Senior consultant to develop a Gender and adolescent Plan of Action (2026-2029) and mainstreaming strategy, Kigali Rwanda, 45 working days - For Rwandan Nationals ONLY

The purpose of this consultancy is to lead and support the development of : 1. A Gender Equality and Adolescent action plan (2026-2029) with its mainstream strategy. 2. A Gender transformative programming training package and capacity building plan for staff and Implementing partners to be able to implement the priorities of the GEAP, CPD and national priorities. Step 1: Mapping and analysis – Mapping of existing Gender and adolescent Plans and strategies at national and UNICEF levels including for other UN Agencies. Step 2: Identification of gender-inequitable outcomes – Review existing data to identify the root causes of gender-inequitable outcomes, prioritizing the emerging outcomes in step1. Step 3: Development of programmatic response and strategies in form a solid plan of Action (outputs, baseline, indicators, targets) with a through indication of resource requirements such as budget, expertise and partnerships for programming. Develop a Gender and adolescent action plan, a mainstreaming strategy. Step 4: Documentation and capacity building - Documentation of findings and developing a capacity building package and plan on Gender and Adolescent programming (ToT for the Gender and Adolescent Task team, key Government partners).

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.  To learn more about UNICEF career and the work in Rwanda, please visit our website https://unicef.sharepoint.com/sites/RWA/ and UNICEF Careers | UNICEF Careers. 

For every child, the right to Equality 

How can you make a difference? 

Background

UNICEF places gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of its mandate. Guided by its mission to uphold the rights of every child, UNICEF works through country programmes and with partners to advance the rights of children, women, girls and young people, ensuring their full and meaningful participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities.
This commitment is grounded in global normative frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR), among others. These instruments affirm that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

To translate this vision into action, UNICEF’s Gender Policy (2021–2030), Strategic Plan (2026–2029) and Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP 2026–2029) set out transformative strategies to drive change at scale in the lives of girls and women. The GEAP articulates ambitious targets to expand access to quality services for girls and women across all five Impact Results of the Strategic Plan. Central to this approach is a strong focus on adolescent girls, recognizing that investing in their health, learning and skills, ensuring that they are out of multidimensional poverty, and are protected from violence as well as from disasters, climate and environmental risks is critical. These investments are designed to strengthen their voice, choice, and agency, enabling them to transition safely to adulthood and to participate fully in decision-making processes that affect their lives. By prioritizing gender transformative approaches and adolescent girls’ needs, UNICEF seeks to break cycles of gender inequality, creating pathways for leadership and economic empowerment that yield lasting benefits for families, communities and societies at large.

UNICEF Rwanda Country Office (RCO) is prioritizing gender equality as one of its organizational priorities and a cross-cutting issue that should be mainstreamed across all five Goal Areas. Every staff member shares responsibility for advancing gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women, while organizational leadership holds primary accountability for ensuring that robust institutional strategies are in place. Senior leaders will champion and drive the implementation of targeted programmes for adolescent girls, and cultivate strategic partnerships with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to amplify impact and accelerate progress towards transformative change. To align with the Global GEAP, Rwanda Country Office CPD, and other national gender policies, UNICEF Rwanda Country Office will support the elaboration of a Gender and Adolescent Action plan and the related Gender mainstreaming Strategy.

The two documents will serve as strategic guides to strengthen gender and adolescent programming, enhance accountability, and ensure consistent reporting across programmes. To support the above, RCO is seeking a consultant to develop a Gender and Adolescent action plan with its mainstreaming strategy. This task will include: (1) Reviewing the global GEAP priorities and how they relate to Rwanda’s national priorities; (2) mapping existing Gender and Adolescent plans and strategies in Rwanda; (4) Review the country programme outputs and activities; (5) an in-depth review of selected outputs; (6) integrating emerging priorities into the consolidated GEAP (7) support the capacity building of the CO Gender and Adolescent Task team, all staff, Government partners as well as Implementing partners on Gender and Adolescent transformative planning, implementation, M&E of Transformative programmes; (8) Avail well prepared training materials.

This Terms of Reference provides the purpose for this task and the main objectives, and timelines for the consultant.

