Communications and Advocacy Consultant, Public Partnership Division (PPD) UNICEF Asia-Pacific Pillar Office, Tokyo, Japan, 7 months

Apply now Job no: 587261Contract type: ConsultantDuty Station: TokyoLevel: ConsultancyLocation: JapanCategories: Communication, PartnershipsUNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.And we never give up.For every child, hope...Purpose of AssignmentJapan is one of UNICEF’s most important partners, ranking among the largest government contributors to UNICEF. The UNICEF Asia-Pacific Pillar Office (Public Partnership Division) plays a central role in strengthening partnerships with the Government of Japan (GoJ), including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Parliamentarians, and other key institutions. As Japan continues to advance its global leadership in development cooperation, effective, high-quality communication is critical to sustaining visibility, demonstrating results, and reinforcing UNICEF’s role as a trusted partner.The UNICEF Asia-Pacific Pillar Office leads communication and visibility efforts tailored to Japanese audiences, including media engagement, website and social media management, political outreach, donor visibility for Japan-funded programmes, and coordination with UNICEF Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices. To meet growing demand and ensure timely delivery of communication products, UNICEF seeks the support of an experienced Communications and Advocacy Consultant.The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen UNICEF’s visibility, communication, and political advocacy efforts in Japan by producing high-quality communication products, managing digital platforms, supporting donor visibility, and enhancing engagement with government partners, media, Parliamentarians, and the Japanese public.Scope Of WorkThe Communications and Advocacy Consultant will provide comprehensive support to the UNICEF Asia-Pacific Pillar Office in strengthening visibility, strategic communication, media engagement, and political outreach for UNICEF’s partnerships in Japan.Japan remains one of UNICEF’s most important government partners, and clear, consistent, and culturally attuned communication is critical to sustaining and deepening this partnership. The consultant will play an essential role in ensuring that UNICEF’s global and country-level achievements are effectively communicated to Japanese audiences—including the Government of Japan (GoJ), line ministries, Parliamentarians, development partners, media stakeholders, and the general public.Over the course of seven months, the consultant will be supporting the productions of a full range of communication and visibility materials. This includes preparing and translating high-quality press releases, human-interest stories, and visibility assets; and producing analytics to track performance and impact. The consultant will also coordinate and produce visibility materials for high-level visits, missions, and senior leadership engagements, ensuring alignedmessaging and timely dissemination with key partners.The role also extends to supporting the Parliamentary League for UNICEF (PLU) engagement by preparing political briefs, newsletters, recruitment materials, and communication packages tied to parliamentary meetings and field visit. In addition, the consultant will contribute to the management of Goodwill Ambassador (GWA) assets, including photo and video libraries, and provide translation support for the documents and visibility requests.The consultant will work closely with the Partnership Manager, Operation Associate, other fundraising colleagues, the Japan Committee for UNICEF (JCU), Country Offices (COs), Regional Offices (ROs), and HQ divisions to ensure strong alignment across messaging, branding, and visibility standards. The consultant is expected to proactively identify stories and opportunities to enhance UNICEF’s visibility in Japan and maintain high-quality communication materials that accurately reflect UNICEF’s mandate, values, and achievements.This consultancy requires independence, attention to detail, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously under tight deadlines. The consultant will play a key role in strengthening UNICEF’s influence, visibility, and partnerships across Japan.Main Deliverables AreWork Assignments OverviewDeliverables/OutputsDelivery deadlinePress Releases & Media Visibility PackagesEnsures timely and accurate communication of UNICEF programmes and results to Japanese audiences, strengthening donor visibility and maintaining strong engagement with MoFA/JICA.ActivitiesProduction of press release packages Dissemination of visibility materials to the key counterpart Social media posts drafting & posting Media relations support Media monitoring & report Analysis on the website performance At least 15 press releases published and uploaded At least 30 social media posts drafted and posted Daily media clipping shared 1 media interview published At least 1 visibility report submitted Google analytics report submitted Drupal manual (in Japanese) updated July 2026Human Interest Stories & Visibility VideosShowcases the impact of UNICEF-supported initiatives through compelling stories and videos tailored for Japanese stakeholders and public audiences.ActivitiesProduction of HIS story packages (translation, posting, dissemination) Visibility videos subtitled and edited At least 20 human interest stories published and uploaded At least 5 videos translated, edited and posted July 2026Japanese Staff Interview SeriesHighlights Japanese UNICEF staff working globally, reinforcing Japan’s contribution to UNICEF and inspiring future talent.Activities12 interviews drafted and posted Dissemination to MoFA Jinji Centre At least 12 profiles completed, uploaded and shared with MoFA within one week July 2026Visibility Publications & Branding AssetsProvides high-quality publications and branded materials that communicate results, strengthen UNICEF’s identity, and support donor engagement.ActivitiesProduction of 3 printed materials Vendor coordination Branding asset creation Update of CO visibility guidelines At least 3 publications produced (booklet, one/two pagers etc…) Brand asset(s) created (e.g. photo panels, branded stationaries, banners etc.) Visibility guidelines updated and shared with COs/ROs July 2026Parliamentary League for UNICEF (PLU) SupportProvides communication and political briefing products as well as logistic support to the events/field visits that strengthen UNICEF’s engagement with Parliamentarians.ActivitiesPolitical briefs/bio package preparation Recruitment materials preparation Pledge letters preparation Quarterly PLU newsletter editing Logistics and administrative support to PLU related events Logistics and administrative support to PLU field visit Political briefs & bio per meetings/visit 1 newsletter published 3 Pledge letter submitted to relevant ministers Recruitment material distributed to MPs on timely manner 1 PLU field visit successfully conducted 1 PLU events successfully delivered July 2026Event Management (Career Seminar & Other Public Events)Provides communication materials and logistical support for seminars and public events, including communication side of the UNICEF-Japan annual consultation, to enhance UNICEF visibility.ActivitiesEvent logistics & announcement package Coordination support 1 career seminar and 2 public facing events successfully organized July 2026Duration of the Contract: 23 December 2025 to 23 July 2026Work ModalityHome-based but physical presence is required when requested by the office.To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have...Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations or another relevant technical field is required.A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public affairs, resource mobilization, communications, external relations, media, partnership or other relevant area.Excellent communications skills, both in Japanese and English at business level is required (verbal and written).Experience in translation is required.Familiarity with donor visibility & recognition is required.Knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as political and governmental processes is required.Experience in social media & website management is required.Experience in event management is required.Knowledge of video editing is highly desirable.Positive performance record on drive for results and teamwork.Proven capacity to quickly absorb new information and techniques and work under tight deadlines.For every Child, you demonstrate…UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). To view our competency framework, please visit  here.UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background 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.RemarksIndividuals 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.The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.How To ApplyQualified candidates are requested to apply and attach the following documents to the application among other requirements:Cover letter in EnglishCV both in English and JapaneseFinancial quote of all-inclusive fees for the consultancy by 1) presenting an all-inclusive lump sum rate (in US$) for the deliverables to undertake the deliverable-based Terms of Reference with a detailed breakdown of the lump sum amount, including the estimated number of days, and daily rate (in US$) Without all the above 3 documents, your application will be considered incomplete and invalid and will not be considered further.Applications must be received by 30 November 2025 through this online platform.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.Advertised: 24 Nov 2025 Tokyo Standard TimeDeadline: 30 Nov 2025 Tokyo Standard TimeBack to search results Apply nowWhatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App