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For every child, results
Violence Against Children (VAC) and Violence Against Women (VAW) are pervasive, deeply rooted issues affecting millions globally. According to UNICEF global data, nearly one billion children are impacted by violence each year. In Moldova, the situation is equally alarming - two in five children have experienced violence, and two in five women and girls have been subjected to physical or sexual abuse since the age of 15. These forms of violence often co-exist within the same environments - whether in homes, schools, or communities - and are driven by common underlying factors such as gender inequality, power imbalances, and socioeconomic disparities. Evidence shows that early experiences of violence increase the likelihood of future victimization or perpetration.
Globally, one in four adolescent girls aged 15–19 in intimate relationships has experienced physical or sexual violence. In Moldova, an OSCE-led survey revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of women and girls with intimate partners have faced some form of intimate partner violence (IPV). Patriarchal norms often underpin this violence; for instance, one in ten adolescents believes it is acceptable for a husband to hit his wife.
Moreover, women with children experience significantly higher rates of IPV compared to those without. These figures likely underestimate the true scope of the problem, as they do not fully capture violence occurring in digital spaces or forms such as sexual harassment, which remain underreported due to stigma, impunity, and shame.
In response to these challenges, UNICEF is currently supporting the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (further ANPCV) in the development of a national social and behaviour change (SBC) communication/action plan. This effort aims to strengthen prevention and response strategies through coordinated, evidence-based messaging and community engagement. To ensure its effectiveness, close supervision and alignment with broader protection efforts are essential, particularly to integrate child protection and adolescent-focused components and avoid fragmentation across national and local initiatives.
How can you make a difference?
1. Purpose of the assignment
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide supervision and strategic support for the implementation of communication efforts aimed at preventing Violence Against Children (VAC) and Violence Against Women (VAW) of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Through these efforts, the consultancy will contribute to a coordinated and impactful approach to violence prevention, ultimately fostering safer, more supportive, and gender-responsive environments for children and women across the Republic of Moldova.
2. Objectives of the consultancy
The objective of this assignment is to:
- Implement SBC and communication initiatives to prevent Violence Against Children (VAC) and Violence Against Women (VAW) by introducing a range of activities, including targeted campaigns and community events that facilitate open dialogue about both forms of violence.
- Strengthen understanding of VAC and VAW intersections among general population in Moldova, including the dynamics of these forms of violence and how they reinforce each other, with a focus on adolescents and breaking the cycle of violence.
- Provide substantive guidance and inputs to the development of a mix of communication products (incl. but not limited to videos, infographics, social media content, etc.) for ANPCV on topics related to VAC/GBV and the broader prevention agenda.
- Coordinate and exercise quality control over the development of audiovisual and print materials produced by the UN service provider to ensure full compliance with UN standards.
- Develop/provide inputs to concept notes, agendas, communication documents, etc. and provide support to ANPCV in organizing public events on various topics related to violence prevention.
3. Details of how the work should be delivered
The consultancy will be framed by specific activities and interventions, aimed at strategic communication grounded in SBC approaches, and generating knowledge to inform future strategies. The scope is realistic, considering available resources and time requirements. Key activities will address both individual and community-level engagement and system-level strengthening to ensure an integrated and sustainable approach to violence prevention.
- Ensure strategic coordination and oversight of the SBC Communication Plan
- Provide technical support to the GBV Agency as the lead institution coordinating the implementation of the SBC Strategy and Plan on a regular basis.
- Oversee the implementation of the SBC Action Plan in alignment with national public policies, international commitments, and development partner recommendations.
- Coordinate the overall implementation of the National SBC Communication /Action Plan on violence prevention.
- Provide substantive input to material development and ensure adequate and strategic distribution within the country.
- Manage the publication of materials on social media and the website of the Agency.
- Lead and ensure proper communication about the VAC/GBV for the ANPCV.
- Ensure interinstitutional coordination and stakeholder engagement in the national Prevention of VAC and VAW Agenda
- Organize and facilitate regular interinstitutional coordination meetings with the Task Force.
- Conduct monthly working meetings with key actors involved in the SBC Strategy implementation.
- Maintain active and constructive dialogue with strategic partners already aligned with the Strategy.
- Support the harmonization of partner agendas and the promotion of synergies between institutions.
- Develop agendas, information messages, update and inform the partner on different initiatives and phases of the project.
- Coordinate the strategic development and content planning for the SBC Communication/Action Plan.
- Coordinate the consultation and validation process for the National SBC Communication Plan.
- Draft concept notes for key actions outlined in the National SBC Communication Plan.
- Ensure alignment between National SBC Communication Plan and ongoing communication campaigns.
- Develop briefs and institutional proposals to integrate SBC actions into the work plans of relevant public actors.
- Coordinate the communication and content production
- Coordinate the development of communication materials focused on SBC (e.g. human-interest stories, articles, videos, infographics, social media cards).
- Review and approve all written and visual content (press releases, visuals, social media text, etc.) to ensure alignment with SBC messaging and theAgency's institutional standards.
- Provide creative input and support for visual content that reflects SBC values and tone (e.g. social media cards, visual identity elements).
- Draft press invitations and press releases.
- Ensure campaign management and implementation
- Coordinate the implementation of the national SBC campaign, in line with the National SBC Communication Plan.
- Plan and oversee the campaign, including thematic messages, media partnerships, and visual components.
- Organize a public launch event for the SBC campaign, including content planning, logistics, visual materials, guest coordination, and post-event reporting.
- Identify appropriate communication channels, negotiate media placements, and supervise the strategic dissemination of materials (TV, radio, outdoor, social media).
- Draft institutional responses to crises or public sensitivities, aligned with SBC Strategy principles.
- Support the coordination of the prevention activities (National Prevention Model, National curricula for Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs), etc.)
- Coordinate activities and meetings related to the national plan for violence prevention, including oversight of the project related to curricula for multidisciplinary team training and ensure the integration of messages in those documents.
- Ensure proper communication about these initiatives in media and social media.
- Ensure effective communication between partners involved in these initiatives.
4. Reporting requirements
The consultant will report to the SBC Officer, who will maintain regular communication, provide feedback and guidance on performance, and offer any necessary support to ensure the successful completion of the consultancy objectives, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the consultant’s performance and quality of work.
All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF. The consultant is expected to submit each component of the workplan electronically (Word format) in English and/or Romanian languages. At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent to the SBC officer by email, with the Child Protection Specialist in copy.
5. Work location and official travel involved
The work will be performed remotely and will not require local travels.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have
- Advanced academic degree in SBC, human rights, communication, journalism or other relevant studies.
- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the field of GBV, VAC, VAW, or other related areas.
- Familiarity with child-sensitive language.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting strategic communication on GBV.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and overseeing campaigns on prevention.
- Fluency in Romanian or Russian required. Good command of English and good writing skills are desired.
For every Child, you demonstrate
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR):
2025 TOR_Nat Indiv Consultant_ANPCV GBV_VA.docx
HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below):
Technical Offer_ANPCV GBV.docx
Financial Offer_ANPCV GBV.xlsx
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
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Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
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Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
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