Mission and objectives

Ghana is a peaceful, stable, multi-party democracy and a lower-middle-income country. The nation experienced steady socioeconomic development progress until 2020. Children under 18 comprise a significant portion of the population. Urbanization is a continuing trend. Disparities exist between regions, particularly regarding poverty. Many children in Ghana experience multidimensional and monetary poverty. In addition to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, several ongoing challenges, including health concerns, increased exposure to climate change, and regional security risks, pose threats to child well-being and overall development. The national medium-term development policy framework prioritizes areas such as economic growth, urbanization and infrastructure, digitalization, science, technology, innovation, pandemic preparedness, public health, climate change, emergency preparedness, and youth empowerment. In Ghana, UNICEF cooperates with the Government and other partners to defend the rights of children and help them fulfil their potential. With offices in Accra and Tamale, the UNICEF team seeks to achieve results in strategic programme areas. The overall goal is for every child to survive and thrive, to live in a safe and clean environment, to learn, to be protected from violence and exploitation, and to have an equitable chance in life. The current Country Programme of cooperation is aligned with the Government priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Partnership (UNSDP), and Key Results for Children (KRCs) in the West and Central African Region (immunization, nutrition, learning outcomes, ending child marriage, and ending open defecation). UNICEF main strategies include Social protection and public financing for children, Advocacy and partnership, Social and Behavior Change and Innovation, Evidence and Knowledge management.

Context

UNICEF’s core mission is to advocate for the rights of every child in all its initiatives, programmes, advocacy, and operations. In Ghana, the Advocacy and Communication function, under the Chief of Advocacy and Communication, supports the advancement of national child-focused priorities through strategic engagement, evidence-based policy influence, and high-level partnerships. As the development landscape becomes increasingly competitive and complex, strong and coordinated advocacy is essential for UNICEF’s effective positioning in Ghana and the wider West and Central Africa region. This requires sustained political engagement and strategic influence to support the development and implementation of policies that improve outcomes for children. UNICEF Ghana is committed to equity, with a focus on reaching the most disadvantaged children and families. The organization works to ensure that every child can survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination. Investments in health, education, nutrition, and protection not only improve child wellbeing but also contribute to national stability, human capital development, and long-term economic growth. In alignment with its mandate under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF Ghana is strengthening its advocacy agenda around four key priority areas: • Birth Registration – ensuring every child is legally recognized and able to access essential services and protections • Foundational Learning – improving early grade learning outcomes and strengthening basic education systems • Health and Nutrition Commodities – increasing Access to essential, life-saving commodities for maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition • Adolescent Girls– advancing the rights, health, education, and protection of adolescent girls, with a focus on equity and inclusion These priorities guide UNICEF Ghana’s advocacy efforts to influence policy, strengthen systems, and drive collective action across government, development partners, civil society, and communities. Ultimately, UNICEF seeks to remain a leading advocate for children in Ghana, supported by strong strategic partnerships and a coordinated network committed to advancing children’s rights and driving sustainable change.

Task Description

Advocacy strategy implementation: • Coordinate and support the implementation of advocacy strategies and plans, working across teams to deliver a range of advocacy tactics, such as developing advocacy briefs and products, producing advocacy narratives, shaping creative activations to drive public engagement, working with the media, and organizing advocacy events. • Support UNICEF's global communications by creating country-specific materials and activities, enhancing communication capacity to highlight effective programs, and ensuring alignment with global priorities and campaigns through regular coordination. Strategy and Planning • Develop annual and issue-based advocacy strategies and workplans • Identify policy windows and opportunities for influence • Map key stakeholders and power dynamics Policy Engagement • Support engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MMDAs) • Contribute to policy briefs, position papers, and talking points • Facilitate consultations, roundtables, and high-level meetings Partnerships & Coordination • Strengthen collaboration with development partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and youth networks • Coordinate multi-stakeholder advocacy initiatives • Support coalition-building around priority issues Communication strategy development and implementation: • Provide technical assistance in designing and delivering effective communication plans that will deliver the aims of key advocacy strategies and help mobilize public and private support for the cause of children. Communications & Messaging • Translate technical program data into accessible advocacy messages • Develop key messages, briefing notes, and campaign materials • Support media engagement and public advocacy campaigns Adolescent and youth engagement strategy development and implementation: • Support the implementation of a local Adolescent and Youth Advocates programme: researching potential adolescent and youth advocates; supporting workplan development and communication; supporting adolescent and youth advocates in preparation for events/media; documenting learnings and successes. • Assist in the development and implementation of communication content with and for adolescents and youth as part of campaigns and advocacy priorities. • Support the implementation of capacity building and knowledge management efforts. • Support content moderation, community management, content creation, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for youth-focused digital platforms/communities. • Assist in the local coordination and implementation of U-Report. Stakeholder engagement: • Support building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, influencers, media outlets, and social media personalities for advocacy purposes. • Identify, build, and maintain formal and informal advocacy partnerships and networks through proactive collaboration with strategic internal and external partners. Internal Advocacy • Coordinate internal communication approaches to keep staff informed on program activities and ensure alignment across the office. • Contribute to building internal UNICEF capacities in advocacy and communication through coaching, training, and sharing of expertise, including developing the Advocacy taskforce. Undertake other key responsibilities as required.

Competencies and values

• Teamwork • Drive for results • Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Sustainability

Living conditions and remarks

Ghana offers a vibrant and rewarding work environment, with rich cultural experiences and welcoming communities. While urban areas provide many modern amenities, some assignments may involve travel to remote locations with limited infrastructure. Adaptability, resilience, and cultural sensitivity are key to thriving in this dynamic setting. UNICEF Ghana fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, and staff are supported through strong internal networks and regional guidance Location of the workplace: The UNICEF Ghana Country Office is located 4 – 8 Rangoon Close, Cantonments – Accra on the UN compound with other UN agencies close by. The Office is located close to the office of the Ghana National Fire Service and the Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, providing a good security environment. The Office is within 10-15 minutes’ drive to the central business district and the governments ministries. The office is easily accessible by taxi, and ride hailing apps (uber, bolt etc.). Housing: There are several apartments and rental properties within 5 km radius from UNICEF Office. They come fully furnished or semi furnished depending on tenants' preference. Renting a dwelling place is up to choice and there are many options depending on individual budget, priorities, and preferences. Cost of Living: Cost of living in Accra is relatively higher as compared to other cities and regions of Ghana. However, cost of living will depend on lifestyle and individual choices You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”