Role Overview
The consultant will take the lead at the regional office in coordinating and delivering the 2026 advocacy and communication plan to support the eradication of polio and increase in routine immunization coverage across the region with focus on high priority countries. S/he will work collaboratively with colleagues across UNICEF at country, regional and global level, as well foster relationships with external partners in the region to drive changes in policy and practice, and secure political and financial commitments for children.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with Global and Regional Advocacy Managers and the Gates Foundation Grant Focal Point, the consultant will:
- Strategic Oversight: Lead the strategic oversight and coordination of advocacy initiatives.
- Regional Focal Point: Act as the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) focal point.
- Technical Guidance: Provide technical guidance to Country Offices to strengthen their communication and advocacy strategies.
- Strategic Inputs: Develop and support strategic advocacy inputs, including key messages, briefings, and concept notes.
- Communications Support: Provide timely advocacy and communications support to regional and country-level teams.
- Campaign Planning: Lead the planning and coordination of key advocacy moments and events.
- Donor Engagement: Manage donor engagement and contribute to global coordination mechanisms.
- Budget Monitoring: Oversee budget monitoring and utilization for the advocacy and communication portfolio.
- Regional Support: Support broader regional advocacy and communications priorities as needed.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following disciplines: Public Health, International Relations, Public Policy, International Development, Human Rights, Global Health, Communications, Journalism, or a similar field.
Work Experience
- At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/campaigning and communication.
- Essential experience in developing and creating advocacy materials, key messages, event briefings, concept notes, talking points, donor reports, and advocacy briefings.
- Proven experience in deploying a range of advocacy and communication tactics with partners and including multiple teams.
Skills and Competencies
- Written Expertise: Strong written communications expertise including experience in developing and creating advocacy and communication materials (press releases, key messages, event briefings, etc.).
- Policy Presentation: Strong communicator with the ability to present complex policy ideas in succinct and engaging ways.
- Sector Knowledge: Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development, and humanitarian issues.
- Digital Proficiency: Good working knowledge and experience across Microsoft SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Spoken French is considered an asset.
Desirables
- Experience in advocacy at the international and regional level is an asset.
- Technical expertise in health, immunization, polio eradication, and/or familiarity with emergency contexts is considered an asset.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the UNICEF recruitment portal by following the link: UNICEF Application Portal.
