UNICEF Centrality of Protection Consultant 2026: Remote 3-Month Opportunity

Overview

The UNICEF Centrality of Protection Consultant 2026 is an opportunity for senior professionals to support the United Nations Children’s Fund in strengthening protection across its humanitarian and development programmes. Based in New York, United States, the consultancy is advertised as remote for an initial duration of three months.

The selected consultant will help develop institutional procedures for integrating the Centrality of Protection into UNICEF operations. Key tasks involve conducting internal consultations, drafting procedures, facilitating a validation meeting, and preparing a strategic implementation plan.

Who can apply

This opportunity is suited for senior professionals with extensive background in humanitarian coordination, protection programming, policy development, and conflict-affected environments. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in international affairs, international law, political science, international development, social science, anthropology, or a related field. Alternatively, a qualifying first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience is accepted.

Candidates must possess 15 years of professional experience in humanitarian or development organizations across programmes, training, management, or coordination, including three years in humanitarian field locations. Additional requirements include at least five years of humanitarian or development experience in conflict-affected areas, and at least five years implementing protection programming or the Centrality of Protection in conflict-affected areas. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required, while knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage, and working-level French is desirable.

Requirements

Applicants are required to submit an up-to-date Talent Management System profile and curriculum vitae, along with a cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and experience. Candidates must also provide a separate financial proposal utilizing UNICEF's prescribed template.

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications through UNICEF’s official recruitment portal under Job Number 596436. All required documents must be submitted prior to the deadline.

Key dates

The application deadline is 30 October 2026.