Current Vacancies at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

• Under the guidance and general supervision of the Chief, Education, with a dotted reporting line to the Deputy Representative, Programme, the Programme Specialist provides technical leadership, programme management and coordination support to advance RISE Kenya’s objective of establishing multiple, flexible and safe learning pathways to quality formal and non-formal secondary education, skills development and transition opportunities for out-of-school adolescents and youth. The role will support system capacity building, technology-enabled learning, data and evidence generation, and youth engagement to drive scalable, inclusive and sustainable education.
• The Programme Specialist contributes to achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework.
• The position will serve as Programme Specialist for the RISE program signed between UNICEF and Mastercard Foundation. The position is the central coordination point across government, UNICEF, Mastercard Foundation, consortium partners, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, and carries accountability for program results, risk management, and reporting to the Program Steering Committee.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Support to programme development and planning

• Support the design, adaptation and implementation of multiple, flexible and safe learning pathways, including formal and non-formal secondary education, accelerated learning, digital learning and skills development options that respond to diverse needs of out-of-school adolescents and youth.
• Support meaningful adolescent and youth engagement, including peer mobilization, youth-led advocacy and feedback mechanisms, to encourage return to learning, strengthen life and employability skills, and contribute to Kenya’s productive workforce and economic transformation. Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the education programmes to ensure that current and comprehensive data on education issues is available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy, advocacy, intervention and development efforts on education programmes. Help supervisor set priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans.
• Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery. Participate in strategic programme discussion on planning of education programmes. Formulate, design and prepare programme proposals for the sector, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and Country Programme and coherence/integration with UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies and implementation plans for the sector using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM).
• Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval. Work closely and collaboratively with cross-sector and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes and to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.

Programme coordination, management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Plan and collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector on education programmes.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results. Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Lead generation, analysis and use of programme data, learning evidence and implementation insights to inform decision-making, guide adaptive management, support scale-up and contribute to broader education system reform.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys, and exchange information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources. Prepare regular and mandated programme reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and country office partners and donors on interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices and approaches on education, adolescent and youth empowerment and livelihood to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for government, implementing partners, education providers and community structures to deliver flexible, inclusive and technology-enabled secondary education and skills development pathways at scale.
• Liaise with technical experts in HQ/ centre of excellence to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process. Participate in relevant programme meetings including programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support. Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use.

Networking and partnership building

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, donors, academia, youth groups and private sector through active networking, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and to reinforce cooperation to achieve sustainable and broad results on education programmes.
• Map and mobilize private sector actors to join efforts and co-invest in digital platforms, safe spaces, and youth skilling programs, ensuring that market-driven opportunities continue to be available to graduates long after program’s initial investment period. Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund raising for education programmes.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results. Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in education management, edtech and livelihood programmes targeting youth.
• Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects. Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance competencies of clients/stakeholders to promote sustainable results on education and related programmes/projects.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete  Job Description here:  Classified Job Descriptions - Programme Specialist (RISE Programme Manager) (1.pdf

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

Minimum requirements

• Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Education, management, development economics, psychology, sociology or another relevant technical field and any other related fields.
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in education systems reform, workforce development or large-scale social sector program leadership, including in a program leadership or country-level coordination role; demonstrated experience in managing multi-partner, multi-donor high-value programs at national scale; track record of translating program delivery into policy influence and institutional change; experience in managing multi-million program budgets. and any other related fields.
• Skills: Technical skills: Understanding of global development issues and their linkages with education, youth skilling, employability, and inter-sectoral programming. Knowledge of global development in secondary education, youth empowerment, equity, human rights-based programming, and international engagement strategies.
• Ability to support policy dialogue: translate evidence and analysis into policy dialogue with government, partners, private sector, CSOs and academia. Knowledge of education and policy sector analysis, including data, equity and gender analysis, access and learning, costing, financing, political economy and strategic planning. Proven experience managing multi-partner, multi-donor programmes and high-value budgets at national scale. Experience with EdTech, digital learning or technology-enabled service delivery at scale.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. 

Desirables

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset
• Prior experience working with either UNICEF, UN, Mastercard Foundations, Private Sector, or organizations with comparable UN/foundation governance and reporting systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience with EdTech, digital learning, or technology-enabled service delivery at scale is an advantage.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others

Deadline: 22 Aug 2026 E. Africa Standard Time

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How can you make a difference?

