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Work for UNICEF as a Knowledge Management Consultant (Search Engine Platform)

Job No: 580803
Contract Type: Consultant
Duty Station: New York
Level: Consultancy
Location: United States
Categories: Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation


About UNICEF

UNICEF stands at the forefront of efforts to protect and empower the world’s most disadvantaged children. Operating in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF is committed to saving lives, advocating for children’s rights, and helping them realize their full potential. With unwavering dedication and resolve, UNICEF seeks to bring hope to children everywhere, every day.

The organization embodies the belief that for every child, there is a promise of a brighter future and an opportunity for hope, regardless of their circumstances. Over the past 70 years, UNICEF has emerged as the leading provider of vaccines globally to underprivileged communities, championing not just child health and nutrition but also advocating for quality education and safeguarding children’s rights against violence, exploitation, and disease.


Consultancy Title: Knowledge Management Consultant (Search Engine Platform)
Section/Division/Duty Station: Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management Unit – Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM), NYHQ
Duration: May 5, 2025, to December 2, 2025
Home/Office Based: REMOTE


Background and Purpose of Activity/Assignment

In its pursuit of excellence, UNICEF is committed to becoming a knowledge-driven organization, systematically using evidence and experiential learning to enhance effectiveness in achieving its goals. A pivotal element in attaining this vision is improving the discoverability of critical knowledge among UNICEF staff, thereby enabling them to act with greater efficacy and efficiency.

The Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management Unit is leading a transformative project to develop a Knowledge Search Engine—a centralized platform designed to seamlessly enable UNICEF staff to access knowledge products, request processed information, connect with experts in various domains, and retrieve relevant information through a single, cohesive interface. This development encompasses all existing search tools employed by UNICEF, such as Unibot, SharePoint search, and staff directories.

The Knowledge Management Consultant will play a crucial role in this initiative by mapping user and technical requirements to create a minimum viable product, as well as developing a detailed roadmap for the project’s subsequent stages.

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the Knowledge Management Manager, the consultant will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

  1. Project Initiation Document: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including the ICT Division and the GSSC Internal Communications and Staff Engagement Section, to create a comprehensive project initiation document that covers:
  • User requirements specifications
  • Evaluation of technical feasibility, focusing on interoperability and integration of existing systems
  • Analysis of the current state of repositories and identification of gaps that need to be addressed for the Knowledge Search Engine
  • Assessment of the current level of content management skills and literacy among staff.
  1. Business Requirements Document: Clearly outline the project’s scope by creating a business requirements document that defines the functionalities and features to be included in the minimum viable product as well as subsequent versions.
  2. User Interface Development: Create wireframes of the Knowledge Search Engine’s user interface and present them for validation with the Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management (OLKM) team and other key stakeholders.
  3. Content Organization and Management: Work collaboratively with the OLKM and other relevant teams to ensure that all content intended for the Knowledge Search Engine is organized, indexed, and formatted appropriately. Identify content management requirements for future project phases.
  4. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Deliver a functional MVP, implement iterative improvements based on testing feedback, and provide capacity-building support throughout the testing phase.

Key Deliverables and Timeline

The consultant will be required to submit the following key deliverables by the specified deadlines:

  • Project Initiation Document: Complete the document encompassing user requirements, technical feasibility, current repository states, and content management capacity by June 30, 2025.
  • Business Requirements Document: Ensure a clear definition of the project’s scope by outlining the functionalities of the minimum viable product and future iterations by August 15, 2025.
  • Wireframes: Develop wireframes for the Knowledge Search Engine interface and validate them with stakeholders by September 15, 2025.
  • Content Preparation: Coordinate with teams to ensure that searchable content is well-organized and indexed, ready for integration into the Knowledge Search Engine by September 15, 2025.
  • Functional MVP: Deliver a working MVP, alongside test documentation and scripts by October 15, 2025 and November 1, 2025, respectively. Submit the final and improved MVP by November 28, 2025.

Qualifications

Education:
A Master’s degree in Knowledge Management, Business Management, Information Systems, Information Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Work Experience:
Ideal candidates will possess:

  • A minimum of three years of experience in systems design and development, specifically utilizing SharePoint.
  • Proficient experience in identifying business requirements.
  • A strong background in User Experience (UX) design.
  • Proven project management experience, with the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders.
  • Experience in developing or coordinating technology projects focused on knowledge management.
  • Familiarity with UNICEF’s operational systems and processes is advantageous.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF’s e-Recruitment system and include the following:

  • A copy of academic credentials.
  • A detailed financial proposal, comprising:
  • Costs associated with each deliverable, as well as a total lump-sum figure for the assignment (in US$).
  • Any travel costs and daily subsistence allowances, if applicable.
  • Any additional estimated expenses, including visas, health insurance, and living costs.
  • An indication of availability for the project duration.

Selected candidates engaging in emergent or unforeseen duty travel will have their expenses covered by UNICEF.

IMPORTANT: At contract award, consultants must possess current health insurance coverage.

U.S. Visa Information

For candidates not holding U.S. citizenship or G4 Visa/Green Card status, those residing in the U.S. under a different visa must switch to a G4 visa. Additionally, any household members accompanying the consultant may require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to work legally.

Commitment to Values

UNICEF firmly believes in the values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). All candidates are expected to align their work with these values, contributing positively to the organization’s mission.

Diversity and Inclusion:
UNICEF is unwavering in its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. All candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The organization actively promotes an inclusive work environment and offers supportive measures such as paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Zero Tolerance Policy

UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against conduct that contradicts the aims and objectives of the United Nations. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks to ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards.

Remarks:

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Consultants and individual contractors engaged through this consultancy will not be considered “staff members” and are not entitled to UN benefits typically reserved for employees, such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage.

Application Process:
This consultancy opportunity was advertised on April 3, 2025, with an application deadline set for April 24, 2025. Interested candidates are urged to apply promptly to secure consideration for this impactful role within UNICEF.

Join UNICEF in its mission to create a better world for every child by utilizing your skills and expertise to enhance knowledge management practices within the organization. Together, we can make a difference!

Visit the UNICEF Careers Page

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