UNFPA WCARO Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Consultant Roster 2026: International Consultancy Opportunities for Peacebuilding and Development Experts

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has announced the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Consultant Roster through its West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO). This opportunity seeks experienced professionals who can contribute to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, humanitarian response, conflict prevention, governance, social cohesion, research, and sustainable development across West and Central Africa.

The UNFPA WCARO YPS Consultant Roster 2026 aims to establish a pool of pre-qualified regional consultants who can provide specialized technical expertise to the Regional Office and country offices when required. Professionals with backgrounds in international relations, peace and conflict studies, humanitarian affairs, social sciences, law, youth development, programme management, research, and monitoring and evaluation are encouraged to review the available technical profiles and submit their applications if they meet the requirements.

This consultancy roster offers an opportunity to support initiatives that connect humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding while advancing the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agendas. Successful inclusion in the roster may make qualified candidates eligible for future short-term or long-term consultancy assignments, depending on organizational needs and the expertise required.

Applications are submitted through the official UNFPA recruitment portal. Interested professionals should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare a comprehensive CV, write a focused cover letter, and provide a recent technical work sample that demonstrates their relevant experience.

Overview of the UNFPA WCARO YPS Consultant Roster 2026

The following table summarizes the principal information provided in the opportunity announcement.

• Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• Regional Office: West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO)
• Opportunity Title: Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Consultant Roster
• Job ID: 34532
• Opportunity Type: Individual consultancy
• Contract Type: Consultancy
• Duty Station: Multiple locations, depending on assignment requirements
• Job Category: Programme and Development
• Experience Required: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, with higher requirements for several specialist profiles
• Education: Advanced university degree, such as a master’s degree or PhD, in a relevant field
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English; working knowledge of French is mandatory for the majority of regional assignments
• Additional Languages: Arabic or Portuguese is an advantage
• Application Deadline: 31 December 2026, at 23:00 Eastern Time, according to the recruitment listing
• Application Method: Online application through the official UNFPA recruitment portal

Applicants should rely on the official recruitment portal for the final application deadline, submission requirements, and any subsequent updates to the vacancy announcement.

About UNFPA and Its Mission

The United Nations Population Fund, commonly known as UNFPA, is the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women, girls, and young people.

UNFPA works with governments, civil society organizations, development partners, humanitarian actors, and communities to promote a world in which every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

The organization supports programmes that address preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, gender-based violence, and harmful practices. These priorities are closely connected to broader development objectives, including the realization of human rights, gender equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In fragile and conflict-affected settings, these objectives require coordinated approaches that consider the relationships between humanitarian needs, long-term development challenges, peacebuilding, and community resilience.

The Youth, Peace, and Security Consultant Roster reflects the importance of engaging experienced professionals who can help translate these priorities into practical programmes, policies, research, and technical interventions across West and Central Africa.

Background and Context of the Consultancy

UNFPA’s West and Central Africa Regional Office operates in a region affected by rapid demographic changes, climate-related challenges, humanitarian emergencies, displacement, insecurity, and complex development needs.

These conditions can affect young people’s access to essential services, opportunities for participation, education, livelihoods, protection, and meaningful involvement in decisions that affect their communities.

In response, UNFPA WCARO is strengthening its work in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding. Particular attention is directed towards the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, Liptako-Gourma, and the Gulf of Guinea regions.

These settings require approaches that respond to immediate humanitarian needs while also addressing the underlying factors contributing to instability, exclusion, vulnerability, and limited development opportunities.

The Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Continuum is central to this approach. It emphasizes the importance of connecting humanitarian assistance, development programming, and peacebuilding efforts rather than treating them as isolated activities.

For example, a programme operating in a conflict-affected community may need to provide immediate protection and essential services while also strengthening local institutions, supporting young people’s participation, improving social cohesion, and reducing the risks that contribute to further conflict.

The Youth, Peace and Security agenda recognizes young people as important participants in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development. The Women, Peace and Security agenda similarly emphasizes women’s meaningful participation, protection, and leadership in peace and security processes.

Through this consultant roster, UNFPA WCARO intends to access experienced specialists who can help country offices and regional teams design, implement, evaluate, and strengthen initiatives connected to these priorities.

