Country Engagement Consultant (Lusophone and LAC)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is the world's leading children's rights organization, established in 194

• With a mission to promote the survival, protection, and development of children, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories. It is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, employing over 12,000 staff across more than 145 countries.

Job Overview:
The Country Engagement Consultant will work under the supervision of the SWA Programme Specialist, focusing on partner engagement in Lusophone and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. The consultant's primary responsibilities will include organizing high-level meetings, supporting government-led multistakeholder processes, and enhancing political engagement regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and international partners, to mobilize political decision-makers and implement the Mutual Accountability Mechanism (MAM) in targeted countries. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing communication materials to highlight the outcomes of these engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the CPLP Secretariat and Dominican Republic in organizing joint events for Lusophone and LAC countries, including coordination meetings and action plans for collaboration.
• Facilitate Lusophone and LAC countries' participation in high-level meetings, drafting action plans and background materials for ministerial engagements.
• Strengthen government-led multistakeholder processes in Angola, Cabo Verde, and either Colombia or Mexico, including conducting workshops and providing relevant materials.
• Mobilize political decision-makers in Angola, Cabo Verde, and Timor Leste, preparing political analysis documents and strategic action plans for Presidential Compacts on WASH.
• Implement the Mutual Accountability Mechanism in Lusophone countries, providing technical assistance for reporting progress on commitments.
• Prepare stories and communication materials to showcase the outcomes of country engagements in Lusophone and LAC countries.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in high-level multilateral and multi-stakeholder platforms, including work with international agencies, governmental authorities, and NGOs. Experience in WASH is required, along with a strong background in governance and policy analysis. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and drafting skills are essential, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. The consultant should be detail-oriented, results-driven, and capable of working effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, foreign relations, or other relevant fields is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in high-level multilateral and multi-stakeholder platforms. Experience in WASH and working with national governments and their strategic partners is strongly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Portuguese and/or Spanish is highly desirable, given the focus on Lusophone and LAC countries.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home/office-based and is expected to last from September 1, 2025, to July 31, 202

• The consultant will be required to submit a financial proposal reflecting costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if international travel is required. The selected candidate must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award. Payment will be based on the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment for unsatisfactory work. The consultant must also confirm fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 if required to work on-site.