Consultant : Technical support to the development of the Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP) 2027-2031 of Thailand CO, Job No #592103

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 fulfilling 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, a better future

UNICEF works to ensure the rights of all children in the East Asia and Pacific Region.  This means the rights of every child living in this country, irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion or ethnicity, to:

• survival – to basic healthcare, peace and security;
• development – to a good education, a loving home and adequate nutrition;
• protection – from abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour and other forms of exploitation; and
• participation – to express opinions, be listened to and take part in making any decisions that affect them

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative Operations, UNICEF Thailand Country Office is seeking an individual consultant with seasoned expertise in job analysis and organizational design to provide technical advisory and process support to the Thailand Country Office (TCO) in the review of its office structure and in preparing a structured approach for the development of the Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP) 2027–2031. The consultancy will focus on organizing the analytical inputs, sequencing required processes, and supporting the office to prepare a coherent CPMP submission aimed at ensuring a fit-for-purpose office structure that delivers improved outcomes for children in Thailand and supports Thailand’s evolving programme and fundraising context.

 
Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical advisory and process support to the Thailand Country Office (TCO) in the review of its office structure and in preparing a structured approach for the development of the Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP) 2027–2031. The consultancy will focus on organizing the analytical inputs, sequencing required processes, and supporting the office to prepare a coherent CPMP submission aimed at ensuring a fit-for-purpose office structure that delivers improved outcomes for children in Thailand and supports Thailand’s evolving programme and fundraising context.

The consultant will not conduct the underlying technical analyses (such as skills mapping, functional reviews, or affordability analysis), but will instead provide guidance on how these processes should be organized, sequenced and documented by TCO staff, ensuring clarity of methodology, timelines and expected outputs.

The consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

• Conduct a desk review of existing documentation related to the country office structure, including previous human resource reviews, skills mapping exercises (including capacity-strengthening plan), affordability analyses, GS workforce analysis, Common Service Center (CSC) Business Case; management plans and related materials, to identify key inputs required for the CPMP submission.

• Develop a clear roadmap and timeline for preparation of the CPMP submission for the anticipated APRO PBR (September/October), following approval of the Thailand CPD by the UNICEF Executive Board in September 2026.

• Provide technical editing, consolidation and quality assurance support to the CPMP submission, including compiling inputs from sections into a coherent draft document, ensuring consistency of narrative, alignment of structure proposals with supporting evidence, and compliance with UNICEF policies and CPMP submission requirements. The consultant will support drafting and editing but ownership of content will remain with TCO management.

• Provide process guidance to section chiefs, the Staff Association (BSA), and management stakeholders on the sequencing and documentation of required exercises, ensuring clarity on methodologies and expectations where needed.

• Support the CPMP Task Force in organizing the overall process, including facilitating planning discussions, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and ensuring alignment between programme priorities, funding scenarios, PSFR sustainability, and advocacy/communication functions.

• Provide technical advice on principles for a “fit-for-purpose” office structure, drawing on UNICEF organizational guidance and comparable country office practices.

• Identify and recommend staff capacity-strengthening needs related to workforce planning in relation to the new “fit for purpose” structure , including practical guidance or knowledge transfer where appropriate.

Background:

Thailand Country Office is currently developing its new Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2027–2031. An essential component of this process is the creation of the Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP). The CPMP is an internal UNICEF strategic planning document that describes the management structures, mechanisms and outcomes for supporting the implementation of the Country Programme and achievement of planned results. The CPMP also defines the accountabilities of the head of office, programme, PSFR, communications and operations staff and various management teams. The CPMP elaborates the human and financial resources required and describes how the Country Office will organize itself to support specific strategies to achieve the results set out in the CPD. The CPMP therefore helps to translate the new CPD into action as well as ensure that the programme is efficiently and effectively implemented to achieve results for children. It also considers the risks that affect the country office environment and the likelihood of achieving programme results and mitigation measures to minimize the impact should risks materialize.

To enhance Thailand Country Office’s effectiveness and efficiency in achieving outcomes for children and women during this new five-year program, it is essential to align staffing with programming priorities and business processes. This alignment can be realized by ensuring the office structure is appropriately designed and that staff are well-equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies.

To support these efforts, a consultant with seasoned expertise in job analysis and organizational design is being sought to assist UNICEF Thailand Programmes in achieving its objectives by stewarding the process which can be functionally led by TCO staff.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will provide technical advisory and process facilitation support to the review of the Thailand Country Office business structure and support the preparation of a CPMP submission outline, workplan and process roadmap for development of the Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP) 2027–2031.

