Part-Time Consultant to Support UN-GLOBE@UNICEF network of LGBTIQ+ colleagues and families

Contract

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UNICEF 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

UN-GLOBE is a UN System-wide network of employees and their family members who are part of the LGBTIQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer/questioning and others). The key issues of advocacy by UN-GLOBE are:

1. Eliminating homophobia and transphobia in the workplace
2. Safe and equal mobility and career opportunity
3. Equality in parental leave and pension benefits

The network has chapters in each UN organization. UN-GLOBE@UNICEF is an employee resource groups that advocate for the above-mentioned causes within UNICEF. In doing so, we provide a safe and confidential space for colleagues to connect with each other, share knowledge and experiences, as well as advocate for the rights of LGBTIQ+ children and families. We:

1. Offer a confidential space to voice the concerns of LGBTIQ+ employees.
2. Help and act as peer support for one another – this includes support for LGBTIQ+ persons who are at different points on the journey (e.g. disclosure and decision about whether to make our LGBTIQ+ identity public, confidence in discussing issues, especially for those who serve in duty stations that may not be LGBTIQ+ friendly).
3. Advise and share feedback to UNICEF management on the concerns and experiences of LGBTIQ+ employees in relevant management decisions, human resources policies and other related initiatives.
4. Provide a platform to convene LGBTIQ+ colleagues and allies who can advocate to the rest of the organization and raise awareness within each office on LGBTIQ+ issues.

UN-GLOBE@UNICEF is looking for a qualified professional to support internal communications efforts that involve awareness raising on LGBTIQ+ and SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics) issues, outreach to more members and community building within LGBTIQ+ colleagues and dependents.

How can you make a difference?

In 2021, UN-GLOBE@UNICEF received a small amount funding to design and implement a series of awareness-raising activities to boost its membership as well as to contribute to greater inclusion of LGBTIQ+ employees as members of UNICEF’s workforce.

#1 Design and implement network awareness raising plan (inclusive of campaigns and activities) to ensure all employees – especially those who self-identify as LGBTIQ+ or have LGBTIQ+ family members – are aware of the network, its peer-support mechanisms and to boost network membership within UNICEF. This may include the following:

• Develop communication materials to introduce the group (articles, videos, etc.)
• Advertise the group through different communication channels and platforms: Yammer, organizational newsletters, intranet, HR templates, onboarding, etc.
• Organize regional-level events to attract members which includes developing webinar/communication materials and coordinating/facilitating sessions in collaboration with coordinator(s) and members
• Liaise with other stakeholders (other employee resources groups, Internal communications, Human Rights Section, Global Staff Association, Culture and DEI team) to ensure maximum impact

#2

Design and implement an internal communication and advocacy plan which aims to increase knowledge, positive attitude and foster greater sense of inclusion towards LGBTIQ+ employees, children and family members UNICEF. This may include some of the following:

• Draft articles and produce photographic and video content, including stories, interviews or others focused on combat stigma/stereotypes by sharing affirmative and solution-oriented storytelling, featuring employees who are comfortable in being out at work, stories may also be presented in anonymized format
• Highlight the IDAHOBIT - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (17 May), Pride events through a range of communication content

#3 Coordinate positive socialization activities which build a greater understanding of the needs of LGBTIQ+ persons. Activities could include:

• Needs assessment survey with relevant stakeholders
• Training
• Consultations

• Webinar/panel discussions

  ….with UN-GLOBE@UNICEF and other divisions.

#4 Collaborate with Division of Human Resources (DHR) on priorities linked to making UNICEF an employer of choice for LGBTIQ+ persons. Key activities could include:

• Identifying and tapping into relevant existing outreach activities planned/underway within DHR
• Work closely with DHR to promote outreach activities within channels/partnerships relevant to LGBTIQ+ persons

#5 Collaborate with Division of Global Communication and Advocacy (GCA) on priorities linked to inclusive communication and advocacy on LGBTIQ+/SOGIESC issues within UNICEF. Key activities could include:

• Identifying and tapping into existing plans/ activities undertaking within GCA
• Work closely with GCA to aggressively promote these activities within channels/partnerships relevant to LGBTIQ+ employees and allies

#6 Liaise closely with other ERGs, GCA Internal Communications and the Culture, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team to ensure synergies with organizational priorities and to report on major events and initiatives

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Requirements

  • Bachelor-Degree level or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, SOGIESC, gender studies or related fields
  • 5+ years of relevant work experience, ideally in internal/corporate communications
  • Experience in the field of LGBTIQ+ inclusion or SOGIESC issues
  • Insight on social sciences: the candidate must demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence and show sensitivity to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
  • Experience with editing on an online platform, e.g. SharePoint
  • Fluency in English (written and verbal)

  Desirable

  • Experience with employee resources groups or other types of peer support groups
  • Experience with modern Microsoft SharePoint is a strong asset
  • Experience with graphic design and video editing software and platform like Canvas, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, etc is a strong asset
  • Experience within the UN System is highly desired
  • Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would also be an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

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.