Communication and Partnership Officer

Description of task

Technical Responsibilities:

Communication:

In the area of communication, overall, the international UN Volunteer will provide substantive contribution to the formulation and design of the Country Office Communication Strategy accompanying the current Country Programme Document (2015 – 2021) and subsequent revisions and updates as required. In addition, provide oversight and guidance to the communication unit, national communication specialist imbedded in the respective thematic Units as well as active contribution in the UN Communication Group.

Specific responsibilities:

• Design and manage the implementation of specific robust and innovative Communications both media, social media and others for the Country Office;
• Plan, lead and manage the implementation of the Country Office Communication Strategy in close coordination with the respective Unit heads and Senior Management Team;
• Improve the visibility of UNFPA in the country showing how UNFPA programme is delivering results and contributing to the UN coherent image and programming;
• Provide critical analysis and communications guidance to the CO through scanning and reporting of the internal and external environment, and facilitate regular policy and programme updates to the regional office and HQ;
• Work with respective Units and Senior Management and take a leading role in production and dissemination of communication and advocacy materials including brochures, posters, pamphlets, programme fact sheets, and press releases as and when needed ensuring UNFPA’s active and substantive contribution to joint UN statements/ press releases, events and materials’ production;
• Work with respective Units to gather materials for social media, including Facebook and Twitter and others upon the approval of the Representative on frequent basis, at least 2 times a week;
• Maintain a robust media and advocacy networks and relationships by helping regular media events, meetings of the Representative with key media persons, drafting and dissemination of media statements, speeches and press releases;
• Undertake field visits to monitor / observe UNFPA supported activities and their impact so as to boost the visibility and advocacy on organisation’s good works and contributions;
• Prepare and response to global, regional and national media and advocacy events linked to UNFPA’s mandate including International Midwifery Day, World Population Day, State of World Population Report launch, International Women’s Day, International Youth Day and the like.
• Develop UNFPA bulletin, newsletters, brochures and situational reports on a regular basis, maintain issue-based photo-library and information materials that also reflect projects funded by donors;
• Ensure editing quality assurance;
• Prepare response to the queries of media, liaising as necessary with UNFPA Regional Communication Adviser and Headquarters Media Branch;
• Regularly update UNFPA Afghanistan website with activities being conducted with UNFPA assistance;
• Develop stories from the field, op-eds and podcast on UNFPA areas of concerns and assistance; and
• Effectively represent UNFPA Country Office in the UN Communication Group (UNCG) and provide substantive contribution to the Group and feedback to the CO.

Partnership

Overall, promote partnership with new and emerging donors and partners and nurture existing partnership through innovative methods. Show case lessons learned, good practices and package them to advocate UNFPA’s mission and mandate in Afghanistan, as well as, mobilise resources.

Specific Responsibilities

• Engage key traditional and non-traditional partners, including government, civil society, private sector, development partners and others new as well as traditional actors on the ICPD and SDGs Agenda and the related role and impact in country;
• Promote public engagement about the ICPD as a whole and in particular post ICPD25 in country, including through outreach initiatives;
• Keep abreast with programme developments, UN/UNFPA global events and national development, and organise events to raise national awareness and champion the issues that UNFPA advocates through diverse and innovative approaches (including photo exhibition, drama, festivals, song/ poetry competition, concerts, sports, outreach events);
• Maintain a system for constant scanning of UNFPA-produced research, surveys, assessments, field visit reports to enhance partnership and capacity building of UNFPA partners and staff;
• Develop and maintain strategic and functional partnerships and network with Communications and Partnership Officers of UN Communication Group, key development partners, CSOs including faith-based organisations and national and international print and electronic media;
• Organise and participate in field trips with donors and international/ national media to UNFPA programme sites and report on the events and progress;
• Assist programme team in identifying and implementing ways to obtain impact and visibility of the results to bolster the partnership and advocacy efforts;
• Perform any other relevant task assigned by the Representative.

Qualifications/Requirements Required degree level: Master degree or equivalent Education - Additional Comments:

Advanced degree in social/ behavioral sciences, public administration, communication, partnerships, management, international relations, or related fields;

Post graduate/Masters level degree in social/ behavioral sciences, public administration, communication, partnerships, management, international relations, or related

Required experience: 60 Months Experience remark:

At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in communication and partnership, planning and management of social development programmes;

• Skills in building strategic alliances and partnerships; strong communication and networking skills; excellent organizational skills;

• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication and partnership;

• Proven management, coordination and of programme development skills;

• Excellent analytical and advocacy skills, as well as writing skills;

• Ability to self-manage; good level of emotional intelligence, empathy and conflict management;

• High level of ability to negotiate and experience in team working in culturally diverse

contexts;

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise: Public information and reporting, Journalism, mass media and broadcasting Area of expertise details:

At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in communication and partnership, planning and management of social development programmes;

• Skills in building strategic alliances and partnerships; strong communication and networking skills; excellent organizational skills;

• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication and partnership;

• Proven management, coordination and of programme development skills;

• Excellent analytical and advocacy skills, as well as writing skills;

• Ability to self-manage; good level of emotional intelligence, empathy and conflict management;

• High level of ability to negotiate and experience in team working in culturally diverse

contexts;

Driving license: No Competencies values:

Accountability, Building Trust, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication