Communication Consultant: Advocacy, 11.5mos, Division of Communication, NYHQ

UNICEF delivers change by combining high-quality programmes at scale, harnessing innovation and collecting evidence, in partnership with Governments, other United Nations partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and children. It uses these to leverage wider change nationally and globally through advocacy, communications and campaigning. UNICEF also builds public support around the world to volunteer, advocate and mobilize resources for the cause of children, and works with partners to achieve an even greater impact.

Consultant Title  : Communication Consultant, Advocacy - 11.5 mos

Location:  New York Headquarters

Duration:  11.5 months (February 19, 2018 – February 4, 2019)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Advocacy

The Cause Framework is a way of working across the organization, bringing together UNICEF’s advocacy, communications, public engagement, fundraising and brand functions around a key set of issues and activities at strategic points in time. The goals of the Cause Framework are to:

1. 1. generate the policies, funding, public opinion and action that support UNICEF’s work to deliver results for children and
   2. expand the base of supporters who give their time, voice and money to UNICEF and children’s causes through these campaign/projects and other opportunities.

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of the consultancy is to support the Chief of Advocacy in the following areas:

Strategy Development

• Support the Chief of Advocacy in the oversight of the advocacy portfolio
• Provide support to Cause Framework campaign teams, in the design of advocacy and campaign strategies which connect effective global and national level advocacy
• Support the development of clear theories of change across UNICEF advocacy priorities
• Strategy development for ad hoc initiatives or emerging priorities

Project Management and Reporting

• Provide project management support across the advocacy portfolio, to ensure effective delivery of priority projects
• Produce presentations and other materials to support planning and reporting
• Support the Chief of Advocacy in overseeing and driving ad hoc projects and events
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of advocacy work

Operations

• Support the Chief of Advocacy across all operational matters
• Provide ad hoc support to the Chief of Advocacy as needed

To qualify as a/an [champion or advocate] for every child you will have…

• Education

  • University degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or other related field.

  Work experience

  • At least five years’ experience in advocacy and campaign strategy development and execution, preferably on both a global and national level.
  • Experience in developing clear theories of change, with specific, measurable and timebound objectives and performance indicators.
  • Experience in strategic public engagement activity, based on an understanding of the target audience.
  • Strong track record in writing engaging campaign narratives and delivering creative campaign tactics.
  • Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring of results.
  • Experience in operating independently at a senior level and in providing expert advice and support on advocacy and campaigns.
  • Knowledge of international development, humanitarian issues and children’s rights.
  • Experience working for an advocacy or campaigning organization e.g. international or national NGO, UN or other multilateral organization. 
  • Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is an asset.

  Skills and attributes

  • Demonstrated strong communication, presentation and writing skills are essential – a clear, concise, compelling writing style which is adaptable for difference audiences, including mainstream public.
  • Strategic thinking and critical analysis.
  • Commitment and drive, with a clear focus on results.
  • Positive, proactive, ‘can-do’ approach.
  • Solutions-focused.
  • Ability to juggle competing priorities, whilst maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
  • Creative and innovative.

  Languages

  • Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is required.  Knowledge of an additional UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate our core values + core and functional competencies,

1. Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

2. Core Competencies

• Communication [II]
• Drive for Result  [II]
• Working With People [II]

3. Functional Competencies

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]
• Analyzing  [II]
• Applying Technical Expertise  [II] 
• Planning and Organizing [III]
• Relating and Networking [II] 

To view our competency framework, please click here or http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

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).  

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.