Senior Communications Consultant – Req. #581288

Job no: 581288

Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: New York
Level: Consultancy
Location: United States
Categories: Fund Raising

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.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope!

Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: Senior Communications Consultant
Section/Division/Duty Station: Education Outcomes Fund, New York HQ
Duration: June 1, 2025, to May 30, 2026
Home/Office Based: REMOTE

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

Background

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

We are seeking to recruit an exceptional consultant to provide support for a period of 12 months to develop and implement EOF’s communication strategy across the breadth of its work.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will support EOF’s Chief of Operations to develop and implement EOF’s communications strategy, plan and write communications content for EOF’s programs, codify EOF’s approach to writing and publishing content online, and optimize EOF’s website. The consultant will report directly to EOF’s Chief of Operations.

Terms of Reference / Deliverables

• Deliverable 1: Produce a communications calendar for EOF in 2025, including all external comms activity (EOF news, programs, partnerships), audiences (e.g., donors, Board members), and timelines (social media, newsletters, blog posts, etc.).
  Due: 30 June 2025
• Deliverable 2: Write communications content including 8 newsletters, 12 partner emails, and 8 press releases.
  Due: 4 newsletters, 6 emails, and 4 press announcements by 30 September 2025; remainder by end of assignment
• Deliverable 3: Optimize EOF’s website by writing 4 blog posts (approx. 500 words) and updating pages (approx. 6 updates) for team, board, or programmatic changes.
  Due: 31 October 2025
• Deliverable 4: Provide event support for EOF’s strategic events:
  • Identify 5 strategic events for participation
  • Provide light comms support for 12 events (e.g., social media posts, emails)
  • Provide full comms support for 4 major events (e.g., UNGA, COP), including messaging, talking points, and coordination

  Support 6 events by 30 November 2025; remainder by end of assignment

• Deliverable 5: In consultation with Program Managers, develop and implement three comprehensive communications plans for EOF program launches using traditional and digital media.
  Due: 28 February 2026
• Deliverable 6: Codify EOF’s publishing process including tone of voice guidance and approval checklists. Review externally published content.
  Due: 30 December 2025

Travel

Estimated 3 mission travels, each of 4 working days.

Qualifications

1. Education

• Master’s degree in political science, economics, finance, business, education, international development, or a related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree may be considered with 2 additional years of relevant experience.

2. Knowledge/Expertise/Skills Required

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience developing and executing communication strategies in politically nuanced environments.
• Leadership in international advocacy campaigns using traditional and digital media.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
• Fluency in English is required.

Desirable:

• Experience in innovative finance or outcomes funds.
• Background in education, ECCE, or skills-for-employment sectors.
• Experience in Africa or the Middle East.
• Fluency in French, Arabic, or Spanish.

Requirements

• Completed profile in UNICEF’s e-Recruitment system
• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Submit a financial proposal including:
  • Cost breakdown per deliverable and total lump-sum (USD)
  • Travel costs and per diem (if applicable)
  • Other estimated costs (e.g., visa, insurance)
  • Availability
• Emergent travel covered by UNICEF
• Consultant must have current health insurance
• Fees paid upon satisfactory deliverables; UNICEF may withhold payment for delays or substandard work

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage.

For every child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

Diversity and Inclusion

UNICEF is committed to diversity and encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, nationality, background, or disability, to apply. We promote flexible working, paid parental leave, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Applicants with disabilities requiring accessibility support can contact UNICEF through the Accessibility page.

Additional Notes

UNICEF does not hire candidates married to individuals under age 18. We have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, or discrimination. All candidates undergo thorough background checks including education and work history verification. Candidates with disabilities may be asked to provide documentation confidentially.

Consultancy Conditions

Consultants are not considered staff and are not entitled to UN benefits. They are responsible for their tax obligations. Visa and insurance validity for the full contract period is the consultant’s responsibility. COVID-19 vaccination may be required unless the role is fully remote with no travel or in-person interaction.

Apply here