Apply for the UNICEF Research Consultant (Intergenerational Governance) Consultancy 2026. This remote UNICEF opportunity offers experienced researchers the chance to contribute to global studies on youth participation, climate education, governance, and policy development while working with UNICEF Innocenti.
Overview
Applications are now open for the UNICEF Research Consultant (Intergenerational Governance) Consultancy 2026, a unique remote opportunity that closely resembles a fellowship experience for professionals interested in research, public policy, youth participation, governance, and climate education.
Hosted by UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight, this consultancy offers researchers the opportunity to contribute to global evidence generation and policy development focused on youth engagement in decision-making processes.
The selected consultant will support comparative international research examining how children, adolescents, and young people influence governance systems and public policy, particularly within climate education and youth participation initiatives.
About UNICEF Innocenti
UNICEF Innocenti serves as UNICEF’s dedicated research centre.
Based in Florence, Italy, UNICEF Innocenti generates evidence and insights that support policies and programmes improving the lives of children and young people around the world.
Its work focuses on:
- Child rights
- Youth participation
- Education
- Social policy
- Climate change
- Governance
- Innovation
- Global development
Consultancy Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Consultant (Intergenerational Governance) |
| Organization | UNICEF Innocenti |
| Contract Type | Consultancy |
| Work Arrangement | Remote |
| Duty Station | Florence, Italy |
| Duration | 13.5 Months |
| Functional Area | Research, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation |
| Application Deadline | 11 June 2026 |
About the Assignment
The consultancy supports UNICEF Innocenti’s comparative research agenda on:
- Youth participation
- Intergenerational governance
- Climate education
- Public policy engagement
- Decision-making systems
The work is linked to the Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education, helping UNICEF understand how youth voices are integrated into governance structures and influence policy outcomes.
The consultant will contribute to research examining how participation translates into meaningful impact and under what conditions young people’s priorities influence policy, budgeting, and governance decisions.
Key Areas of Research
Intergenerational Governance
The consultant will help analyze:
- Youth governance mechanisms
- Public participation systems
- Decision-making structures
- Youth representation models
- Institutional accountability processes
Climate Education Research
The role supports research on:
- Youth-led climate education initiatives
- Climate policy engagement
- Education system transformation
- Environmental advocacy
Comparative Global Studies
Responsibilities include:
- Cross-country analysis
- Governance comparisons
- Policy pathway mapping
- International evidence synthesis
The research places significant emphasis on Global South perspectives and youth experiences in diverse political and social contexts.
Major Responsibilities
Comparative Research and Analysis
The consultant will:
- Support comparative governance research
- Develop analytical frameworks
- Conduct evidence reviews
- Produce comparative findings
Country Case Studies
Responsibilities include:
- Developing country case studies
- Tracing participation-to-impact pathways
- Examining policy uptake processes
- Analyzing institutional responses
Participation Pathways Research
The selected candidate will:
- Investigate different participation models
- Assess effectiveness of youth engagement approaches
- Explore decision-making pathways
Cross-Cutting Research Themes
Research areas include:
- Conflict and fragility
- Civic space restrictions
- Youth safeguarding
- Displacement contexts
- Governance under crisis conditions
Knowledge Product Development
The consultant will contribute to:
- Research reports
- Policy briefs
- Thematic publications
- Analytical papers
- Evidence summaries
UNICEF Country Office Support
The role includes helping develop:
- Practical guidance tools
- Policy-use toolkits
- Diagnostic frameworks
- Governance assessment resources
These outputs will support UNICEF Country Offices globally.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Unlike many short-term consultancies, this assignment offers:
Long-Term Engagement
A duration of 13.5 months, allowing for deep involvement in major international research projects.
Global Policy Influence
The research will inform:
- UNICEF advocacy strategies
- Country-level programming
- Climate education initiatives
- Global policy recommendations
Fellowship-Like Experience
Participants gain:
- Exposure to international research networks
- Policy engagement opportunities
- Collaboration with global experts
- Contribution to influential publications
Remote Flexibility
The consultancy is fully remote, enabling participation from qualified professionals worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
Applicants should possess a degree in a relevant field such as:
- Research
- Public Policy
- Social Sciences
- Youth Participation
- Communications
- Evidence Synthesis
- Research Methods
- Related disciplines
Additional qualifications in relevant areas are highly desirable.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have:
Research Experience
At least:
- Three years of professional experience in research and/or evidence synthesis focused on children and youth
Participatory Methodology Expertise
Experience in:
- Participatory research approaches
- Youth engagement methods
- Collaborative research design
Publications
Applicants should be:
- Named author or co-author of at least three publications with global relevance and policy impact
Youth Engagement Experience
Experience working with:
- Child participation initiatives
- Youth networks
- Youth-led organizations
- Youth policy programmes
is highly desirable.
Required Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Research and Analytical Skills
Ability to:
- Conduct comparative analysis
- Synthesize evidence
- Interpret complex findings
- Produce policy-relevant outputs
Writing Skills
Strong experience in:
- Research writing
- Policy briefs
- Technical reports
- Knowledge products
Digital Collaboration
Knowledge of:
- Virtual collaboration platforms
- Online facilitation
- Digital workspaces
- Remote teamwork tools
Interpersonal Skills
Candidates should possess:
- Strong communication abilities
- Stakeholder engagement skills
- Team collaboration experience
- Cross-cultural competence
Language Requirements
Required
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Strong professional communication skills are essential due to the international nature of the consultancy.
Application Documents
Qualified applicants must submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An updated professional CV highlighting relevant experience.
Cover Letter
A tailored cover letter explaining:
- Research expertise
- Relevant experience
- Interest in the consultancy
Financial Proposal
Applicants must submit a separate financial proposal as part of the application package.
Career Benefits
This consultancy provides valuable experience for professionals pursuing careers in:
- UNICEF
- United Nations agencies
- International NGOs
- Research institutes
- Public policy organizations
- Think tanks
- Development consulting
- Academic research
The assignment offers opportunities to build a strong portfolio of globally relevant research outputs.
Application Deadline
11 June 2026
Candidates are encouraged to prepare and submit complete applications before the deadline.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Position | Research Consultant (Intergenerational Governance) |
| Organization | UNICEF Innocenti |
| Work Arrangement | Remote |
| Duty Station | Florence, Italy |
| Duration | 13.5 Months |
| Experience Required | Minimum 3 Years |
| Focus Areas | Youth Participation, Governance, Climate Education |
| Publications Required | Minimum 3 |
| Language | English |
| Deadline | 11 June 2026 |
Conclusion
The UNICEF Remote Research Fellowship-Like Opportunity 2026 offers an exceptional chance for researchers and policy professionals to contribute to globally significant work on youth participation, climate education, and intergenerational governance.
With a fully remote structure, a 13.5-month duration, and opportunities to influence international policy discussions, this consultancy provides a unique platform for professionals seeking meaningful engagement with UNICEF’s global research and evidence agenda.
Researchers passionate about youth empowerment, governance, and policy impact should strongly consider applying before the application deadline.
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