Global Roster of Early Childhood Development Specialists

About the role

UNICEF is establishing a Global Roster of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist consultants to provide technical support to country offices and partners. The roster will enable rapid mobilisation of pre‑qualified experts across a range of ECD domains to strengthen programmes and embed early stimulation into policies and services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on ECD policies, programme design, and implementation in line with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026‑2029.
• Support country offices with technical assistance on early stimulation, nurturing care, childcare services and parenting support, including for children with disabilities.
• Contribute to UNICEF’s Centres of Excellence on ECD by sharing best practices, tools and evidence‑based approaches.
• Assist in the development of guidelines, training materials and monitoring frameworks for ECD interventions.
• Participate in remote consultations, workshops and knowledge‑exchange platforms as required.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in early childhood development, education, public health, social sciences or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering technical assistance on ECD at national or international level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNICEF’s ECD vision 2030 and the strategic priorities outlined in Impact Result 1.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and UN agencies.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are an asset.

Required skills

• Expertise in early childhood development policy and programme design.
• Experience with early stimulation, nurturing care, and parenting support interventions.
• Knowledge of inclusive approaches for children with disabilities.
• Strong analytical and evidence‑synthesis capabilities.

What we offer

• Consultancy contracts with UNICEF, a leading global children’s rights organization.
• Opportunities to influence ECD strategies affecting millions of children worldwide.
• Flexible remote work arrangement.
• Access to UNICEF’s knowledge resources and professional network.