UNICEF is looking for Advocacy Specialist (Migration and Refugee), 6 months

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

Millions of children are on the move across international borders – fleeing violence and conflict, disaster or poverty, in pursuit of a better life. In particular, the global number of refugee and migrant children moving alone has reached a record high. At least 300,000 unaccompanied and separated children were recorded in some 80 countries in 2015–2016, up from 66,000 in 2010–2011.

Serious gaps in the laws, policies and services meant to protect children on the move leave refugee and migrant children bereft of protection and care.

With the aim of addressing these gaps, UNICEF has stepped up its work in support of migrant and refugee children in the recent years. In September 2015, a response to the crisis in Europe was set up, including the very active involvement of 8 National Committees (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Germany, the UK and France). PFP, through the Advocacy and Innovative Partnerships Unit in the PSE Section, has been actively involved in supporting these Natcoms in the implementation of their advocacy role.

In addition to that, one year later (in September 2016), UNICEF launched the Uprooted campaign as part of the integrated way of working promoted through the Cause Framework. Once again, this effort has counted with the support of PFP, including through the appointment of the campaign deputy lead.

During that period, the Advocacy Unit counted upon the support of an Advocacy Specialist, first with a consultancy contract and subsequently through a TA. The latter was extended with a significant change in the conditions: the duty station has now been moved to New York and the cost is shared with two more divisions (DRP and DOC). This means that the time this post can allocate in support of PFP’s priorities would be more restricted, and mainly focus around the global design and implementation of the Uprooted Campaign.

How can you make a difference?

For the reasons mentioned above, a consultancy was established to provide specialized / technical support to National Committees in their advocacy work, particularly considering the phase-out and transition period of the ONE response to the EU migration crisis.

The consultant’s main tasks will include:

• In full coordination with the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, support the advocacy work being undertaken by the 6 National Committees that are based in the 6 priority countries that are or have been considered as part of the ONE response: Greece, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. This includes technical guidance, workplan formulation, guidance and oversight, M&E, bilateral support in reaction to specific events and advocacy opportunities, replying promptly to ad-hoc demands and queries by advocacy staff in National Committees, etc.
• Support other National Committees’ involvement in the crisis (i.e. Spain on Ceuta and Melilla, UK on family reunification, France on child protection training of civil society actors, Sweden on issues such as age assessment, family reunification and returns, etc.).
• More widely when required, targeted support to National Committees advocacy plans in implementation of the Uprooted Campaign as needed, in full coordination with the Uprooted Campaign Team, UNICEF’s Brussels Office and the Senior Advisor on Migration in Programme Division.
• Lead the implementation of specific initiatives identified such as the project on returns as part of the Uprooted Campaign or the response in Europe.
• Support knowledge exchange activities with advocacy staff in National Committees on migration-related issues as needed.
• Provide more general advocacy support to National Committees as requested, in particular as part of the phase out process for the ONE response, as well as in the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation framework.
• Provide specialized / technical support to National Committees in their advocacy work in response to the migrant and refugee crisis in Europe and also as part of the Uprooted Campaign.
• Depending on the divisional needs, the incumbent might be also asked to provide more generic advocacy support to National Committees, particularly considering the phase-out period of the ONE response to the EU migration crisis
• Support in the implementation of the outcomes of the ONE response report in key countries

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• • Master degree in politics, public policy, communication, human rights, development studies or related field.
  • Five years of relevant professional experience, including in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies in international development, human rights or humanitarian contexts.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of migration related fields
  • Fluency in English is required, communication skills in other European languages is desirable.
  • Experience in working within the UN, including with UNICEF in particular and in contact with National Committees, is highly desirable.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including communicating difficult and challenging concepts to a wide range of audiences and the ability to convince people and bring about change by fostering ownership and commitment to the issues.
  • Strong organizational / strategic / analytical skills are essential.
  • Ability to work independently and in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders is essential.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework here

Duration: 6 months

 

Workplace:

 

Remarks:

 Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered. Also, please mention the earliest date you can start.