UNICEF is hiring a Knowledge and Research Quality Consultant to support its Health Programme Team and Centers of Excellence. The remote consultancy focuses on strengthening global health knowledge systems, research governance, and evidence-based programming.
Overview
UNICEF has opened applications for a Knowledge and Research Quality Consultant position supporting its Health Programme Team and Centers of Excellence (CoEs). Based in Nairobi, Kenya, with remote working arrangements, this consultancy offers a unique opportunity for highly experienced public health professionals to help shape UNICEF’s global knowledge and research strategy.
The consultancy will contribute to strengthening evidence generation, knowledge management, thought leadership, and research governance across UNICEF’s health programmes under the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
Applications close on 15 June 2026.
About the Consultancy
As UNICEF continues to strengthen its role as a global leader in child health and development, the organization is developing a comprehensive Knowledge and Research Approach to support evidence generation, knowledge sharing, and strategic decision-making.
The consultant will help design systems and processes that improve how UNICEF generates, manages, governs, and disseminates health-related knowledge and evidence.
Working closely with UNICEF Health Centres of Excellence, country offices, and headquarters teams, the consultant will contribute to the development of a framework that enhances organizational learning, supports child-focused thought leadership, and strengthens evidence-based programming.
The consultancy will also explore opportunities for leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve access to research and evidence.
Benefits
Successful consultants will have the opportunity to:
- Contribute to UNICEF’s global health strategy
- Influence knowledge management systems across UNICEF
- Support international child health thought leadership
- Collaborate with UNICEF experts and country offices worldwide
- Help shape evidence-generation approaches for low- and middle-income countries
- Work remotely while contributing to a global initiative
- Engage with cutting-edge discussions around AI and knowledge management
- Influence research governance and quality standards across UNICEF
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must possess:
Educational Requirements
- PhD in Public Health
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 25 years of professional experience
- Preferably 30 years of experience in global public health
- Previous UNICEF experience is highly preferred
- Extensive experience in knowledge generation, research, and evidence management
Technical Expertise
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in:
- Public health research
- Knowledge management systems
- Evidence synthesis
- Global health programming
- Research governance
- Strategic planning
- Thought leadership development
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following backgrounds will be particularly competitive:
- Previous experience within UNICEF
- Experience supporting large international organizations
- Knowledge of UNICEF Health Programmes
- Experience with evidence-generation systems
- Familiarity with AI-supported knowledge management tools
- Experience working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Key Responsibilities
Knowledge and Research Strategy Development
- Assess UNICEF’s current knowledge and research landscape
- Identify evidence gaps and future knowledge priorities
- Support the development of UNICEF’s Health Knowledge and Research Approach
Evidence Governance
- Develop standards for evidence quality assurance
- Design governance frameworks for health evidence
- Establish processes for knowledge validation and approval
Strategic Analysis
- Analyze knowledge products required for programme and advocacy priorities
- Assess existing evidence and identify gaps
- Recommend priority research and knowledge outputs
Organizational Learning
- Strengthen institutional knowledge-sharing systems
- Improve knowledge transfer between headquarters and Centres of Excellence
- Support evidence-informed decision-making
Global Health Thought Leadership
- Help position UNICEF as a leader in child-focused evidence generation
- Support development of knowledge products for internal and external audiences
- Strengthen UNICEF’s contribution to global health research and policy discussions
Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to produce:
Health Knowledge and Research Approach
A strategic framework for evidence generation, management, and dissemination.
Governance Standards
Guidelines and standards for managing and approving health-related evidence and research products.
Evidence Gap Analysis
Assessment of existing knowledge products and identification of future priorities.
Strategic Recommendations
Recommendations for strengthening UNICEF’s research and thought leadership capacity.
Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet the education and experience requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Update your CV and prepare documentation demonstrating your expertise in global public health, research, and knowledge management.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Complete the application through UNICEF’s recruitment platform.
Step 4: Participate in Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments.
Step 5: Reference and Background Checks
Successful candidates will undergo verification and reference checks.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD qualification documentation
- Evidence of relevant professional experience
- Publications and research portfolio (if applicable)
- Professional references
- Additional supporting documents requested by UNICEF
Deadline
Application Deadline
15 June 2026
Duty Station
Nairobi, Kenya (Remote Consultancy)
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Knowledge and Research Quality Consultant |
| Organization | UNICEF |
| Duty Station | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Work Arrangement | Remote |
| Contract Type | Consultancy |
| Sector | Health |
| Education Requirement | PhD in Public Health |
| Experience Required | Minimum 25 Years |
| Preferred Experience | UNICEF and Global Public Health |
| Language Requirement | English |
| Application Deadline | 15 June 2026 |
| Application Status | Open |
Conclusion
The UNICEF Knowledge and Research Quality Consultant position offers a rare opportunity for highly experienced public health professionals to influence global child health programming, research governance, and evidence-based decision-making. By helping develop UNICEF’s future knowledge and research architecture, the selected consultant will contribute directly to improving health outcomes for children worldwide.
Qualified candidates with extensive experience in public health research, knowledge management, and international development are encouraged to apply before the 15 June 2026 deadline.
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