[Hiring] Project Development Consultant @AGORA

Role Description

The African Union (AU) and UNICEF are exploring a joint sports-for-development initiative linked to the 2027 African Games in Egypt and the broader ambitions of AU Agenda 2063. The proposed “A Million Balls” initiative aims to expand equitable access to regular, safe and inclusive sport and physical activity for children, particularly through schools, youth clubs and underserved communities.

The immediate objective is to design, resource and prepare a joint AU–UNICEF launch event at the 2027 African Games that introduces A Million Balls as a practical sports-for-development programme. The launch should present a credible first phase of equipment provision, school and community participation, country-level delivery pathways and an ambition to scale towards one million balls.

• The existing concept envisages an initial 250,000–300,000 balls, subject to feasibility, funding and partner agreement.
• Sports personalities and advocacy will amplify the launch, but the centerpiece will be a concrete, inclusive programme for children, with commitments and an implementation pathway beyond the Games.

This time-bound consultancy will lead the technical preparation and coordination needed to make the proposed African Games launch feasible and ready for institutional decision. It will refine the programme design, establish an actionable funding and partner pipeline, develop a launch concept and run-of-show with the relevant teams, and prepare a costed operational plan for a credible first phase.

Under the supervision of the Senior Policy Advisor, and working closely with relevant UNICEF teams at headquarters, regional and country levels, including the AU/UNECA Office, the consultant will provide coordination, research and planning support for the Million Balls initiative and preparations for its proposed launch at the 2027 African Games. The assignment will cover five areas:

• Programme development: Support the review and refinement of the programme concept, including objectives, target groups, potential participating countries, distribution through schools and communities, and expected results. Assist in preparing programme documents and materials for the proposed launch.
• Partnerships and resource mobilization: Support the identification and mapping of potential corporate sponsors, philanthropists, sports organizations and other partners, particularly in Africa. Prepare background information, partnership briefs and funding proposals, and assist with partner engagement and follow-up.
• Budget and financing: Support the preparation of indicative budgets for the launch event and initial programme activities, compile information on funding opportunities and maintain a tracker of potential partner contributions and commitments.
• Programme planning: Gather information and support consultations with relevant UNICEF teams and partners on options for sourcing, branding and distributing sports equipment. Assist with identifying potential participating countries and schools, and preparing an initial implementation plan, including possible activities to be showcased at the launch.
• African Games launch preparations: Provide coordination and logistical planning support for the proposed launch event, including preparation of agendas, briefing materials, participant lists, communications inputs and event planning documents. Support follow-up with the African Union and other partners through established UNICEF channels, track preparations and document outcomes and next steps.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in international development, business administration, economics, international relations, sports management, public policy or related field.
• A first university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, subject to UNICEF rules.

Requirements

• At least five years of relevant experience in African private-sector partnerships, business development, multi-country project design or programme coordination.
• Demonstrated experience engaging multiple stakeholders and producing high-quality concept notes, propositions and implementation plans.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation support.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical and project-management skills.
• Ability to work across institutions and countries.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; French and/or Arabic desirable.

Desirables

• Experience with UNICEF, the African Union, sports-for-development initiatives, sports federations, education systems, supply-chain planning or philanthropic networks in priority African markets.

Benefits

• 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 offers reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.