Under the overall guidance and direction of the Chief of Child Rights Programming and Advocacy, the Advocacy Specialist will be responsible for supporting the National Committees in the design, implementation and monitoring of their advocacy strategies.
Act as Focal Point within the unit for strategic planning, monitoring and reporting support to National Committees :
Lead on the overall PMR capacity strengthening work in close collaboration with PRIME and DGCA, including customized training packages for NCs during country visits and regional workshops.
Support the organization of the Annual Network Meeting of Advocacy Directors (taking place on September 6th-8th 2023), taking final ownership of the PMR related sessions and follow-up.
Contribute to the finalization of the Joint Strategic Plan and Influence Deep-Dive review process and lead on the implementation of the changes relevant to the unit for the 2024 planning period.
Lead on the guidance and support to National Committees on the policy change reporting for 2023 and work with the KM Specialist in promoting the direct use of the knowledge exchange platform by NatComs.
Contribute to the development of key knowledge and reporting products including UNICEF Annual Reports, strategic-level meetings and dedicated National Committee products.
Provide bilateral support to a group of National Committees in their advocacy planning and implementation, securing alignment with UNICEF's frameworks and guidance:
Provide a subset of National Committees with targeted support and guidance to develop and implement a quality Influence Strategy as part of the JSP and JEP processes.
Facilitate monthly calls with the advocacy focal points from select National Committees to ensure ongoing dialogue on their strategies, gather insights and respond to their specific/emerging needs.
Support PHICs leads in PG Social Policy and Social Protection and PG Nutrition and Early Childhood Development to engage directly with National Committee focal points on alignment with UNICEF frameworks and strategies.
Support National Committees with any adjustments required following the publication of the revised PHICS guidance and programme review.
Act as the focal point for DGCA on the Global Advocacy Priorities on Education (1) and Vaccines (2) to ensure alignment and engagement of National Committees.
Advocacy support and coordination to National Committees on social policy and social protection:
Provide targeted advocacy support to National Committees with a focus on social policy and social protection.
Convene monthly calls between the National Committees and the key supporting Divisions and Offices, including PG, OoR, ROs and PPD Brussels to support knowledge exchange and collaboration across the network.
Participate in the Advisory Group on Report Card 18 on Child Poverty and Social Protection and contribute to the development of the advocacy strategy.
Participate in the Regional Social Policy Advisors Network and provide relevant updates and guidance on the activities and results of National Committees and foster linkages with HICs.
Advocacy support and coordination to National Committees on nutrition and ECD :
Provide advocacy support to National Committees with a focus on obesity and overweight in children in PHICs and Early Childhood Development.
Convene regular calls between the National Committees and the PG focal points to support knowledge exchange and learning across HICs country contexts and ensure participation of National Committees in key global initiatives.
Support PG to develop three country case studies from National Committees on advocacy strategies focused on tackling obesity and overweight.
Collaborate with the PG BECE team to ensure alignment on related priorities, including family-friendly policies and the impacts of harmful marketing practices on obesity.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required international development, International Relations, Social studies, or another relevant field.
Alternative, a first-level University Degree in a relevant field combined with (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of progressively professional work experience in the field of advocacy and child rights is required.
Familiarity with the work of UNICEF National Committees is an asset.
Strong planning, monitoring, and reporting skills.
Good judgment, initiative, and capacity to manage complexity.
Takes ownership and initiative and can work both independently and effectively in a team environment.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills in interacting with colleagues at all levels.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to establish harmonious working relations in a multicultural environment.
UN/UNICEF experience is an asset.
Language requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.
