Public Affairs and Government Relations Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of every child and adolescent globally, particularly focusing on the most vulnerable populations in remote areas. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, striving to ensure that children and adolescents not only survive but thrive and reach their full potential. In Brazil, UNICEF's mission includes advocating for the rights of children and adolescents, aiming to enhance public policies that support these groups and their families. The organization engages with all branches of government to promote stronger policies for children, aligning its strategies with national and subnational advocacy priorities.

Job Overview:
The Public Affairs and Government Relations Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's advocacy agenda in Brazil. The consultant's primary objective is to strategically advance UNICEF's priority agendas through effective political dialogue and advocacy. This position involves advising UNICEF on various advocacy and political dialogue decisions, which includes monitoring legislative processes, producing political analyses, and maintaining regular communication with UNICEF leadership to inform decision-making. The consultant will focus on UNICEF's three advocacy priorities for 2026, while also addressing other relevant issues that may arise throughout the year. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with stakeholders and ensure that UNICEF's advocacy efforts are well-informed and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a Political Monitoring and Advocacy Plan, including initial mapping of advocacy priorities, identification of relevant legislative proposals, and design of a policy influence strategy.
• Conduct Legislative and Executive Monitoring and Analysis, providing weekly updates on the National Congress and federal Executive branch, along with integrated political context analyses.
• Produce quarterly reports detailing strategic guidance for advocacy decisions, including risk and opportunity assessments related to child rights.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement by mapping key players and scheduling regular meetings.
• Document all advocacy and engagement activities throughout the consultancy period.
• Prepare a Final Monitoring, Advocacy, and Recommendations Report at the end of the contract, summarizing key findings and strategic recommendations for future advocacy efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related fields. A postgraduate degree or specialization in areas such as Public Policy, Government Relations, Advocacy, or Human Rights will be considered an asset. Proven experience in government relations, advocacy, and political engagement is essential, particularly in monitoring legislative and executive processes. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyze legislative proposals and public policies, produce strategic analyses, and engage with key stakeholders effectively. Knowledge of the National Congress and public policy formulation cycles is crucial, along with the ability to navigate dynamic political environments with autonomy and strategic vision.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, or Public Policy is required. Additional qualifications such as a postgraduate degree or specialization in Public Policy, Government Relations, Advocacy, or Human Rights will be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial professional experience in government relations, advocacy, and political engagement, particularly in monitoring decision-making processes within the Legislative and Executive branches at the federal level. Experience in analyzing legislative proposals and public policies, as well as producing briefings and strategic analyses, is essential. Familiarity with institutional engagement involving parliamentarians, advisors, and public officials is also required, along with a background in civil society organizations or international organizations focused on children's rights.

Languages:
Proficiency in Portuguese and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess additional language skills may have an advantage, but the primary requirement is fluency in both Portuguese and English to effectively communicate and engage with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract is set for a duration of one year. Consultants are required to submit a financial proposal that includes all fees associated with the assignment, covering deliverables and the number of days worked. UNICEF emphasizes its core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability, and expects all consultants to adhere to these principles. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, unless they are working remotely and not interacting directly with UNICEF operations.