Strategic Communication Consultancy for SC Europe
1. Background
The negotiations for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028 – 2024 have been officially launched with the publication of the European Commission (EC)'s proposal in July 2025.
2026 is going to be marked by the intensification of the negotiations between the three main EU institutions (the Council, the European Parliament and the EC) in a shifting geopolitical environment characterised by increased inward-looking priorities such as security concerns, a strong focus on EU competitiveness and economic growth, rising inequality, and thus pressure on social investments within the EU and on its support to partner countries via development and humanitarian assistance. For children—both within the EU and globally—these shifts pose significant risks to their rights, protection, well-being, and long-term development.
Save the Children Europe seeks to strengthen its advocacy during this period by building compelling, values-based and politically relevant communication narratives that both centre on children and resonate with EU-level and EU Member States' decision-makers, within the current geopolitical context. The aim is to complement existing evidence-based advocacy with strategic storytelling, message framing, and communications products that can influence key EU and member states' stakeholders involved in MFF debates and decision-making.
To support this work, Save the Children Europe plans to engage a Strategic Communications Consultant to develop a coherent engagement strategy, which includes specifically a set of adaptable messages and guidance for EU and national advocacy teams.
The storytelling and narrative work could include a public campaigning moment – aligned with the timeline of the negotiations - to mobilise stakeholders and amplify the message that protecting children's rights must remain a top EU political and financial priority, both within Europe and globally.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
To develop and support the rollout of an engagement strategy, focusing on a communication narrative and messaging package that strengthen Save the Children Europe's advocacy on:
* The prioritization of children's rights within key EU social funding Instruments and the Global Europe Instrument of the next MFF.
* Positioning investing in children's rights within the Global Gateway strategy and within the EU's engagement with the private sector.
* The protection of Official Development Assistance (ODA).
* Maintain investment in human development, including education, health, social protection, and child protection.
* The need for a balanced, forward-looking MFF that responds to geopolitical challenges while safeguarding long-term development and human rights commitments, including child rights.
The consultancy should result in a clear and persuasive alternative engagement strategy focusing on a renewed narrative framework that can be easily understood and adopted by EU institutions and adaptable for national contexts across Member States.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will:
A. Research & Analysis
* Identify dominant political narratives at EU level, including within the European Parliament and in key Member States.
* Analyse current narratives relating to children's rights and investment in children.
* Identify possible allies and opposers among powerholders within and outside the EU Institutions, looking into unusual/untapped partners.
B. Narrative & Message Development
* Develop an overarching engagement strategy including a narrative framework positioning children as central to long-term stability, prosperity, and resilience and which resonate within a security and competitiveness-focused context.
* Create core advocacy messages tailored to:
o EU institutions (European Parliament, Council, Commission and other, including consultative bodies)
o National governments and Permanent Representations
o Where relevant and feasible, private sector and philanthropies.
o Draft message variations that can be adapted easily for national offices.
C. Communications Products
* Deliver a set of practical tools, including:
* A narrative and message playbook, highlighting strategic framing recommendations, values-based messaging, counter-narratives, and audience-specific adaptations;
* Development of 1-2 thought pieces (op-eds e.g.) to engage with European Media at key moments of the negotiations.
D. Support to Rollout & Capacity Building
* Facilitate up to 3 virtual workshops with Save the Children Europe and Save the Children EU Members advocacy staff on strategic framing and testing messages
* Provide continuous advisory support during key advocacy moments (e.g., political agreement milestones, Council meetings, Parliamentary debates).
4. Deliverables
* Inception report (including workplan, methodology, and political narrative analysis);
* Narrative Framework Document (5–10 pages) including messages and communications playbook (incl. Examples, recommended language, pitfalls to avoid and suggested storytelling assets);
* Facilitation of 3 virtual workshops;
* Development of 1-2 thought pieces (op-eds e.g.);
* Ad-hoc support during 2026 as agreed (up to a defined number of advisory hours).
5. Timeframe
The consultancy runs from February to December 2026, with key deliverables finalized by Q2 and ongoing strategic support throughout the remainder of the year and at key strategic negotiation moments.
A detailed timeline will be agreed in the inception phase.
6. Qualifications Required
* Proven experience in strategic communications, political framing, and narrative design. Previous work at EU level is a must while experience in engaging with stakeholders at Member States level is desirable.
* Strong understanding of EU institutions, budgetary processes, and MFF dynamics.
* Demonstrated experience supporting advocacy or campaigns on development cooperation and international partnerships, social and children's rights, humanitarian issues, or human development.
* Ability to translate complex policy themes into accessible, compelling narratives.
* Experience working with NGOs or international organisations.
* Excellent writing, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
7. Management & Reporting
The consultant will report to Margherita Leone, Senior Advocacy Advisor at Save the Children Europe and will work closely with relevant thematic experts and SC members advocacy teams.
Regular check-ins will be scheduled to ensure alignment with advocacy priorities and political developments.
8. Budget and Payment Schedule
Payment will be structured around key deliverables, with a detailed breakdown agreed upon contract signature.
Applicants should provide:
* A daily rate
* Estimated number of days
* Overall budget proposal (excluding VAT, if applicable). The maximum budget available at this stage for the consultancy work is of EUR.
9. Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit:
* A short cover letter describing their approach and suitability
* A technical proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining methodology, work plan, and budget breakdown.
* A financial proposal
* Examples of previous relevant work
* CV of consultant(s)
Applications should ideally be sent to:
Deadline for applications is 10 February 2026, 11:59 PM UTC.
Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.