Consultancy: GBV Tech & Innovation Consultant- Req.#581465

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

For every child, HOPE!

Consultancy Title: GBV Tech & Innovation Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: Child Protection Team – Programme Division, NYHQ

Duration: June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026

Home/ Office Based: REMOTE

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you. For over 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does – in programs, in advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life – in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions – her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens – addressing inequity – not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Related to this mission, UNICEF is directly involved in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in some of the world’s most intense and complex conflicts and disasters. GBV in its various forms constitutes a global crisis which undermines social and economic progress; as one of the world’s greatest human rights violations, GBV must be addressed to ensure universal rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of human beings. Addressing gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE) is recognized as a life-saving measure and an essential component of humanitarian action. UNICEF has made GBViE (prevention, risk mitigation and response) one of its targeted priorities in its Strategic and Gender Action Plans (GAP) 2022-2025, as well as in the Child Protection Strategy. GBViE contributes to the results under Goal Area 3 and is a cross-cutting priority across the Strategic Plan, making GBV risk mitigation one of UNICEF’s change strategies and a key contributor across all Goal Areas. GBViE risk mitigation cuts across all sectors and areas of work in UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children.

Traditional, static GBViE programming is becoming increasingly difficult to deliver in many humanitarian settings due to complex access constraints, conflict, and funding cuts. In many humanitarian contexts, remote, digital service provision modalities have become the only lifeline available to women and girls to access life-saving information and support. To meet this urgent need, UNICEF has developed Laaha, a Virtual Safe Space platform co-designed with adolescent girls. Laaha offers contextualized information on GBV, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and mental health and psychosocial support. Following successful pilots, Laaha is now in various stages of rollout in several high-risk countries.

The success of Laaha and broader GBViE/Tech initiatives hinges on availability of the right skillsets. There is an urgent need for a consultancy to:

• Ensure sustained technical support to country offices leading Laaha rollouts.
• Support donor partnerships tied to Laaha and other GBV tech tools.
• Facilitate ethical, safe, and survivor-centered digital GBV programming globally.
• Provide inputs to inter-agency coordination and innovation platforms.

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of the Child Protection Specialist – GBViE, the consultant will provide strategic and technical support to UNICEF’s GBViE Technology and Innovation portfolio, with a specific focus on inter-agency engagement, digital product scale-up, safeguarding, and donor coordination. This consultancy plays a unique and essential liaison function between UNICEF’s outposted GBViE HQ team (based in Nairobi) and the humanitarian and donor ecosystem in Geneva – a global hub for coordination, advocacy, and resource mobilization.

Given UNICEF’s role as the IASC-mandated lead agency for GBV risk mitigation and its leadership within the GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR), the consultant will help the UNICEF GBViE team maintain a strong presence in critical fora; cultivate and maintain partnerships with Geneva-based humanitarian actors (including the Global Protection Cluster, GBV AoR, GBVIMS Steering Committee, UNHCR, ICRC, and the UNICEF Migration Hub), and ensure alignment with global quality standards across a growing and high-profile GBViE digital innovation portfolio.

The consultant will be responsible for the following key deliverables:

1. Support Coordination and Technical Engagement with Partners on GBViE Technology and Innovation

2. Provide Strategic Direction and Technical Guidance on GBViE Digital Products Development and Scaling

3. Advise on Strategic Positioning related to GBViE Technology and Innovation

4. Contribute to Resource Mobilization and Donor Reporting

5. Provide inputs to inter-agency coordination and innovation platforms.

The consultancy might include travels to relevant emergency-affected contexts.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Support Coordination and Technical Engagement with Partners on GBViE Technology, Innovation and Risk Mitigation

• Provide technical support to UNICEF COs delivering GBViE programming in L3 contexts.

At least three L3 contexts provided with in-person or remote technical support on GBViE.

• Provide technical inputs to the GBVIMS Steering Committee and other relevant inter-agency working groups.

At least 5 summary reports of engagement in interagency platforms submitted

• Co-chair the Technology & Innovations Reference Group under GBV AoR.

