Communication and Advocacy Consultant

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.

Working closely with Global and Regional Advocacy Managers and the Gates Foundation Grant Focal Point, the consultant will:

• Lead the strategic oversight and coordination
• Act as the ESARO focal point
• Provide technical guidance to Country Offices
• Develop and support strategic advocacy inputs
• Provide timely advocacy and communications support
• Lead the planning and coordination of key advocacy moments
• Manage donor engagement and contribute to global coordination mechanisms
• Oversee budget monitoring and utilization
• Support broader regional advocacy and communications priorities,

Minimum 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 similar.

Work Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/campaigning and communication is required.
•  Experience in developing and creating advocacy materials, key messages, event briefings and concept notes, talking points, donor reports, and advocacy briefings is essential.
• Proven experience in deploying a range of advocacy and communication tactics with partners and including multiple teams.

Skills:

•  Strong written communications expertise including experience in developing and creating advocacy and communication materials, such as press releases, key messages, event briefings and concept notes, talking points and advocacy briefings is essential.
• Strong communicator with emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct and engaging ways in advocacy and communication materials is essential.
• Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development and humanitarian issues.
• Good working knowledge and experience across Microsoft SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, Excel is required.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Spoken French is 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.