Purpose of the UNFPA Youth, Peace, and Security Consultant Roster

The principal purpose of the roster is to establish a pool of pre-qualified regional consultants with specialized technical knowledge and practical professional experience.

Instead of recruiting a new consultant from the beginning whenever a particular need arises, UNFPA WCARO can use a pre-qualified roster as a resource for identifying suitable experts for future assignments.

Consultants may be considered when the Regional Office or country offices require assistance with programme development, policy analysis, research, assessments, strategic planning, evaluation, capacity development, partnership coordination, or other specialized tasks.

The roster is intended to support the timely deployment of expertise across the region. Depending on the assignment, consultants may work on regional initiatives, country-level programmes, or specific technical activities requiring a particular combination of skills and experience.

What does inclusion in the roster mean?

Inclusion in the consultant roster means that a candidate may be considered for suitable consultancy assignments in accordance with UNFPA’s requirements and procedures.

However, inclusion in the roster does not guarantee an immediate consultancy contract or an offer of employment. Actual assignments will depend on organizational needs, available opportunities, the candidate’s technical profile, and the applicable selection process.

Applicants should therefore view this opportunity as a way to become eligible for consideration for future assignments rather than as confirmation of a specific job placement.

Expert Profiles and Technical Areas

UNFPA WCARO is seeking professionals across several technical areas related to peace and security, humanitarian action, youth participation, governance, research, programme management, and evaluation.

The announcement identifies specialist profiles with different experience thresholds. Applicants should select the profile that most closely matches their professional background and demonstrate relevant achievements in their CV and supporting documents.

1. Senior Peace and Security Expert

This profile is intended for experienced professionals with at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in peace, security, conflict analysis, mediation, or related fields.

Potential areas of expertise include:

• Conflict analysis and assessment of conflict dynamics.
• Mediation support and peacebuilding initiatives.
• Analysis of political, social, and security developments affecting communities.
• Integration of Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security policies into programmes.
• Development of approaches to conflict prevention and conflict-sensitive programming.
• Technical advice for regional and country-level peace and security initiatives.
• Support for collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, youth networks, and development partners.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have contributed to relevant policies, programmes, assessments, or strategic initiatives. Experience in fragile and conflict-affected environments is particularly important.

2. Humanitarian-Development-Peace Strategy Specialist

The Humanitarian-Development-Peace Strategy Specialist profile requires at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.

This role focuses on connecting humanitarian response, long-term development, and peacebuilding within coordinated programming frameworks.

Relevant areas may include:

• Humanitarian-development-peace nexus programming.
• Resilience building in vulnerable communities.
• Disaster preparedness and anticipatory action.
• Coordination among humanitarian and development stakeholders.
• Integration of peacebuilding considerations into development programmes.
• Strategic planning for fragile and conflict-affected environments.
• Support for programmes addressing the causes and consequences of insecurity.

Professionals applying for this profile should demonstrate an understanding of how humanitarian assistance, institutional development, resilience, and peacebuilding can reinforce one another.

Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder programmes or developing regional strategies would be relevant to the technical focus of this profile.

3. Programme Manager for Youth, Peace and Security

The Programme Manager (YPS) profile requires at least five years of relevant professional experience.

This specialist area focuses on designing, managing, and strengthening youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and partnerships.

Potential responsibilities include:

• Designing youth-focused peacebuilding programmes.
• Supporting meaningful participation by young people in peace and security processes.
• Developing partnerships with youth-led organizations and civil society groups.
• Coordinating programme implementation and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting youth leadership, dialogue, and conflict-prevention initiatives.
• Monitoring programme performance and documenting results.
• Contributing to strategic planning for youth empowerment and social inclusion.

Applicants should highlight their experience in youth development, programme management, peacebuilding, community engagement, partnership development, or related areas.

Experience working directly with youth-led organizations or supporting young people’s participation in decision-making processes may strengthen an application.

4. Lead Evaluation Specialist

The Lead Evaluation Specialist profile requires at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.

This profile is designed for professionals who can conduct or lead evaluations of programmes, policies, and interventions, particularly those operating in complex or conflict-sensitive environments.

