Product Licensing Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The Product Licensing Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's strategic initiative to centralize product licensing operations, which are currently managed by a third-party agency. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including external agencies and internal teams, to develop a comprehensive strategy for product licensing. The consultant will be responsible for conducting research, synthesizing information, drafting documents, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure effective engagement throughout the process. The role also involves compiling and refining operational plans, facilitating the publication of the strategy, and exploring creative avenues to enhance product licensing revenue. The consultant will work closely with teams such as PASS, Communications, and Legal to develop and update guidelines related to product licensing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a detailed strategy for centralizing product licensing at UNICEF, utilizing existing work as a foundation.
• Engage stakeholders to solicit feedback during the strategy creation process.
• Compile and refine operational plans based on stakeholder input.
• Facilitate copy-editing, graphic design, and approval processes for the publication of the strategy.
• Identify additional opportunities for increasing product licensing revenue, including co-branding and character development.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to develop and update guidelines for product licensing.
• Complete the initial assessment and scope of work for the centralized product licensing agency by 15 January 202
• Develop and finalize the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of the product licensing agency by 15 February 202
• Complete the evaluation and selection process for the product licensing agency by 15 March 202
• 1
• Finalize comprehensive guidelines for the agency by 15 April 202
• 1
• Design and implement an onboarding plan for the selected agency by 15 May 202
• 1
• Establish and operationalize monitoring and evaluation processes using a CRM system by 15 June 202
• 1
• Develop and implement an engagement plan with relevant NatComs and launch a partnership network by 15 July 202
• 1
• Create an internal communication package highlighting partnership results by 15 August 202
• 1
• Develop co-branding identity in collaboration with the agency by 15 September 202
• 1
• Complete a market assessment and evidence report identifying priority products for sale by 15 October 202
• 1
• Secure a partnership agreement with a company to produce and/or sell identified products by 15 November 202
• 1
• Conduct a comprehensive review of activities and submit a report summarizing key results by 14 December 2026.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business development, social science, communications, international development, business administration, or related fields is required.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in licensing, brand strategy, merchandising, marketing, or a similar field is required.
• Direct experience in product licensing, ideally in a commercial setting, is required.
• Experience working in complex environments with multiple stakeholders is essential.
• A strong understanding of the UN and partnerships is an asset.
• Proficiency in IT skills, including Microsoft Office Suites, SharePoint, graphic design software, and other relevant programs is highly desired.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields is required: business development, social science, communications, international development, business administration, or other related fields.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in licensing, brand strategy, merchandising, marketing, or a similar field is required. Direct experience in product licensing is essential, ideally in a commercial context. Experience in complex environments with multiple stakeholders is also necessary, along with a strong understanding of the UN and partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will work remotely/home-based, with potential travel covered separately by UNICEF. Payment will be made upon submission of an invoice and satisfactory completion of deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if performance is unsatisfactory. All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF. The consultant must comply with UNICEF's travel policies and ensure valid travel and medical insurance. Selected candidates must confirm fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, unless working remotely. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives.