Communication Specialist Level 3

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children and ensuring their rights are upheld. UNICEF operates in various sectors including health, education, and protection, and is committed to building a better world for children and families. In Nigeria, UNICEF is one of the largest country offices globally, working in complex humanitarian and development settings to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government and civil society.

Job Overview:
The Communication Specialist will be responsible for developing, leading, and implementing a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy that aligns with UNICEF Nigeria’s mission and priorities. This role is crucial for building public engagement and enhancing the visibility of UNICEF’s work, particularly through digital channels and social media. The specialist will ensure that communication efforts contribute to program results by generating compelling content and fostering partnerships that amplify impact at various levels. A key focus will be on positioning U-Report as UNICEF Nigeria’s flagship digital platform for youth participation and civic engagement, ensuring that young voices influence policy and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. The role also involves aligning with UNICEF’s global digital engagement strategies and supporting the UN Country Team’s youth engagement agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Specialist will lead the development and execution of a clear communication strategy and work plan to support UNICEF’s objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing social media strategies that align with advocacy objectives, ensuring integration with program sections.
• Creating dynamic social media content strategies and leading the writing of engaging content for advocacy areas.
• Maintaining a contact list of celebrities and influencers to support UNICEF’s efforts and participating in global advocacy activities.
• Supporting UNICEF’s global communications priorities and campaigns by developing complementary country-specific materials.
• Mobilizing resources for fundraising support through effective communication strategies.
• Establishing communication baselines for monitoring and evaluation of communication strategies.
• Providing capacity building and support to the country communication team and partners.
• Managing the U-Report program, ensuring its effective use for programming and advocacy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. A first university degree combined with two additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communication, including print, broadcast, and new media. Experience in international and national contexts, as well as fieldwork in emergency situations, is preferred. Familiarity with UNICEF’s mission and values is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in communication principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five 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 preference for those who have fieldwork experience in emergency situations. Familiarity with UNICEF’s operations and advocacy efforts is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is opened for one year and is subject to medical clearance and background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and may be required to provide additional information for verification purposes.