The announcement specifically refers to evaluations aligned with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) standards.

Relevant expertise may include:

• Programme and project evaluation.
• Development of evaluation frameworks and methodologies.
• Assessment of programme effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Conflict-sensitive evaluation approaches.
• Development of evaluation questions, indicators, and data-collection tools.
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Preparation of evaluation reports and evidence-based recommendations.
• Support for organizational learning and programme improvement.

Candidates should emphasize their experience leading evaluations, producing technical reports, assessing development interventions, and translating findings into practical recommendations.

5. Youth in Humanitarian Action Specialist

The Youth in Humanitarian Action profile requires at least five years of relevant experience.

This area focuses on engaging young people in humanitarian emergencies while addressing protection, health, and other needs in fragile settings.

The announcement highlights the integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) considerations in challenging contexts.

Relevant expertise may include:

• Youth participation in humanitarian response.
• Programme design for young people affected by emergencies.
• Integration of sexual and reproductive health services and considerations into humanitarian programming.
• Prevention of and response to gender-based violence.
• Protection-sensitive programme development.
• Coordination with humanitarian organizations and local partners.
• Support for youth engagement in emergency preparedness and response.
• Development of inclusive approaches for vulnerable and displaced populations.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience in humanitarian programming, youth engagement, protection, health, gender equality, or emergency response.

6. Governance and Rule of Law Specialist

The Governance and Rule of Law profile requires at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.

This specialist area focuses on strengthening institutions, improving accountability, and supporting inclusive governance systems.

Potential technical areas include:

• Institutional strengthening and capacity development.
• Governance assessments and policy analysis.
• Accountability and transparency mechanisms.
• Rule of law and access to justice.
• Inclusive decision-making and citizen participation.
• Institutional approaches to conflict prevention.
• Support for collaboration between public institutions and civil society.
• Development of governance frameworks that respond to the needs of diverse communities.

Candidates should highlight experience in governance reform, institutional development, legal or policy analysis, public-sector programmes, accountability initiatives, or related technical work.

7. Strategic Researcher

The Strategic Researcher profile requires at least five years of relevant professional experience.

This profile focuses on producing evidence and analysis that can inform strategic planning, programme development, policy decisions, and peacebuilding initiatives.

Relevant areas may include:

• Applied research on peace, security, youth, and development.
• Evidence generation for regional and country-level programmes.
• Foresight analysis and identification of emerging trends.
• Research on conflict dynamics and social change.
• Preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products.
• Development of research methodologies and data-collection approaches.
• Synthesis of findings into practical recommendations.
• Knowledge management and dissemination of research findings.

Applicants should demonstrate their ability to conduct credible research, analyze complex issues, communicate findings clearly, and produce high-quality technical documents.

Recent research reports, policy papers, assessments, or comparable publications may be particularly useful as supporting work samples.

8. Social Cohesion and Resilience Specialist

The Social Cohesion and Resilience Specialist profile requires at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.

This area relates to strengthening relationships within and between communities, supporting resilience, and helping reduce tensions that can contribute to conflict or instability.

Potential areas of expertise include:

• Social cohesion assessments and programme design.
• Community resilience and conflict prevention.
• Dialogue and reconciliation initiatives.
• Community participation and inclusive development.
• Support for trust-building among different social groups.
• Identification of social tensions and factors contributing to instability.
• Development of approaches that strengthen peaceful coexistence.
• Integration of resilience and conflict-sensitivity into development programming.

Candidates should demonstrate relevant experience working with communities, civil society organizations, development partners, or institutions involved in peacebuilding and resilience initiatives.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Specialist

The announcement also identifies Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) as a technical area, with at least five years of relevant experience.

MEAL specialists support organizations in understanding whether programmes are being implemented effectively, achieving their intended results, responding to stakeholder needs, and generating lessons for future improvement.

Relevant areas may include:

• Development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Results-based management and performance measurement.
• Development of indicators and data-collection tools.
• Monitoring programme implementation and outcomes.
• Accountability mechanisms for affected communities and programme participants.
• Learning processes and documentation of good practices.
• Data analysis, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Integration of conflict-sensitive monitoring and evaluation approaches.

Applicants should demonstrate practical experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning, research, programme performance measurement, or related fields.

The vacancy announcement presents the MEAL area separately from the numbered profiles, so candidates should verify the exact profile selection and requirements displayed in the official application system.

Key Responsibilities of Selected Consultants

The specific responsibilities of consultants will depend on their area of expertise and the requirements of each assignment.

The announcement identifies several broad categories of work that consultants may be expected to undertake.

Technical and strategic advisory services

Consultants may provide specialist advice to UNFPA’s Regional Office and country offices on programme design, policy development, conflict prevention, youth engagement, humanitarian response, governance, and peacebuilding.

This work may involve analyzing existing approaches, identifying gaps, proposing solutions, and recommending evidence-based interventions.

Programme and framework development

Consultants may contribute to the design, development, and implementation of programmes, strategies, and technical frameworks.

Depending on the assignment, this could include youth-led peacebuilding initiatives, humanitarian-development-peace strategies, social cohesion programmes, resilience interventions, or monitoring and evaluation systems.

Research, assessments, and evaluations

Consultants may conduct research, prepare assessments, analyze programme performance, and evaluate interventions.

They may be required to collect and interpret evidence, identify emerging challenges, assess results, and develop recommendations that support improved programme implementation.

Policy development and advocacy

Some assignments may involve supporting policy development, preparing technical documents, and contributing to advocacy initiatives.

Consultants may help ensure that relevant policies and programmes reflect the needs of young people and other affected populations while integrating peacebuilding, gender equality, and development priorities.

Partnership development and coordination

Consultants may support partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, youth-led groups, and other relevant stakeholders.

This work can involve stakeholder consultations, technical coordination, capacity strengthening, and collaboration to improve programme delivery.

The exact tasks, expected outputs, reporting arrangements, location, and duration will depend on the individual consultancy assignment.

Minimum Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should carefully assess their qualifications before applying. The roster is intended for experienced professionals with relevant academic credentials and demonstrated technical expertise.

Educational qualifications

The announcement specifies an advanced university degree, such as a master’s degree or PhD, in a relevant discipline.

Relevant fields may include:

• International Relations.
• Peace and Conflict Studies.
• Law.
• Social Sciences.
• Other related academic disciplines relevant to the selected technical profile.

Candidates should ensure that their educational background is clearly stated in their CV and that their qualifications are relevant to the profile they intend to pursue.

Professional experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required across the roster.

However, the required level varies by technical profile:

• At least 5 years: Programme Manager (YPS).
• At least 5 years: Youth in Humanitarian Action.
• At least 5 years: Strategic Researcher.
• At least 5 years: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning.
• At least 7 years: Senior Peace and Security Expert.
• At least 7 years: Humanitarian-Development-Peace Strategy Specialist.
• At least 7 years: Lead Evaluation Specialist.
• At least 7 years: Governance and Rule of Law.
• At least 7 years: Social Cohesion and Resilience Specialist.

For profiles requiring progressively responsible experience, applicants should show how their responsibilities, technical contributions, and leadership have developed over time.

Simply listing previous job titles may not be sufficient to demonstrate suitability. Candidates should explain their actual responsibilities, relevant assignments, achievements, and the technical results they helped deliver.

Geographic and regional experience

The announcement emphasizes proven experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings, specifically within the Sahel or Lake Chad Basin.

Experience in other relevant parts of West and Central Africa, including Liptako-Gourma and the Gulf of Guinea regions, may also be pertinent to the regional context described in the call.

Applicants should identify the countries and contexts in which they have worked and describe how that experience relates to the selected technical profile.

Relevant examples may include peacebuilding projects, humanitarian programmes, youth engagement initiatives, conflict assessments, resilience programmes, governance activities, and evaluations conducted in challenging operating environments.

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required.

Working knowledge of French is mandatory for the majority of regional assignments, making French language proficiency an important consideration for applicants seeking opportunities across West and Central Africa.

Arabic or Portuguese is considered an additional advantage.

Candidates should accurately describe their language proficiency in their application and should not overstate their ability to communicate or work professionally in a particular language.

Core Competencies and Professional Values

UNFPA emphasizes professional integrity, responsible conduct, respect for diversity, and the ability to deliver results in complex environments.

Applicants should demonstrate how their professional experience reflects the organization’s stated values and competencies.

Core values

Integrity: Consultants are expected to demonstrate ethical conduct, honesty, transparency, and responsible use of resources.

Professionalism: Candidates should show technical competence, sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Respect for diversity: Consultants should be able to work respectfully with people from different cultural, social, and professional backgrounds.

Core competencies

The announcement highlights the following competencies:

• Strategic thinking and the ability to understand complex issues.
• Results-based management and a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work in multicultural environments.
• Capacity to operate effectively in high-pressure settings.
• Professional collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to programme quality and sustained results.

Applicants should consider reflecting these competencies through concrete examples in their CV and cover letter rather than relying only on general statements about their skills.

How to Apply for the UNFPA WCARO YPS Consultant Roster 2026

Interested professionals must submit their applications through the official UNFPA recruitment portal.

The announcement identifies three principal supporting documents: a comprehensive CV, a cover letter of no more than two pages, and a recent technical work sample.

Step 1: Access the official application portal

Visit the official recruitment page for the vacancy:

https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2003/job/34532/?utm_medium=jobshare

Review the vacancy details, confirm the information displayed in the application system, and follow the portal’s instructions.

Step 2: Prepare a comprehensive CV

Your CV should clearly explain your education, professional experience, technical skills, and achievements.

It should demonstrate how your background aligns with the specialist profile you are applying for.

Consider including:

• Academic qualifications and relevant training.
• Current and previous professional positions.
• Dates of employment and levels of responsibility.
• Relevant consultancy assignments and technical projects.
• Experience in peacebuilding, youth development, humanitarian action, governance, research, or evaluation, as applicable.
• Experience in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
• Countries and regions where you have worked.
• Languages and proficiency levels.
• Reports, evaluations, research publications, or other relevant technical outputs.

Where possible, describe the results of your work, the scale of the programmes you supported, the stakeholders you worked with, and the specific technical contributions you made.

Step 3: Write a focused cover letter

The cover letter must not exceed two pages.

It should explain why your experience makes you suitable for the roster and identify the technical area in which you wish to contribute.

The announcement specifically asks candidates to state their number of years of relevant experience and their thematic focus.

A strong cover letter should therefore:

1. Identify the relevant consultant profile.
2. State the number of years of relevant professional experience.
3. Summarize your most relevant qualifications and technical strengths.
4. Explain your experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
5. Highlight relevant achievements and assignments.
6. Demonstrate how your expertise relates to UNFPA’s priorities.
7. Explain the technical value you could bring to future assignments.

Candidates should keep the letter specific, evidence-based, and directly connected to the requirements of the selected profile.

Step 4: Submit a recent technical work sample

Applicants must provide a recent example of their technical work.

The announcement gives examples such as a report, strategy paper, or evaluation. Links to relevant work are acceptable.

Depending on the selected profile, a suitable work sample might include:

• A conflict analysis report.
• A peacebuilding strategy.
• A humanitarian response assessment.
• A youth development programme framework.
• A governance or policy analysis.
• An evaluation report.
• A research paper or policy brief.
• A social cohesion or resilience assessment.
• A monitoring and evaluation framework.

The work sample should demonstrate the applicant’s technical competence, analytical ability, writing quality, and familiarity with relevant subject matter.

Candidates should ensure they are authorized to share the selected document. Confidential information, personal data, or restricted organizational materials should not be disclosed without appropriate permission. If necessary, provide an appropriately redacted or publicly accessible version.

Step 5: Review and submit your application

Before submitting, check that all required documents are complete and consistent.

Confirm that your CV and cover letter identify the same technical focus, that your experience meets the relevant threshold, and that your work sample supports the expertise you claim.

Follow any additional instructions shown on the official portal and retain a copy of your submitted materials for future reference.

Application Deadline

The recruitment listing specifies the following closing date:

31 December 2026 at 23:00 Eastern Time (America/New_York).

Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline and avoid waiting until the final hours.

The announcement’s application-process section also describes the roster as an open-ended call with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Because these statements may reflect different aspects of the recruitment process, candidates should verify the current closing date and submission status directly on the official vacancy page.

For deadline calculations, note that the portal specifies Eastern Time, which may differ from the applicant’s local time. Applicants outside the United States should account for the time-zone difference when planning their submission.

Benefits of Joining the UNFPA Consultant Roster

The roster does not guarantee a consultancy contract, fixed remuneration, or immediate deployment. Nevertheless, inclusion may provide several professional opportunities for qualified specialists.

Potential access to future consultancy assignments

Pre-qualified candidates may be considered for suitable short-term or long-term assignments when UNFPA WCARO or its country offices require relevant expertise.

Opportunities to contribute to regional development priorities

Depending on the assignment, consultants may support programmes connected to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, gender equality, humanitarian response, governance, and resilience.

Opportunities to apply specialized technical knowledge

The roster covers a range of professional areas, enabling experienced candidates to contribute through research, programme design, evaluation, policy development, strategic advice, or other relevant technical work.

Potential collaboration with diverse stakeholders

Assignments may involve working with governments, civil society organizations, youth-led groups, development partners, and humanitarian actors.

Opportunities to support evidence-based programming

Consultants may contribute to research, assessments, evaluation, and knowledge products that help inform decisions and improve programme effectiveness.

These are potential professional opportunities associated with the nature of the roster, not guaranteed benefits. Specific contractual conditions, fees, assignment duration, travel requirements, and working arrangements should be confirmed for each consultancy opportunity.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The roster is most relevant to experienced professionals whose education and technical background match one or more of the advertised profiles.

Potential applicants include:

• Peace and security experts with experience in conflict analysis, mediation, and peacebuilding.
• Humanitarian-development-peace specialists with expertise in resilience and coordinated programming.
• Programme managers experienced in youth-led peacebuilding.
• Evaluation specialists familiar with OECD-DAC standards and conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Humanitarian practitioners working on youth engagement, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence.
• Governance and rule of law specialists.
• Researchers with experience in evidence generation, foresight, and knowledge products.
• Social cohesion and resilience specialists.
• MEAL professionals with experience in programme monitoring, accountability, evaluation, and learning.

Applicants should have the appropriate academic qualifications, meet the relevant professional experience threshold, and be able to demonstrate experience connected to fragile or conflict-affected environments.

Professionals whose experience is primarily unrelated to these technical areas may not be suitable for the roster.

Geographic Scope and International Applicants

The opportunity is managed by UNFPA’s West and Central Africa Regional Office and is intended to support assignments across the region.

The announcement specifically highlights the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Liptako-Gourma, and Gulf of Guinea regions.

It emphasizes regional expertise and experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings, particularly the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

The published information does not specify a complete list of eligible nationalities or establish an explicit restriction based on race. Consequently, applicants should not assume that eligibility is determined by race or that only nationals of a particular country may apply. They should consult the official vacancy page and recruitment portal for any nationality, residency, work authorization, or other eligibility conditions applicable to the roster.

For professionals based outside West and Central Africa, the key consideration is whether they meet the stated qualifications and can demonstrate the relevant regional and technical experience. Final eligibility and suitability remain subject to the official recruitment requirements.

UNFPA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UNFPA states that its work environment reflects gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance.

The organization encourages women to apply as part of its commitment to gender parity. It also encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including LGBTQIA+ communities, minority ethnic groups, Indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support participation in the recruitment process.

UNFPA also states its commitment to equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation, and selection, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.

Applicants who require accommodation should consult the official recruitment information for the appropriate process.

More information is available through UNFPA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page: https://www.unfpa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion

Important Recruitment and Application Considerations

Before applying, candidates should keep the following points in mind.

Roster inclusion is not a job offer. The purpose of the roster is to identify qualified consultants who may be considered for future assignments. Placement on the roster does not guarantee employment or a consultancy contract.

Experience requirements vary by profile. Some areas require at least five years of experience, while others require at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.