The consultant will focus on:

• Structuring the overall process

• Identifying required inputs

• Supporting internal coordination

• Providing technical guidance

• Supporting quality assurance

The consultant will not be responsible for conducting detailed technical analyses, which will remain the responsibility of TCO management and staff. The consultant will support the office through the following areas:

Office Structure Review (Process Guidance)

• Review available documentation related to the current structure and CPMP preparation.

• Provide technical advice on how TCO can assess alignment between office structure and CPD programme priorities.

• Propose functional review methodology in an initial meeting with the “functional review focal point” and then provide quality feedback and advise as needed on subsequent meetings.

• Advise on considerations for ensuring structural flexibility to respond to evolving programming contexts; and application of multiple human resource modalities, i.e. FT, TA, consultants; UNV; third party, etc..

Workforce Planning Support (Guidance Role)

• Provide guidance to TCO on approaches to assessing workforce skills alignment with CPD priorities.

• Support interpretation of existing skills mapping and functional review exercises.

Future Programming Alignment

• Provide guidance on how TCO may assess structural implications of CPD priorities and funding scenarios.

• Advise on how affordability considerations should be integrated into structural discussions.

• Support TCO budget and finance team to conduct a cost analysis for the proposed structure using available financial information (Standard cost ++, non-post operational cost including support cost for entity beyond Thailand Country office (RO, COE)

• Outline recommended process steps for TCO to consider when implementing structural adjustments.

Integrated Programming and Cross-Sectoral Coordination

• Advise on how the office structure may support integrated programming.

• Provide recommendations on strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration mechanisms.

• Support discussions on how management structures can enable programme effectiveness.

CPMP Submission Consolidation and Technical Editing Support

• Consolidate inputs produced through desk reviews and other CPMP preparation processes led by TCO into a structured draft CPMP submission.

• Provide technical editing support to strengthen clarity, coherence and consistency of the staffing structure narrative and justification.

• Support integration of programme, operations and PSFR inputs into a single coherent submission.

• Identify gaps or inconsistencies in documentation and support sections to address outstanding issues.

• Provide quality assurance review of the draft CPMP submission to ensure alignment with UNICEF policies, CPMP guidance and PBR expectations.

• Support preparation of a near-final draft for management review and submission.

Methodology:

Using a results-based management approach, the consultant will support TCO primarily through process facilitation, technical advisory support, and quality assurance, rather than conducting primary organizational analyses.

Suggested approaches include:

• Desk Review: The consultant will review available documentation (CPD drafts, PSFR (and communicaitons and advocacy) PBR October 2025; current CPMP, organograms, HR reviews, management plans, financial status /forecast, CSC Business case, risk profiles and related documents) to identify key inputs required for CPMP preparation and advise on how these inputs should be organized and utilized.

• Facilitated Section Consultations: The consultant will support the initial structured discussions with sections, in coordination with People and Culture and Operations, and an identified “functional review focal point”, to help clarify structural considerations, process steps, and expectations. The consultant will then provide quality feedback and advise as needed on subsequent meetings.

• Advisory Support on Affordability Considerations: The consultant will provide guidance on how affordability analysis should be incorporated into the CPMP process, based on financial inputs prepared by TCO; with specific insights provided on CSC financing models.

• CPMP Taskforce Support The consultant will participate in CPMP taskforce meetings to: Support process organization; Clarify sequencing of activities; Provide technical advice; Support documentation of decisions

• Process Guidance Tools: The consultant may recommend appropriate tools or approaches for job analysis or structure review, but their application will be led by TCO staff.

• Compliance and Quality Assurance: The consultant will support quality assurance to ensure CPMP documentation is coherent and aligned with UNICEF guidance and previous PBR lessons.

• Editorial consolidation and submission readiness support: The consultant will consolidate inputs from the various CPMP preparation processes into a structured draft submission, ensuring coherence, consistency and alignment across sections. The consultant will identify areas where additional clarification or strengthening of justification may be required and provide technical editing support to improve narrative quality. Where information exists but requires synthesis, the consultant will support integration of these inputs into the CPMP narrative while ensuring ownership remains with TCO management.

