Join UNICEF ECARO as a Home-based Knowledge Management and Documentation Consultant: Apply by 26 August 2025

Organization: UNICEF ECARO
Location: Home-based (preferably within a similar time zone to Italy)
Duration: September – December 2025 (80 working days)
Application Deadline: 26 August 2025
Job No.: 583020
Category: Knowledge Management
Duty Station: Rome (remote, with optional travel)

1. Overview of UNICEF ECARO

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) is responsible for advancing children’s rights and well-being across more than 20 countries and territories in the region. It works closely with governments, civil society organizations, and communities to ensure that every child—regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social background—has access to education, healthcare, protection, and opportunities for development. ECARO serves as both a strategic hub for regional policy influence and a support center for UNICEF country offices in the region.

2. Mission and Core Priorities

UNICEF ECARO’s mission is anchored in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, striving to ensure that all children can survive, thrive, and reach their full potential. The office focuses on priority areas such as:

• Child Protection: Safeguarding children from violence, exploitation, and neglect.
• Quality Education: Promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.
• Health and Nutrition: Ensuring access to essential services, including immunization and proper nutrition.
• Social Inclusion: Supporting policies and programs that reduce child poverty and social inequities.

3. Key Programs and Initiatives

UNICEF ECARO implements and coordinates programs designed to address the region’s most pressing child-related challenges. These include:

• Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs to improve cognitive and emotional growth.
• Education reform initiatives to modernize curricula and teacher training.
• Emergency response in conflict-affected areas, ensuring access to learning, healthcare, and psychosocial support for displaced children.
• Advocacy campaigns aimed at ending child marriage, promoting gender equality, and reducing school dropout rates.

4. Partnerships and Regional Impact

ECARO leverages partnerships with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector to maximize its reach and effectiveness. By coordinating regional research, policy guidance, and technical assistance, it supports UNICEF country offices in developing evidence-based interventions. Its work has contributed to improved child survival rates, expanded access to education, and strengthened child protection systems across the region.

Scope of Work

This consultancy supports UNICEF’s knowledge management efforts in Italy by:

• Developing a strategic documentation framework to capture programming from 2016 to 2026.
• Synthesizing models, methodologies, and partnerships with a focus on migration, child protection, and adolescent development.
  • Supporting replication in other middle-income countries (MICs) and aligning with UNICEF’s HIC Programme Guidance (2023).

Key deliverables will include:

• A strategic blueprint for documentation and knowledge management.
• A replicable framework to support MIC adaptation and institutional learning.

Travel

• One trip to Rome may be required.
• Travel expenses (up to EUR 1,000) are reimbursable under UNICEF’s travel policy

Required Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in:
  • Conducting evaluations or systematic reviews, and/or
  • Documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Excellent English writing and reporting skills.
• Professional proficiency in Italian (required).
• Submission of a relevant writing sample (e.g., case study or lessons learned report) is mandatory.

Additional Information

• Payment is milestone-based upon approval of deliverables.
• Consultants must arrange their own health insurance and travel documents.
• Adherence to UNICEF safeguarding, diversity, and CRITAS values is mandatory.

How to Apply

Visit UNICEF Careers and apply under Job No. 583020.
Deadline: 26 August 2025 (W. Europe Daylight Time)
Applications without a writing sample will not be considered.

FAQs

1. What is the primary role of the Knowledge Management and Documentation Consultant at UNICEF ECARO?

The consultant will support UNICEF’s Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) in enhancing knowledge sharing, documentation, and learning across programs. This includes capturing best practices, developing knowledge products, and improving organizational memory for more effective program implementation.

2. Is this position fully remote or does it require travel?

This is a home-based consultancy. While the primary work will be conducted remotely, occasional travel may be required for workshops, stakeholder engagement, or field visits, depending on project needs and organizational requirements.

3. What qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants should have an advanced university degree in communications, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. Experience in knowledge management, documentation, and learning systems within international development or humanitarian organizations is essential, along with strong writing, editing, and facilitation skills.

4. When is the application deadline for this consultancy?

The deadline to apply for the position is 26 August 2025. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date to ensure they are considered.

5. How long is the consultancy and what is the expected workload?

The consultancy duration will be determined based on project needs but will typically span several months. The consultant is expected to work on a full-time or near full-time basis, delivering agreed-upon outputs according to a set timeline.

6. How does UNICEF ECARO collaborate with other UNICEF regional offices?
UNICEF ECARO works closely with other regional offices to share best practices, harmonize policies, and strengthen coordinated responses to global child rights challenges. This collaboration ensures that programs are adapted to the specific needs of each region while benefiting from shared expertise.

7. How can individuals or organizations support UNICEF ECARO’s work?
Support can come in many forms, including donations, volunteering, advocacy, and partnerships. Interested parties can contact UNICEF ECARO directly or visit the official UNICEF website to learn more about ongoing campaigns and how to contribute to improving the lives of children across the region.