National Innovation Consultant

The consultant will support the planning, coordination, and delivery of UNICEF Kenya's innovation portfolio by leading and contributing to innovation design, ecosystem mapping, capacity building, knowledge generation, and programme coordination. The role supports innovation, digital transformation, youth engagement, and humanitarian initiatives to improve outcomes for children and young people in Kenya.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of UNICEF Kenya's innovation portfolio
• Lead and contribute to work on innovation design and human-centred design
• Conduct ecosystem mapping and strategic analysis
• Support capacity building and mentorship systems strengthening
• Generate knowledge and evidence
• Support programme planning and coordination
• Support innovation, digital transformation, youth engagement, and humanitarian initiatives that contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people in Kenya

Requirements

• Bachelor`s Degree in one of the following field: Engineering, ICT, Computer Science, Economics, Social Sciences or related field
• Minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in programme management intersecting innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder development programmes
• Strong competencies in project management, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and knowledge management
• Experience working in agile and adaptive environments
• At least 2 years’ experience working in Kenya, including engagement in underserved or marginalised contexts (e.g., ASAL areas, informal settlements)
• Fluency in English and Swahili
• Knowledge of innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance and impact investing (desirable)
• Prior experience working with UN agencies, INGOs, or development partners (desirable)
• Understanding of humanitarian contexts and programming approaches (desirable)

Skills

• Programme Management
• Innovation Management
• Entrepreneurship Support
• Youth Engagement
• Stakeholder Management
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Knowledge Management
• Agile Methodologies
• Adaptive Management
• Innovative Financing
• Blended Finance Structuring
• Impact Investing
• Ecosystem Mapping
• Capacity Building
• Digital Transformation
• Humanitarian Programming

Languages

English, Swahili