Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission 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, coupled with 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 role involves developing, managing, coordinating, networking, implementing, and monitoring an advocacy and communication strategy aimed at promoting awareness and support for children's and women's rights. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that UNICEF's mission and objectives are communicated effectively to the public, enhancing the organization's credibility and brand. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including media, partners, and the community, to foster dialogue on crucial issues concerning children's wellbeing and rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a clear communication strategy and work plan to support country programme objectives.
• Ensure effective media relations by maintaining a comprehensive contact list of journalists and media outlets, promoting understanding of children's rights through media activities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with individuals and organizations essential for achieving communication objectives.
• Engage celebrities and organize special events to support UNICEF's goals.
• Integrate global communication priorities and campaigns into local strategies.
• Support resource mobilization through effective advocacy and communication activities.
• Manage human and financial resources effectively, ensuring compliance with objectives.
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation of communication strategies and activities.
• Provide capacity building and support to the communication team 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 for internal UNICEF staff. The role requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, including print, broadcast, and new media, with international and national work experience. Familiarity with emergency situations is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, or Public Relations is required. For internal UNICEF staff, a first university degree with additional professional experience may suffice. Educational qualifications must be obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database.

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

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 are limited, and chronic medical conditions may not be adequately addressed. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages eligible female candidates to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements. UNICEF does not charge processing fees at any stage of recruitment.