Communications & Campaigns Consultant

The Brussels Office is seeking a Communication Consultant who will support the work of the Advocacy and Policy Section in developing and implementing a wide range of communication activities to strengthen UNICEF’s partnership with the EU, with a focus on the initiatives around the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and on events highlighting the EU-UNICEF partnership led by UNICEF in collaboration with the EU institutions.

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, hope

The UNICEF Office for Relations with EU institutions in Brussels manages UNICEF’s relationship with European Union Institutions (namely the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European External Action Service and the European Parliament) in order to expand political space for children through evidence-based policy advocacy, to mobilize and to leverage EU resources for children and for UNICEF, and to provide support and guidance to Country and Regional Offices for the effective management of EU-funded programmes. The Brussels Office coordinates UNICEF’s global interactions with EU institutions effectively, strategically and with a focus on results.

Within the UNICEF Office in Brussels, the Advocacy and Policy Section leads on mainstreaming child rights into EU policy and practice, on influencing EU external and internal policies related to migrant and refugee children and on mobilizing resources for children in migration. This work requires working closely with UNICEF offices in EU member states (Country Offices and National Committees), and developing partnerships with the European Parliament, key EU Member States. Communication activities (including campaigns, engagement with adolescents and working with the media) are key to support advocacy and increase UNICEF’s brand in the EU. At the same time, the Brussels Office supports UNICEF Country and Regional Offices in ensuring that they fulfill their communication and visibility contractual obligations.

How can you make a difference?

The Brussels Office is seeking a Communication Consultant who will support the work of the Advocacy and Policy Section in developing and implementing a wide range of communication activities to strengthen UNICEF’s partnership with the EU, with a focus on the initiatives around the 30^th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and on events highlighting the EU-UNICEF partnership led by UNICEF in collaboration with the EU institutions.

The consultancy will have two main responsibilities:

• Support the Brussels Office, Country and Regional Offices in the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities planned on the 30^th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (e.g. UNICEF-EEAS CRC@30 campaign, Vox Box interviews, 2019 World Children’s Day);
• Support the Brussels Office in the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of communication activities on the EU-UNICEF partnership on children’s rights targeting EU media outlets and the EU general public, in close collaboration with UNICEF presence in EU member states (e.g. side level event at the UNGA, high level visits, report launches, etc.). 

The consultancy is at P.3 level (https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SC ).

Expected results and duties

1. Communication around the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child  (70%)

The UNICEF Office for Relations with EU Institutions has developed, and it is implementing a work plan to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Linked through a common narrative on the universality and timelessness of children’s rights and three key messages -on child participation, non-discrimination principle and investment in children- it is our advocacy and comms platform to influence meaningful change in the EU policies and practice and increase awareness of the CRC among EU decision makers.  

Duties & Tasks

• Lead on the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting on the EEAS and UNICEF joint campaign on the CRC@30 to reach out to the broader public and to maximize its impact.   Being an awareness digital social media campaign around the CRC, the campaign will engage children and adolescents to participate, share and increase awareness around their rights. The campaign aims to empower young audiences and encourage them to speak up, while also reaffirming the EU/UNICEF commitment to protect and promote the rights of the child.
• Lead on the Vox Box interviews, a series of video interviews carried out by children and young people at the European Parliament studio/other media in Brussels. Ensuring that by using a ‘hard-talk’ model, youth have the opportunity to ask direct questions to decision-makers at the headquarters of European politics.
• Lead on the communications of the 2019 World Children´s Day celebration, a unique high level event on the November 20th, during World Children Day. Ensure that this event celebrated in the Hemicycle of the EP would facilitate children and young people interaction with newly elected MEPs and International decision-makers.  Coordinate with Child Rights NGOs the preparation of the event, including the participation of young people.
• Maintain close collaboration with HQ Communication Division and communication colleagues from the UNICEF offices in EU member state for effective overall coordination.
• Coordinate closely with EU counterparts, especially EEAS, DG NEAR and DG DEVCO.

2. Communication on the EU-UNICEF partnership (30%)

The UNICEF Office for Relations with EU Institutions has developed and implemented a strategy and a work plan to ensure communication activities, including media, on children’s rights targeting EU media outlets and the EU general public. It will incorporate a successful process of maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media to communicate the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience.

 Duties & Tasks

• Lead on in the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting on a communications and media, including traditional channels and social media, strategy and associated work plan, including: context; objectives; target audiences; messages and media mix; resources; specific actions, activities and products; monitoring and evaluation of impact.  
• Plan and implement communication activities and special events including preparing information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and necessary logistic arrangements
• Initiate, develop and update media relations contact list/database of journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web, photo.
• Establish, document, review and refine process of communicating with media contacts, including press conferences and events, issuing of media materials etc.
• Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media, UNICEF presence in EU member states, relevant Country and Regional Offices, NGO and other relevant audiences.
• Identify, develop, distribute and evaluate variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats. Ensure or enhance the quality, appropriateness of specific communication materials, activities, processes and messages transmitted to the press, partners and public.
• Maintain close collaboration with HQ Communication Division and communication colleagues from the UNICEF offices in EU member state for effective overall coordination.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations
• At least five years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, print, broadcast, and/or new media.
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills in English and another UN language (working knowledge of French and/or Arabic an asset).
• Experience in conducting campaigns at the national or regional level
• Familiarity with the work of UNICEF an asset.
• Familiarity with migration issues an asset
• Familiarity with the European Union an asset.
• Ability to work independently and under tight deadline.
• Ability to work harmoniously in an international environment

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The competencies required for this post are….

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Duty station: Brussels

The consultant will be based in Brussels. Travel may be possible.

Reporting and location

The consultant will report to the Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor of the UNICEF Office for Relations with the EU institutions in Brussels.

Timeframe:

Start date:       19 August 2019      End date:  31 December 2019

This is a full-time job.

Fees: Applicants are requested to indicate a monthly fee. Expenses related to travel will be covered by UNICEF separately.

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