Senior Consultant – Gender Equality Programmatic Review at UNICEF | Fully Funded International Consultancy 2026
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is currently seeking applications for the position of Senior Consultant – Gender Equality Programmatic Review, a high-level international consultancy designed to strengthen gender integration across UNICEF Nigeria’s programs and strategic planning.
This prestigious assignment plays a critical role in shaping UNICEF’s upcoming Country Programme Document (CPD 2028–2032) by conducting a comprehensive review of how gender equality is integrated into current programming, identifying gaps, and recommending strategic improvements.
For experienced professionals in gender studies, international development, social research, and program evaluation, this opportunity offers a chance to contribute directly to global policy and program design that impacts millions of children and women.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, working in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children.
The organization focuses on:
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Education and learning
- Health and nutrition
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Emergency response and humanitarian assistance
- Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
Gender equality is a central pillar of UNICEF’s global strategy. The organization recognizes that addressing gender disparities is essential to improving outcomes for children, families, and communities worldwide.
Position Overview
The Senior Consultant – Gender Equality Programmatic Review is an international consultancy based in Nigeria (Abuja), with potential remote work and travel components.
The primary objective of the consultancy is to conduct a detailed Gender Programmatic Review (GPR) of UNICEF Nigeria’s current country programme. This review will inform future strategic planning and ensure that gender equality is effectively integrated across all sectors.
The consultant will assess existing programs, identify gaps in gender mainstreaming, and provide actionable recommendations for strengthening gender-responsive programming.
Key Objectives of the Assignment
The consultancy focuses on three main objectives:
1. Gender Programmatic Assessment
The consultant will review UNICEF Nigeria’s current programs to evaluate:
- The extent of gender integration across sectors
- Alignment with UNICEF Gender Action Plan (GAP)
- Alignment with UNICEF Strategic Plan (2022–2025)
- Key gaps in gender-responsive programming
This ensures that all programs reflect global gender equality standards.
2. Identification of Gaps and Opportunities
A key part of the assignment involves identifying:
- Structural barriers affecting gender equality outcomes
- Programmatic weaknesses in current interventions
- Opportunities for stronger gender mainstreaming
- Areas requiring policy or strategic adjustment
The findings will help improve the effectiveness of UNICEF’s country programme.
3. Strategic Recommendations
The consultant will develop a comprehensive set of recommendations, including:
- Gender priorities for the next Country Programme Document (CPD 2028–2032)
- Strategies to strengthen gender integration across sectors
- Programmatic adjustments to improve equity and inclusion
- A draft Gender Action Plan to guide implementation
These recommendations will directly influence UNICEF Nigeria’s future programming direction.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Consultant will carry out a range of technical and analytical tasks, including:
Desk Review and Evidence Analysis
- Review existing program documents, reports, and policies
- Analyze gender-related data and indicators
- Assess alignment with global UNICEF gender frameworks
Stakeholder Engagement
- Conduct consultations with UNICEF staff and partners
- Gather insights from program teams and field offices
- Facilitate discussions on gender integration challenges
Programmatic Review
- Evaluate sectoral programs including health, education, protection, and nutrition
- Assess gender responsiveness across all program areas
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in implementation
Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare an inception report outlining methodology and approach
- Deliver preliminary findings and presentations
- Produce a final comprehensive Gender Programmatic Review report
- Develop a draft Gender Action Plan for future programming
Required Qualifications
Applicants for this consultancy are expected to have strong academic and professional backgrounds in gender and development.
Typical requirements include:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, International Development, or related fields
- At least 8 years of experience in gender programming or research
- Strong background in program evaluation or policy analysis
- Experience supporting country program planning or gender assessments
- Knowledge of UNICEF or other UN agency programming is an advantage
Required Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Gender Expertise
Strong understanding of gender equality frameworks, social inclusion, and development programming.
Research and Analytical Skills
Ability to conduct evidence-based program reviews and interpret complex data.
Communication Skills
Excellent report writing and presentation abilities.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to translate findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Collaboration
Experience working with international organizations and multidisciplinary teams.
Deliverables
The consultancy is structured around key deliverables, including:
- Inception report with methodology and desk review findings
- Presentation of preliminary results to UNICEF Nigeria team
- Draft Gender Programmatic Review report
- Final revised GPR report incorporating feedback
- Draft Gender Action Plan for country programming
These outputs will directly inform UNICEF’s strategic planning process.
Duration and Location
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria (with remote work and travel components)
- Type: International Consultancy
- Duration: As specified in the official Terms of Reference
- Deadline: 12 June 2026
Why This Role Matters
Gender inequality remains one of the most critical barriers to child development and social progress globally. UNICEF’s commitment to gender-responsive programming ensures that boys, girls, women, and men benefit equally from development interventions.
This consultancy plays a vital role in:
- Strengthening gender mainstreaming in national programs
- Improving equity in child-focused interventions
- Supporting evidence-based policy design
- Enhancing UNICEF’s global gender strategy implementation
By conducting this review, the consultant will directly contribute to shaping future UNICEF programming in Nigeria and beyond.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Gender equality specialists
- Program evaluation experts
- Social development researchers
- Monitoring and evaluation professionals
- International development consultants
- Policy analysts in gender and social inclusion
Candidates with strong experience in UN systems or large-scale development programs are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Interested applicants should:
- Review the full job description on the official UNICEF careers portal
- Prepare a detailed CV highlighting gender and evaluation experience
- Submit a strong cover letter demonstrating relevant expertise
- Apply through the official UNICEF recruitment system before the deadline
Early application is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of UN consultancies.
Application Link
Interested and qualified? Go to UNICEF on jobs.unicef.org to apply
Final Thoughts
The Senior Consultant – Gender Equality Programmatic Review at UNICEF represents a high-impact opportunity for experienced professionals in gender and development. By assessing program effectiveness and guiding future strategy, the consultant will help shape how UNICEF integrates gender equality into its core programming.
For professionals passionate about gender justice, social inclusion, and evidence-based development, this consultancy offers a rare chance to influence global humanitarian programming at a strategic level.
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