National Innovation Consultant (12 months)

About the role

UNICEF Kenya is looking for a National Innovation Consultant for a 12-month consultancy, based in Nairobi with office work and travel. Reporting to the Innovation Manager and with technical guidance from the Innovation Specialist, the consultant supports the planning, coordination and delivery of UNICEF Kenya's innovation portfolio, covering innovation design, human-centred design, ecosystem mapping, strategic analysis, capacity building, mentorship, knowledge generation and programme planning. The role contributes to innovation, digital transformation, youth engagement and humanitarian initiatives that improve outcomes for children and young people in Kenya.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ICT, Computer Science, Economics, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years' relevant experience in programme management intersecting innovation, entrepreneurship and youth engagement.
• At least 2 years' experience working in Kenya, including underserved or marginalised contexts such as ASAL areas and informal settlements.
• Fluency in English and Swahili.

Required skills

• Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder development programmes.
• Project management, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and knowledge management.
• Experience in agile and adaptive environments.
• Desirable: knowledge of innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance and impact investing, prior work with UN agencies, INGOs or development partners, and understanding of humanitarian contexts.

Candidates apply through the UNICEF online recruitment portal (TMS) with an up-to-date profile, CV, cover letter and a financial proposal using the provided template. The advert was published on 22 October 2026 and closes on 4 November 2026.