UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
UNICEF aims to be the leading advocate for children, enabled by a cohort of networked, strategic, innovative, and effective advocates who deliver change for children in every part of the world.
How can you make a difference?
The P4 Chief of Advocacy and Communication is accountable for leading the advocacy and communication strategies of the Country Office, under the supervision of the Representative. This includes:
the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of integrated advocacy and communication strategies to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people
the effective deployment of public channels and private relationships to mobilize public and private resources for children, including through UNICEF
using traditional and digital media and key partnerships to build awareness of and support for child rights and UNICEF’s mission, priorities, and programmes at the national, regional and global level
working with children and young people to empower them as agents of change
responding to major communication risks and challenges.
As a member of the Management Team, the staff member will work alongside colleagues to oversee the overall performance of the office, create a positive workplace environment, and ensure the wellbeing of staff.
Summary of key results:
The staff member will lead and manage a team to design and coordinate effective, integrated advocacy and communication strategies, through the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages, this includes:
Advocacy strategy development:
Lead advocacy strategy process from defining advocacy outcomes, power analysis, and developing a clear theory of change to win the support of decision makers and mobilize key constituencies.
Advocacy strategy implementation:
Drive the implementation of advocacy strategies and plans, working across teams to ensure all strands of the strategy are progressed and mutually reinforcing. Supervise the development of cogent and compelling advocacy and campaign narratives, and the delivery of creative campaign tactics.
Communication strategy development and implementation:
Design effective communication plans delivering on the aims of key advocacy strategies to mobilize public and private support for the cause of children as well as supervising the implementation of plans.
Digital strategy:
Lead and manage the Office’s advocacy and communication team as well as the monitoring and evaluation of digital initiatives and integrated advocacy campaigns for key audiences.
Media relations:
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure we can build public awareness of and support for UNICEF and the cause of children.
Advocacy and Communication M&E:
Supervise the development of a clear advocacy and communication M&E framework and overseeing the production and dissemination of advocacy and communication M&E results.
Team building, Project and Budget Management:
Lead and Provide a protective, nurturing environment for the team to drive and deliver strategic advocacy and communication initiatives.
Mobilize resources for undertaking advocacy and communication. Ensure effective and transparent management of budget and resources.
Advocacy and Communication Capacity Building:
Build internal UNICEF capacities in advocacy and communication.
Stakeholder engagement:
Provide strategic direction for partnerships and networks, partners will include key internal stakeholders, other UN entities, influencers, goodwill ambassadors, academics, business leaders and other public and private sector partners.
Ensure that effective advocacy and communication strategies and plans are co-created with partners.
Child Safeguarding
UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
This position has been identified as being an elevated risk role.
To qualify as a champion for every child you will have……
A Master’s University degree is required in one of the following fields: International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Communication or related fields.
A first level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant field, in conjunction with two additional years of relevant work experience in advocacy, campaigning or a related field may be taken in lieu of an Advanced University degree.
At least ten 8 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/ campaigning and communication is required, with at least two years at the international level.
Experience in leading the development and implementation of advocacy and communication strategies, with clear theories of change, specific, measurable and timebound objectives, and performance indicators.
A track record of achieving or contributing to tangible policy change.
Proven experience in deploying a range of advocacy and communication tactics based on a clear theory of change.
Experience in building and maintaining a network of external stakeholders, and in working with coalitions.
Experience in building strong relationships with traditional and social media entities and using media relations and channels to engage public audiences.
Experience in leading the development, implementation and monitoring of digital strategies.
Experienced and current in digital and social media content and audience trends as well as in managing online platforms and channels.
Strong communicator with emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct, engaging ways through campaign narratives and creative tactics.
Experience in managing a team is a requirement, along with a proven commitment to diverse and inclusive recruiting process. Experience managing a multicultural team is an asset.
Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring and evaluation of results.
Knowledge of international development, humanitarian issues and children’s rights.
Experience in training and facilitation is an asset.
Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is an asset.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is a strong asset.
Selection Criteria:
Experience in fundraising and social media marketing
