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 Background and Justification

The continent of Africa is changing fast: its economy, trade and investment and its climate are altering. Its urban population is booming; conflict and stability are being redefined; and migration patterns are evolving.

In this context, digital communication and social media have become powerful tools to reach multiple audiences and engage stakeholders in the continent and beyond, including youth, so as to inform but also convey the urgency of putting children (and their issues) as a priority. In an era of greater transparency and authenticity, social media and online communication are rapidly delivering a new standard of interaction between people.

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), social media and digital platforms are a key way for UNICEF to communicate the reality of children living in the Region and engage audiences. UNICEF focuses on five programmatic priorities in ESA – aiming to ensure that children survive and thrive; stunting is reduced, quality education outcomes are improved, results for adolescents are enhanced and the design and delivery of child sensitive social protection systems are scaled up.

Scope of Work 

Under the supervision of the Regional Chief of Communication, UNICEF ESARO, the consultant will regularly liaise with colleagues in Country Offices and Headquarters on digital content, style and storytelling, particularly in relation to engaging youth audiences. They will also support – and in some cases lead on the creation and coordination of social media strategies and campaigns, monitoring and analysis, and moderation of platforms.

The consultant may also be called on to provide technical assistance to Country Offices and ESARO staff in producing their own social media content and championing wider digital editorial processes.

The consultant will be required to work with a variety of parties involved in the assignment and will need to develop positive working relationships with partners, stakeholders, and UNICEF staff.

The consultant will:

1. Identify and establish new, creative digital content and partnerships (platforms, products and agencies) around the Gen Unlimited issues and Regional Priorities that engage an African youth audience, including monitoring and evaluating youth-focused content and campaigns;

2. Manage day-to-day activity on the UNICEF ESARO social media channels and support ESAR in the amplification of global and regional advocacy moments and campaigns on UNICEF Africa social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram;
3. Work with ESAR and HQ to amplify ESAR emergencies on UNICEF digital platforms;
4. Support on the amplification strategy for all youth-generated content (films, photography, blogs) from across ESAR;

5.      Share digital knowledge and trends with UNICEF staff in ESARO through digital outreach, trainings, webinars, case studies and how-to guides;

6. Provide guidance to UNICEF ESAR Country Offices in identifying relevant social media influencers that can amplify our youth-focused work and explore creative ways of collaborating;
7. Give technical assistance to ESAR Country Offices and staff on social media including asset creation, posting, and monitoring and evaluation;
8. Support on broader communications, for example filing of digital content such as photos and video, copy-editing and assistance on presentations. 

 Payment Schedule

Payment will be made upon the satisfactory quality deliverables as scheduled and described in the previous section.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a communication-related field; a university degree in a related field plus an additional two years of required relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

• At least two years of professional work experience in Communication, or a related field;

• Proven advocacy experience and good knowledge of development issues, especially children’ issues and UNICEF’s work;
• Excellent project management, analytical and writing skills;
• Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of parts of Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.

Administrative issues 

• The assignment will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Any cost incurred to enable the Consultant to successfully carry out the assignment, such as phone, equipment, and Internet, will be covered entirely by the Consultant.

Conditions  

• The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.
• Travel to Malawi is required.
• Travel expenses, including living allowance, will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs, by the consultant and reimbursed against actuals.
• As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

• The drafts and final documents, as well related data, will be the property of UNICEF after completion.

Application

Candidates will be requested to submit the following documents:

• Expression of interest / motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• References and/or Reference Letters

• Quoted daily fees (including lump sum travel on mission to Malawi and subsistence costs, as applicable).

Candidates should indicate their all-inclusive fees Applications submitted without a fee/ rate and all-inclusive travel & living expenses will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.