Communications Specialist

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager, the UNV Communications Specialist will:

1. Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy actions in line with the communication and visibility plan

• Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy activities, including media strategies;
• Monitor and analyze print and social media and prepare reports related to the Action;
• Support the programme team to launch the Action-related campaigns and special events;
• Provide advice and guidance as requested.

1. Lead the development and dissemination of advocacy materials

• Develop and produce communication and advocacy instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels;
• Identify and launch information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners;
• Provide advice on advocacy materials and publications to be developed within the Action at the country and regional levels;
• Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce the related audio/ visual material;
• Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media and general public at the regional level.

3. Manage media relations

• Lead relationship building with press, maintain and update database of relevant press in line with the objectives/priorities;
• Respond timely and clearly to media inquiries and to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence; identify topics, background information, news-related development and coverage of interest;
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions with press;
• Facilitate interviews with partners and personnel of the Action;
• Develop talking points.

4. Build and maintain partnerships

• Identify and develop the communication-related partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility; manage and nurture existing partnerships;
• Liaise with advocacy partners and undertake outreach to civil society organizations, governments, and other groups to ensure that newsworthy information reaches the public and donors;
• Guide and collaborate closely with communication colleagues in the country offices to ensure consistency with corporate policies, messaging and initiatives.

6. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing

• Provide support to identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned from COs and MCOs directly linked to Action’s country goals and activities and ensure exchange of information;
• Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy as appropriate.

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

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Required experience: 60 Months Experience remark:

• At least 5 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy on gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Area of expertise requirement:
  
  • Experience in the use of social media
  • Experience in media relations is an asset

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports the Joint Action with professionalism, dedication and client orientation, and who must be willing both to work on programmatic/substantive aspects and to provide operational/logistical services. The following competencies are required:

• Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Strong knowledge of managing web-based knowledge management systems
• Strong understanding of production, graphic design and photography standards
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
• Oral and written communication and editing skills in English, at native speaker level
• Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to provide advice and be strategic and analytical
• Good knowledge of local media landscapes
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues is an asset
• Working knowledge of Russian is an advantage

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• Russian(Optional), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise: Gender equality and the advancement of women, Journalism, mass media and broadcasting, Other communications related experience Driving license: No Competencies values:

Accountability, Communication, Integrity, Leadership, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams