Home-based: ECD Skills Narrative Consultant (7 working days ) - ECARO

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built.

Job Purpose

UNICEF ECARO is seeking a consultant to develop a concise framing note and a brochure that articulate the links between the Childcare and Early Learning Financing Facility (CELFF) and the skills & jobs agenda. Existing CELFF materials highlight its role in advancing workforce participation, women’s economic empowerment, and the professionalization of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce. The consultant will further concretize these links to position CELFF within broader national, regional (e.g., EU), and global skills strategies, reinforcing its role as a flagship UNICEF initiative connecting ECEC, employment, and skills agendas. The deliverables will include a 5-7 page framing note and a 4-5 page brochure.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for framing the content by drafting a narrative that links ECEC financing to skills development and job creation, encompassing aspects like labour market participation, workforce readiness, ECEC workforce training, human capital development, and the care economy. This will involve reviewing EU and global skills strategies to integrate relevant elements into CELFF’s existing materials. The consultant will also focus on strategic messaging, developing clear and user-friendly communication tailored to specific stakeholder groups, such as International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and philanthropy. This includes identifying 3-4 headline messages for the brochure and related communications that emphasize CELFF’s contribution to ECEC, job creation, and skills development. Finally, the consultant will be responsible for drafting and refining a structured framing note (5-7 pages) and a brochure (4-5 pages) that clearly connect CELFF as a financing platform to advancing the skills agenda, and will provide concise talking points for UNICEF leadership and senior management for high-level dialogues.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in early childhood development, skills development, financing mechanisms, or related fields. Experience in developing communication materials and strategic messaging is essential. Proven track record in research, analysis, and report writing.

Skills

Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), Skills and Jobs Agenda, Financing Mechanisms, Strategic Communication, Content Framing, Stakeholder Engagement, Research and Analysis, Report Writing, Human Capital Development, Care Economy, EU and Global Skills Strategies, UNICEF Programme Context

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