Communications 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 is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and works towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of 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 in 12 countries in the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR), including Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The organization also has a Multi-Country Office that covers the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland. The East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) is located in Nairobi and oversees all ESAR countries, ensuring that communications strategies and outreach efforts align with corporate communications policies and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will report to the Regional Director (ESARO) and will work closely with colleagues from Headquarters, Regional, Multi-Country Office, and Country Offices to ensure that communications strategies, media relations, and organizational outreach efforts are effectively aligned with corporate communications policies and initiatives. The role involves leading the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans for the region, conducting communication needs assessments, designing and developing communication strategies, and integrating these strategies into proposals for projects and programs. The Communications Specialist will also participate in UN inter-agency Communications Group meetings and contribute to UN system efforts, ensuring that UN Women’s messaging is consistent and impactful across various platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading the development and dissemination of public advocacy materials for the region, which includes creating communication and advocacy instruments such as briefing materials, press releases, and articles. They will coordinate the dissemination of these materials through effective channels in accordance with UN Women corporate standards. Additionally, the Communications Specialist will engage with video producers and other communication specialists to produce audio/visual material on UN Women’s regional work. They will also coordinate regional communication knowledge-building initiatives, ensuring that communication personnel in MCOs and COs are well-informed and trained on corporate communications policies. The role includes managing web, social media, and news media relations for the Regional Office, ensuring that media strategies are implemented effectively to enhance UN Women’s positioning with the media. The incumbent will build and maintain communications and advocacy-focused partnerships, identifying new communication partnerships and managing existing ones to enhance visibility. They will oversee the RO’s web presence and social media platforms, ensuring that content is regularly updated and aligned with corporate policies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The candidate must possess strong knowledge of managing web-based knowledge management systems, production, graphic design, and photography standards, as well as social media platforms and outreach. Strong oral and written communication skills, networking, and advocacy skills are essential, along with the ability to provide strategic and analytical advice. Knowledge of gender and human rights issues is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and advocacy efforts in the context of gender equality and women's empowerment.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 5 years of professional work experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications, or advocacy, including experience in media relations. Experience in the use of social media is required, while experience in media relations is considered desirable. This level of experience is necessary to effectively manage communications strategies and engage with various stakeholders in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance the ability to communicate with diverse audiences and stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve supervisory responsibilities, as the incumbent will lead a team of two personnel. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.