Job Description
Position(s): Research Based
Organization: UNICEF
Deadline: Ongoing
In today’s fast-evolving global landscape, effective development work demands evidence, insight, and constant learning. For UNICEF—the world’s leading organization focused on children and their rights—research is not just important; it’s essential. As UNICEF continues to strengthen data-driven decision-making and policy formulation, it is actively recruiting professionals for a series of research-based consultancy opportunities across multiple regions.
These consultancies offer skilled researchers, analysts, evaluators, and development professionals a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world impact through short- to medium-term assignments. Whether your expertise lies in child health, education systems, social protection, humanitarian response, or data analysis, there has never been a better time to lend your skills to one of the most trusted names in global development.
The Role of Research in UNICEF’s Mission
UNICEF’s mission is to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, help meet their basic needs, and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Research and evidence are central to this mission. They inform everything from high-level policy guidance to local program design.
Across over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF relies on rigorous, ethical, and context-sensitive research to:
- Inform programmatic priorities for child protection, education, health, water and sanitation, social inclusion, and emergency response.
- Monitor progress and evaluate impact across development and humanitarian initiatives.
- Advocate for change by making children’s voices and experiences visible through data and analysis.
- Identify emerging challenges like digital inequality, climate vulnerability, or new forms of poverty, and recommend timely interventions.
In this context, research-based consultancies play a vital role in helping UNICEF scale its knowledge, improve programming, and influence change.
What is a Research-Based Consultancy?
A research-based consultancy with UNICEF typically involves a defined scope of work related to investigation, data collection, analysis, reporting, or advisory services on evidence generation. These roles are temporary contracts ranging from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the project’s needs.
Research consultants at UNICEF work on a broad range of tasks, which may include:
- Conducting qualitative or quantitative field research in specific countries or regions.
- Designing or supporting evaluations, assessments, or situation analyses.
- Drafting policy briefs, knowledge products, or research reports.
- Synthesizing literature reviews and existing data to inform programming.
- Supporting data visualization, dashboard creation, or innovative reporting formats.
- Facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, workshops, or expert panels.
The outputs are used by UNICEF country offices, regional teams, global programs, and partners in government, civil society, and academia. Importantly, much of this work is geographically diverse, with opportunities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and occasionally remote or home-based engagements.
Who Should Consider Applying?
UNICEF welcomes a wide range of professionals into its consultancy framework—especially those with expertise in research and a passion for improving the lives of children and adolescents.
Ideal candidates often include:
- Academic researchers and PhD holders looking to apply their skills in practical, policy-relevant settings.
- Development professionals with a background in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), impact analysis, or applied research.
- Independent consultants or freelancers seeking mission-driven work that is flexible and global in scope.
- Social scientists, statisticians, economists, and public health experts with strong research portfolios.
- Local experts and researchers from countries where UNICEF operates, who bring vital contextual understanding and networks.
While requirements vary by assignment, most roles ask for:
- An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in a relevant discipline such as sociology, education, international development, economics, political science, or public health.
- Experience in conducting and managing research, particularly in low-resource or development settings.
- Familiarity with ethical research practices, particularly when working with children and vulnerable populations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills, and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience with research tools and software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, NVivo, KoboToolbox, Power BI) is often an advantage.
UNICEF is also committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages women, persons with disabilities, and professionals from the Global South to apply for its consultancy rosters and individual assignments.
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Why Choose a Research Consultancy with UNICEF?
🌍 Global Reach, Local Impact
UNICEF’s consultancy opportunities allow you to work across cultures and regions, addressing some of the most pressing issues affecting children today. Whether analyzing dropout rates in rural schools, exploring the psychosocial impact of conflict, or studying child nutrition trends, your research can shape tangible change.
📚 Professional Growth and Influence
Working with UNICEF means being part of high-impact projects. You’ll collaborate with UN experts, local stakeholders, and national policymakers—gaining valuable experience that enhances your credibility and professional network.
⏳ Flexibility and Variety
Research consultancies offer flexibility that full-time roles often do not. You can select projects that align with your expertise, preferred timeline, and geographic interests. Many consultancies are home-based or hybrid, allowing you to contribute globally without relocation.
🧭 Mission-Driven Work
If you’re seeking more than just a paycheck, UNICEF consultancies deliver on purpose. You’ll be contributing to one of the most meaningful causes imaginable: improving the lives and futures of children around the world.
Final Thoughts
Research-based consultancies at UNICEF offer a powerful way to apply your expertise where it matters most — in service of children, equity, and global development. These roles combine intellectual challenge, real-world impact, and global collaboration in a flexible package that suits professionals at many stages of their career.
