Education Advocacy, Communications and Knowledge Management Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to advocate for the protection of children's rights and to help meet their basic needs, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 13,000 employees. The organization focuses on various areas including education, health, nutrition, and child protection, striving to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. UNICEF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can grow and contribute to the mission of serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Education Advocacy, Communications and Knowledge Management Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Education and Adolescent Development Section at UNICEF's New York Headquarters. This position is designed to deliver essential interventions related to communications, advocacy, and knowledge management, particularly in relation to the Safe to Learn (STL) portfolio. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Senior Education Advisor and the Head of the Safe to Learn Secretariat, to conceptualize and develop communication strategies and materials that effectively promote education initiatives. The consultant will be responsible for generating knowledge products, managing social media engagement, and organizing advocacy events, all aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of UNICEF's education programs. This role requires a proactive approach to resource mobilization and donor engagement, ensuring that the Education Section's objectives are met despite funding challenges. The consultant will also maintain knowledge management systems and facilitate global knowledge sharing events to strengthen the education network.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing communications and advocacy assets such as key messages, media Q&As, and video scripts.
• Creating social media packs and engaging with donors and partners on key education priorities.
• Planning and delivering advocacy events, both virtual and in-person, to promote education initiatives.
• Maintaining and updating the Education Section’s SharePoint site and managing the Safe to Learn repository.
• Organizing global knowledge sharing events and disseminating newsletters to keep stakeholders informed.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by preparing targeted communications and advocacy materials.
• Collaborating with designers and communication departments to ensure brand alignment in publications.
• Developing learning products and case studies to showcase successful education initiatives.
• Ensuring timely completion of deliverables and maintaining high standards of quality in all outputs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters) in social sciences, international relations, public policy, international development, public relations, communication, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in communications and advocacy, particularly in government policy change and resource mobilization, is required. Familiarity with social media for development, knowledge management, and tools such as Drupal and Adobe Suite is desirable. Understanding the UN system and having prior experience within it is an advantage. Strong communication, presentation, and writing skills are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters) in a relevant field such as social sciences, international relations, public policy, international development, public relations, communication, or knowledge/information management is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of global education initiatives and the advocacy needed to support them.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional work experience at the national or international level, specifically in communications and advocacy. Experience in resource mobilization and knowledge management is also highly desirable. Familiarity with the workings of the UN system and previous employment within it will be considered an asset, as it provides valuable context for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are essential for effectively conveying messages to diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and can be performed remotely or from the New York Headquarters. The consultant will be required to submit a financial proposal that includes costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if applicable. Candidates must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award. Payment will be based on the satisfactory completion of deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if standards are not met. The organization promotes a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.