Background

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF Kenya is committed to ensuring that all children in Kenya, including those with disabilities, have their rights realized and their potential fulfilled. The UNICEF Kenya Country Programme aims to support the Government of Kenya in achieving its development goals for children, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Chief of Child Protection and Inclusion and the direct supervision of the Disability Inclusion Specialist. The role involves providing technical expertise and support to UNICEF Kenya and its partners in advancing disability inclusion across all sectors of the country programme.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

• Provide technical support to UNICEF Kenya and its partners in developing and implementing disability-inclusive policies, strategies, and programmes.
• Conduct situational analyses and assessments on disability inclusion in Kenya, identifying gaps and opportunities.
• Support the integration of disability inclusion principles and practices into UNICEF’s work in areas such as education, health, child protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
• Develop and deliver training and capacity-building initiatives for UNICEF staff and partners on disability inclusion.
• Contribute to the development of advocacy materials and strategies to promote the rights of children with disabilities.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of disability inclusion initiatives, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with government ministries, civil society organizations, disabled persons' organizations (DPOs), and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and promote disability inclusion.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and resource mobilization efforts related to disability inclusion.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social sciences, development studies, disability studies, public health, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in disability inclusion, human rights, or child protection, preferably within a UN or international development context.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, programme development, and implementation related to disability inclusion.
• Strong understanding of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its implications for programming.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is an asset.

Additional Information

This is a consultancy position. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.

• Provide technical support to UNICEF Kenya and its partners in developing and implementing disability-inclusive policies, strategies, and programmes.
• Conduct situational analyses and assessments on disability inclusion in Kenya, identifying gaps and opportunities.
• Support the integration of disability inclusion principles and practices into UNICEF’s work in areas such as education, health, child protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
• Develop and deliver training and capacity-building initiatives for UNICEF staff and partners on disability inclusion.
• Contribute to the development of advocacy materials and strategies to promote the rights of children with disabilities.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of disability inclusion initiatives, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with government ministries, civil society organizations, disabled persons' organizations (DPOs), and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and promote disability inclusion.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and resource mobilization efforts related to disability inclusion.

• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social sciences, development studies, disability studies, public health, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in disability inclusion, human rights, or child protection, preferably within a UN or international development context.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, programme development, and implementation related to disability inclusion.
• Strong understanding of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its implications for programming.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is an asset.