Humanitarian Communication & Advocacy Specialist (Ebola) – Consultant

About the role

The UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) seeks a seasoned Communication and Advocacy Specialist to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This three‑month consultancy, based in Dakar, will provide strategic communication guidance, develop advocacy materials, and strengthen evidence‑based messaging across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct context and influencing‑landscape analysis for the DRC Ebola response.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder maps and engagement strategies.
• Design and implement communication and advocacy strategies, including talking points, briefing notes, and messaging packages.
• Identify evidence gaps and enhance evidence‑based advocacy approaches.
• Monitor progress, produce regular reports, and ensure consistent, high‑quality messaging across regional and country levels.
• Provide remote and on‑site capacity‑building and coaching to DRC country‑office teams.
• Produce multi‑format content such as social‑media posts, press releases, human‑interest stories, and virtual field‑visit packages.
• Support coordination of advocacy actions between WCARO, DRC CO, GCCA, and EMOPS.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in Communication, International Relations, or related field.
• Extensive experience in humanitarian communication, advocacy, or diplomacy, preferably in public‑health emergencies.
• Fluency in French and English (written and spoken).
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and stakeholder‑engagement capabilities.
• Familiarity with the UN system and humanitarian architecture.

Required skills

• Stakeholder engagement
• Strategic communication planning
• Advocacy material development
• Evidence‑based messaging
• Monitoring and reporting

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact Ebola response.
• Collaboration with a global humanitarian organization.
• Professional development within UNICEF’s diverse network.