• The Child Protection Specialist reports to the Chief, Child Protection for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist provides strategic leadership, technical oversight and coordination for all protection, safeguarding and-co-led with FAWEK-wrap-around components of RISE, with particular emphasis on online safety. 

Purpose of the job

• The Child Protection Specialist reports to the Chief, Child Protection for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist provides strategic leadership, technical oversight and coordination for all protection, safeguarding and — co-led with FAWEK — wrap-around components of RISE, with particular emphasis on online safety. The post ensures coherence, compliance and quality assurance, and that adolescent and youth protection principles are embedded across all workstreams. Reporting to the Chief of Child Protection, it works across the Innovation and Education sections for an integrated approach, and advances the wider violence-against-children agenda, including online safety.

Main Responsibilities:

Support to programme/project development and planning

• Support the preparation and updating of situation analyses for violence against children to inform UNICEF’s policy advocacy, programme priorities, and intervention design. Keep abreast of trends and evidence to strengthen programme relevance, efficiency and results.
• Contribute to strategic programme discussions and develop proposals that align with UNICEF Strategic Plans, the Country Programme, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF), regional strategies and national priorities on ending violence against children.

Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Plan and work with colleagues and partners to establish monitoring benchmarks and indicators for multisectoral violence against children interventions to strengthen accountability and results.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess progress, identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses, determine required actions, and apply lessons learned to strengthen programme management and achieve results.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits, surveys and exchange of information with partners to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems. Take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, as well as standards of accountability and integrity. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Manage the child protection components of the RISE (Resilience in Secondary Education) programme, including safeguarding with a focus on online safety and wraparound services. RISE is a multi-sectoral initiative implemented by UNICEF Kenya in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, FAWE Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), Government of Kenya institutions, and other strategic partners.

Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government, NGO, UN and other partners to design and implement violence against children interventions, advancing a multisectoral approach including health, education, justice, social protection with particular attention to parenting support, online safety and survivor-centered programming.
• Participate in child protection programme meetings, including programme development and contingency planning discussions on emergency preparedness in the country or other locations designated, to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
• Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/or consideration.

Networking and partnership building

• Build and sustain effective partnerships with government, civil society, academia, donors, the private sector, including mobile network operators, and other allies to advance prevention and response to violence against children, strengthen parenting support interventions, and enhance online safety for children.
• Participate in inter-agency discussions and planning on child protection issues to ensure UNICEF’s priorities on ending violence against children are reflected in UNSCDF processes and related programme planning.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in child protection management and information systems. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders to promote sustainable results in child protection and related programmes/projects.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Child Protection Specialist NOC.pdf

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

Minimum requirements

• Education: An advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in International Development, Sociology, Human Rights, Psychology, International Law, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline is required.
• Work Experience: At least five years of professional experience in child protection, humanitarian assistance, programme management, violence prevention, online safety, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, partnership management, policy advocacy, capacity building, emergency preparedness, or other closely related fields is required.
• Skills: Experience in programme management, partnership management, context knowledge and analysis is required.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Desirables

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset.
• Experience in digital learning, online protection and safeguarding is highly desirable.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others

Deadline: 21 Aug 2026 E. Africa Standard Time

go to method of application »

How can you make a difference?

• Under the supervision of the Chief of PME with a secondary reporting line to the Programme Manager (RISE Programme), the Planning and Monitoring Specialist serves as the evidence producer and MEL operations manager for RISE. Working collaboratively with the UNICEF RISE programme team, the role establishes and maintains a fit-for-purpose management information system (MIS) in collaboration with the institutional MIS contractor; coordinates routine and periodic data collection with partners; analyzes monitoring data to produce decision-ready briefs for UNICEF and partner decision making; facilitates learning and adaptive management processes across the Consortium; and ensure field monitoring and partner reporting support programme quality and accountability.
• The specialist ensures all RISE MEL processes (Data collection, analysis,reporting, learning) are conducted ethically, with safeguarding and data protection standards met, and are responsive to both donor requirements and operational programme needs.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

• MEL Framework and Systems
• Data Management, Quality Assurance, Data Reviews & Reporting
• Field Monitoring and Verification
• Learning, Adaptive Management & Evaluations
• Capacity Building & Technical Support

