Global Lead, Prove It Matters Campaign

United Nations•New York, NY

40d•Remote

About The Position

The work will build on the initial momentum of the Prove It Matters campaign, launched in March 2025 by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC), the focus of which is to renew commitment and compliance with the Convention on Rights of the Child by Member States. The work is aimed at reigniting global commitment to the protection of children affected by armed conflict to strengthen strategic development and ensure sustainability through robust partnerships. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) serves as the leading United Nations (UN) advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict. The mandate of the SRSG CAAC was created by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/51/77 following the publication, in 1996, of the report by Graça Machel on the impact of armed conflict on children. Since 1999, the systematic engagement of the UN Security Council has placed the protection of children affected by armed conflict at the heart of its international peace and security agenda. In 2005, the Security Council adopted resolution 1612 which established the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on Grave Violations against Children in Situations of Armed Conflict. The six grave violations monitored and reported on under this mechanism are: 1. recruitment and use of children 2. killing or maiming of children 3. rape and other forms of sexual violence against children 4. attacks on schools and/or hospitals 5. abduction of children 6. denial of humanitarian access for children. The SRSG-CAAC regularly reports to the UN bodies (Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council) on the situation of children in armed conflict, and further engages in a variety of activities to foster the protection of conflict-affected children, including engagement with parties to conflict in situations covered by her mandate, engagement with a global network of partners, promotion of lessons learned and best practices, and the fostering of regional partnerships. Further information on the CAAC mandate and the Office of the SRSG-CAAC can be found here: https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org. In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment by adopting almost unanimously the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), defining who is a child, and confirming their unique rights and special needs. Despite the nearly universal ratification of the CRC and the tireless efforts of the child protection community, children continue to be silent, and often invisible, victims of war, subjected to unspeakable atrocities. Comparatively, the most recent report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict has shown that 2024 was the most deadly and harmful year for children caught in situations of armed conflict in the last twenty years. This stark truth demands urgent action, and the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict launched the Prove It Matters campaign in March 2025 in Geneva, to reignite global commitment to the protection of children affected by armed conflict. Building on its initial momentum, OSRSG-CAAC seeks a dedicated consultant to oversee and drive forward the development, implementation, and scaling of the campaign to maximize global reach and impact. Travel may be required. Destinations to be determined.

Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in social sciences, such as law, international relations, communications, or other closely related disciplines. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of 5 years' experience in advocacy work related to issues of peace and security, human rights, protection, or youth engagement is required.
A minimum of 3 years' experience in communications and campaign development is required.
In view of the nature of the subject matter and the political sensitivity of the mandate and campaign, demonstrated expertise in human rights and protection issues, particularly in relation to the protection of conflict-affected children and the children and armed conflict mandate.
Expertise in project management.
Excellent writing, analysis, and communication skills.
Ability and commitment to apply gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to work assignments and evaluation processes.
Demonstrated experience in developing content that clearly communicates about the campaign for media, web, print production, and audio-visual productions.
Competent with relevant software packages, e.g. PowerPoint, Canva, basic design software as well as WordPress and Drupal
Fluency in English and French is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience of working with the UN, other international or regional/subregional organizations is desirable.
Experience in photography, video production and design will be an added advantage
Familiarity with the UN system and with regional organizations.
Knowledge of Spanish and Arabic are desirable.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Planning, the consultant will provide technical expertise to strengthen strategic development, implementation support, and monitoring of the "Prove It Matters" campaign.
Deliverables are designed to strengthen global, regional, and national advocacy efforts, enhance visibility including through the use of storytelling, and ensure sustainability through robust partnerships.
The Consultant will maintain continuous consultation with OSRSG-CAAC to allow response to any evolving opportunities, emerging advocacy moments, and innovative creative approaches to maximize impact.
A comprehensive one-year Campaign Roadmap for the second phase of the campaign to be delivered within the first two months of the consultancy. The Roadmap will build on the vision and objectives of the campaign and should include advocacy opportunities at global, regional and national level, communication channels and digital strategy, timeline of activities, budget and monitoring and evaluation framework. The Roadmap must consider the integration of innovative advocacy approaches, visibility opportunities, and global campaign moments and should be developed in collaboration with all OSRSG-CAAC offices, i.e., including Brussels and Doha.
An interim progress report is to be submitted within the first three months and a final report at the end of the consultancy. Reports will capture activities implemented, partnerships developed, communications outputs, challenges, and adaptive measures. In addition, a Real-Time Dashboard to be maintained and updated monthly, enabling real-time tracking of campaign performance, including digital reach, media visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
An advocacy and communications toolkit to be produced within three months. The toolkit will include furthering the already established Prove it Matters, a visual identity package, targeted advocacy messages, and visual materials to be used by partners (e.g., infographic, videos, posters). The toolkit should be translated into at least three UN languages (English, French, Arabic). The toolkit will not be an official UN document or publication.
Design and roll out of three advocacy activations (e.g., thematic digital actions, youth or survivor-led initiatives, or partnerships with influencers, artists, or schools) preferably with CAAC partners. The Consultant will also coordinate with relevant field actors and UN partners to localize campaign messages and amplify country-level advocacy.
The consultant will develop concept notes and briefing materials to support at least five high-level advocacy events where the Prove It Matters campaign could be showcased. These events will be strategically aligned with the campaign's objectives and designed to maximize visibility and political impact. Creative outputs will include digital storytelling and public mobilization initiatives, as well as the planning and implementation of the campaign's art installation as a central advocacy feature.
Storytelling outputs to serve advocacy goals for OSRSG CAAC and the campaign. Produce seven compelling, rights-based stories and multimedia content that bring children's experiences and protection needs to life, linking them to CAAC priorities. The human-interest features, can be short videos, podcasts, scripts, and/or social media content, adapting tone and messaging for diverse advocacy audiences (governments, youth, civil society, public).
National implementation of the campaign. The consultant will support the rollout of the campaign at the national level in at least two countries over the period of the consultancy, with a focus on conflict-affected countries. This will include technical assistance in developing national advocacy strategies, building local partnerships, and producing tailored campaign materials. At least one case study should be documented and shared for cross-country learning.
Partnership Agreements and Collaborations. The consultant will identify at least three new partnerships that could be eventually formalized through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), letters of intent, or joint advocacy campaigns. Partnerships should target governments, international NGOs, CSOs (civil society organizations), private sector actors, cultural and educational institutions, and sports federations.