[Hiring] Writing and Editing Consultant @AGORA

Role Description

In 2026, UNICEF began implementing its Strategic Plan, 2026–2029. The forthcoming UNICEF Executive Director’s Annual Report (EDAR) provides a concise account of the organization’s achievements, trends, challenges, emerging priorities, and progress in advancing its objectives and commitments during the first year of implementation of the Strategic Plan.

As a flagship strategic report presented to the Executive Board at the Annual Session in June 2027, the EDAR will serve as a key accountability and communication instrument for senior leadership, governing bodies, Member States, partners, and other stakeholders. It will synthesize evidence from across the organization and present a coherent strategic narrative on results achieved, lessons learned, and priorities moving forward.

UNICEF seeks professional support in drafting and editing of the respective materials in compliance with the UNICEF style guide, including highest quality editorial and communication standards, and in line with the submission timelines. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Strategic Planning and Analytics (SPA) Unit, the consultant will work on drafting and editing of the report.

As a core member of the SPA team, the consultant will work closely with:

• Technical specialists
• Programme experts
• Data analysts
• Senior management

to synthesize inputs from across the organization and translate them into a coherent, high-quality, publication-ready strategic report that adheres to UNICEF editorial standards and communication requirements.

Scope of Work

In close consultation with the supervisor, the consultant will draft and edit the Annual report for 2026 of the Executive Director of UNICEF and edit the EDAR QCPR related annex, drawing on technical inputs and source materials provided by organizational units and in line with the scope of work and timeline outlined below:

• Conceptualization:
  • Review strategic documents, background materials, evaluations, monitoring reports, and other relevant sources to inform the overall report storyline and narrative architecture.
  • Identify cross-cutting themes, strategic insights, and emerging issues for inclusion in the report.
• Drafting:
  • Develop the detailed report outline and chapter structure.
  • Draft sections using quantitative and qualitative evidence.
  • Prepare executive summaries, key messages, conclusions, and the way forward.
  • Translate complex technical content into accessible, compelling, and coherent strategic narratives.
• Consultation and review process:
  • Participate in consultations and review meetings with relevant stakeholders.
  • Engage with contributing organizational units to clarify inputs and address feedback.
  • Consolidate comments received during internal and external review processes.
  • Support overall narrative coherence.
• Quality assurance:
  • Edit contributions received from organizational units and stakeholders.
  • Harmonize writing style, terminology, and messaging across chapters.
  • Ensure compliance with UNICEF editorial standards and style guidelines.
  • Verify the consistency of facts, figures, references, and citations.
  • Strengthen the readability, clarity, and impact of the report.
• Finalization:
  • Prepare publication-ready drafts.
  • Review layout versions.
  • Conduct final editorial quality assurance.
  • Ensure alignment across the EDAR narrative, the QCPR annex, and supporting documents, as needed.

Timeline

• First draft of the 2026 EDAR by 25 February 2027;
• Final draft of the 2026 EDAR by 2 April 2027;
• Edited draft of the EDAR QCPR annex and supporting documents by 6 April 2027.

Qualifications

• A university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in English, Communication, Public Relations, Media, Journalism, Liberal Arts or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience of writing and/or editing in English.
• Excellent command of the English language and an eye for detail.
• Ability to construct succinct and persuasive text with high standards for effective written communication.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience in reviewing and analysing varied inputs and reconstructing into a succinct and persuasive text.

Desirables

• Experience in UNICEF Strategic Plan reporting or equivalent in other international organization is an asset.
• Related professional work experience with United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes on corporate reporting is an asset.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Breastfeeding breaks
• Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities