Consultancy: Consultant to support data-related communication - D&A, DRP - NYHQ, Requisition# 508205

The Data and Analytics team is looking for someone with a passion for evidence-based communication to drive advocacy and results for children. The ideal candidate has a communications background with experience writing and editing data-focused content for an international development organization. The individual will also work with vendors to manage the production of interactive web based assets.

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

Problems that go unmeasured often go unsolved and we believe that smart demand, supply and use of data drives better results for children. When the right data are in the right hands at the right time, decisions can be better informed, more equitable, and more likely to protect children’s rights.  Decades of partnerships, capacity building and technical work have put UNICEF in a global leadership position on data for children. As UNICEF works toward improving the use and sharing of data on and for children we have an opportunity to build on those assets and adapt our work to a shifting data environment.

UNICEF’s Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP) was created in 2014 to more effectively link and lead the organization’s data, research, policy and strategy functions, so that UNICEF can better track a rapidly changing world and strengthen policies and advocacy in an integrated way. The Data and Analytics (D&A) Section within the division maintains representative global databases used to guide UNICEF’s advocacy and policy programming, analyses data for programmatic policy and decision-making, and innovates on new methodologies, indicators, and monitoring tools. More information is available on data.unicef.org.  D&A leads the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) programme, a country-led household survey programme that generates high quality, internationally comparable data for monitoring the progress and improving the wellbeing of children. Our team works closely with other divisions and units across the organization levering the potential of the data to deliver results for children, especially the most vulnerable and hardest to reach.

Purpose

The Data and Analytics team is looking for someone with a passion for evidence-based communication to drive advocacy and results for children.  The ideal candidate has a communications background with experience writing and editing data-focused content for an international development organization. The individual will also work with vendors to manage the production of interactive web based assets.

Expected results: (measurable results)

Under the supervision of the Data Communication and Visualization Specialist in the Data Architecture and Communication Unit, in the Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP), the consultant will work towards reaching the following objectives to harness the power of evidence to drive change and create value for children.

Duty Station

New York Headquarters. The consultant is expected to work on site.

Timeframe

Start date:   20 December 2017                          

End date: 10 December 2018        

Key competences, technical background, and experience required

You’re passionate about turning information into insight and transforming the world of international development. You have a firm handle on and interest in international relations, and a keen sense of how a large international organization works

• Master’s degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, social sciences, economics, international relations or related subjects.
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written form.
• Mid-level professional with 5-7 years of relevant professional work experience in PR, media or editorial functions.
• Strong analytical, writing, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, with ability to multi-task, prioritize, meet deadlines and keep manager updated of progress.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Knowledge of current developments and practices in digital media communication.
• Demonstrated ability to extract and synthesize statistical information and present it succinctly and clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Experience in leveraging social media tools and capabilities, including social media platforms, management and monitoring tools, influencer outreach and social media analytics.
• Experience working with content management and website frontend and backend systems, especially WordPress and Refinery.
• Experience working with email marketing systems and data visualization libraries and tools.
• Knowledge of the work of UNICEF and rights based approach.

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.

Remarks

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

The selected candidate must have current health insurance coverage in place at the time the contract is awarded. 

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.