Consultancy: Communication and Advocacy - Early Childhood Development

In January 2017, UNICEF launched #EarlyMomentsMatter, a 4 year campaign to increase understanding, commitment and investment globally around the importance of healthy brain development in the earliest years of life, especially the first 1,000 days. To help reach the ambitious campaign goals, the campaign team seeks to create greater synergy in working with a variety of partners and stakeholders at global and local levels including corporate partners. Therefore, a Consultant: Communication and Advocacy is needed.

Location :  UNICEF NY Headquarters

Position Title : Consultancy: Communication and Advocacy - Early Childhood Development

Location : New York, Headquarters

Duration : 6 months (approx. November 13, 2017 - April 12, 2018)

Reporting to :  Communication Specialist - ECD, Advocacy Section / DOC

Organizational Unit : Early Childhood Development Section, Programme Division,  and 

                                  Advocacy Section, Division of Communication

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.

Purpose of the Assignment

Under the supervision of the Campaign Lead/Communication Specialist for Advocacy Section, the consultant will work collaboratively with colleagues in the Advocacy section, other teams within the Division of Communication, and also with colleagues in the Programme Division, PFP, PPD, and other external and internal partners. The consultant is responsible for supporting the implementation of the campaign as it relates to partnerships and for reporting of advocacy and communication campaign activities.

 Assignment Tasks

• Draft the communications/advocacy section of the report for the Final Donor Report for LEGO, due March 2018, and assist with preparations for the Billund meeting in October. Specifically, the consultant will:

• Review inputs provided by above-mentioned UNICEF staff in order to ensure that the information is accurate and in line with the expected results and KPIs included in the Collaboration Plan with the donor
• Communicate with PFP, if needed, in order to clarify any questions regarding the format or content of the report
• Draft report and incorporate comments/suggestions from ECD team
• Support the senior staff who are attending the Billund meeting with preparation, including PPTs, briefing notes etc.

• Assist in the preparation of Spanish, French, Arabic and Chinese Publications of ECPC Briefs on ECD and reduction of conflict risks
• Assist in the preparation and documentation of ECPC working group meetings, development and refinement of ECPC concept notes

 In addition to the above, the consultant will also:

• Meet regularly with the ECD programme division, and the Advocacy Section;

• May be requested to work on weekends and holidays.

Expected Deliverables

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Progressively responsible and relevant work experience in implementing communication and advocacy strategies, and monitoring models;
• International work experience;
• Excellent networking and communication skills;
• Proven experience with social media strategies and outreach;
• Excellent understanding & knowledge of UN & UNICEF priorities & work in ECD;
• Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills;
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; knowledge of another UN language, preferably French and/or Spanish a plus;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under tight deadlines;
• Knowledge of early childhood development, neuroscience, and organizations involved in this programme area a plus;

Education

• Advanced university degree in communication, social sciences, early childhood development or related field;

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.