National Consultant for Child Wellbeing Advocacy
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF has been working for over 50 years in partnership with the Government and other organizations to promote and protect the rights of children and women. The organization is committed to its mission and offers opportunities for professional growth.
Job Purpose
The National Consultant for Child Wellbeing Advocacy will develop two advocacy strategies and associated products to address child wellbeing in Lao PDR, aligning with the Country Programme Document 2027–2031. The consultant will focus on creating concise, operational documents that outline a prioritized advocacy agenda and a costed action plan. These strategies will be informed by existing evidence, including political economy analysis, cost-of-child-marriage analysis, investment cases, and social and gender norms studies. The role involves mapping key audiences and defining specific asks for various stakeholders, including government bodies, mass organizations, donors, media, and communities. The advocacy efforts will be anchored in relevant policy frameworks and aim to influence policy changes to improve child wellbeing outcomes.
Responsibilities
Develop a comprehensive advocacy strategy for UNICEF Lao PDR focused on ending child, early, and forced marriage, considering the high prevalence rates in the region, particularly among young women with no education, certain ethnic groups, and the poorest households. This strategy must be built upon existing evidence, including the Political Economy Analysis, cost-of-child-marriage analysis, localized investment case, and social and gender norms study. Map key audiences and define specific advocacy asks for stakeholders such as the Government, Mass organizations, donors, media, and communities. Anchor the strategy within available policy hooks and relevant national frameworks. Additionally, develop a second advocacy strategy and associated products, aligned with the Country Programme Document 2027–2031, to promote broader child wellbeing. Produce advocacy materials for the National Assembly, Provincial People's Assembly, and line ministries in both Lao and English. Ensure all deliverables are operational, prioritized, and include a costed action plan, reflecting the total effort required for the assignment.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in advocacy, communication, or programme management, preferably within the UN system or a similar international organization. Experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies and campaigns, particularly on child rights or related social issues, is highly desirable. Proven experience in research, analysis, and report writing.
Skills
Advocacy Strategy Development, Communication Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Research and Analysis, Report Writing, Project Management, Child Rights Knowledge, UNICEF Programme Knowledge, Cross-cultural Communication, Bilingual Communication (Lao/English), Policy Analysis, Budgeting and Costing