UNICEF Remote Consultant Job 2026: Exciting High-Paying MNCH Surveillance (EWARS/IDSR) Role – Apply by April 5

If you are an experienced public health professional with deep expertise in surveillance systems and maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH), a high-impact global consultancy opportunity is now open with UNICEF. This remote consultancy offers a unique chance to contribute to life-saving health systems in humanitarian settings while working with one of the world’s most respected international organizations.

About UNICEF

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, delivering critical programs that protect children’s rights, improve health outcomes, and support development from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is globally recognized for its humanitarian leadership, especially in fragile and emergency contexts.

Working with UNICEF is more than just a job—it’s a mission-driven career where professionals contribute to real-world impact. The organization fosters a diverse, inclusive, and purpose-driven work culture that supports both professional growth and meaningful contributions to society.

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Position Overview

UNICEF is currently hiring a Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health (MNCH) – Early Warning Alert and Response Systems (EWARS)/Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Integration Consultant under job number 591920.

• Contract Type: Consultant
• Duration: 6 months
• Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
• Work Arrangement: Remote (with travel)
• Application Deadline: April 5, 2026

This consultancy is ideal for senior-level public health professionals seeking to influence global health systems, particularly in emergency and humanitarian contexts.

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Purpose of the Assignment

The main objective of this consultancy is to strengthen real-time MNCH surveillance systems in crisis-affected settings. The consultant will support the integration of prioritized MNCH indicators into EWARS and IDSR frameworks.

The assignment will initially focus on a pilot project in South Sudan (pending confirmation), serving as a testing ground for global technical guidance. The outcomes of this pilot will help shape scalable solutions that can be replicated across multiple humanitarian contexts worldwide.

This work is crucial for improving early warning systems, enabling faster response to health threats, and ultimately saving lives among vulnerable populations, especially women and children.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will play a strategic and technical leadership role in advancing MNCH surveillance integration. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical oversight and strategic guidance for MNCH surveillance integration
• Supporting the development and refinement of global technical guidance
• Collaborating with the Global MNCH Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Surveillance Task Force
• Working closely with partners under the Global Health Cluster and IMTT group
• Ensuring alignment with broader MNCH and SRH (sexual and reproductive health) initiatives
• Leading the integration of MNCH indicators into EWARS/IDSR systems
• Supporting the design of scalable and replicable surveillance models

This role requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and global health experts, making it both technically demanding and highly impactful.

Required Qualifications and Experience

To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Global Health, or a related field
• Strong specialization in Epidemiology is essential

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public health and surveillance systems
• Proven experience with EWARS and/or IDSR systems
• Experience integrating primary healthcare (PHC) interventions, particularly in MNCH
• Strong background in humanitarian or fragile settings
• Experience developing surveillance protocols, SOPs, and training materials
• Familiarity with DHIS2 configuration is highly desirable
• Previous work with UNICEF, CDC, or leading international NGOs is a strong advantage

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Stakeholder coordination and facilitation expertise
• Ability to work independently in remote settings

Language

• Fluency in English is required

Why This Role Matters

This consultancy goes beyond technical implementation—it directly contributes to strengthening health systems in emergency settings where timely data can mean the difference between life and death.

By integrating MNCH indicators into early warning systems, this role enhances the ability of health actors to detect, respond to, and prevent disease outbreaks and health crises affecting mothers and children.

The work will also create a global model for MNCH surveillance integration, influencing how humanitarian health responses are designed and executed worldwide.

UNICEF’s Work Culture and Values

At UNICEF, all staff and consultants are guided by core values known as CRITAS:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

These values shape how teams collaborate, make decisions, and deliver results.

UNICEF is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are provided throughout the recruitment process.

Safeguarding and Ethical Standards

UNICEF maintains strict safeguarding policies to protect children and vulnerable communities. The organization enforces a zero-tolerance policy against:

• Sexual exploitation and abuse
• Harassment and discrimination
• Abuse of authority

All selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.

Importantly, UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring system.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following documents through UNICEF’s Talent Management System (TMS):

• Updated CV/profile
• Cover letter
• Financial proposal (separate document)

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full Terms of Reference (TOR) to understand the technical expectations and deliverables.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.

Career Impact and Opportunities

This consultancy offers significant professional advantages:

• Opportunity to work on global health systems in emergency contexts
• Collaboration with leading international health experts and organizations
• Contribution to scalable global frameworks in MNCH surveillance
• Flexible remote work with international exposure
• Strengthening your profile within the UN and humanitarian sector

For professionals aiming to build or advance careers in global health, epidemiology, or humanitarian response, this role represents a major milestone.

Final Thoughts

The MNCH EWARS/IDSR Integration Consultant role with UNICEF is a rare opportunity to apply advanced public health expertise in a way that directly impacts vulnerable populations worldwide.

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact, this consultancy is ideal for professionals ready to take on complex challenges and contribute to global health transformation.

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about improving maternal and child health in crisis settings, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference.