Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to the vision of equality as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality. UN Women supports Member States in implementing global standards for gender equality and coordinates gender-related work within the UN. The organization operates in multiple countries and has a strategic plan for 2026-2029 that emphasizes integrated approaches to address the root causes of inequality across various impact areas, including women's leadership, economic empowerment, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Liberia, UN Women collaborates with civil society and national partners to promote policies and programs that advance women's rights, aligning with the national development plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will report to the Country Representative and work closely with colleagues from Headquarters, Regional, and Country Offices to ensure that communication strategies, media relations, and outreach efforts align with corporate policies. The role involves leading the development and implementation of communication and outreach strategies, conducting communication needs assessments, and integrating advocacy strategies into project proposals. The Communications Specialist will also monitor media coverage, launch campaigns, and support resource mobilization and donor relations initiatives. This position is crucial for mobilizing support for UN Women's initiatives and ensuring effective communication of its goals and achievements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, focusing on media engagement.
• Conduct communication needs assessments for the Liberia Country Office, including projects and corporate initiatives.
• Design and implement communication strategies that ensure a gender perspective is integrated.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage, preparing reports on findings.
• Launch corporate and local campaigns and special events.
• Develop and disseminate advocacy materials, including press releases and articles.
• Manage media relations, responding to inquiries and organizing press events.
• Build and maintain partnerships with donors and advocacy partners.
• Oversee the country office's online presence, including website and social media management. 1
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and provide training on communication and advocacy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have strong communication skills, both oral and written, and be adept at networking and advocacy. A solid understanding of media relations and social media outreach is essential, along with the ability to provide strategic advice and analysis.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and media relations.

Experience:
At least 5 years of professional experience in public relations, communications, or advocacy is required, with a strong emphasis on media relations. Experience in utilizing social media for outreach and engagement is also necessary. Desirable experience includes a background in media relations, which will enhance the candidate's ability to effectively manage press interactions and campaigns.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and broaden outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is essential for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.