Regional expertise matters. The announcement places particular emphasis on experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings, especially the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

Language proficiency is important. English fluency is required, while French is mandatory for the majority of regional assignments. Arabic or Portuguese is an advantage.

Technical evidence strengthens an application. A well-prepared CV and cover letter should be supported by a relevant technical work sample.

Assignment conditions may differ. Duty station, duration, deliverables, and other contractual details depend on the individual consultancy assignment.

UNFPA does not charge recruitment fees. According to the announcement, UNFPA does not charge application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other recruitment-related fees. It also does not request applicants’ bank account information as part of recruitment.

Candidates should remain cautious of anyone claiming to guarantee roster placement or offering recruitment services in exchange for payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the UNFPA WCARO Youth, Peace, and Security Consultant Roster?

It is a roster of pre-qualified regional consultants intended to help UNFPA identify experienced specialists for future technical assignments related to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, humanitarian action, governance, research, evaluation, and development.

2. Is this a permanent job?

No. The announcement describes an individual consultancy roster rather than a permanent staff position. Inclusion may lead to consideration for future consultancy assignments but does not guarantee a contract.

3. How many years of experience are required?

The minimum is five years of relevant professional experience. Several profiles, including senior peace and security, humanitarian-development-peace strategy, lead evaluation, governance and rule of law, and social cohesion and resilience, require at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.

4. What educational qualifications are required?

The announcement specifies an advanced university degree, such as a master’s degree or PhD, in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Law, Social Sciences, or a related field.

5. Is experience in Africa required?

The roster is focused on West and Central Africa. The announcement specifically emphasizes experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings, particularly the Sahel or Lake Chad Basin. Applicants should demonstrate relevant regional knowledge and experience.

6. Is French compulsory?

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is mandatory for the majority of regional assignments. Arabic or Portuguese is considered an advantage.

7. Which documents must applicants submit?

The announcement identifies three required documents:

1. A comprehensive CV.
2. A cover letter of no more than two pages, stating the years of relevant experience and thematic focus.
3. A recent technical work sample, such as a report, strategy paper, or evaluation. Links are acceptable.

Applicants should follow the final instructions shown on the official recruitment portal.

8. What is the application deadline?

The recruitment listing states 31 December 2026 at 23:00 Eastern Time. Because the announcement also describes the call as open-ended with rolling review, candidates should confirm the current deadline on the official portal.

9. Can consultants from outside West and Central Africa apply?

The published announcement does not provide a comprehensive list of eligible nationalities. Candidates from other regions should review the official eligibility conditions and determine whether they can demonstrate the required technical and regional experience.

10. Does joining the roster guarantee work?

No. Inclusion establishes eligibility for consideration for suitable consultancy assignments. Actual opportunities depend on UNFPA’s requirements, available assignments, and the relevant selection process.

Conclusion

The UNFPA WCARO Youth, Peace, and Security Consultant Roster 2026 is an opportunity for experienced professionals to be considered for future consultancy assignments supporting peacebuilding, youth participation, humanitarian action, governance, social cohesion, resilience, research, and programme evaluation across West and Central Africa.

The roster covers a broad range of technical profiles, from senior peace and security experts to programme managers, humanitarian specialists, researchers, governance professionals, and MEAL practitioners. Candidates must demonstrate the required academic qualifications, relevant professional experience, appropriate language skills, and familiarity with fragile or conflict-affected environments.

Interested professionals should carefully identify the technical profile that best matches their experience, prepare a comprehensive CV, submit a focused cover letter of no more than two pages, and provide a recent technical work sample.

The recruitment listing specifies a deadline of 31 December 2026 at 23:00 Eastern Time, although the announcement also describes the call as open-ended with rolling review. Applicants should verify the latest information through the official recruitment portal before submitting their documents.

Apply here: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2003/job/34532/?utm_medium=jobshare
For more information about the organization, visit the official UNFPA website: https://www.unfpa.org/about-us

By presenting relevant qualifications, regional expertise, and clear evidence of technical achievements, qualified professionals can put themselves forward for consideration for future UNFPA consultancy assignments that support youth empowerment, peace and security, and sustainable development across West and Central Africa.

Explore More at Opportunities for Youth (OFY).