[Hiring] ICare Consultant @AGORA

Role Description

This consultancy sits within the Child Protection and Development Data Unit (CPDD) within the Data and Analytics Section of UNICEF’s Office of Strategy and Evidence - Innocenti. This Unit covers a range of topics, including alternative care of children, which is the topical focus of this consultancy.

Despite existing obligations, policies and reform efforts, children in alternative care are frequently missing in official statistics and national and international indicator frameworks. The availability, quality, and comparability of data and indicators on children in alternative care varies considerably across countries. While some efforts have been made to standardize the measurement of alternative care for children across countries, different definitions and categorizations are used by countries in administrative data systems and in surveys, which hampers the international consistency and comparability of statistics on this vulnerable population of children.

At its 57th session in March 2026, the UN Statistical Commission endorsed a new statistical classification, the International Classification of Alternative Care of Children (ICare), developed by UNICEF in consultation with a wide network of partners and countries. The adoption of this classification represents an important milestone for strengthening global statistical standards related to children.

The CPDD Unit requires support with the preparation, delivery and follow-up for an in-person country workshop that is planned as one component of the next phase of work to ensure the effective and strategic implementation and rollout of the ICare within national statistical systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, or other related social science field is required.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in conducting international research in the broad area of child protection and/or children’s rights.
• Fluency in English required. Intermediate skills in a second official UN language would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience working with relevant stakeholder groups on issues pertaining to care reform, child protection systems and social service workforce strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience planning, delivering and facilitating workshops with multistakeholder groups.
• Knowledge and familiarity with existing international frameworks and guidelines related to alternative care of children, including the ICare.
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships with partners.
• Strong time management skills and an ability to adhere to deadlines.

Requirements

• UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it.
• UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does.
• UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence.
• 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.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Benefits

• Diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Attractive compensation and benefits package.

Company Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture.