UNICEF Innocenti is recruiting a Remote Research Consultancy for its Intergenerational Governance project. The 13.5-month consultancy offers researchers an opportunity to work on youth participation, climate education, governance, and global policy research while contributing to UNICEF’s evidence and research agenda.
Overview
Researchers interested in youth participation, climate education, governance, and international development can now apply for a remote consultancy opportunity with UNICEF Innocenti – the Global Office of Research and Foresight.
Based in Florence, Italy, UNICEF Innocenti is seeking a Research Consultant (Intergenerational Governance) to support a major international research initiative exploring how young people influence public policy, governance systems, and decision-making processes around the world.
The consultancy offers a rare opportunity to contribute to global research that could help shape future policies on youth engagement, climate education, and inclusive governance while working remotely from anywhere in the world.
About the Consultancy
UNICEF Innocenti serves as UNICEF’s dedicated research centre, generating evidence that helps improve the lives of children and young people globally.
The selected consultant will support comparative international research focused on intergenerational governance, examining how children, adolescents, and young people participate in decision-making processes and how their voices influence policy outcomes.
The assignment is linked to the Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education and will contribute to understanding how youth participation can create meaningful change in governance systems.
The consultancy is fully remote and will run for approximately 13.5 months.
What Will the Consultant Do?
The successful candidate will contribute to several research activities, including:
Comparative Research and Analysis
- Conduct evidence reviews and literature analysis
- Develop analytical frameworks
- Support comparative international studies
- Produce research findings and policy insights
Country Case Studies
The consultant will help develop detailed country studies examining:
- Youth participation mechanisms
- Governance structures
- Policy influence pathways
- Institutional responses to youth engagement
Climate Education and Youth Participation Research
Research activities will explore:
- Youth-led climate initiatives
- Climate education programmes
- Civic engagement pathways
- Governance and policy participation
Knowledge Products and Publications
The consultant will contribute to:
- Research reports
- Policy briefs
- Evidence summaries
- Thematic publications
- Technical guidance materials
Support for UNICEF Country Offices
The role will also involve helping develop practical tools and guidance materials that can support UNICEF programmes globally.
What Will You Gain?
This consultancy provides an opportunity to:
- Work on globally significant research projects
- Contribute to international policy discussions
- Collaborate with leading researchers and experts
- Expand professional networks across UNICEF and partner organizations
- Build experience in governance, climate education, and youth participation research
- Strengthen research, analytical, and policy-writing skills
For researchers interested in international development, public policy, or UNICEF careers, the consultancy offers valuable professional exposure and experience.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should have academic qualifications in fields such as:
- Public Policy
- Social Sciences
- International Development
- Governance
- Research Methods
- Youth Studies
- Education
- Communications
- Related disciplines
Additional qualifications in relevant areas are considered an advantage.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
Professional Experience
- At least three years of professional experience in research or evidence synthesis focused on children and young people
- Experience using participatory research approaches
- Experience working with youth engagement initiatives
Publications
Candidates should be the author or co-author of at least three publications with demonstrated policy relevance or global impact.
Skills
Applicants should possess:
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent writing and reporting abilities
- Experience conducting comparative studies
- Evidence synthesis expertise
- Stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work effectively in remote teams
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Strong communication skills are essential given the international nature of the assignment.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are expected to submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An updated CV outlining relevant qualifications and experience.
Cover Letter
A tailored cover letter explaining:
- Relevant expertise
- Research experience
- Motivation for applying
Financial Proposal
A separate financial proposal must also be submitted as part of the application package.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 11 June 2026.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Consultant (Intergenerational Governance) |
| Organization | UNICEF Innocenti |
| Work Arrangement | Remote |
| Duty Station | Florence, Italy |
| Duration | 13.5 Months |
| Experience Required | Minimum 3 Years |
| Focus Areas | Youth Participation, Governance, Climate Education |
| Publications Required | Minimum 3 |
| Language | English |
| Application Deadline | 11 June 2026 |
Conclusion
The UNICEF Research Consultant opportunity offers experienced researchers a chance to contribute to important global work examining youth participation, climate education, and governance systems. With a fully remote arrangement, a long-term contract, and opportunities to influence policy discussions, the consultancy is ideal for professionals looking to expand their impact within the international development and research space.
Researchers with strong experience in evidence generation, youth engagement, and policy-focused research are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
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