UNICEF is hiring: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/ Generative Engine Optimizati

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/ Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Content Consultant, DGCA, Digital Strategy Section, NYHQ, remote. Req# 585591

About UNICEF: If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

Consultancy: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Content Consultant

• Duty Station: DGCA/Digital Strategy Section
• Duration: 5 January 2026 – 31 December 2027
• Home/Office Based: Remote

Background: This assignment helps ensure the ranking of UNICEF’s Parenting Hub on traditional search engines and strengthens its visibility in AI platforms. It takes place during a period of transition, limited staffing and major technological shifts in these areas. Operating under a deliverables‑based contract, the consultant will play a critical role in researching keyword gaps and opportunities, developing content to rank on search engines and feature in AI responses, as well as tracking and optimizing performance. Working closely with the Web Editorial team, the consultant will combine an editorial and technical lens to develop and optimize content that is engaging and useful for its target audience, and maximizes the likelihood of the audience discovering this content on search engines and AI platforms. The work will directly support UNICEF’s Parenting Hub by ensuring the accessibility, visibility, and relevance of content, which is key to our ability to achieve our digital goals and grant deliverables.

Scope Of Work

Keyword research and on‑page optimization

• Conduct keyword research on assigned topics to identify valuable search terms.
• Identify content gaps and opportunities based on keyword research.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis to identify opportunities for on‑page optimization of existing content.

Content creation

• Draft engaging, practical content as assigned, informed by keyword research and user insights. Content types range from explainer articles to expert interviews.
• Liaise with UNICEF focal points on the review and approval of content.
• Build content in UNICEF’s Drupal CMS using the latest SEO/GEO best practices, including optimized content structure for AI consumption where applicable.
• Maintain compliance with UNICEF Writing Style Guide, Brand, and other relevant standards.

Track and analyze performance

• Produce analytics reports, using tools like Google Analytics and SemRush, including insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Produce 2‑3 reports to support donor reporting, including the LEGO Foundation.

Documentation and knowledge transfer

• Prepare quarterly updates on emerging trends in generative search with recommendations on testing ideas.
• Maintain detailed documentation and filing.
• Prepare a comprehensive final handover package and briefing to ensure continuity beyond the consultancy period.

Reporting

Provide biweekly updates on progress, opportunities and risks to the project supervisor.

There’s currently no sufficient funding to cover all planned activities that continue until 2027. Some deliverables are planned to be completed if additional resources become available.

Terms Of Reference / Key Deliverables

Project phase 1 (to 31 Dec 2026):

• Keyword research and on‑page optimization: Produce up to 36 keyword research reports on an assigned topic (up to 3 per month). Deliver up to 24 content optimization reports for existing pages/sections (1‑2 per month).
• Content creation: Research, draft and produce up to 36 articles (up to 3 pieces per month). Draft up to 48 posts for WhatsApp Parenting channel (up to 4 per month).
• Track and analyze performance: Produce monthly analytics reports (x12).
• Documentation and knowledge transfer: Prepare quarterly updates and a final handover package.

Project phase 2 (to 31 Dec 2027):

• Keyword research and on‑page optimization: Produce up to 36 keyword research reports on an assigned topic (up to 3 per month). Deliver up to 24 content optimization reports for existing pages/sections (1‑2 per month).
• Content creation: Research, draft and produce up to 36 articles (up to 3 pieces per month). Draft up to 48 posts for WhatsApp Parenting channel (up to 4 per month).
• Track and analyze performance: Produce monthly analytics reports (x12) and 2‑3 donor reporting reports.
• Documentation and knowledge transfer: Prepare quarterly updates and a final handover package.

Qualifications

Education

A University degree in Communications, Digital Media, Journalism, or related field.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

• At least 5 years of professional experience in web content creation, including SEO.
• Experience with Drupal content management system.
• Experience developing content for a non‑expert audience, ideally parents and caregivers.
• Experience working in an enterprise environment across a complex web ecosystem.
• Advanced writing and editorial experience for digital platforms.
• Experience applying SEO practices to successfully position web pages in organic search results.
• Proficiency with web analytics, SEO tools and quality assurance tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Semrush and Siteimprove).
• Strong understanding of content strategy, SEO/GEO best practices and online publishing workflows.

Requirements

• Completed profile in UNICEF's e‑Recruitment system.
• Upload copy of academic credentials.
• Financial proposal including costs per deliverable, total lump‑sum, travel costs and daily subsistence allowance (if internationally recruited or travel required), other estimated costs (visa, health insurance, living costs as applicable), indicate availability.
• Any emergent/unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• Must have current health insurance coverage at contract award.
• Payment of professional fees based on submission of satisfactory deliverables; UNICEF reserves right to withhold payment in case of non‑standard deliverables or delays.

U.S. Visa Information

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, if the selected candidate and household members reside in the United States under a different visa, they are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to work.

Shortlisted Candidates

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Core Values and Competencies

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View the competency framework at: Here.

Accommodations

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include accessible software, travel assistance or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need accommodations.

Policy and Background Checks

UNICEF has a zero‑tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the UN and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.

Remarks

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants 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.

Visa and Health Requirements

Selected candidate is responsible for ensuring visa (applicable) and health insurance are valid for the entire contract period. Must be fully vaccinated against SARS‑CoV‑2 with a WHO‑endorsed vaccine prior to the assignment. This does not apply to consultants who work remotely and are not expected to visit UNICEF premises.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Public Relations, Art/Creative, and Writing/Editing

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting and Non‑profit Organizations