The UNICEF has officially announced applications for the 2026 Youth Consultant Opportunity under the UNICEF ECARO Italy Office, offering young people in Italy the chance to contribute to one of UNICEF’s flagship youth engagement platforms while gaining practical experience in international development, youth participation, digital engagement, and social impact initiatives.
This consultancy opportunity is part of UNICEF’s broader mission to empower young people and amplify youth voices through U-Report, a global digital platform that enables youth participation in conversations around education, mental health, climate change, protection, and social issues affecting young people worldwide.
The consultancy is home-based in Italy and runs from May 2026 to December 2026, providing selected youth consultants with opportunities to engage directly with UNICEF programme teams, contribute to digital campaigns, co-design youth polls, and support initiatives that foster positive social change.
About UNICEF and U-Report
UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries and territories, working to protect the rights and wellbeing of children and young people around the world.
One of UNICEF’s most innovative youth engagement initiatives is:
- U-Report
U-Report is a digital engagement platform designed to:
- Empower youth voices
- Promote civic participation
- Gather youth perspectives through polls
- Provide lifesaving and protective information
- Encourage youth-led development
- Create positive social change
The platform allows young people to express their opinions on issues affecting their lives while connecting them to relevant information and opportunities.
Topics addressed through U-Report include:
- Mental health
- Education
- Climate change
- Youth empowerment
- Protection and safety
- Inclusion and discrimination
- Social wellbeing
About the UNICEF Youth Consultant Opportunity
UNICEF ECARO Italy is recruiting two additional youth consultants to join the U-Report Steering Group for a nine-month consultancy assignment.
The steering group helps guide:
- Youth engagement strategies
- Poll development
- Youth outreach
- Digital participation activities
- Programme recommendations
Selected consultants will support UNICEF’s efforts to ensure youth perspectives remain central to programme development and implementation.
Consultancy Duration
The consultancy period runs:
- From May 2026 to December 2026
The assignment covers:
- 26.6 working days across 8 months
Work Location
This consultancy is:
- Home-based in Italy
Selected consultants are expected to work remotely while participating in:
- Online meetings
- Collaborative sessions
- Programme activities
- Occasional in-person events within Italy
UNICEF Programme Focus Areas
The U-Report Steering Group is divided into five sub-groups aligned with UNICEF ECARO programme priorities:
1. Protection
Focus on:
- Child protection
- Youth safety
- Rights awareness
- Social protection initiatives
2. Alternative Care
Addressing:
- Child welfare
- Family support systems
- Youth care structures
3. Intersectional Discrimination
Working on:
- Equity and inclusion
- Anti-discrimination advocacy
- Marginalized youth issues
4. Quality Education
Focused on:
- Skills development
- Job orientation
- Youth education opportunities
- Learning access
5. Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing
Addressing:
- Youth mental health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Psychosocial support
- Community resilience
Responsibilities of Youth Consultants
Selected consultants will contribute to several youth engagement and programme activities.
1. Participate in Steering Group Meetings
Consultants will:
- Attend monthly meetings
- Contribute to discussions
- Support programme planning
- Collaborate with fellow youth representatives
Meetings may be:
- Online
- Face-to-face
2. Collaborate with UNICEF Programme Teams
Youth consultants will engage with programme teams focused on:
- Protection
- Mental health
- Education
- Youth wellbeing
Responsibilities include:
- Providing feedback
- Supporting programme development
- Sharing youth perspectives
3. Co-Design U-Report Polls
Consultants will:
- Suggest relevant youth topics
- Draft poll questions
- Help shape engagement campaigns
4. Analyze Poll Results
Participants will:
- Review survey responses
- Discuss findings
- Contribute recommendations for programme improvements
5. Support Digital Content Creation
Youth consultants may contribute to:
- Instagram campaigns
- TikTok content
- Facebook outreach
- Youth-focused digital communication
6. Promote U-Report
Consultants are expected to:
- Engage youth networks
- Expand participation
- Connect with community groups
- Increase awareness of U-Report initiatives
7. Participate in Events and Forums
Selected participants may:
- Attend youth forums
- Represent youth perspectives
- Engage in public discussions
- Support advocacy activities
Benefits of the Consultancy Opportunity
This opportunity provides valuable exposure and professional development for young people interested in youth advocacy and international development.
1. Experience Working with UNICEF
Participants gain practical experience within one of the world’s leading international organizations.
2. Professional Development
Youth consultants strengthen:
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Digital engagement expertise
- Team collaboration
- Programme development knowledge
3. Networking Opportunities
Participants engage with:
- UNICEF programme teams
- Youth leaders
- Community organizations
- International development professionals
4. Youth Advocacy Experience
The consultancy allows participants to:
- Influence youth-focused initiatives
- Promote social change
- Amplify youth perspectives
5. Travel Opportunities Within Italy
Consultants may participate in approved travel activities related to programme implementation.
UNICEF will reimburse eligible travel expenses up to:
- EUR 250
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all mandatory requirements.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
- Between 18–24 years old
Residency Requirement
Applicants must:
- Reside in Italy
Education Requirement
Applicants must possess:
- A secondary school certificate
Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Fluency in Italian (written and spoken)
Technical Requirement
Applicants must:
- Own a mobile phone
- Have reliable internet access for video calls
Skills Requirement
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Teamwork abilities
- Motivation and initiative
Contextual Understanding
Applicants should understand:
- Community issues
- Youth-related challenges
- Issues affecting youth with migratory backgrounds
Desirable Qualifications
Additional qualifications considered valuable include:
- Community volunteering experience
- Grassroots engagement experience
- Knowledge of youth advocacy
- Additional language skills
Languages considered an advantage include:
- English
- French
- Dari
- Pashtu
- Wolof
UNICEF’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UNICEF emphasizes:
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Equal opportunity
- Child safeguarding
- Anti-discrimination policies
The organization encourages applications from individuals regardless of:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Disability status
- Socio-economic background
Travel and Security Requirements
Consultants traveling within Italy must:
- Obtain prior UNICEF approval
- Follow UN security procedures
- Maintain valid travel and medical insurance
- Comply with local security guidance
Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy provides young people with:
- International organizational experience
- Youth participation leadership opportunities
- Digital engagement exposure
- Advocacy and policy experience
- Professional development within the UN system
The programme demonstrates UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring young people actively participate in shaping the policies and programmes that affect their lives.
Important Notes
This consultancy is:
- A re-advertisement with minor amendments
- Previous applicants do not need to reapply
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Consultants are responsible for:
- Personal tax obligations
- Maintaining valid health insurance
- Ensuring visa compliance where applicable
Application Deadline
The official deadline to apply for the UNICEF Youth Consultant Opportunity 2026 is:
17 May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early due to the competitive nature of UNICEF opportunities.
Interested applicants should apply through the Official UNICEF Careers Portal before the 17 May 2026 deadline.
Click HERE to learn more about the UNICEF Youth Consultant Opportunity 2026 in Italy.
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