Africa Strategy Coordination and Strategic Communications Consultant

Work arrangement Remote / Home-based

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing it not just as a job but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children globally.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to bolster the implementation of UNICEF’s Africa Strategy by offering comprehensive support in coordination, strategic communications, research, analysis, reporting, and project management across various teams and partner organizations. The consultant will be instrumental in monitoring progress, fostering collaboration between headquarters, regional, and country offices, and enhancing stakeholder engagement with entities like the African Union. The role is crucial for strengthening the coherence and effectiveness of UNICEF's contributions to Africa's development agendas and improving outcomes for children across the continent. This position requires a proactive approach to facilitate communication, track initiatives, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Support the coordination and implementation of UNICEF's Africa Strategy across multiple teams and partners. Track progress on strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with continental development agendas and outcomes for children. Facilitate effective collaboration and information exchange between UNICEF headquarters, regional offices, and country offices in Africa. Strengthen stakeholder engagement, particularly with the African Union and other key partners, to enhance UNICEF's influence and impact. Conduct research and analysis on relevant policy and program areas related to children's rights and development in Africa. Synthesize complex information into high-quality analytical reports, briefing notes, and strategic documents for senior management and external audiences. Develop and manage project workplans, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and milestones. Prepare concise management reports on progress, risks, and dependencies. Support the development and dissemination of strategic communications materials to promote UNICEF's work in Africa. Assist in organizing and facilitating senior-level meetings, consultations, and governance processes, ensuring clear follow-up actions are defined and executed. Contribute to strengthening the coherence and effectiveness of UNICEF's overall engagement with Africa's development frameworks.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in programme or project coordination, strategic communications, partnerships, or planning. Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder workplans across organizational units or geographic locations. Experience coordinating senior-level meetings and translating decisions into actions. Proven experience in research, synthesis of complex information, and producing high-quality analytical reports for senior management and external audiences.

Skills

Coordination, Strategic Communications, Research and Analysis, Reporting, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Partnership Building, Interpersonal Skills, Policy Analysis, Report Writing, Microsoft 365 Proficiency, UNICEF/UN System Familiarity