UNICEF is recruiting an EMOPS Africa Strategy and African Humanitarian Agency Engagement Consultant for a 12-month remote consultancy. Applicants need 10 years of relevant experience. Apply by 25 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications for an EMOPS Africa Strategy and African Humanitarian Agency Engagement Consultant within its Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS).
The 12-month consultancy aims to strengthen UNICEF’s humanitarian strategy in Africa and support its engagement with the African Union Commission on the operationalisation of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA).
The consultant will help develop strategic frameworks, partnerships and programme approaches that promote African ownership, collaboration, child-centred humanitarian action and coordinated humanitarian responses.
The assignment is advertised as remote, with Geneva, Switzerland, listed as the duty station. Applications close on 25 October 2026.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNICEF |
| Opportunity | EMOPS Africa Strategy and African Humanitarian Agency Engagement Consultant |
| Job number | 596368 |
| Contract type | Consultancy |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Duty station | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Work arrangement | Remote |
| Functional area | Programme Management |
| Minimum experience | 10 years |
| Application deadline | 25 October 2026 |
| Remuneration | Not specified in the supplied vacancy details |
| Official application | Apply through UNICEF Careers |
Tasks and Consultancy Responsibilities
The successful consultant will provide strategic, analytical and coordination support to UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programmes.
The work will focus on translating UNICEF’s Africa Strategy into a coherent humanitarian engagement framework and strengthening the organisation’s approach to working with African humanitarian institutions.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Supporting UNICEF’s engagement with the African Union Commission on the operationalisation of the African Humanitarian Agency.
- Developing strategic frameworks, institutional roadmaps and governance arrangements.
- Strengthening partnerships and cooperation between humanitarian organisations, governments and regional institutions.
- Supporting approaches to humanitarian preparedness, early warning, anticipatory action and emergency response.
- Facilitating consultations with senior officials, civil society organisations, UN entities and development partners.
- Developing high-quality policy documents and strategic recommendations.
- Promoting African ownership, localisation, systems strengthening and child-centred humanitarian action.
The consultancy aims to strengthen collaboration between UNICEF and African institutions while accelerating effective humanitarian responses across the continent.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.
Education
Candidates should have an advanced university degree in a relevant field, such as:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Humanitarian Affairs
- Development Studies
- African Studies
- Social Sciences or another relevant discipline
A first university degree combined with an additional 10 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place of an advanced degree, in accordance with UNICEF procedures.
Work Experience
Applicants must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian policy, strategy development, institutional advisory work, international cooperation or a related field.
Candidates should also demonstrate:
- Experience working with or advising African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, African governments or continental policy processes.
- Strong knowledge of humanitarian coordination, preparedness, early warning, anticipatory action, emergency response and localisation.
- Experience developing strategies, institutional frameworks, governance arrangements and policy documents.
- The ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder consultations and manage relationships with senior officials.
- Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, facilitation, diplomatic and writing skills.
- The ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
Language Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of French is a strong advantage, while knowledge of another African Union or United Nations language is desirable.
Familiarity with UNICEF’s mandate, child rights and humanitarian work is highly desirable. Previous UNICEF or UN experience is an advantage.
Additional Information
The application deadline is 25 October 2026.
Required Application Documents
Qualified candidates are required to submit the following through UNICEF’s Talent Management System:
- An up-to-date candidate profile and curriculum vitae (CV).
- A cover letter.
- A separate financial proposal using the official template.
Applicants should review the Terms of Reference and download the official financial proposal template before submitting their applications.
How to apply: Visit the official UNICEF application portal, complete your application and submit all required documents before the deadline.
UNICEF does not charge application, recruitment or selection fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNICEF EMOPS Africa Strategy consultancy?
It is a 12-month consultancy supporting UNICEF’s humanitarian strategy in Africa and its engagement with the African Union Commission concerning the African Humanitarian Agency.
2. Is the UNICEF consultancy remote?
Yes. The vacancy describes the assignment as remote, with Geneva, Switzerland, listed as the duty station.
3. How much experience is required?
Applicants need at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian policy, strategy development, institutional advisory work, international cooperation or a related field.
4. What qualifications are required?
An advanced university degree in a relevant discipline is required. A first university degree combined with an additional 10 years of qualifying experience may be accepted under UNICEF procedures.
5. Is French required?
Fluency in English is mandatory. Working knowledge of French is a strong asset, while another African Union or UN language is desirable.
6. What documents must applicants submit?
Candidates must submit an updated UNICEF recruitment profile and CV, a cover letter and a separate financial proposal using the prescribed template.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 25 October 2026.
8. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official UNICEF recruitment portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This consultancy is particularly relevant to experienced humanitarian professionals, policy advisers and researchers with strong knowledge of African regional institutions and humanitarian coordination. The 10-year experience requirement and strategic focus make it most suitable for senior-level candidates rather than recent graduates or entry-level applicants.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the required financial proposal and the Terms of Reference before submitting their applications.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment and consultancy opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNICEF and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details through the official UNICEF website.
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