Communication Specialist ( Field Support), P3, Temporary Appointment , Division of communication, NYHQ #118105 (546318)

The Communicatoin Specialist – Field Support, is responsible for the management, coordination and operationalization of the field support function within GCA. Specifically, this post is responsible for developing and implementing systems and structures for providing support to Regional Offices, Country Offices, National Committees and other HQ Divisions and Offices on communication and advocacy including technical guidance, knowledge exchange and capacity development.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Strategic Office Context:

The Division of Global Communication and Advocacy (GCA) in UNICEF puts children at the heart of global agendas by being the leading voice, brand, advocate, and partner for the rights of every child. It leads a shared Global Communication and Advocacy Strategy that sets the vision, ambition, and priorities that guide the Organization’s work at the global, regional, and national levels. It drives digital communication transformation and creates compelling content and robust engagement strategies. It provides guidance and support for advocacy, communication, and youth engagement teams worldwide, facilitating knowledge exchange and applying a ‘glocal’ and ‘digital first’ approach. GCA also sets a Global Internal Communication and Staff Engagement Strategy; and works to drive improvements in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

GCA works closely with other Divisions, Regional offices, Country Offices, and National Committees to contribute to the achievement of UNICEF’s Strategic Plan through the implementation of the Global Communication and Advocacy Strategy.

Purpose:

The Communication Specialist – Field Support, is responsible for the management,  coordination, and operationalization of the field support function within GCA. Specifically, this post is responsible for developing and implementing systems and structures for providing support to Regional Offices, Country Offices, National Committees, and other HQ Divisions and Offices on communication and advocacy including technical guidance, knowledge exchange, and capacity development.

Key Functions, Accountabilities, and Related Duties/Tasks:

Under the supervision and guidance of Chief, Strategic Planning and Field Support, and in close coordination with other GCA sections and teams, manage and coordinate effective support to UNICEF offices around the world. Main duties include:

1. Technical Guidance and Operational Support to the Field
   • Coordinate provision of technical guidance and operational support from GCA to Regional Offices, Country Offices, and NatComs on communication and advocacy.
   • Establish regular exchange between COs, ROs, and GCA through routine conference calls, annual or periodic meetings, routine help desk, etc. to ensure that new communication and advocacy strategies, plans, and key global initiatives are developed in consultation and input from the field.
   • Work in close collaboration with Regional Communication Chiefs, regional teams, and extended country-level communication and advocacy teams to support the rollout, contextualization, and implementation of key strategies and priorities related to communication and advocacy.
   • Advise and assist on surge capacity and management support on communication capacity development in regional and country office teams, and work with regions to develop strong communication and advocacy teams.
   • Ensure field perspectives are considered and reflected in GCA planning and prioritization processes and the development of global strategies and frameworks.
   • Establish and maintain a simple and efficient system for the flow of information between GCA and the field including coordination of GCA’s Help Desk support by regularly responding to and referring queries from COs/ROs to the relevant focal points.
2. Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Development
   • • Facilitate and support the documentation and production of knowledge pieces related to communication and advocacy from across the organization including case studies, good practices, and lessons learned.
     • Convene and facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange between HQ, ROs, and COs as well as horizontally across ROs and COs.
     • Coordinate GCA’s capacity development and learning plans and activities, liaising with relevant section focal points, ROs, COs, and other HQ divisions as needed.
     • Support with planning and organization of GCA-led learning activities, including webinars, workshops, e-courses, meetings, etc. through liaison with subject matter experts and maintaining a learning calendar.
     • Coordinate and support the design of survey tools, analysis of responses, and production of summary reports for wider circulation.

Any other tasks required within the scope of work of the Strategic Planning and Field Support Section.

Impact of Results:

Communication and advocacy have been identified as change strategies and enablers to the achievement of the Strategic Plan goals. GCA has developed a Global Communication and Advocacy Strategy (GCAS) to enable UNICEF to realize the rights of every child by putting children at the heart of global agendas by being the leading voice, brand, advocate, and partner for the rights of every child. The incumbent will largely focus on strengthening engagement, learning, and complementarity between HQ and offices in the field. Results will have a direct impact on the quality and extent to which GCA delivers on its mandate, plans, and objectives for the global communication and advocacy efforts.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Public Administration, Economics, Communication, or other relevant fields.
  *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with two additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, advocacy, knowledge management, and capacity development is required.
• A track record of achieving or contributing to tangible results and change.
• Demonstrates ability to build good working relationships across organizational levels and experience in deploying a range of strategies and tactics for bringing groups and teams together in support of common agendas.
• Experience in building and maintaining a network of stakeholders, and in working with coalitions.
• Experienced and current in digital and social media content and audience trends as well as in managing online platforms and channels.
• Strong communicator with an emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct, engaging ways.
• Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring and evaluation of results.
• Experience in training and facilitation is an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
• Demonstrates ability to collect information, undertake research, synthesize data, and present findings related to communications and digital media.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally to varied audiences.
• Set a high standard of quality and productivity for self and others with clearly defined objectives.
• Seek and quickly absorb current information and techniques and applies them appropriately.
• Demonstrate an awareness of changes in organizational strategy that impact your own work area.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Planning and Organizing [II]
• Learning and Researching [II]
• Relating and Networking [II]
• Persuading and Influencing [II]
• Applying Technical Expertise [II]
• Communication [II]
• Working with People [II]
• Drive for Results [I]

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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

UNICEF New York is currently undergoing organizational changes; therefore, the exact location of the post has yet to be determined. Selected candidates may be required to commence duties remotely until the location is confirmed. If reassigned or relocated to New York, candidates may be expected to relocate to a new location again during the initial contract or assignment period.