Background

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. UNICEF’s mission is to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

This consultancy is for the UNICEF Kenya Country Office, focusing on strengthening livelihoods pathways for vulnerable populations, particularly youth and women, in alignment with national development priorities and UNICEF’s strategic goals. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Chief of Child Protection and the Social Policy Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing livelihoods programs and policies in Kenya, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a strategic framework for strengthening livelihoods pathways for vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families, with a focus on sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.
• Identify and map key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, and community-based organizations, involved in livelihoods development.
• Design and pilot innovative interventions to enhance skills development, access to finance, and market linkages for target beneficiaries.
• Develop capacity-building strategies for partners to effectively implement and scale up livelihoods initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of livelihoods interventions, providing regular reports and recommendations for adaptation and improvement.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and fundraising efforts for livelihoods programs.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among stakeholders on best practices in livelihoods development.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating livelihoods programs, with a focus on youth and women empowerment.
• Proven experience in conducting policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of the Kenyan context, including its socio-economic landscape and development priorities.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is an asset.

Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating livelihoods programs, with a focus on youth and women empowerment.

Additional Notes

This is a consultancy position. The consultant will be expected to travel within Kenya as required. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from qualified candidates, especially women, are encouraged.

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing livelihoods programs and policies in Kenya, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a strategic framework for strengthening livelihoods pathways for vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families, with a focus on sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.
• Identify and map key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, and community-based organizations, involved in livelihoods development.
• Design and pilot innovative interventions to enhance skills development, access to finance, and market linkages for target beneficiaries.
• Develop capacity-building strategies for partners to effectively implement and scale up livelihoods initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of livelihoods interventions, providing regular reports and recommendations for adaptation and improvement.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and fundraising efforts for livelihoods programs.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among stakeholders on best practices in livelihoods development.

• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating livelihoods programs, with a focus on youth and women empowerment.
• Proven experience in conducting policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of the Kenyan context, including its socio-economic landscape and development priorities.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is an asset.