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to lead and support the development of:

1. A Gender Equality and Adolescent action plan (2026-2029) with its mainstream strategy.
2. A Gender transformative programming training package and capacity building plan for staff and Implementing partners to be able to implement the priorities of the GEAP, CPD and national priorities.

   Step 1: Mapping and analysis – Mapping of existing Gender and adolescent Plans and strategies at national and UNICEF levels including for other UN Agencies.

   Step 2: Identification of gender-inequitable outcomes – Review existing data to identify the root causes of gender-inequitable outcomes, prioritizing the emerging outcomes in step1.

   Step 3: Development of programmatic response and strategies in form a solid plan of Action (outputs, baseline, indicators, targets) with a through indication of resource requirements such as budget, expertise and partnerships for programming. Develop a Gender and adolescent action plan, a mainstreaming strategy.

   Step 4: Documentation and capacity building - Documentation of findings and developing a capacity building package and plan on Gender and Adolescent programming (ToT for the Gender and Adolescent Task team, key Government partners.

Expected Outcomes 

• A comprehensive Gender Equality Action Plan (2026-2029) with its mainstreaming strategy aligned with National priorities and organizational priorities.
• Enhanced internal and partner capacity for gender programming, mainstreaming, implementation and monitoring.
• Strengthened credibility with donors, partners, and stakeholders on Gender and Adolescent Programming.

Work Assignment Overview:

Under the general guidance of the Rwanda CO Deputy Representative, the consultant will work alongside with the Gender/SBC Specialist and in close collaboration with the PME section and Chiefs of sections to reach the desired outcomes by collectively identify gaps and opportunities for upscaling gender transformative results across all the CO programme areas.

Tasks/Milestone:

• Initial conversation with Dep Rep, SBC Section, PME and section chiefs.
• Conduct a desk review of key documents, develop an inception report and agree on the roadmap and methodology to be presented to UNICEF and key partners.
• Engage with key stakeholders including the Rwanda CO staff, its implementing partners.
• Present the draft GEAP and mainstreaming strategy to UNICEF.
• Reach consensus on GEAP and priorities, corresponding indicators and targets.
• Prepare and submit the final GEAP, its mainstreaming strategy and training package.
• Provide technical training to the CO Gender and Adolescent taskforce (GTFs) members and implement partners on Gender transformative programming, M & E and conduct light Gender programmatic reviews.
• Submit a consultancy report to UNICEF Rwanda Country Office.

Deliverables/Outputs:

Payment 1: 20%

• An agreed upon inception report and roadmap.

Payment 2: 10%

• Desk review and conduct a one-day Gender Workshop to determine priorities.

Payment 3: 20%

• Key sectoral in-depth discussions organized on the GEAP and mainstream strategy.Payment 4: 30%
• Final GEAP not more than 15 pages excluding annexes and a well-designed training package.

Payment 5: 20%

• GTFs and Implementing partners are knowledgeable on Adolescent and Gender transformative programming and are skilled in undertaking GPRs.
• A detailed report with recommendations.

Duration and Location

The consultancy will be for 45 working days between 1 January and 31 March 2026 and in country.

Selection Criteria

Applications shall be assessed based on their technical and financial proposals. Maximum scores for technical and financial applications will be 75% and 25%, respectively.

Successful candidates in technical evaluation will have their most competitive, all-inclusive financial proposals evaluated too.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Master's degree or higher in Gender and Development work, social sciences public health, or international development with experience in Adolescent programming
• Work Experience: At least 8 years of strong technical skills in gender, adolescent research and ability to support gender assessments or reviews.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is required. Knowledge of French is an asset
• Skills: 

1. A substantive and programmatic experience in Adolescent issues with an understanding of social change is essential.
2. Proven ability to leverage evidence on gender and adolescent issues to design, shape, and implement effective programs.
3. Strong analytical skills in gender programme design and assessment, ideally at the national level.
4. In-country experience of Rwanda is an asset.
5. Some prior experience with UNICEF or UN agency programme planning.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

[add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

[Remove the following paragraph if not a child safeguarding elevated risk role] This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

[Applicable to HQEI positions, remove the below text if not applicable]

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

[Remove the below paragraph if not applicable]

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

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[CO/ HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

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All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.