International Consultant - Nigeria Country Programme Development (CPD) at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: International Consultant - Nigeria Country Programme Development (CPD)

Job No: 583764
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Consultant - 13 Months
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Background

• The development of the UNICEF Nigeria Country Programme (2028–2032) comes at a pivotal moment for both Nigeria and the global development landscape.
• Nationally, Nigeria is preparing to roll out its National Development Plan (2026–2030) and to co-create a new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028–2032, both of which will set the direction of the country’s development trajectory.
• These processes are unfolding amidst rapid demographic growth, technological shifts, environmental stressors, widening social inequalities, and the upcoming 2027 general elections, which are expected to reset governance priorities for the coming decade.

How can you make a difference? 
Purpose of the Assignment:

• The UNICEF Nigeria Country Office is looking to hire a qualified individual consultant with the requisite technical expertise and experience to support and facilitate the country programme development process for 2028-2032.
• More specifically, the individual consultant will support the following in close collaboration with the Deputy Representative, Programmes and Chief, Planning, Monitoring and Reporting.

Specifically, the consultancy will:

• Provide technical leadership for the design of UNICEF Nigeria’s 2028–2032 Country Programme, ensuring strategic alignment with the UNSDCF, National Development Plan, UNICEF Strategic Plan, and relevant global/regional initiatives.
• Integrate evidence synthesis, including lessons learned, evaluations and foresight analysis into programme design by June 2026.
• Attend and actively participate in relevant planning workshops such as the Strategic Moment of Reflection (SMR) in July 2026, monthly CPD reference group meetings, and around 6 stakeholder and partners meetings within July-November 2026.
• Support the preparation and co-facilitate the strategic planning workshops, including the theory of change by September 2026 and results framework (RF) development by February 2027, CPD validation by March 2027.
• Provide monitoring and evaluation technical assistance and guidance on the theory of change and results framework development.
• Facilitate at least three key strategic planning workshops (ToC, RF, CPD validation workshops) and attend relevant planning meetings to present or validate key documents in support of the development of the 2028-2032 Country Programme.
• Draft the Theory of Change and Results Framework, with a SMART and technically sound results measurement plan, in consultation with the reference group.
• Draft the 2028-2032 Country Programme Document in collaboration with the reference group to be ready for submission to the Regional Office by the April 2027.
• Produce a high-quality CPD narrative and annexes that meet UNICEF HQ and Regional standards and timelines for submission to the Executive Board by May 2027.

Deliverables / Outputs

• Consolidate evidence synthesis, integrating lessons learned, evaluations, and foresight analysis to inform programme design.
  • Produce a matrix linking evidence to draft programme priorities based on the conceptual framework
• Active participation, co-facilitation and technical guidance in at least 6 key stakeholder and partner consultation meetings (monthly CPD reference group meeting, Strategic Moment of Reflection, ToC, Results Framework and CPD Validation), to ensure technical quality and alignment of the CPD with the UNSDCF, National Development Plan, UNICEF Strategic Plan, and global/regional initiatives
  • Review ToCs
  • Report on the key discussion points and strategic intent paper to the CPD if required
• Based on the ToC, the consultant will support the development of the CP results framework to articulate UNICEF's country programme outcomes and outputs.
• Draft the UNICEF Nigeria’s 2028–2032 Country Programme Document (CPD) narrative and annexes shared with the Resident Coordinator and endorsed by the Government before finalisation and submission to the regional office.
  • First draft CPD narrative and annexes prepared in consultation with the reference group.
• CPD internal validation workshop
  • Revised CPD package incorporating Regional Office feedback.
  • Final CPD narrative and annexes that meet UNICEF HQ and Regional standards, ready for submission to the Executive Board.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Planning, Public Policy, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Planning expert with minimum 8 years of extensive experience and skills on UNICEF CPD development, Strategic prioritization, ToC development.
• Extensive experience and skills in developing Results frameworks for Country Programmes and results measurement and indicator frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting the development of at least 2 UNICEF country programme development process.
• Strong understanding of child rights, intergenerational equity, and sustainable development, including familiarity with relevant global frameworks (e.g., UN CRC, SDGs, Declaration on Future Generations).
• Experience working with government institutions, think tanks, and multilateral agencies, particularly in long-term planning processes.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others.

Application Closing Date
18th September, 2025; 11:55 PM West Central Africa Standard Time.