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Planning and Monitoring Specialist NOC JD.pdf

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements

• Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Education, Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics, Public Administration, Information Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or any other related fields is required.
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Analytics, Programme Coordination, Results-based Management, Programme Reporting, or any other related fields is required.
• Skills: Coordination, data systems, writing skills, editing skills, planning, organizational skills, analytical & synthesis skills, accountability, drive to achieve results, ability to manage ambiguity.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Desirables

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Experience working with large programmes, preferably with a strong monitoring and learning component is an asset.
• Experience coordinating field monitoring and partner reporting in decentralized settings is desirable.
• Experience in supporting learning for adaptive programming and management is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or international organization is desirable.
• Knowledge and familiarity with UNICEF programme processes and reporting expectations is an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others

Deadline: 21 Aug 2026 E. Africa Standard Time

go to method of application »

How can you make a difference?

• Under the leadership of the Senior Advisor for Public and Private Sector Partnerships, this position aims to support the implementation and development of multi-country partnerships with the private sector that have financial and non-financial engagement modalities.
• This includes  supporting   the participation of African companies, as well as key stakeholders such as platforms and associations and Country Offices (COs) in Business engagement and Child Rights and Business (CRB) initiatives that aim to advance programmatic goals. This position will also support COs in their evidence generation, CRB and business engagement strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation initiatives, as well as lead capacity building in the region.

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results:

• Partnerships development and support– provide advice and support COs in the identification, development, and finalization of financial and non-financial partnerships/engagements or in holistic partnerships, including those which require CRB, advocacy or other non-financial elements.
• This includes due diligence, pitch development, and negotiation, particularly in relation to sensitive industries (eg. Extractives). In addition, as required for multi-country partnerships or as requested by COs and RO, interact directly with prospective partners in the regions to develop strong financial and non-financial results within partnerships in the regions, and provide account management in order to steward and grow existing partnerships. .  
• Accelerating business engagement through technical Support and capacity building at CO level- Support the implementation of UNICEF strategic guidance on business engagement, industry engagement, and broader CRB and advocacy/influence.
• This includes providing technical guidance to COs and the regional office on business engagement  (income and influence).This also includes training, use of business engagement and CRB tools, documentation of best practices. It also entails working closely with COs and RO sections to support their engagement with business and its relevant stakeholders to advance their programmatic outputs and outcomes. This requires planning, implementation, and monitoring of private sector regional strategies and action plans as a main tool towards achieving programmatic results.
• Business engagement, influence and CRB initiatives – advise on Business engagement, influence and CRB initiatives at the country level and lead on selected multi-country/regional initiatives with industry bodies, business industry associations, multi-stakeholder platforms, and and Governments. 
• Advancing programme outcomes through business action – provide technical guidance, in collaboration with CO and RO colleagues, to businesses and its relevant stakeholders on the integration of child rights considerations in their policies, practices, investments and operations. This includes leading on key industry agendas such as with the extractive industry and also the use of UNICEF’s CRB tools/reports as well as regional/global programme guidance to influence business and its stakeholders to further promote family and child friendly policies that mitigate and respond to negative impacts and enhance the positive ones from the workplace to the communities where they operate.
• Integrating business into programmes - Provide technical support to COs in integrating business into the analysis and research that informs the Country Programme Document (CPD) including Situation Analyses, as well as the monitoring of reporting indicators for non-financial engagement. Provide support to COs on how to best position business influence and advocacy within planning processes including Strategic Moments of Reflection (SMR), CPD reviews, etc. 
• Evidence generation – Lead regional/multi-country and support country initiatives that aim to build evidence around the positive and negative impacts of business activities on children rights, including business investments, to inform programming and strategic engagement with business and its relevant stakeholders.
• Development and Provide support in other related tasks and larger partnership team objectives to ensure an integrated approach.  

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  100981 - Corporate Alliances Manager P-3.pdf

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements

• Education: Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Development, Business, Corporate Social Responsibility, Public Administration or related field is required.
• Work Experience: At least five years of professional experience in sustainability, human rights or children's rights is required.
• Language Requirements: Proficiency in English is required.  

Desirables

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Direct experience in establishing and stewarding partnerships with the private sector in Africa is desirable.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others
• Nurtures, leads and manages people

Deadline: 24 Aug 2026 E. Africa Standard Time