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Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: Humanitarian Advocacy Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station:  Division of Communication and Advocacy (GCA) Humanitarian Advocacy Team - NYHQ

Duration: November 2025 to February 2026

Home/ Office Based: NYHQ/ Remote 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: 

The Humanitarian Advocacy Consultant will work with the Division of Communication and Advocacy (GCA) Humanitarian Advocacy team to develop and implement humanitarian advocacy strategies and plans within the context of UNICEF’s global humanitarian advocacy priorities and accountabilities for 2025-2026, and as needed, provide technical humanitarian advocacy expertise and strategic guidance to country and regional offices to develop and implement humanitarian advocacy strategies in major emergencies.

Accountable to the Head of Humanitarian Advocacy, the Humanitarian Advocacy Consultant will provide technical humanitarian advocacy expertise towards the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluating global strategies and workplans to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people in or at risk of emergencies. Areas of focus could include humanitarian advocacy in relation to famine prevention, mitigation and response; humanitarian access and protection of humanitarian workers; protection of civilians; and humanitarian financing. In addition and as needed, the Humanitarian Advocacy Consultant will provide technical humanitarian advocacy expertise and strategic guidance to Country Offices and Regional Offices in developing, implementing and monitoring humanitarian advocacy strategies and action plans.

As a member of GCA’s Humanitarian Advocacy team, the Humanitarian Advocacy Consultant will work in close coordination with other DGCA sections, EMOPS, Public Partnerships Division, Private Fundraising Partnerships Division, Programme Group, other HQ Divisions, Regional, Country Offices, National Committees, other relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Through these efforts, the Humanitarian Advocacy Consultant will contribute to the fulfilment of GCA’s accountabilities to strengthen capacities to develop, implement and monitor targeted, integrated and corporately owned humanitarian advocacy strategies and workplans at global level and in select emergencies, in close collaboration with EMOPS.

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of the Head of Humanitarian Advocacy in GCA and in close coordination with EMOPS, PG, PPD and PFP, the Consultant will work to support and implement the development of effective, integrated advocacy strategies across UNICEF HQ and key UNICEF Regional, Country Offices and National Committees, with a focus on global humanitarian priorities and initiatives. S/he will work collaboratively with colleagues across UNICEF at headquarters, country and regional level, and with National Committees, and as requested with external partners, to drive changes in policy and practice and secure commitments for children in or at risk of emergencies. S/he will identify and target global advocacy opportunities and support effective humanitarian advocacy at the global level, and provide targeted support at regional or country level. 

Terms of Reference / Deliverables

Development of humanitarian advocacy strategies and workplans 1. Technical humanitarian advocacy expertise provided to the Head of Humanitarian Advocacy for the development of up to 4 humanitarian advocacy strategy and plans, with SMART outcomes, compelling calls to action, and a clear theory of change for global priorities and initiatives

2. Robust analysis conducted of global political, economic and cultural trends relevant for development of up to 4 humanitarian advocacy strategies, including identification of potential advocacy opportunities and challenges.

3. Up to 4 new approaches and innovative ideas proposed as part of the strategy development process to reach, engage and influence target audiences including outside of traditional capitals, recognizing changing geopolitical landscape

4. Risks identified and risk mitigation plan developed per advocacy strategy (up to 4), including for implementation of strategic advocacy tactics and partnerships

5. Best practice and lessons learned identified from up to 5 different emergencies and up to 3 global priorities to inform strategic approach

6. Technical humanitarian advocacy expertise provided to COs and ROs in up to 4 emergencies in development of crisis-specific humanitarian advocacy strategies.

Implementation of humanitarian advocacy strategies and workplans        1. Strategic advocacy expertise provided across teams to advise on the implementation of up to 4 advocacy strategies and plans, working across teams to ensure strategic coordination required for effective implementation of a range of advocacy tactics.

2. Required advocacy briefs and products, advocacy narratives, creative activations developed in support of up to 4 humanitarian advocacy strategies, to drive private and public engagement, including for high-profile advocacy and communications moments or activations, as needed

3. Strategic advocacy expertise and guidance provided to cross-functional teams to advise on humanitarian advocacy challenges as these arise, liaising with the Head of Humanitarian Advocacy and the GCA humanitarian taskforce, via participation in up to 50 weekly humanitarian meetings over the course of the consultancy

4. Strategic coordination expertise provided across divisional, international and inclusive teams to deliver advocacy initiatives against up to 6 key moments, including to respond to new or emerging crises or priorities

Monitoring and Evaluation        1 Working with GCA’s humanitarian taskforce and relevant teams across HQ, NatComs and relevant CO and ROs, baselines established against which humanitarian advocacy outcomes are regularly monitored against up to 4 strategies and workplans;

2 Strategic guidance provided to GCA’s humanitarian advocacy team and humanitarian taskforce in analyzing the effectiveness of the humanitarian advocacy strategies, approach and activities against global priorities and major moments, via up to 50 weekly humanitarian meetings over the course of the consultancy

3 Periodic production and dissemination of up to 6 advocacy M&E results reports on a regular basis to inform effectiveness of humanitarian advocacy, including in relation to major moments or initiatives.

4. Strategic guidance and technical advocacy expertise provided to COs, ROs and HQ in monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF’s humanitarian advocacy in up to 6 major emergencies, including through review of L3 and L2 evaluations.

Qualifications

(1) Education

University degree in Social sciences, international relations, public policy, humanitarian affairs, emergency response, international development, public relations, communication or a related field

(2) Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• At least seven years’ experience in humanitarian advocacy, political engagement or humanitarian diplomacy, preferably on both a global and national level.
• Demonstrated success in influencing diverse national and global stakeholders, using strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, to foster collaboration and drive impactful results.

• A track record of achieving or contributing to tangible change in policy or practice on humanitarian issues.
• Experience in leading the development and implementation of humanitarian advocacy strategies, with clear theories of change, with specific, measurable and timebound objectives and performance indicators.
• Experience in strategic engagement activity (public and private, direct engagement), based on an understanding of the target audience.
• Strong track record in writing engaging targeted messages and delivering creative tactics based on a clear theory of change.
• Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including monitoring of results.

• Proven track record in managing multi-stakeholder projects, with strong project planning, monitoring, and coordination skills, adept at managing tight deadlines and using collaboration tools.
• Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including establishing clear indicators and monitoring of results, with the ability to assess impact and develop and effectively communicate lessons learned to maximize continued improvement and institutional learning.
• Experience in operating independently at a senior level and in providing expert advice and support on humanitarian advocacy, diplomacy or political engagement, or on learning and development in emergencies.
• Experience working for an international organization on humanitarian issues e.g. international or national NGO, UN or other multilateral organization
• Current knowledge of humanitarian issues and children’s rights.
• Knowledge of the United Nations system and other international organizations within the humanitarian sector are a strong asset.
• Experience working in an emergency environment is a strong asset.

Requirements: 

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :
  • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability
• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate… UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, are encourage to apply are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (if applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.