Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and to support population and development strategies. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in the areas of family planning, maternal health, gender equality, and demographic change. UNFPA employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to these goals, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards and human rights in their operations.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist position is pivotal in providing strategic advice and hands-on content creation to enhance UNFPA's visibility and effectiveness in the Asia and Pacific region. This role involves coordinating and producing high-quality communication materials tailored for various stakeholders, including media, donors, and private sector partners. The incumbent will work closely with program and technical staff to promote the outputs of the UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Programme and align with the Global Strategic Plan. The position requires a proactive approach to establishing relationships with partners and media, ensuring that UNFPA's mission and achievements are effectively communicated, especially in humanitarian and crisis contexts. The role also supports the implementation of resource mobilization strategies and partnerships, contributing to the overall mission of UNFPA in addressing critical issues related to sexual and reproductive health, gender, and population development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the planning and design of internal and external communication strategies, including media outreach and donor engagement.
• Conducting communication needs assessments and providing advice on advocacy components in project implementation.
• Developing advocacy materials to enhance the impact of donor campaigns.
• Creating compelling stories and content for various platforms, ensuring quality and consistency in communication materials.
• Managing project publication activities and overseeing the production of printed and digital materials.
• Designing content for UNFPA's online platforms, focusing on social media engagement and audience expansion.
• Maintaining media relations and donor databases, and supporting capacity building for country offices in resource mobilization.
• Sharing resource mobilization opportunities and ensuring compliance with donor agreements.
• Building collaborative relationships with media, partners, and other UN agencies to enhance joint communications efforts. 1
• Participating in planning events and visits for donors and partners, and carrying out additional duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in communications, media relations, journalism, or relevant social sciences. They should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, advocacy, social marketing, resource mobilization, and partnerships, preferably with a focus on humanitarian or crisis communications. Substantive knowledge in developing communications strategies and familiarity with donor policies and procedures are essential. Proven experience in managing partnerships and a strong track record in digital and social media engagement are also required. Excellent research and writing skills, along with proficiency in web-based content management systems and creative software, are necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in communications, media relations, journalism, or relevant social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and the nuances of media relations, particularly in the context of humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications, advocacy, social marketing, resource mobilization, and partnerships. Experience in humanitarian or crisis communications is highly desirable, as is a strong understanding of donor policies and procedures. Field experience and knowledge of the UN system would be advantageous, as they provide context for the role's responsibilities and the operational environment of UNFPA.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication with a broader range of partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.