UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of children worldwide, is offering a highly impactful professional opportunity for experienced fundraising and philanthropy experts. Through a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) lasting three years, UNICEF seeks to engage individual consultants as Prospect Research Specialists, working home-based and remotely, with contractual oversight from Geneva, Switzerland.
This consultancy opportunity sits at the intersection of global philanthropy, data-driven fundraising, and innovation, offering professionals the chance to directly support UNICEF’s mission of saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential across more than 190 countries and territories.
About UNICEF and Global Philanthropy
At UNICEF, working for children is more than a career—it is a calling. The organization prides itself on a values-driven culture built around Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). UNICEF provides a diverse, inclusive, and supportive professional environment where individuals can grow while contributing to meaningful global impact.
This consultancy is housed within UNICEF’s Private Sector Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP), specifically under the Private Sector Fundraising and Partnerships (PSFP) section. Within PSFP, the Global Philanthropy Team plays a vital role in driving income growth from Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI), High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI), family offices, and private foundations.
As philanthropic landscapes become increasingly complex, UNICEF is strengthening its capacity to identify, qualify, and manage major donor prospects while also unlocking innovative funding sources—particularly non-cash assets, which represent the majority of wealth held by billionaires worldwide.
Purpose of the Long-Term Agreement (LTA)
The purpose of this three-year Long-Term Agreement is to establish a pool of highly qualified Prospect Research Specialist consultants who can be engaged as and when UNICEF requires specialized support.
Consultants under this LTA will support UNICEF and its National Committees by:
- Enhancing prospect research and intelligence
- Strengthening portfolio optimization
- Establishing robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Supporting change management and capacity building
- Driving innovation in non-cash asset fundraising
Importantly, while the LTA establishes fixed rates and eligibility, UNICEF does not guarantee a minimum volume of work. Contracts will be issued per assignment, based on organizational needs.
Key Objectives of the Consultancy
The Prospect Research Specialist consultants will work closely with UNICEF markets, National Committees, and country or regional offices to achieve the following objectives:
- Build and strengthen prospecting and portfolio optimization practices
- Establish consistent, best-practice fundraising systems across markets
- Support KPI development, adoption, and performance measurement
- Enhance data capture and CRM use to improve donor management
- Drive innovative strategies to unlock non-cash asset philanthropy
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Major Responsibilities and Areas of Work
1. Metrics, KPIs, and Change Management
Consultants will guide fundraising teams through the design, adoption, and continuous improvement of KPIs. This includes:
- Developing clear workflows and process documentation
- Training staff on performance measurement and reporting
- Benchmarking UNICEF’s philanthropy KPIs against peer organizations
- Embedding a culture of accountability and data-driven decision-making
2. Data Capture and CRM Systems
A core component of this role is ensuring that CRM systems, particularly Salesforce or similar platforms, effectively support major donor management. Consultants will:
- Identify data gaps and inefficiencies
- Recommend workflow enhancements
- Promote disciplined data capture aligned with GDPR standards
- Collaborate with data and CRM teams to enable actionable insights
3. Reporting, Dashboards, and Analytics
Consultants will assess and improve reporting practices by:
- Designing dashboards and visualization tools
- Developing automated reporting solutions
- Training teams to interpret and use data independently
- Establishing reporting schedules and feedback loops
4. Training and Capacity Building
Capacity building is central to this consultancy. Consultants will:
- Lead trainings on prospect research tools and methodologies
- Support donor segmentation and qualification
- Recommend solicitation strategies, including ask amounts and program alignment
5. Unlocking Non-Cash Assets (Innovation Focus)
A particularly innovative aspect of this LTA involves prospecting for non-cash assets, which comprise up to 90% of wealth portfolios for UHNWIs. Consultants will:
- Design strategies to unlock non-cash giving opportunities
- Engage family offices, philanthropy advisors, and asset specialists
- Lead innovation processes to develop product prototypes
- Collaborate across philanthropy, planned giving, and legacy channels
- Deliver near-term wins while building long-term fundraising capacity
Work Arrangement and Duration
- Contract Type: Consultant (LTA)
- Duration: 3 years (subject to performance and organizational need)
- Work Modality: Fully remote / home-based
- Duty Station: Geneva (administrative)
- Travel: Occasional, subject to prior approval and UNICEF travel policies
Consultants are responsible for their own equipment and insurance. Any approved travel will be reimbursed according to UNICEF rules.
Required Qualifications and Experience
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
Education
- An advanced university degree in International Relations, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, Business, Non-Profit Management, or a related field
- OR a first university degree with an additional two years of relevant experience
Experience
- At least 8 years of professional experience in prospect research, data analysis, or philanthropy
- Strong understanding of the global philanthropic landscape
- Proven experience in change management
- Expertise in CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
Skills and Competencies
- High ethical standards and confidentiality awareness
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently across cultures and stakeholders
- Innovation mindset and results-oriented approach
- Fluency in English (additional UN languages are an asset)
Commitment to Diversity and Integrity
UNICEF strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is deeply committed to child safeguarding, inclusion, and ethical integrity.
Applicants should note that consultants are not considered UN staff members and are responsible for their own tax and insurance obligations.
For more info and job details
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Application Requirements and Deadline
Applicants must submit three mandatory documents through the online portal:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Financial Proposal (using the official template)
Failure to submit all three documents will result in disqualification.
- Application Deadline: 14 January 2026
- Advertised: 07 January 2026
