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 fulfill 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.

Background and Justification

UNICEF aims to ensure that every child and adolescent, learns and acquires skills for their future. It focuses on addressing the global learning crisis, shifting to increased skills acquisition and alternative learning pathways to better reach the most marginalized. In line with the global prioritization of youth, UNICEF’s Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa’s (ESARO) priorities are focused on secondary-age education and transitions into work to advocate for and ensure equity in that more youth in the region, including the most vulnerable, are equipped with skills to succeed in life, school, work, and livelihoods.

Whether young people are educated, trained, or employed has significant implications for their overall well-being and ability to promote future economic growth, development, and socio-political stability. Since 1999, there has been a concurrent global decrease in young individuals’ labor force participation whilst the proportion of youth increased. In 2020, young individuals were three times more likely than adults to be unemployed (ILO 2020). Many are not only facing a challenging present but also, a most uncertain future. To meet the changing demands of the labor market, young people will need to be equipped with a set of skills and competencies to compete both locally and globally. The concept of Yoma (Youth Agency Marketplace) was developed by young Africans as a holistic approach to address these challenges and increase youth agency across the globe.

UNICEF’s Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO) has partnered with the Botnar Foundation to create a platform called the Youth Agency Marketplace (yoma.world) to support youth and digital innovation across Africa. This platform centers on young people, giving them control over their data and growth journey. It facilitates interactions with peers, communities, service providers, and employers based on shared values, and offers tailored skills acquisition opportunities.

Key features include:

• Autonomy: Young people control their data and growth.
• Relatedness: Facilitates interactions based on shared values.
• Competence: Provides tailored skills acquisition through impact tasks.

YOMA uses advanced technologies like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and psychometric matching. Its first large-scale MVP launched in May 2020, with over 90,000 young participants. Since then, it has engaged over 457,000 youth through various challenges. The platform collects and consolidates data to monitor key performance indicators and ensure transparency and success.

Aligned with UNICEF’s Africa Strategy, YOMA is a global solution of Generation Unlimited (GenU) and supports the Youth Force agenda and implementation in several countries. YOMA’s current strategy comprises of a) Youth Force, b) Youth Identity (YoID), and c) the Impact Marketplace. The Youth Force initiative aims to empower 100 million young Africans (50% female) by 2030 with skills and experiences in sectors like digital, green, agribusiness, creative, care, and education. This initiative will help youth contribute to the UN SDGs, AU’s Agenda 2063, and other key development plans. By investing in youth skills, it addresses social service gaps, and an aging workforce, and opens opportunities in both formal and informal employment and entrepreneurship.

The contractor will manage data, present findings, and monitor KPIs across all YOMA workstreams.

Scope of Work

1. Goal and Objective:  Under the supervision of the Yoma Program Manager the consultant will support the project management of the Yoma ecosystem with a particular focus on knowledge management and monitoring.  The consultant will focus on ensuring that several simultaneous projects within the Yoma ecosystem are sufficiently supported and that knowledge and learning are efficiently documented and shared across the growing ecosystem.
2. Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered: Oversee overall coordination and provide TA to COs on innovative platforms for youth engagement, skills building, and employability (ie YOMA, Atingi), as well as the African Data and Drone Academy (ADDA)
3. Activities and Tasks:

a. Support the Country Roll-Out of Yoma: with the rapid scaling of Yoma in several countries, additional roll-out support shall be provided to UNICEF Country Offices that are already or are considering roll-out Yoma. This includes the finalization and continuous development and updating of the “Yoma Playbook” as well as technical support and regular check-ins with Country Offices to ensure Yoma implementation is supported, and lessons learned captured accordingly. A particular focus shall be placed on the activities supported by the Yoma Ecosystem partner GIZ which is providing support to strengthen the linkage of Yoma to the learning platform atingi in several countries as well as the implementation of the SAP Digital Learning program in Kenya.

