Consultancy: Project and Partnership Consultant: Key Gender Section Events (UN General Assembly & International Day of Girl) - Gender Section, PD - NYHQ, Requisition# 506374

In support of the aforementioned events, and by working closely with the Gender Team, relevant other Sections from the Programme Division, and the Division of Communications, this consultant will function as the overall Project and Partnerships Manager for these events, and hold responsibility for building, engaging and managing the key partnerships relevant to the IDGC and UNGA events. S/he will liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders, help define their roles and the collaboration required, and coordinate with senior management to ensure that the strategic approach and its roll out are aligned with corporate goals and priorities. S/he will be responsible for managing the full scope of the IDGC and UNGA events including planning, budgeting, execution and wrap up, including: writing concept notes, briefing materials, correspondence; and shaping and structuring the event venue, speakers, logistics. S/he will also maintain close oversight over the development and deployment of a range of communications activities and materials for these events in conjunction with the focal point for those products, including social media strategies and related content with compelling and relevant messaging.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Background & Rationale

UNICEF is the lead agency for the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) and is responsible for coordinating and leading the celebrations of the Day at the Headquarter and Country levels. The Gender Section in the Programme Division leads this coordination role. Similarly, UNICEF engages at the global level in UN General Assembly (UNGA) events related to gender, and often takes an active role or leads the coordination of these events.

Purpose

In support of the aforementioned events, and by working closely with the Gender Team, relevant other Sections from the Programme Division, and the Division of Communications, this consultant will function as the overall Project and Partnerships Manager for these events, and hold responsibility for building, engaging and managing the key partnerships relevant to the IDGC and UNGA events. S/he will liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders, help define their roles and the collaboration required, and coordinate with senior management to ensure that the strategic approach and its roll out are aligned with corporate goals and priorities. S/he will be responsible for managing the full scope of the IDGC and UNGA events including planning, budgeting, execution and wrap up, including: writing concept notes, briefing materials, correspondence; and shaping and structuring the event venue, speakers, logistics.  S/he will also maintain close oversight over the development and deployment of a range of communications activities and materials for these events in conjunction with the focal point for those products, including social media strategies and related content with compelling and relevant messaging.

Expected results: (measurable results) 

1.  Finalize the briefing book including key messages, and support creation of internal and external communication products around the IDGC 2017 theme. This will be done in collaboration with key sister agencies within the UN and multiple civil society, government, and private sector partners.
2. Develop and implement a project plan for celebrating the IDGC, specifying activities, partnerships, roles, responsibilities, material and financial resources.
   1. Detail the key partnerships that should be cultivated and leveraged in the project plan, and ensure these partners are engaged with and provide oversight over the overall relationship management;
   2. Coordinate details of events planned, and monitor tasks and timelines to ensure deadlines are met;
   3. Provide oversight over communications with internal and external partners, event sponsors, and UNICEF Senior Management, especially in the Gender Section and the Division of Communications, in conjunction with focal point for communication;
   4. Coordinate event logistics, including vendor contract management, registration and attendee tracking, and presentation and materials support
   5. Ensure key communication products, like briefing books and presentation materials are finalized.
   6. Prepare briefing notes, bios, run of show specifications for the IDGC event participants.
   7. Close the project with all products and materials well organized and catalogued, participants and partners thanks, lessoned learned, next steps, and recommendations documented.

1. Consolidate a list of the UNGA events in which the Gender section should contribute or play a role along with the strategic value, direction, players, and messages required/involved.
2. Develop and implement a project plan for the UNGA Gender events, specifying activities, partnerships, roles, responsibilities, material and financial resources.
   1. Ascertain details of events planned, clarify UNICEF’s and the gender section’s role, and monitor tasks and timelines to ensure deadlines are met;
   2. Provide oversight over communications with internal and external partners, event sponsors, and UNICEF Senior Management, especially in the Gender Section and the Division of Communications, in conjunction with focal point for communication;
   3. Support event logistics if and as required
   4. Prepare briefing notes and provide input to event materials as required.
   5. Document and communicate follow-up action points. 

Management

The consultant will be managed by the Gender Section, reporting to Patty Alleman, Senior and Development Specialist, and working in close collaboration with the Planning Specialist Noreen Khan in relation to the UNGA. 

Duty Station: NY HQ Office based.

Timeframe: 2 months 

Start date: 5 September 2017            

End date:  6 November 2017 

DELIVERABLES

DURATION

(ESTIMATED # OF DAYS)

DEADLINE

Develop project management plan for IDGC

2

8 September 2017

Provide inputs for the Briefing Book, Key messages  and draft the SG’s message

4

14 September 2017

Consolidate list of UNGA events

2

15 September 2017

Develop and implement plan for UNGA Gender events, and wrap up.

10

29 September 2017

Coordinate IDGC events and activities and implement project management plan

10

31 October 2017

Coordinate the development and dissemination of internal and external IDG and UNGA communication products (i.e. graphics, blog posts, invites) including on social media channels, the UNICE Gender webpages, and mailing listservs.

10

31 October 2017

Wrap up IDGC project

2

6 November 2017

TOTAL

40

6 November 2017

Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline 

• Advanced university degree in the social sciences, international development, management, public relations, business administration, or other relevant areas required; background in gender preferred.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in international development, with significant experience with partnership building, communications, engagement and management.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to work across functional areas;
• Strong leadership, diplomatic, and negotiation skills along with the ability to deliver results;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage a diverse range of partners, projects and activities, and a proven track record of developing partnerships;
• Ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in written and oral form;
• Understanding of UN systems and international development issues; previous work experience and/or understanding of key partnerships for UNICEF desirable;
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects and competing priorities;
• Knowledge of computer systems, including internet tools, office applications, etc.;
• Fluency in English, knowledge of another UN language a plus.

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.