Communication Officer (Advocacy)

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 professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer (Advocacy) plays a crucial role in assisting with the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of integrated advocacy and communication strategies aimed at achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. This position involves executing advocacy and communication plans, building and maintaining relationships with advocacy partners and stakeholders, and supporting project implementation through monitoring, evaluation, and budget oversight. The officer will also work on strengthening advocacy and communication capacities within the team and engaging key stakeholders to ensure alignment and impact across initiatives. The role requires a proactive approach to developing and executing strategies that effectively communicate UNICEF's mission and work to a broader audience, ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard and represented.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Officer (Advocacy) will be responsible for several key functions, including:

• Execution of Advocacy and Communication Plans: Assisting in the development, planning, coordination, and execution of advocacy and communication strategies that support the achievement of specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) outcomes.
• Advocacy Contacts and Partners: Providing professional assistance in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external advocacy stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), government partners, academia, the private sector, and media.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Supporting the establishment of baselines for advocacy and communication results, analyzing the effectiveness of strategies, and producing regular monitoring and evaluation results.
• Project and Budget Support: Assisting in the day-to-day delivery of key projects, tracking project plans, and managing budgets effectively.
• Advocacy and Communication Capacity Building: Documenting and disseminating good practices in advocacy to enhance internal capacities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintaining a database of partnerships and networks essential for achieving objectives and ensuring effective communication flow to stakeholders.
• Other Responsibilities: Undertaking additional tasks as required to support the performance and impact of advocacy and communications work.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor) in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Communication, or related areas. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of professional experience in advocacy, communication, or campaigning at various levels. Experience in developing clear theories of change with measurable objectives, managing projects to completion, and supporting digital communications is highly desirable. Knowledge of children's rights, public policy, and international development issues is an asset, as is experience working for advocacy organizations or in emergency environments.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree (Bachelor) in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Communication, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of advocacy and communication in the context of UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of professional experience in advocacy, communication, or campaigning. Candidates should demonstrate experience in supporting project development and management, including budget oversight and the implementation of advocacy strategies. Experience in digital communications and working within a team is also beneficial, particularly in contexts related to children's rights and humanitarian issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in various contexts, including development and humanitarian settings. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its mission, including discrimination and abuse. Background checks will be conducted for all selected candidates, and medical clearance is required for appointments.