b. Programme management, planning, and monitoring: support the Yoma team in the conceptualization, drafting, and finalization of programme and project proposals. Participate in strategic programme discussions across various areas to ensure the continued relevance of programme interventions. Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans for the sector using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Provide technical support to finalize and maintain the Yoma monitoring systems in close collaboration with the Yoma team and specifically the Yoma data focal point. A specific focus on the programme management component shall be placed on the implementation of the partnership with GIZ as well as with the Fondation Botnar.

c. Knowledge management for the Yoma ecosystem: provide technical support to establish a functioning knowledge management system for the growing Yoma ecosystem, which is building on the existing knowledge management efforts and takes into consideration the lessons learned so far to share information and knowledge efficiently and effectively in a growing ecosystem of partners working on Yoma. Participate in strategic discussions to strengthen knowledge management and information sharing with the key stakeholders of the Yoma ecosystem. Maintain an evidence base to guide the learning and iterating of the Yoma journey.

d. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor

4. Work relationships: The contractor will work in close collaboration with the Programme Manager (Yoma) and the Senior Program Manager.
5. Outputs/Deliverables:

As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to Yoma and its ecosystem partners in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Timely and quality support provided to Country Offices implementing Yoma in close relationship with the Programme Manager (Yoma)
• Quality project proposals and reports produced and submitted, particularly for Fondation Botnar
• The Yoma monitoring system is fully developed and maintained
• Knowledge management and information systems are established and functional

Deliverables	Deadline
The inception report and clear workplan for the assignment are developed and approved	15 February 2025
Research on project & knowledge management tools developed	15 March 2025
Yoma project & knowledge management system operational	15 April 2025
Quantitative & qualitative inputs for the Foundation Botnar report submitted	15 May 2025
Country engagement tracker operational	15 June 2025
Ecosystem learning & knowledge exchange plan developed	15 July 2025
Yoma Peer to-Peer guide co-created and available	15 August 2025
Funding & budget tracker updated	15 September 2025
A repository of youth impact stories available	15 October 2025
Core knowledge management tools for Yoma updated	15 November 2025
Documentation of best practices for Yoma country roll-out available	15 December 2025
Final report	15 January 2025

Desired competencies, technical background, and experience 

1. Education 
   • Minimum of a Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or similar field
2. Work experience and skills
   • Experience in working with young people in a digital environment
   • Experience working in start-ups with a high level of ownership and independence is an asset
   • At least six months of relevant work experience
   • Strong analytical and knowledge management skills
   • Good drafting and MS Office skills

c. Language

• Fluency in English, ideally basic in another UN language will be an asset

d. Key Competencies Required

• Building and Maintaining Partnerships
• Drive to achieve Results for Impact
• Innovates and Embraces Change
• Manages Ambiguity and Complexity
• Works collaboratively with others

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.

Administrative Issues

• The consultant will work under the supervision of the Program Manager.
• This is a remote position. As most of the Yoma team is working remotely most meetings will be online with occasional in-person meetings. The consultant will need to be available for calls between 10 am to 4 pm Nairobi time
• All travel (in case of any) will be by the most economical fare and reimbursement will be as per UNICEF policy.
• The consultant will be based in UNICEF Regional Office with additional travel depending on COVID-19 travel restrictions for which the UNICEF office would cover subsistence allowances and travel costs. If the consultant is required to quarantine while traveling, UNICEF will pay for the quarantine if not organized by the host country.
• 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.
• 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.

Conditions

• The consultant will work from his/her own premises as per the UNICEF Flexible Working Policy and use his/her own computer and related infrastructure.
• As this would be a junior consultant role, we are preferably looking for talented young candidates
• As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment will be made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 percent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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 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 consultant will work from his/her own premises as per the UNICEF Flexible Working Policy and use his/her own computer and related infrastructure.
• As this would be a junior consultant role, we are preferably looking for talented young candidates
• As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment will be made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 percent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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 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.

Risks

This is a remote role that does not foresee any direct contact with children. There are no reasonable risks associated with this consultancy, all deliverables will be cleared by the supervisor before they are shared with external partners.

How to apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and their technical proposals to the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System)

Interested candidates are to indicate their ability, availability, and rate (daily) expressed in US$ to undertake the terms of reference.

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increasing the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility UNICEF.

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, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements