Background and Rationale
The Division of Global Communications and Advocacy (DGCA) aims to win support for the cause of children from decision-makers and the wider public, and is working to become an even stronger advocacy, campaigning and communications force for children’s rights. The Division of Global Communications and Advocacy (DGCA) is committed to the development, production and dissemination of a wide range of high-quality content material, including flagship, major public global advocacy and other publications for use in UNICEF’s communication and advocacy activities. Publications and communication materials should be based on the latest available evidence and data, produced according to high-quality standards, and fact-checked to ensure content is accurate, up to date, consistent and compelling. To discharge this responsibility, DGCA’s Website, Editorial and Governance (WEG) section is seeking to hire a committed and passionate research professional.
The WEG section leads and supports the development, production and dissemination of UNICEF communication and advocacy content – from flagship publications to advocacy reports to online videos – produced by DGCA and other relevant divisions. The Section manages the quality, consistency and accuracy of communication content as a strategic asset across platforms and provides guidance in content development.
Purpose
Upon request, the Fact-Checking and Research Consultant will fact-check external-facing content related to UNICEF’s global communication and advocacy priorities, including flagship, major public global advocacy and other global publications, along with web articles and content, video scripts, photo essays, press releases, advocacy and campaigns materials, and others. The consultant will also provide background research for content produced by GCA and in collaboration with other divisions. Additionally, while prioritizing the Editorial unit related assignments, the Fact-Checking and Research consultant will also be at disposal of other DGCA teams, UNICEF divisions and offices to provide similar services when requested by them or by the Editorial unit, workload allowing and always in consultation with the LTA contract manager.
The consultant will be hired on an as-needed basis for deliverable-based individual projects throughout the year.
Objective
The overall objective is to set up a Long-Term Agreement to facilitate and expedite the process by which the Editorial Team and other units within UNICEF will hire researchers as required for specific projects to fact-check and provide background research for publications and other materials.
Scope of Work/Major Tasks To Be Accomplished
The Fact-Checking and Research Consultant will fact-check external-facing content related to UNICEF’s global communication and advocacy priorities, including flagship, major public global advocacy and other global publications, along with web articles and content, video scripts, photo essays, press releases, and other advocacy and campaigns materials. The consultant will also provide background research for the content material as required.
Responsibilities of the Consultant
- The consultant will use own equipment; laptops, microphones, software and other accessories that may be required for this task.
- The consultant will not give the content/material or any part thereof to any third party without the written permission of UNICEF. All components will be the property of UNICEF, and the consultant will not share the same with anyone else.
- The consultant will not put own name or logo/emblem on the content / final product. The only organization branding will be UNICEF, if required.
Deliver assignments within the agreed timeline.
Responsibilities of UNICEF
- UNICEF will provide all details pertaining to the activity and the requirements.
- UNICEF will orient the consultant on relevant UNICEF policies and guidelines for the assignments
Deliverables
Travel
No travel required.
Estimated duration of LTA
The Long-Term Agreement will be for a duration of three years. The services of the consultants selected under the LTA would also be made available to UNICEF Regional and Country offices.
Payment Schedule
The LTA to be signed will have a fixed fee rate reflecting deliverables and including daily fee for three years. However, UNICEF does not guarantee that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming requests.
The consultant is expected to provide a quotation for the services he/she will provide as part of the application.
Contracts Created Against The LTA
Whenever consultancy services are required, details of the services will be presented according to the availability of the LTA holder.
Upon receipt of confirmation of availability and interest in the assignment, a contract will be issued by DGCA or requesting division and office with the prices/fees agreed in the LTA. The consultant must sign the contract prior to commencement of work.
Payment will be made after the completion of deliverables and submission of invoices for the actual work completed, subject to satisfactory performance
Application Process/How to Apply
The application to be submitted through the online portal should contain four separate attachments:
- A Cover letter explaining the motivation for applying and explaining how the qualifications and skillset of the candidate (to be uploaded online).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (to be uploaded online).
- A financial proposal indicating professional fee per day. Please do not forget to specify your name in the file while saving (To be uploaded under other supporting documents).
- Certificates of mandatory courses BSAFE, (Ethics and Integrity at UNICEF (2020 version); Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority (2021 version) & Sexual Exploitation Abuse (PSEA) (2021 version) consolidated in one single pdf. Link for mandatory courses trainings: https://agora.unicef.org/
- Any attempt to unduly influence UNICEF’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.
- Joint applications of two or more individuals are not accepted.
- Please note, UNICEF does not charge any fee during any stage of the process.
- Female candidates meeting the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds including persons living with disabilities to apply.
- Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
Education
- University degree (BA) in international development or social science related areas.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of research and fact-checking experience, including internet-based research and facility with quantitative and qualitative data.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Expertise
- Knowledge of current key development issues and trends relevant to children and women.
- Strong knowledge of UNICEF’s programmes, humanitarian activities and policies are a distinct advantage.
- Excellent research/fact-checking skills.
- Knowledge of the work of the UN system is preferred.
Language
- Fluency in oral and written English is required.
- Knowledge of another UN language a plus.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
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, discrimination, fraud, corruption and other forms of misconduct.
Appointment, selection and continued engagement are subject to the satisfactory completion of all required checks. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information and consent to enable UNICEF to undertake these checks.
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.
Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service
Remarks
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
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.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.