International Consultant (Event Management Specialist), Dhaka; Bangladesh (Not for Bangladeshis)

The primary objective of this consultancy is to orchestrate a highly successful, impactful, and seamless execution of the UNICEF International Council's annual symposium and the subsequent field visits in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. This includes meticulous planning, coordination, logistics management, engagement facilitation between UNICEF Bangladesh, UNICEF Private Sector Fundraising (PFP) and Communications teams supporting the IC, and IC members.

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. 

Background:

The UNICEF International Council (IC) Symposium, scheduled from November 7 to 9, 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, followed by a programme visit to Cox’s Bazar from November 10 to 11, represents a pivotal event for UNICEF Bangladesh. This event aims to bring together members of the International Council, partners, stakeholders, and international guests to discuss, collaborate, and share insights on pressing issues related to child rights and development​.

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to orchestrate a highly successful, impactful, and seamless execution of the UNICEF International Council's annual symposium and the subsequent field visits in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. This includes meticulous planning, coordination, logistics management, engagement facilitation between UNICEF Bangladesh, UNICEF Private Sector Fundraising (PFP) and Communications teams supporting the IC, and IC members.

Scope of the Work

The selected consultant will operate under the guidance and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships of UNICEF Bangladesh Country Office and will work closely with the Chief of Communications, Chief of Programmes, Chief of Operations/Supply/Administration and Chief of Cox’s Bazar Field Office, in sync with UNICEF global team coordinating the IC.  The responsibilities encompass strategic event planning, comprehensive logistics coordination, effective communication, and facilitation of field visits, ensuring a memorable and productive experience for all participants-

1 Event Strategy and Planning:

The consultant will coordinate the implementation of the event strategy and work plan tailored specifically to the unique context of Dhaka and Cox's Bazar. The consultant will support the definition of the plan, in collaboration with UNICEF teams. The plan will articulate the event vision and agreed activities by the UNICEF IC planning group for the event, encompassing goals for both the symposium and the field visits. Strategies and approaches to implement the event vision will be developed to engage stakeholders meaningfully, ensuring that each segment of the event promotes UNICEF's mission while fostering innovative engagement and networking. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF program sections and external partners to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

2 Logistics Coordination:

Comprehensive logistics planning will be at the heart of the consultant's responsibilities, ensuring seamless execution of the symposium and field visits. This includes selecting venues that not only accommodate the symposium's needs but also reflect UNICEF's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Transportation and accommodation arrangements will be made to ensure ease of access and comfort for all participants, with particular attention to international delegates' needs. Catering choices will reflect local cuisine while accommodating diverse dietary requirements, providing an authentic Bangladeshi experience.

5. Engagement Facilitation:

The consultant will design and implement a series of engagement activities aimed at donors, partners, and stakeholders. This includes the organization of side events that facilitate deep discussions on child rights and development issues. These events will be strategically scheduled to maximize participation and will be designed to foster networking, collaboration, and support for UNICEF's mission.

4. Field Visit Coordination:

A significant focus will be on coordinating the field visits to Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, ensuring participants gain firsthand insight into UNICEF's work on the ground. The consultant will collaborate closely with program sections to develop a comprehensive itinerary that showcases UNICEF's impact while facilitating meaningful interactions between council members, partners, and program beneficiaries. Logistics, such as travel arrangements and site visits, will be meticulously planned to ensure a smooth, informative, and engaging experience for all attendees​.

5. Post-Event Analysis:

Following the conclusion of the event, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive post-event evaluation. This analysis will assess the event's overall impact, participant engagement, and the effectiveness of the field visits in fostering a deeper understanding of UNICEF's work. Lessons learned will be meticulously documented, providing valuable insights for future planning. Recommendations will be developed to enhance the planning and execution of subsequent events, ensuring continuous improvement in UNICEF's engagement with its stakeholders.

Please go through the following TOR for more details.

 Short_TOR.pdf

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Development Studies/ Business Studies/Marketing.
• Possess a degree in relevant subject areas such as Development Studies, Management, Business Studies, or Marketing, with supplementary advanced academic credentials in International Humanitarian Action or Social Policy.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in planning, selecting, setting up, and executing large-scale events and working across multiple organizations and teams, with precision and attention to detail, is required.
• Expertise in logistical coordination is essential, including the management of travel arrangements, venue selection, and the creation of complex itineraries to ensure a seamless and efficient event experience.
• Prior experience working with the United Nations or other international organizations will be considered a significant asset.
• Must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the Bangladesh context, particularly in relation to the implementation of the CRC and adherence to UN protocols.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory, with the ability to communicate and articulate concepts and ideas at a professional level.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

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

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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:  

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. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.