Programme Communications, Advocacy and Policy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 to its staff. UNICEF has a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Programme Communications, Advocacy and Policy Consultant position is designed to support UNICEF’s Gender Equality Action Plan for the years 2026–202

• The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening programme communications, advocacy, and partnerships. This involves developing communication and advocacy materials, engaging with partners, mobilizing resources, and promoting the leadership, voices, and rights of adolescent girls both within UNICEF and with external partners. The consultant will be expected to work independently while also collaborating with a diverse, international, and interdisciplinary team. This role is pivotal in ensuring that UNICEF's initiatives align with its mission to advocate for gender equality and the rights of children, particularly adolescent girls.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including but not limited to:

• Developing high-quality communication and advocacy materials that align with UNICEF’s objectives.
• Engaging with partners to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization efforts.
• Promoting adolescent girls' leadership and rights through targeted advocacy initiatives.
• Conducting research and analysis to inform communication strategies and materials.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure cohesive messaging and branding.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of communication and advocacy efforts.
• Providing training and support to UNICEF staff and partners on effective communication strategies.
• Representing UNICEF at external meetings and events to advocate for gender equality and children's rights.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication and advocacy, with a strong background in print, broadcast, and/or new media. Excellent writing skills, particularly on gender-related issues, are essential, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team. Proficiency in MS Windows, MS Office applications, SharePoint, and Teamsite management is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and advocacy work within the context of UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in communication and advocacy roles. This experience should include work in international development, humanitarian response, or gender equality initiatives. Familiarity with UNICEF or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as is experience in developing-country contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position may involve a flexible contract duration, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.