Advocacy & Partnerships Consultant - Heads of State Initiatives, PGD, WASH O/P Nairobi, Kenya, 1 year (Remote) Req#593407)

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 from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The consultant will support UNICEF in positioning and operationalizing the Heads of State Initiatives (HoSI) as a key mechanism for enhancing political commitment, financing, and accountability within the WASH sector. This role involves providing technical, advocacy, and coordination support to UNICEF’s WASH Partnerships and Advocacy and WASH Systems and Governance teams. The objective is to advance the Heads of State Initiatives (HoSi), ASWA III programme priorities, and global engagements with partners like Sanitation and Water for All, and major events such as the UN 2026 Water Conference. The consultant will ensure coherence between political advocacy, systems strengthening, and UNICEF’s global advocacy plan, driving strategic alignment and enhancing the visibility and impact of HoSI.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for developing an updated HoSI communication strategy and website. They will create country-level HoSI support packages and provide periodic technical assistance reports. Responsibilities also include developing HoSI learning products, such as country case studies, synthesis briefs, advocacy briefs, and explanatory notes for both internal and external audiences. The consultant will also develop a UNWC 2026 HoSI High-Level side event strategy note, linking Dakar, Abu Dhabi, and post-UNWC follow-up. Additionally, they will prepare high-level briefing notes and talking points for UNICEF senior leadership, and create country spotlight profiles for HoSI/ASWA III countries. A post-UNWC 2026 synthesis note capturing commitments and a monitoring report on compact implementation and financing commitments will be produced. The consultant will also develop advocacy-ready learning products and donor-friendly briefs to support senior leadership engagement. Travel may be required as part of the scope of work.

Work Experience

At least 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, with a strong focus on WASH systems strengthening, governance, financing, or political advocacy. Demonstrated experience working with UN agencies, international NGOs, multilateral partnerships, or development finance institutions at global, regional, and country levels. Proven experience supporting country teams in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Skills

Strategic advocacy and political engagement, Systems strengthening and governance, High-level coordination and diplomacy, Stakeholder engagement and facilitation, Communication and drafting, Capacity building and knowledge management

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