable solar energy for essential services through innovative financing, digital tools, and youth skills development. The objective is to drive impactful innovation within humanitarian contexts.
Responsibilities
Support the development and implementation of UNICEF's Humanitarian Innovation Strategy, ensuring alignment with global humanitarian goals and child protection mandates. Lead the identification and assessment of promising innovative solutions for humanitarian response, with a focus on scalability and sustainability. Drive the advancement of 'Kits that Fit' by refining kit contents, local sourcing strategies, and distribution mechanisms to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Advance 'Project Alpha' by contributing to innovative financing models, digital tool development, and youth skills enhancement programs for solar energy access. Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among UNICEF Country and Regional Offices, partners, and external stakeholders, including governments, universities, UN organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. Manage relationships with diverse teams across different locations and technical disciplines. Collect and analyze data in low-resource settings to inform strategy and program development. Develop and deliver capacity-building strategies tailored for diverse organizational contexts to foster a culture of innovation. Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials for various audiences, effectively conveying complex information and advocating for innovation in humanitarian action. Ensure all activities align with UNICEF's Core Values (CRITAS) and commitment to child rights.
Work Experience
A minimum of 8 years of experience in humanitarian programs at national and international levels, including coordinating project activities across large organizations and with other international development bodies. Experience in developing innovation strategies within a global role is highly desirable. Experience in implementing humanitarian action and managing innovation projects from concept to scale within the UN context is important.
Skills
Humanitarian innovation strategy development, Project management (concept to scale), Stakeholder relationship management, Data collection in low-resource settings, Capacity development strategies, Communication and networking, Strategic thinking, Advocacy and negotiation, Teamwork in diverse settings, Writing and reporting, Innovation principles in humanitarian contexts, Knowledge of humanitarian preparedness/response