Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that helps staff thrive and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Communication Specialist will report to the Chief of Communication and work closely with the Chief of Field Office in Gaza. The primary responsibility is to develop, manage, coordinate, and implement an advocacy and communication strategy aimed at promoting awareness and support for children's and women's rights. The role involves engaging with public audiences to enhance understanding and respect for UNICEF's mission and objectives. The specialist will be accountable for ensuring that the communication strategy aligns with UNICEF's rights- and results-based programming approach, and will work to strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a clear communication strategy and work plan to support country program objectives. This includes conducting environmental and stakeholder assessments, setting objectives, identifying target audiences, and determining appropriate messages and media mix.
• Maintain a comprehensive media relations database and ensure effective communication with journalists and media outlets.
• Develop partnerships with individuals, organizations, and government entities to achieve advocacy and communication objectives.
• Engage with celebrities and organize special events to promote UNICEF's goals.
• Integrate global communication priorities into local campaigns and ensure effective dissemination of information.
• Support resource mobilization efforts through effective advocacy and communication strategies.
• Manage human and financial resources effectively, ensuring compliance with communication objectives.
• Establish communication performance indicators and conduct regular evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the communication strategy.
• Provide expertise and support to build communication capacity among staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, or Public Relations. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of communication strategies and practices, particularly in the context of advocacy and public relations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, or Public Relations is required. A first university degree in a relevant field, combined with additional professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree for internal UNICEF staff.

Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, including print, broadcast, and new media. Candidates should have both international and national work experience, with a background in emergency situations being highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language, preferably Arabic, is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Gaza, where medical facilities may be limited. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from eligible and suitable female candidates. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Candidates must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements, including against COVID-19, as part of the hiring process. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during recruitment.