UNICEF Innocenti Opens Global Call for Child Participatory Research Consultants: Fully Remote Opportunity with Long-Term Collaboration (Apply by 22 July 2026) ·Term Collaboration (Apply by 22 July 2026)

The UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence (Innocenti) is inviting applications from experienced individual consultants to join a Long-Term Arrangement (LTA) roster for child participatory research.

Researchers with expertise in participatory research involving children now have an opportunity to establish a long-term professional relationship with UNICEF through a new global consultancy call.

Applications close on 22 July 2026, giving qualified professionals a limited window to submit their applications.

Unlike a traditional job vacancy, this opportunity allows successful applicants to become pre-approved consultants whom UNICEF can engage for multiple assignments over an extended period without requiring them to compete through a full recruitment process each time. For researchers seeking to contribute to global evidence on children’s rights while working remotely, this presents an excellent opportunity.

What Is a Long-Term Arrangement (LTA)?

A Long-Term Arrangement (LTA) is a framework agreement between UNICEF and selected consultants. Being accepted onto the LTA does not guarantee immediate work or payment. Instead, it creates a standing relationship that enables UNICEF to contract consultants quickly whenever relevant assignments arise.

When a project requiring child participatory research expertise becomes available, UNICEF issues a specific contract to consultants under the LTA based on the assignment’s requirements. This streamlined process benefits both UNICEF and consultants by reducing recruitment time while ensuring access to qualified specialists.

About UNICEF Innocenti

The consultancy is managed through UNICEF Innocenti – Office of Strategy and Evidence, the organization’s global research centre dedicated to producing high-quality evidence that informs policies and programmes for children.

Operating within UNICEF’s mission across more than 190 countries and territories, Innocenti supports research that improves decision-making for governments, development partners and communities. One of its strategic priorities is ensuring that children actively contribute to research processes that affect their lives.

Rather than conducting research solely about children, Innocenti promotes research conducted with children, recognizing them as knowledgeable participants capable of shaping meaningful evidence.

What Is Child Participatory Research?

Child participatory research goes beyond consulting children through surveys or interviews. It actively involves children throughout the research process.

Depending on the assignment, consultants may help children:

• Develop research questions.
• Design research methods.
• Collect evidence.
• Interpret findings.
• Validate conclusions.
• Contribute to recommendations affecting policies and programmes.

This approach strengthens the quality, relevance and ethical integrity of research while ensuring children’s perspectives influence decisions that directly impact them.

Responsibilities

Consultants engaged through the LTA may undertake a variety of assignments under the supervision of UNICEF research managers or specialists.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Designing child participatory research studies.
• Working directly with children during research design.
• Piloting research methodologies.
• Revising research tools following pilot testing.
• Preparing documentation for ethical review boards.
• Developing participatory research toolkits.
• Supporting data collection activities.
• Training UNICEF staff and partners on participatory research methods.
• Providing technical guidance on child-centred research approaches.
• Contributing to evidence generation that informs UNICEF programming and policy.

Assignments will vary depending on UNICEF’s evolving research priorities across different countries and thematic areas.

Who Should Apply?

UNICEF is seeking experienced individual researchers who possess strong expertise in qualitative and participatory research involving children.

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree with a substantial component in qualitative research, children’s studies or a related discipline.
• At least five years of professional experience conducting qualitative research with children.
• Significant experience using participatory research methods involving children.
• Fieldwork experience across diverse settings, including countries in the Global South.
• Fluency in English.
• Proficiency in at least one additional language.

Experience working across cultures, conducting ethical research with vulnerable populations and producing high-quality research outputs will strengthen an application.

Remote Consultancy with Global Reach

Although administratively linked to UNICEF Innocenti in Florence, Italy, the consultancy is designed as a remote, home-based opportunity.

Assignments may involve collaboration with UNICEF offices, governments, NGOs and research partners across multiple regions. Consultants can therefore contribute to international research without relocating while maintaining flexibility in their professional schedules.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Participatory research has become increasingly important in international development because it recognizes children as rights holders rather than passive subjects of research.

By involving children directly, researchers generate richer evidence, improve programme design and support more inclusive policymaking.

For experienced researchers, joining UNICEF’s LTA roster offers several advantages:

• Opportunity to contribute to globally influential research.
• Long-term collaboration with one of the world’s leading child-focused organizations.
• Flexible consultancy assignments.
• International networking opportunities.
• Meaningful work that directly influences children’s policies and programmes worldwide.

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Application Requirements

Applicants should carefully review all submission instructions before applying.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Successful candidates will undergo UNICEF’s rigorous recruitment procedures, including:

• Academic credential verification.
• Employment history verification.
• Professional reference checks.
• Background screening.
• Compliance with UNICEF’s safeguarding standards.

UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination and any conduct inconsistent with the organization’s commitment to protecting children.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is 22 July 2026 (Greenwich Standard Time).

Researchers interested in strengthening children’s participation in global evidence generation are encouraged to prepare their application well before the closing date, ensuring that all required documentation is complete and submitted on time.

For professionals committed to ethical, participatory and child-centred research, this consultancy offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to evidence that shapes better outcomes for children worldwide while building an ongoing working relationship with UNICEF.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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