Communications Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working towards the realization of universal human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization is committed to promoting reproductive health, gender equality, and population and development issues, with a mission to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet need for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The Communications Analyst plays a crucial role in fostering a dynamic and visible presence for UNFPA Sierra Leone. This position is responsible for facilitating a narrative environment that drives advocacy and maintains high levels of stakeholder engagement to meet the strategic goals of the country office. The Communications Analyst will serve as a supportive bridge between UNFPA and the public, ensuring that the impact of UNFPA's work is communicated with clarity and purpose. Reporting directly to the Representative, the Communications Analyst will advise on and lead the development and implementation of the Country Office’s External Communications and Advocacy Strategy. This includes implementing the Census project Communications and Advocacy plan, analyzing relevant political, social, and economic developments, and documenting and disseminating UNFPA’s work. The role requires engaging traditional and new media to create visibility for UNFPA’s mandate and activities, including major programme events and breaking news on UNFPA achievements at national, regional, and global levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Analyst will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: monitoring and analyzing the political, social, and economic landscape in Sierra Leone to identify trends relevant to UNFPA’s mission; designing and implementing programme communication strategies aligned with corporate strategic goals; creating relationships with media houses, editors, and journalists to facilitate accurate coverage of reproductive health, gender, and youth issues; planning and executing media campaigns on the UNFPA mandate; mobilizing for media space and airtime; engaging in public events to ensure accurate messaging; coordinating the drafting and editing of media articles, press releases, and advocacy materials; preparing background communication materials for briefings and visits; ensuring regular analysis of media reporting; and coordinating the production of media materials to complement communication efforts. Additionally, the Communications Analyst will lead the implementation of UNFPA Sierra Leone’s programme initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment, while building the capacity of national partners and CSOs in effective communication approaches.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in these fields with four years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of two years of professional experience in public relations and communication is required for candidates with an advanced degree, while at least four years of relevant experience is necessary for those with a Bachelor's degree. Candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication and editing skills, a strong interest and understanding of development work, familiarity with communication approaches related to UNFPA’s mandate, and proficiency in computer and information systems.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or other related fields. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, they must have at least four years of relevant experience in public relations and communication to be considered for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in public relations and communication if they possess an advanced university degree. For those with a Bachelor's degree, at least four years of relevant working experience is required. Candidates should also have a strong interest in and understanding of development work, particularly the mission of UNFPA and the UN system.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages, such as Krio, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
UNFPA offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. The organization emphasizes that it does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to report any fraudulent notices or offers to the UNFPA fraud hotline.