Thomas Sayers

About Thomas Sayers

As Global Chief of Child and Youth Engagement in UNICEF’s Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, I set the strategic direction for how UNICEF supports and works with children and young people in advocacy and communications, leading a high performing team and serving on internal leadership and coordination bodies. I have played leading roles in some of UNICEF’s most successful global communications moments and campaigns, translating complex issues such child rights and the climate crisis into compelling content and calls to action. I lead World Children’s Day – UNICEF’s largest communications campaign across 190+ country offices – for which I have driven growth across key communications metrics year on year.My team is responsible for oversight and global managements of U Report, UNICEF’s community for young people by young people, with more than 38 million registered users, where they can raise their voices on the issues that matter to them, get trusted information and take action in their communities. I oversee the UNICEF Youth Advocate initiative, and work closely with UNICEF’s sector-leading Goodwill Ambassador programme to support high-profile campaigns.I lead teams and large-scale global projects, manage risk, and coordinate internal and external stakeholders to deliver impactful advocacy and communications that engage audiences and influence key decision-makers. I collaborate with colleagues, partners, and youth to create opportunities for young people to contribute to shaping global agendas.

Experience

1. Global Chief, Child and Youth Engagment Division of Global Communication and Advocacy

   UNICEF

   Jan 2023 — Present

   Responsible for global strategic direction of UNICEF’s engagement with children and youth in advocacy and communications.· Leading a team of 11, ensuring high performance, cohesion, motivation, and wellbeing.· Member of Divisional Leadership team and other bodies.· Oversight of UNICEF’s community for youth, U-Report, with over 38 million registered users.

Education

• The University of Manchester

  Postgraduate Degree, International Development (Environment and Development)

• Keele University

  Bachelor of Arts, Politics and Philosophy

• Keele University

  Master of Arts, Environmental Politics