UNICEF Is Hiring A Creative Speechwriter & Editor Specialist 2026 Apply Now
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with United Nations Volunteers (UNV), is offering a unique and high-impact international volunteer opportunity for experienced communications professionals.
UNICEF Creative Speechwriter & Editor Specialist (UN Volunteer) – Dakar, Senegal | 12-Month Assignment
The Creative Speechwriter & Editor Specialist position is a 12-month onsite international UN Volunteer Specialist assignment based in Dakar, Senegal, at the UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO). This role places successful candidates at the heart of strategic leadership communications, supporting UNICEF’s mission to protect and advance children’s rights across one of the world’s most dynamic and challenging regions.
About UNICEF and the Regional Office
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, working relentlessly to ensure that every child survives, thrives, and fulfills their potential. From health and nutrition to education, child protection, and emergency response, UNICEF remains a global leader in safeguarding children’s rights, particularly in the world’s most fragile contexts.
The West and Central Africa Regional Office, headquartered in Dakar, serves 24 country offices across a region marked by humanitarian crises, inequality, climate vulnerability, and rapid social transformation. The office plays a critical role in shaping regional strategies, guiding country programmes, and leading high-level advocacy with governments, donors, and partners. At the center of this work is the Office of the Regional Director, which requires precise, compelling, and timely communication to influence decisions and mobilize support for children.
Assignment Overview
The Creative Speechwriter & Editor Specialist will serve as a UN Volunteer Specialist, working onsite in Dakar for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The assignment is expected to begin on 2 March 2026, and applications close on 13 January 2026.
This role combines executive-level communications, speechwriting, editorial quality control, and internal communications, while also supporting executive coordination functions within the Regional Director’s Front Office. It is ideally suited for professionals with a strong background in strategic messaging, editorial leadership, and bilingual communication.
Key Responsibilities
The assignment is structured around five major functional areas:
Executive Communications and Speechwriting
The volunteer will draft and edit keynote speeches, high-level remarks, op-eds, video scripts, and talking points for the Regional Director. These materials must be tailored to diverse audiences, align with UNICEF’s strategic priorities, and include clear advocacy messages, evidence, and calls to action. The role also involves reviewing briefing notes and communication products to ensure clarity, brevity, and consistency with UNICEF’s standards and style guidelines.
Message Development and Evidence Coordination
Working closely with programme, data, partnerships, and communications teams, the specialist will help integrate data, analysis, and real-world examples into compelling advocacy narratives. The role includes coordinating short content discussions to ensure coherence, tone alignment, and timely clearance of materials.
Strategic Review of Briefing Notes and Talking Points
The volunteer will support quality assurance for briefing notes submitted to the Front Office, ensuring logical structure, actionable recommendations, and alignment with regional priorities. Managing tight deadlines, flagging risks early, and maintaining light editorial checklists are essential aspects of this function.
Internal Communications and Staff Engagement
A key component of the assignment involves strengthening internal communications across the regional office. This includes producing newsletters, announcements, and updates, promoting transparency, and leveraging digital tools to enhance staff engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
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Knowledge Management and Capacity Support
The specialist will curate a repository of best-practice speeches and briefing notes, develop quick-reference writing guides, and promote compliance with UNICEF’s publication and style standards. Capacity-building and knowledge sharing are central to sustaining communication excellence within the Front Office.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience and hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences, international relations, international development, or a related field. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory, as the role requires drafting and editing in both languages.
Candidates must be nationals of a country other than Senegal, as this is an international UN Volunteer assignment. Strong competencies in strategic thinking, collaboration, ethical awareness, innovation, and managing complexity are essential.
Living and Working in Dakar
Dakar is a vibrant coastal capital known for its cultural diversity, arts, music, and political stability. It is a family duty station with a low UN security classification and good housing options. International schools are widely available, and the city hosts numerous UN agencies and international organizations, making it a major regional hub for development and humanitarian work.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This assignment offers a rare opportunity to work directly with senior UNICEF leadership, shape high-level advocacy narratives, and contribute strategically to outcomes for millions of children across West and Central Africa. It is ideal for professionals seeking meaningful international experience, leadership exposure, and the chance to influence policy and partnerships at the highest level.
