WASH Systems Strengthening Evidence Synthesis Consultant, Nairobi, Kenya, Remotely (Open only for International Candidates), Req#594742

Contract Duration- 9 Months

Working arrangement: Home Based

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.

• Inception and evidence protocol. Develop a detailed workplan, analytical framework, evidence synthesis protocol, country sampling criteria, interview guides, data request list, outline of deliverables, and quality assurance approach.

• Portfolio and document review. Review relevant UNICEF global, regional and country documents, including RAM annual narratives, country programme documents, WASH strategy documents, donor reports, evaluations, WASH Bottleneck Analysis Tool outputs where available, sector review documents, national policies, programme reports, and country case documentation.

• Data mapping and quantitative analysis. Compile and analyze relevant quantitative sources, including WASH Core Standard Indicator values, JMP household and institutions datasets for SDG 6.1 and 6.2, GLAAS data, sector finance and public expenditure data where available, country-level monitoring data, and other relevant datasets. The analysis should be disaggregated by sub-sector - water, sanitation and hygiene - and by institutions where data permit.

• Country case studies. Prepare concise but evidence-rich country case studies that map UNICEF inputs and outputs, government-led system changes, plausible contribution pathways and observed WASH outcome trends. Case studies should include a clear assessment of the strength of evidence and contribution claims.

• Key informant interviews and validation. Conduct remote interviews and focused consultations with UNICEF global, regional and country staff, selected government counterparts, development partners, donors and technical partners, as agreed with UNICEF. Facilitate at least one validation session with UNICEF and, where feasible, selected country office representatives.

• Synthesis of contribution pathways. Use contribution analysis, outcome harvesting, process tracing and realist review principles to identify recurring pathways through which UNICEF support plausibly contributed to stronger WASH systems and improved service outcomes.

• Future offer analysis. Assess what UNICEF should change to enhance its systems strengthening offer, including scope, prioritization, technical capacity, measurement, partnerships, donor positioning, knowledge management, country support modalities and resourcing models.

• Country office methodology guide. Prepare a practical guide and templates that country offices can use to develop their own evidence-based narratives for proposals, donor briefs, advocacy, partnership discussions and programme reporting.

• Finalization and knowledge products. Revise all deliverables based on UNICEF feedback and provide clean, editable final versions, including any data extraction matrices, interview guides, evidence rating tools and visual charts developed during the assignment.

• The assignment has a global scope but will use a purposive sample of countries rather than a universal country-by-country review.

• The consultant should propose approximately 8-10 countries for in-depth review, with the final number confirmed during inception based on data availability, geographic balance, typology, UNICEF priorities and feasibility.

• The sample should include countries from multiple UNICEF regions and should cover a mix of low-income, middle-income, fragile and conflict-affected, climate-exposed, rapidly urbanizing and high-disparity contexts.

• The country sample should include examples where UNICEF has provided sustained systems strengthening support over a sufficiently long period to allow review of outputs, system changes and outcome trends.

• The assignment will be conducted primarily remotely. Field visits are not included in the base scope, but UNICEF may decide to add limited travel if it is considered essential and resources permit.

• Conducting agreed key informant interviews and maintaining accurate interview notes.

• Analyzing qualitative and quantitative evidence and developing contribution narratives, trend charts, case studies and evidence confidence ratings.

• Preparing and revising all deliverables in a clear, concise and publication-ready style.

• Facilitating validation sessions and incorporating feedback from UNICEF global, regional and country office reviewers.

• Maintaining confidentiality of internal UNICEF documents, data and interview information.

• Submitting all final outputs in editable formats, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel files where relevant.

UNICEF will be responsible for:

• Designating a contract manager, technical focal point and reference group to guide the assignment.

• Providing access to relevant internal datasets and documents, including RAM narratives, WASH Core Standard Indicator data, country programme documents, evaluations, donor reports and other internal material as feasible.

• Supporting access to relevant public datasets, including JMP and GLAAS, and clarifying UNICEF indicator definitions where needed.

• Approving the country sample, methodology, workplan and interview list during inception.

• Facilitating introductions to UNICEF regional and country office staff and, where appropriate, government counterparts, donors and partners.

• Providing timely consolidated feedback on deliverables, preferably through one lead focal point to avoid conflicting guidance.

• Organizing or co-organizing validation meetings and internal review sessions.

• Ensuring that sensitive internal data are shared in accordance with UNICEF information management and data protection procedures.

• Professional working proficiency in English.

Advanced university degree in water and sanitation, public policy, development studies, economics, governance, public health, evaluation, engineering, social sciences or another relevant field. A PhD is an asset but not required.

• Demonstrated experience conducting evidence syntheses, evaluations, contribution analysis, outcome harvesting, political economy analysis, sector review or similar assignments.

• Strong knowledge of WASH sector monitoring, including SDG 6.1 and 6.2 indicators, JMP datasets, GLAAS sector finance data, enabling environment monitoring, and UNICEF or UN results reporting systems.

• Experience working with governments and development partners in low- and middle-income countries, including at least some experience in fragile, climate-vulnerable or complex operating environments.

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in WASH with substantial experience in WASH systems strengthening, governance, policy, institutional reform, sector financing, monitoring and evaluation, or service delivery sustainability.

• Proven ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative evidence, triangulate findings and present complex systems change in clear, compelling language.

• Excellent writing skills in English, including the ability to produce strategic reports, and donor-facing narratives.

• Previous experience with UNICEF, UN agencies, SWA, WHO, UN-Water, World Bank, bilateral donors or major WASH sector partners.

• Experience developing methodologies, toolkits or guidance notes for country offices or government partners.

• Familiarity with UNICEF RAM, Core Standard Indicators, country programme planning and donor reporting processes.

• Experience with data visualization, dashboards or presentation of WASH trend data for non-technical audiences.

• Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic or another UN language is an asset, especially if the sample includes countries where these languages are operationally useful.

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

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 reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. 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.

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template)  Financial Proposal TMC0004224.xlsx
• A detailed technical proposal

A technical proposal is required outlining the
approach to the assignment including conceptual
framework, methodological and analytical approach,
and team composition if sub-contracting

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. All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Advertised: 25 Jul 2026 E. Africa Standard Time
Applications close: 03 Aug 2026 E. Africa Standard Time

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