UNICEF Remote Research Consultant 2026: Return on Investment Analysis

Overview

The UNICEF Remote Research Consultant position is a 2.5-month consultancy managed through the Office of Strategy and Evidence, with Florence, Italy, listed as the duty station. The selected researcher will lead a Return on Investment analysis and write two working papers examining how investments in social programmes improve outcomes for children affected by climate change, water scarcity, displacement, and large-scale return in Afghanistan. Responsibilities include reviewing situation reports, drafting methodology sections, gathering cost and benefit data, calculating benefit-cost ratios, documenting assumptions, and producing a policy brief and presentation on the findings.

Who can apply

This consultancy is designed for experienced researchers possessing advanced academic qualifications and a strong background in economic analysis. Candidates must hold a PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Statistics, or a related field. Applicants are also required to have at least seven years of professional experience in applied economic research, including demonstrated expertise in Return on Investment, cost-benefit, or cost-effectiveness analysis.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate experience analysing social expenditure and public finance data, conducting child-sensitive budgeting, and performing research in sectors such as social protection, public health, or water, sanitation, and hygiene. Applicants need research experience involving low- and middle-income countries, strong analytical and writing skills, the ability to work independently with limited supervision, experience coordinating with cross-regional stakeholders, and fluency in written and spoken English. Desirable qualifications include prior analysis in fragile contexts, microsimulation modelling for Return on Investment, research on migration and displacement, and peer-reviewed publications on relevant topics.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through UNICEF’s Talent Management System and must include an updated curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a technical proposal or writing samples, and a separate financial proposal utilizing UNICEF's designated template. Applicants are required to submit between one and three written work samples demonstrating experience in Return on Investment, cost-benefit, or cost-effectiveness analysis.

Key dates

The application deadline is October 19, 2026.