Humanitarian Communication & Advocacy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve 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. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives. UN Women employs a significant number of staff across various countries, working collaboratively to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

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 is critical in ensuring that women's empowerment and gender equality are prioritized in humanitarian responses and that the voices of women and girls are amplified in crises. The incumbent will work closely with various teams within UN Women, including the Humanitarian Team and the Women Peace and Security team, to ensure effective communication strategies are integrated into program proposals and emergency response plans. The position requires the ability to travel to humanitarian emergencies at short notice and for extended periods, highlighting the dynamic and responsive nature of the role. The specialist will also monitor media narratives and position UN Women as a thought leader in the humanitarian sector, ensuring that gender dimensions are highlighted in all communications.

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 focused on humanitarian crises, building relationships with media outlets and supporting spokespeople in high-visibility situations.
• Coordinate on-the-ground communication during humanitarian emergencies, working directly with media and producing multimedia content.
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building to regional and country office communication staff, facilitating training sessions on humanitarian communication.
• Document and share best practices and lessons learned across the global network.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field. A first-level degree with additional relevant experience may be considered. The role requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, public information, journalism, or media relations, with a strong focus on humanitarian crises. Proven experience in developing and implementing communication and advocacy strategies in humanitarian contexts is essential, along with familiarity with UN system coordination and humanitarian response frameworks. Candidates should have experience in drafting compelling media products and leading communications during major emergencies.

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 be considered as an alternative qualification.

Experience:
The position requires 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. Candidates must have proven experience in developing and implementing communication and advocacy strategies in humanitarian contexts and experience working with international media. Familiarity with UN system coordination and humanitarian response frameworks is also required, along with demonstrated experience in leading on-the-ground communications during major emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or Spanish is strongly desirable, and knowledge of another UN language such as Russian, Chinese, or Arabic is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve extensive travel to humanitarian emergencies, and candidates should be prepared for this requirement. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.