 
Work Assignment and Deliverables:

1. Background information collection and workplan formulation, roadmap preparation and monitoring (off-site) 30%

• Conduct a desk review of key documents including the draft CPD, RRP, previous PBR decisions, existing organigram, skills mapping, functional reviews, affordability analysis and other relevant background documentation.

• Map existing analytical work against CPMP submission requirements.

• Develop a detailed CPMP preparation roadmap including timelines, milestones, deliverables and responsible units.

• Organize initial consultations with senior management, CPMP Task Force and sections to clarify expectations and required inputs.

• Identify risks to timely CPMP submission and propose mitigation measures.

• Support the office in establishing a structured process for development of the proposed management structure- and monitor through the CPD/CPMP Task Force

Deliverables/ Outputs:

• A detailed CPMP preparation roadmap including timelines, milestones, deliverables, risk mitigation measures and responsible units.

• Facilitation reports and/or minutes of the briefings to the CPD/CPMP task force and management prepared.

• The roadmap is endorsed by management including the methodology agreed by all stakeholders.

• PowerPoint Presentation to the CPD/CPMP Task Team on the overall process and timeline.

Delivery deadline:

• Roadmap submission for May in lieu of a CPMP draft submission beginning of Sept.

• On going Briefings with CPD/CPMP Task Force on CPMP submissions on a monthly basis.

2. Support structure analysis (onsite) 30%

• Attend meetings by functional area and provide 1) first overall outline of the process and expected outcomes; 2) quality feedback and advise as needed on subsequent meetings (with support for an on-ground appointed focal point)

• Provide a quality review of the submission of materials, and consultations, then incorporate into the submission.

Deliverables/ Outputs:

• Provide a outline of a functional review consultation – with clear timeline, objectives and information sources.

• Collate of information produced and ordered in the CPMP submission.

• Clear recommendations for how to fill in the gaps for all Sections.

3. Consultations and Final report Production (Hybrid) 40%

• Provide technical support and follow up for the Sections to prepare draft staffing structures.

• Support Consultation meetings with various stakeholders and address questions in the process of finalizing the proposed ‘fit for purpose’ staffing structure.

• Prepare the outline and the compilation of the final high quality narrative report of the CPMP (remote)

Deliverables/ Outputs:

• Effective support and expert guidance provided to section chiefs to draft the staffing structure for sections.

Use the following meeting mechanism:

– CPMP taskforce meetings.

– CMT meetings.

– ASM meetings.

– Cear documentation on consultation meetings.

Support the compilation of a high quality CPMP report aligned with the recommended guidelines – compiling products produced by the office (skills mapping and functional reviews and other products from the desk review) and support preparing/ quality of:

– A suggested office structure to support the new country Programme.

– An office accountability framework.

– Report on coherence and compliance with relevant UNICEF guidelines, policies and procedures.

Payment Schedule:

20% on completion of deliverable 1

40% on completion of deliverable 2

40% on completion of deliverable 3

Duration of Contract:   Apr – Dec 2026

 
Duty Travel: None.

 
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/ experience required

– Advanced university degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, International Relations, Social Sciences, Psychology, or related field.

– Understanding of the local context in Thailand and Southeast Asia is an advantage.

– Report Writing: Excellent report writing skills.

– Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate effective collaboration and communication.

 
Technical Evaluation:

• Qualifications, skills, Expertise and experience in the required field

– At least 10 years of relevant experience in Human Resources management and/or Organization Development, specifically at a level commensurate with this assignment. Senior-Level Expertise: Strong background in Human Resources management and Organization Development, with extensive experience in developing organization structures, profiles, and assessments. Good analytical skills and sound judgment are highly valued.

– UN Experience: Previous experience in CPMP or similar assignments within UN agencies is a significant asset.

– UNICEF Profile: Proficiency in HR planning and management in line with UNICEF policies is advantageous.

– Development Knowledge: Familiarity with the strategies and modalities in the development sector.

– Multicultural Competence and knowledge of local context: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

• Quality of the technical proposal

Financial Proposal:

The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened /evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 60 points score in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

The Contract shall be awarded to candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores, subject to the satisfactory result of the verification interview if needed.

The contract may be issued in stages, subject to the availability of the required funding. The work assignment and/or fees of this contract may be amended to modify or add deliverables related to the overall purpose of the consultancy subject to agreement with the selected consultant.

Interested candidates are requested to submit CV, cover letter, full contact information of minimum 3 references, availability, and financial proposal in USD by 9 April 2026

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 here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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. 

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 for ensuring 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.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.