Workplan for the GBV AoR Technology & Innovation Reference Group finalized

At least three group meetings or consultations facilitated and documented

• Provide inputs to inter-agency coordination on GBV risk mitigation.

Summary document outlining UNICEF’s GBV risk mitigation priorities within the revised cluster system

• Facilitate UNICEF contributions to the implementation of GBViE commitments, including under the Generation Equality Forum and Migration Hub.

UNICEF contributions compiled and consolidated by the 2025 reporting deadline

Provide Strategic Direction and Technical Guidance on GBViE Digital Product Development and Scaling

• Development of the business model and strategic approach for the scale-up of the UNICEF’s flagship GBViE products, including Laaha and Primero/GBVIMS+.

Written inputs provided on business model and strategic approach for scale-up shared

At least 2 product briefs and 3 quarterly updates to the Laaha roadmap

• Contribute to the design of an integrated programming model linking GBV and humanitarian cash transfers in collaboration with UNICEF’s Social Protection team.

Technical concept note and implementation framework for the integrated GBV and Cash model developed

• Collect and file technical documentation for Laaha and GBVIMS+ rollout and maintenance.

Technical documentation for Laaha and GBVIMS+ filed and updated at least once per quarter

Advise on Strategic Positioning related to GBViE Technology and Innovation

• Contribute to evidence generation and dissemination on tech-facilitated GBV (TFGBV), including AI and digital gender divide issues.

At least 3 assets and disseminated

At least 3 events on TFGBV attended / supported

• Identify and scope potential partnerships with technology companies and femtech initiatives.

Tech Partners’ mapping developed

• Provide technical input to UNICEF’s innovation and safeguarding agendas.

Technical inputs provided to at least two resources

Contribute to Resource Mobilization and Donor Reporting

• Develop funding proposals and donor reporting linked to GBViE Innovation.

At least two funding proposals or donor reports developed

• Design and deliver strategic presentations and advocacy with donors and other key stakeholders.

Donor’s engagement package (briefing note, slide deck, talking points…) developed

Qualifications

Education:

University degree in Social Work, Psychology, Women’s Studies, Political Sciences, Human Rights, International Law, Public Health, other related degree or equivalent programming experience

Language Proficiency:

Fluency in English and French (verbal and written) is required.

Knowledge of other languages is considered an asset.

Work experience:

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• 8-10 years relevant experience, preferably including GBV and/or MHPSS, and/or SRH programming in humanitarian contexts, including at field level.
• Demonstrated experience with GBV service delivery, including case management and its intersections with information management;
• Demonstrated experience in human-centred, feminist-oriented approaches to technological development, usage and management, including familiarity with flagship UNICEF products, such as Primero/GBVIMS+, the e-Referral Pathway, and Laaha.
• Demonstrated experience developing technology and digital products for women and girls in low connectivity and low literacy settings.
• Demonstrated understanding of GBV risk analysis and risk mitigation measures as they relate to technology/digital solutions.
• Exposure to and awareness of the systems development life cycle, structured analysis, design and programming technique.
• Experience working with a wide variety of stakeholders and capturing of requirements in an inter-agency setting.
• Strong understanding of UNICEF programmes, communication, technology, user-centered design, youth participation, and partnership goals.
• . Experience working with UNICEF operations at some combination of HQ, regional and country office level an asset.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to work independently and productively with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible work attitude: the ability to work productively in a team environment and independently, and to handle requests or issues as they arise.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to confidentiality, data safety/security, and other ethical concerns related to the sharing of sensitive data between humanitarian agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to successfully and effectively liaise with people in a wide range of functions in a multi-cultural environment, including women and girls.
• Excellent drafting skills and capacity to efficiently channel complex or sensitive messages to a varied audience.
• Creative, innovative thinker who can also translate ideas into practical applications.

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF’s e-Recruitment system and

• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

o the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.

o travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.

o Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.

o Indicate your availability

• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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