Programme Coordination Consultant – Global WASH Practice

UNICEF's Global WASH Practice, operating under the Centre of Excellence model, is seeking an experienced Programme Coordination Consultant to support its Director's Office for a six-month period based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a high-impact, time-bound role embedded within a globally influential unit that delivers demand-driven technical assistance, policy support, and knowledge leadership to Country Offices, Regional Offices, governments, and development partners worldwide.

Aligned with UNICEF's Strategic Plan 2026–2029, this consultancy will strengthen programme coordination, Technical Assistance (TA) tracking, grant management, proposal development, and evidence-based knowledge management — all in support of accelerating child survival, health, and resilience outcomes through improved access to safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services globally.

• Coordinate and track Technical Assistance requests received from Country Offices and Regional Offices, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation across the global WASH architecture.
• Support grant management functions including monitoring deliverables, timelines, financial milestones, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Contribute to proposal development processes, including drafting, editing, and quality assurance of funding submissions and concept notes.
• Prepare high-quality donor and progress reports, ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with programme results frameworks.
• Provide front office support to the Director's Office including scheduling, coordination of meetings, and preparation of briefing notes and presentations.
• Conduct research and synthesise evidence to support decision-making, knowledge products, and thought leadership initiatives within the Global WASH Practice.
• Maintain and improve coordination mechanisms to enhance coherence, efficiency, and accountability across the Global WASH Programme Offer.
• Facilitate partnership engagement activities and support resource mobilisation efforts as directed by the Director's Office.

• Must hold a Master's Degree in International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Public Health, WASH, Environmental Sciences, Project Management, Communications, International Relations, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex multi-stakeholder programmes across international and country-level contexts, ideally within a UN, INGO, or multilateral environment.
• Proven capacity to manage grants end-to-end — tracking budgets, milestones, and reporting obligations — with a high degree of accuracy and accountability.
• Ability to synthesise research, generate evidence-based briefs, and produce polished written outputs for senior leadership and external audiences.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced office environment.
• Experience in WASH programming, systems strengthening, or related sectors is a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse international teams across time zones.
• Proficiency in standard office tools (Microsoft Office Suite) and familiarity with programme management or grant tracking platforms.

UNICEF consultancy fees are determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, and the UN Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rates applicable to Nairobi. Estimated monthly equivalent for this role falls between KES 400,000 and KES 600,000, commensurate with a senior-level international consultancy profile. UNICEF also offers a professionally enriching work environment, access to a globally respected network, and the opportunity to contribute to programmes that directly impact millions of children worldwide.

This role is ideal for a seasoned programme coordination professional with a genuine passion for child rights and international development. You thrive in a high-visibility Director's Office environment, are comfortable producing senior-level outputs, and can independently manage complex coordination workflows. Experience within UN agencies, INGOs, or multilateral organisations will set you apart. This role is NOT suitable for candidates without a postgraduate qualification, those with fewer than five years of relevant programme coordination experience, or candidates seeking a fully remote or part-time arrangement — this is a full-time, office-based assignment in Nairobi.

• Visit the UNICEF careers portal at unicef.org/careers and search for Vacancy ID #593760.
• Complete your online profile and attach an updated CV, cover letter, and any supporting documents demonstrating relevant experience.
• Review the full Terms of Reference (ToR) document linked in the original posting before applying to ensure alignment with the assignment scope.
• Submit your application before the closing deadline of 22 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.