Humanitarian Communication & Advocacy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, merging the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, employing individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or other characteristics, and has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Communication & Advocacy Specialist at UN Women is responsible for leading and implementing communication and advocacy strategies specifically focused on humanitarian issues and Women, Peace, and Security. This role requires the incumbent to work closely with various teams within the organization, including the Humanitarian Team and the Women Peace and Security team, to ensure that gender dimensions are highlighted in crises and that the voices of women and girls are amplified. The position involves significant travel to humanitarian emergencies, often at short notice, and requires the ability to work under pressure while adapting to rapidly changing situations. The specialist will also be responsible for managing media relations, coordinating on-the-ground communication efforts during emergencies, and providing technical guidance to regional and country office communication staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead Humanitarian Communication & Advocacy for UN Women by designing and implementing strategies that integrate gender perspectives into humanitarian responses.
• Manage media relations by building relationships with media outlets, preparing press materials, and organizing media events.
• Coordinate communication efforts during humanitarian emergencies, including producing multimedia content and supporting field operations.
• Provide capacity building for communication staff in humanitarian contexts through training and workshops.
• Perform additional duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge of humanitarian contexts and the ability to translate complex issues into accessible content. They should have proven experience in developing communication strategies and a deep understanding of global media markets. Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Strategic thinking and the ability to advise senior management on effective communication in sensitive contexts are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level degree with additional relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, public information, journalism, or media relations, with a minimum of 3 years focused on humanitarian crises. Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies in humanitarian contexts and familiarity with UN system coordination is essential. Proven experience in drafting media products and leading communications during major emergencies is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French or Spanish is strongly desirable, and knowledge of another UN language (Russian, Chinese, or Arabic) is also considered beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve extensive travel to humanitarian emergencies and requires the ability to work in high-pressure environments. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.