TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNICEF India is undergoing preparations for the next five-year Country Programme cycle 2027 - 2032. The consultancy will support the systematic review and repositioning of advocacy priorities to align them with the continuing and emerging priorities in the Country Programme Document (CPD), programme strategies and results framework. The consultant will synthesize evidence from evaluations, reviews, lessons learned, policy developments and stakeholder perspectives to identify strategic advocacy opportunities for the next programme cycle. The assignment will support integrating advocacy strategies into programme design, results frameworks and implementation approaches, positioning strategic advocacy as a deliberate accelerator for achieving results for children
UNICEF India is preparing for the development of its next Country Programme (2027–2032), which presents an important opportunity to assess and strengthen the organization’s strategic advocacy agenda in support of results for children. Building on the current Country Programme and responding to India’s evolving policy, social, economic and environmental landscape, UNICEF seeks to ensure that advocacy remains a deliberate and evidence-driven accelerator of programme outcomes. Over the past programme cycle, UNICEF India has advanced advocacy efforts across key child rights priorities through engagement with government institutions, parliamentarians, civil society, development partners, media, private sector stakeholders and young people. As the organization embarks on the next planning cycle, there is a need to systematically review existing advocacy priorities, approaches and achievements, while identifying emerging opportunities that can further enhance UNICEF’s influence and impact. The consultancy will support a comprehensive review and repositioning of advocacy priorities to align them with the evolving priorities of the forthcoming Country Programme Document (CPD), programme strategies and results framework. Drawing on evaluations, programme reviews, lessons learned, policy developments, stakeholder consultations and global best practices, the assignment will identify strategic advocacy opportunities and pathways for change. It will also support the integration of advocacy considerations into programme design, implementation approaches and results frameworks, ensuring that advocacy is embedded as a core strategy for accelerating progress for children in India. Scope of Work Under the broader guidance of the Section Chief and oversight by supervisor, the consultant will:
•Review evaluations, assessments, programme reviews and relevant evidence generated during the current Country Programme cycle and synthesize implications for future advocacy priorities.
•Conduct political economy analyses to gauge child rights enablers and barriers vis-à-vis stakeholders; thorough policy analyses to gauge opportunities, constraints and entry points for advocacy in the next Country Programme cycle.
•Develop analytical inputs and strategic options to support the positioning of advocacy within the emerging CPD and programme strategy discussions
Prepare advocacy frameworks, thematic position papers articulating clear advocacy asks aligned with priority programme outcomes and results.
•Develop tools and guidance to facilitate the integration of advocacy approaches into programme planning, implementation and monitoring frameworks.
•Produce knowledge products and synthesis reports capturing lessons learned, good practices and
recommendations for future advocacy programming.
Minimum requirements
Demonstrated analytical skills and approach to political economy analysis, stakeholder mapping, and evidence synthesis
Ability to translate evidence into strategic advocacy priorities, influencing pathways, and programme integration approaches Communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
Experience developing advocacy strategies, frameworks, influencing plans, and policy engagement approaches for development organizations
Experience working with UN agencies, UNICEF, government institutions, or international development organizations
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
A detailed technical proposal
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.