Communication Specialist (P-3)

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Job Purpose

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the UNFPA Representative, the Communication Specialist will design and implement the Country Office communication strategy for both development and humanitarian contexts, based on UNFPA's Global Communication Strategy, Strategic Plan transformative results, the priorities of the Country Programme and UN Sustainable Cooperation Framework, and the political context in Ethiopia.

The Communication Specialist will report directly to the UNFPA Representative and will work across both humanitarian and development programmes.

How You Can Make a Difference

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape.

Responsibilities

A. Planning, Design and Execution of Internal and External Communication Strategies

• Plan and elaborate communication needs assessments for the country programme.
• Facilitate planning, implementation and reviews of the Country Office's communication strategies based on the overarching UNFPA communication strategy.
• Provide constructive advice on incorporation of advocacy and communication components into all aspects of UNFPA's programme.

B. Maintenance of the Country Office Website, Web-Based Knowledge Management System and Social Media Platforms

• Maintain the office website based on corporate requirements in cooperation with ICT staff.
• Oversee and prepare content for the office website ensuring consistency of materials.
• Guide and facilitate elaboration and implementation of a social media strategy leading to the development and implementation of UNFPA Ethiopia Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

C. Partnership, Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

• Develop and maintain close contacts with national counterparts, donors, civil society and private sector for the implementation of the communication and publication strategies.
• Engage with UN partners on forging a "One UN" image through publicizing the significance of local UN endeavours, joint programmes, common services and value-added role of UNFPA.
• Provide tangible contributions to donor meetings and related public information events.
• Prepare relevant documentation, including project summaries, conference papers, speeches and donor profiles.
• Format, package and submit newsletters and programme updates for development partners and donors in close collaboration with programme staff.

D. Programme and Media Campaigns

• Organize public information and promotional campaigns on UNFPA activities to position UNFPA as a leader within the development space and social media.
• Facilitate promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship programme initiatives and publications.
• Ensure that key office and programme events, success stories and good practices highlighting the value-added roles of partners are communicated through local and social media.

E. Knowledge Building and Management

• Ensure strategic documentation of good practices and innovative programme endeavours in close collaboration with the programme team.
• Provide substantial contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
• Organize training for and provide constructive advice to programme and operations staff on communications issues.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 5 years of increasingly responsible professional experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy.
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in communication strategy development.
• Strong media contacts and proven success pitching stories to media outlets.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with experience writing reports, newsletters and programme updates, video production and developing web content.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Client-oriented with strong teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in current office software applications.
• Knowledge of the UN system would be an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.

Required Competencies

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Communicating for impact
• Achieving results
• Being accountable
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
• Thinking analytically and strategically
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary, health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information on diversity, equity and inclusion at UNFPA, visit: https://www.unfpa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion

Disclaimer

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

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