UNICEF Consultancy 2026: PCHP Framework and Process Harmonization Consultant – Home-Based Opportunity
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications for a PCHP Framework and Process Harmonization Consultant to support its Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) team. This 12.5-month consultancy offers an opportunity for an experienced humanitarian programming professional to contribute to the development and harmonisation of global frameworks, operational guidance and capacity-building resources.
The consultancy is advertised as home-based, with Geneva, Switzerland, listed as the duty station. The successful candidate will work across UNICEF divisions and relevant stakeholders to strengthen People-Centred Humanitarian Programming (PCHP) and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
Applications must be submitted by 4 November 2026.
UNICEF Consultancy 2026: Overview
- Organisation: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Position: PCHP Framework and Process Harmonization Consultant
- Job Reference: 596716
- Contract Type: Consultant
- Duration: 12.5 months
- Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
- Work Arrangement: Home-based
- Category: Programme Management
- Advertised: 31 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 4 November 2026
- Application Method: Online application through UNICEF’s recruitment portal
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, improve their lives and help them fulfil their potential.
The organisation supports programmes covering health, nutrition, education, child protection, water and sanitation, social protection and humanitarian assistance. UNICEF also works with governments, civil society organisations and international partners to respond to emergencies and address the needs of vulnerable children and communities.
This consultancy sits within UNICEF’s Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) work and focuses on strengthening the systems, frameworks and operational resources that support people-centred humanitarian programming.
About the Consultancy
The PCHP Framework and Process Harmonization Consultant will help UNICEF finalise its People-Centred Humanitarian Programming Framework and consolidate existing technical guidance, tools and capacity-building resources.
The assignment will also support the integration of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and PCHP principles into UNICEF’s humanitarian policies, emergency procedures, preparedness processes and anticipatory action guidance.
An important component of the consultancy will be developing practical examples of AAP implementation across UNICEF’s programme sectors. These will cover areas such as education, health, nutrition, child protection, WASH, social protection and climate resilience.
The consultant will also strengthen the capacity of UNICEF personnel and deployment partners through standardised profiles, assignment descriptions, induction materials and training resources.
Key Responsibilities
The selected consultant will undertake several technical and coordination responsibilities, including:
1. Framework development and harmonisation
Prepare an inception report outlining the methodology, analytical questions, stakeholder engagement plan, workplan, timeline, risks and deliverables. The consultant will also support the finalisation of the PCHP Framework through a participatory process involving different UNICEF divisions.
2. Consolidation of technical guidance
Review existing PCHP-related implementation guidance, tools and capacity-building resources. Identify duplication, gaps and opportunities to simplify and harmonise these materials.
3. Development of a global PCHP package
Develop a consolidated and user-friendly global PCHP package. This will incorporate corporate planning and measurement products developed under a separate consultancy without duplicating that work.
4. Integration of AAP and PCHP principles
Support the integration of AAP and PCHP minimum requirements into humanitarian policies, emergency procedures, preparedness tools and anticipatory action guidance. This will involve identifying opportunities for integration, preparing technical revisions and consulting relevant stakeholders.
5. Sector-specific AAP guidance
Develop practical examples of AAP implementation for inclusion in the AAP Handbook. The examples will cover UNICEF’s different programme sectors, including WASH, education, health, nutrition, child protection, social protection and climate resilience.
6. Capacity development and deployment arrangements
Identify the competencies and profiles required for Standby Partners supporting AAP and PCHP. Develop standardised profiles, assignment descriptions, orientation materials, induction resources and training materials.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
UNICEF is seeking candidates with a strong background in humanitarian programming, accountability, programme quality and institutional framework development.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Education
A master’s degree in one of the following fields or another relevant discipline:
- Humanitarian affairs
- International development
- Social sciences
- Public policy
- Communication for development or social and behaviour change
- Human rights
- Protection
- Gender or disability inclusion
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Organisational development
- Programme management
Professional Experience
Candidates must have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian programming, AAP, community engagement, inclusion, localisation, programme quality or related areas.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Experience developing or consolidating technical guidance, operational tools, minimum standards and capacity-building materials.
- Experience operationalising global frameworks, policies and institutional priorities at regional or country level.
- Experience supporting country-level testing, consultations, pilots and implementation processes in humanitarian settings.
- Experience working with UNICEF and familiarity with its humanitarian programmes, sectors and cross-sectoral approaches.
Experience with another UN agency or international humanitarian organisation is desirable.
Technical Skills
The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of humanitarian programming and Accountability to Affected Populations. Additional competencies include policy and framework development, technical writing, facilitation, stakeholder coordination and consultation.
Knowledge of gender equality, disability inclusion, youth participation, safeguarding, localisation and people-centred approaches is also important.
Language Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN language, particularly French, Spanish or Arabic, is an advantage.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents through UNICEF’s Talent Management System (TMS):
- An updated TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV).
- A cover letter explaining their relevant experience and suitability for the assignment.
- A separate financial proposal using the prescribed UNICEF template.
Applicants should review the Terms of Reference carefully to understand the full scope of work, deliverables and consultancy requirements. The financial proposal must follow the format of the template provided in the vacancy announcement.
How to Apply for the UNICEF Consultancy
Applications must be submitted through UNICEF’s official online recruitment portal.
Job Reference: 596716
Application Deadline: 4 November 2026
Candidates should ensure that their application includes all the required documents, particularly the financial proposal in the prescribed format.
Important: UNICEF does not charge application, recruitment or processing fees at any stage of its recruitment process. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent recruitment requests.
Final Thoughts
This UNICEF consultancy presents an opportunity for experienced humanitarian professionals to contribute to the development of global frameworks and practical operational guidance. Candidates with substantial experience in humanitarian programming, accountability to affected populations, institutional policy development and capacity strengthening may find this assignment particularly relevant.
Given the short application period, interested professionals should review the Terms of Reference and prepare their CV, cover letter and financial proposal before the deadline of 4 November 2026.
