The objective of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive Geneva ecosystem analysis and partnership development strategy that will enable Safe Online to effectively leverage Geneva-based institutions, networks, and platforms to advance its mission. The consultancy will deliver concrete outputs including stakeholder mapping, partnership opportunity assessments, an engagement strategy, and a pipeline of cultivated relationships ready for Safe Online leadership to act upon.

Consultancy Title: Geneva Ecosystem Mapping and Partnership Development

Section/Division/Duty Station: End Violence Against Children – Safe Online

Duration: 15 March 2026 to 15 September 2026

Home/ Office Based: Remote

About UNICEF –

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

Safe Online is the only global fund dedicated exclusively to protecting children from online harms, including child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), and promoting children's digital wellbeing and mental health. Since 2016, Safe Online has mobilized over USD 100 million across 150+ projects in more than 100 countries, working with governments, technology companies, researchers, and civil society to create safer digital environments for children worldwide. 

Safe Online is physically present in Geneva and recognizes the strategic value of the Geneva ecosystem for advancing its mission. Geneva offers a unique convergence of international organizations, academic institutions, the philanthropic community, technology governance actors, and global policy platforms. Key institutions and networks include the World Economic Forum, the Graduate Institute, the University of Geneva, WHO, ITU, and a vibrant community of foundations and philanthropic actors. 

As Safe Online enters a new strategic phase—including the launch of Safe Online’s Weave Wellbeing and expanded engagement on AI governance and children's digital wellbeing—a targeted consultancy is required to systematically map the Geneva ecosystem, identify strategic partnership opportunities, and develop an actionable engagement strategy for Safe Online leadership. 

The objective of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive Geneva ecosystem analysis and partnership development strategy that will enable Safe Online to effectively leverage Geneva-based institutions, networks, and platforms to advance its mission. The consultancy will deliver concrete outputs including stakeholder mapping, partnership opportunity assessments, an engagement strategy, and a pipeline of cultivated relationships ready for Safe Online leadership to act upon. 

Interested candidates should submit: 

  • CV highlighting relevant experience and Geneva networks 
  • Brief cover letter (max 1 page) outlining approach to the assignment 
  • Financial proposal with total consultancy fee and the fee breakdown per deliverables.
  • One sample of previous analytical/strategic work (stakeholder mapping, partnership strategy, or similar) 

Scope of Work:

The core scope of work for this assignment is as follows:

Deliverable 1: Geneva Ecosystem Mapping Report 

A comprehensive analysis of the Geneva ecosystem relevant to Safe Online's strategic priorities. 

  • Map of Geneva-based institutions, networks, and actors across key categories: international organizations (WHO, ITU, UNHCR, OHCHR, etc.), academic and research institutions (Graduate Institute, University of Geneva, EPFL), philanthropic actors (foundations, family offices, wealth advisors), policy platforms and convenings (World Economic Forum, etc.), and technology governance initiatives 
  • Analysis of each institution's mandate, priorities, and potential alignment with Safe Online 
  • Identification of key individuals and decision-makers within priority institutions 
  • Gap analysis identifying underexplored opportunities for Safe Online engagement 

Deliverable 2: Partnership Opportunity Assessment 

A prioritized assessment of partnership opportunities with specific recommendations. 

  • Identification and prioritization of 10-15 high-potential partnership opportunities 
  • For each opportunity: rationale for partnership, potential collaboration modalities, key contacts, and recommended approach 
  • Assessment of opportunities for joint research initiatives with academic partners 
  • Assessment of philanthropic alignment and potential funding partnerships 
  • Assessment of cross-sector initiatives where Safe Online can add value (AI governance, digital mental health, children's rights) 

Deliverable 3: Stakeholder Engagement Strategy 

An actionable strategy for Safe Online's engagement with the Geneva ecosystem. 

  • Prioritized engagement roadmap for 2026 with recommended sequencing of outreach 
  • Recommended positioning for Safe Online within Geneva's digital governance and public health conversations 
  • Event and convening strategy: identification of key platforms for Safe Online participation and recommendations for Safe Online-hosted events 
  • Messaging and value proposition tailored for different stakeholder categories 

Deliverable 4: Initial Stakeholder Outreach and Relationship Development 

Executed outreach to priority stakeholders resulting in a pipeline of cultivated relationships. 

  • Outreach conducted to minimum 20 priority stakeholders identified in the assessment 
  • Minimum 10 introductory meetings facilitated between Safe Online leadership and key Geneva stakeholders 
  • Briefing materials and talking points prepared for each meeting 
  • Meeting summaries with documented outcomes and recommended follow-up actions 
  • Relationship tracker with status of all initiated engagements 

Deliverable 5: Event and Convening Opportunities Report 

A calendar and assessment of event opportunities for Safe Online in Geneva. 

  • Calendar of relevant Geneva-based events and convenings for 2026 
  • Prioritized recommendations for Safe Online participation (speaking opportunities, side events, etc.) 
  • Concept note for potential Geneva Forum on Children's Digital Safety and Wellbeing or equivalent convening 
  • Logistics and resource requirements for recommended events 

Deliverable 6: Final Report and Handover Package 

A consolidated final report with all outputs and recommendations for sustained engagement. 

  • Executive summary of findings and strategic recommendations 
  • Consolidated stakeholder database with contact information and engagement history 
  • Lessons learned and recommendations for ongoing Geneva engagement 
  • Handover briefing to Safe Online leadership

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

 

Travel - N/A

Qualifications

Education:

  • Advanced University Degree (Masters) in  social sciences, international development, journalism, business administration, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis or related disciplines.

Work experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in partnership development, stakeholder mapping, or strategic engagement 
  • Strong existing networks within the Geneva ecosystem (international organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic community, or policy platforms) 
  • Demonstrated experience producing high-quality analytical reports and strategic recommendations 
  • Track record of facilitating high-level introductions and relationship development 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Fluency in French and English (written and spoken)

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience working with or within International Geneva (UN system, IOs, or related institutions) 
  • Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Geneva and Switzerland 
  • Familiarity with digital governance, technology policy, or public health sectors 
  • Experience in child protection, children's rights, or related fields 
  • Existing relationships with World Economic Forum, Graduate Institute, WHO, ITU, or similar institutions

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- One sample of previous analytical/strategic work (stakeholder mapping, partnership strategy, or similar)

- Brief cover letter (max 1 page) outlining approach to the assignment 

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

    • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
    • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
    • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
    • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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. 

Remarks:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.