Consultant for Merchandise Development and Brand Collaboration

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's Philippine Country Office is a medium-to-large size office based in Manila, with a regular field office in Cotabato City, and is actively involved in fundraising for various programs, including emergencies. The organization prides itself on its inclusive culture and commitment to diversity, ensuring that all employees feel a sense of belonging and purpose in their work.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Merchandise Development and Brand Collaboration will work closely with the Individual Giving Manager and the Private Fundraising & Partnerships (PFP) team to develop a comprehensive merchandise and collaboration strategy that aligns with UNICEF's brand identity and fundraising goals. This role involves conducting market analyses to identify potential product categories, establishing campaign themes, and collaborating with artists and brand partners to create impactful merchandise. The consultant will oversee the entire process from conceptualization to production, ensuring that all products meet UNICEF's quality and ethical standards. The position requires strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes in merchandise development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conceptualization & Strategy: Develop merchandise strategies aligned with UNICEF’s brand, conduct market analyses, and establish campaign themes.
• Artist Sourcing & Creative Collaboration: Identify and onboard artists, negotiate contracts, and facilitate collaboration between artists and product development teams.
• Brand Partnerships & Product Collaboration: Identify potential brand partners, develop proposals, lead contract negotiations, and ensure compliance with UNICEF’s ethical standards.
• Design & Product Development: Oversee the translation of artistic concepts into production-ready designs, coordinate with designers and manufacturers, and ensure adherence to brand guidelines.
• Production & Vendor Management: Manage relationships with vendors, monitor production timelines, and ensure compliance with ethical manufacturing practices.
• Project Management & Cross-Functional Coordination: Develop project timelines and budgets, serve as a liaison among stakeholders, and maintain documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Marketing Integration & Campaign Launch Support: Collaborate with marketing teams to align merchandise with campaign messaging and support launch plans.
• Sales Performance, Impact Measurement & Optimization: Define KPIs, track performance data, and recommend improvements based on insights.
• Relationship Management & Long-Term Partnership Building: Maintain relationships with artists and brands, explore opportunities for repeat collaborations, and increase UNICEF's visibility in creative communities.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Fine Arts, Design, Creative Industries, or related fields.
• Work Experience: At least 2 years of experience in merchandise development, creative production, or brand collaborations.
• Skills: Strong aesthetic sensibility, project management capabilities, ability to work with diverse creative personalities, and familiarity with ethical production standards.
• Knowledge: Understanding of intellectual property rights, licensing, and artist agreements, as well as sustainability practices in design and manufacturing.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Business, Marketing, Communications, Fine Arts, Design, or Creative Industries is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of merchandise development and brand collaboration.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of proven experience in merchandise development, creative production, or brand collaborations. This experience should demonstrate a strong ability to translate artistic concepts into commercially viable products and manage multiple timelines and deliverables effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Filipino (oral and written) is mandatory for this position. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills are essential for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and ensuring successful partnerships.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role with a deadline for applications set for 16 March 202

• Candidates are required to submit an online profile through UNICEF's e-recruitment portal, along with a cover letter and a completed P11 Form. The role may involve working in a fast-paced environment and requires adherence to UNICEF's core values and ethical standards. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.