UNICEF Young People in Humanitarian-Peacebuilding Consultant 2026 – Remote Consultancy in Kenya
Organisation: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Position: Young People in Humanitarian-Peacebuilding Consultant
Job Number: 596449
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Type: Consultancy
Duration: 12.5 months
Work Arrangement: Remote
Category: Education
Date Published: 21 October 2026
Application Deadline: 27 October 2026
UNICEF Young People in Humanitarian-Peacebuilding Consultancy 2026
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications for a Young People in Humanitarian-Peacebuilding Consultant within its Global Education Practice. This 12.5-month consultancy offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to programmes supporting adolescents and young people in humanitarian emergencies, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction and resilience.
The position is associated with UNICEF’s Nairobi, Kenya duty station and is advertised as a remote consultancy. The successful consultant will provide technical assistance, strengthen institutional capacity, support inter-agency partnerships and contribute to research, reporting and knowledge management.
This opportunity is particularly suited to professionals with extensive experience in youth development, humanitarian programming, peace and conflict studies, community development or related fields. Applicants should have a strong understanding of international frameworks addressing young people’s participation, leadership and protection in crisis-affected communities.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights and help children and young people reach their full potential.
The organisation supports programmes addressing education, child protection, health, nutrition and other essential services. Its work with adolescents and young people also includes strengthening leadership, participation, skills development and opportunities for meaningful engagement in decisions affecting their lives.
In humanitarian and fragile settings, young people can play an important role in community recovery, disaster preparedness, peacebuilding and social cohesion. UNICEF works with governments, humanitarian organisations and youth-led groups to ensure that young people are recognised as partners in these processes.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will support UNICEF’s work across three interconnected areas: technical assistance and capacity strengthening, inter-agency coordination and partnership, and knowledge management, research and reporting.
1. Technical Assistance and Capacity Strengthening
The consultant will support UNICEF country and regional offices, youth-led organisations and other partners in applying international guidance to programmes involving adolescents and young people.
This includes operationalising the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Working with and for Young People in Humanitarian and Protracted Crises and the Young Humanitarians Handbook.
The consultant will also contribute to initiatives advancing the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and strengthening meaningful youth participation in humanitarian action, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction and resilience.
2. Inter-Agency Coordination and Partnerships
The role involves supporting UNICEF’s engagement in international coordination mechanisms and partnerships focused on young people in humanitarian settings.
The consultant will contribute to UNICEF’s co-leadership of the Capacity Strengthening Working Group of the Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action and its engagement with the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security.
These activities aim to strengthen collaboration, share practical experience and connect global policy priorities with implementation at country and regional levels.
3. Research, Knowledge Management and Reporting
Research, analysis and reporting are central components of the consultancy. The successful candidate will support annual, donor, inter-agency and high-level United Nations reporting on UNICEF’s work with adolescents and young people across humanitarian action, peacebuilding and resilience.
Responsibilities will include analysing programme results, synthesising evidence, documenting lessons learned and developing knowledge products to inform policy, advocacy and programming.
The consultant will also lead annual donor reporting and knowledge management for the Adolescent Kit for Expression and Innovation.
4. Digital Content and Knowledge Platforms
The assignment includes managing and updating digital content related to youth-led action, humanitarian response, peace and resilience.
This will involve working with Drupal to maintain content for UNICEF’s Youth-Led Action and Adolescent Kit websites and supporting development of the PROSPECTS website.
The consultant will also contribute to cross-country learning through training sessions, webinars and learning dialogues, with particular attention to PROSPECTS countries and other crisis-affected contexts.
Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
UNICEF is seeking a highly experienced professional with advanced academic qualifications and a substantial record of work in youth programming, humanitarian action, peacebuilding or related areas.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree, at master’s or doctoral level, in a relevant discipline such as:
- International Relations
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Community Development
- Humanitarian Emergencies
- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Youth Development
A PhD is highly desirable, particularly given the consultancy’s research, analytical and reporting requirements.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in adolescent and youth programming across humanitarian action, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction, resilience or fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Applicants must also demonstrate experience in:
- Providing technical assistance and strengthening institutional capacity.
- Developing or delivering training, workshops and learning initiatives.
- Inter-agency coordination and partnership development.
- Research, analysis and preparation of high-quality donor, institutional or United Nations reports.
- Analysing programme results, evidence and lessons learned.
- Knowledge management and developing digital content for internal and external audiences.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
Candidates should have comprehensive knowledge of international policies and frameworks relating to young people in humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts.
Relevant frameworks include the IASC Youth Guidelines, Young Humanitarians Handbook, Youth, Peace and Security agenda, UNICEF Core Commitments for Children and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Strong facilitation, analytical and communication skills are essential. Applicants should also be proficient in Microsoft Office, Drupal, Zoom and relevant digital collaboration and knowledge management platforms.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second language is desirable.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit their applications through UNICEF’s online recruitment portal, known as the Talent Management System (TMS).
The required documents are:
- Updated CV and TMS profile: Provide a detailed account of your qualifications, relevant experience and professional achievements.
- Cover letter: Explain your suitability for the consultancy, highlighting experience in youth programming, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, research and knowledge management.
- Financial proposal: Submit a separate financial proposal in accordance with UNICEF’s requirements.
Candidates should review the official Terms of Reference and ensure that all required documents are prepared before submitting their applications.
Application Deadline
The vacancy was advertised on 21 October 2026, with an application deadline of 27 October 2026, according to the supplied vacancy information.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and confirm the deadline on the official recruitment portal.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Important Information for Applicants
UNICEF does not charge application, recruitment, interview, processing or training fees. Applicants should use official recruitment channels and should not provide financial information to individuals claiming to facilitate recruitment.
All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks, including verification of academic qualifications and employment history. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
Why Consider This UNICEF Consultancy?
This consultancy offers experienced professionals an opportunity to contribute to international efforts that strengthen youth participation, humanitarian response and peacebuilding.
The role combines technical advisory work with research, international coordination, capacity development and digital knowledge management. It may be particularly attractive to candidates who have worked with international organisations, youth-led initiatives, humanitarian partners or programmes operating in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Professionals considering this opportunity should carefully assess the 10-year experience requirement and the specific expertise expected in youth programming, humanitarian action and peacebuilding before applying.
