Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations established in July 2010, with a mission to advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. Since its establishment, UN Women has been a key player in promoting gender equality and women's rights globally, with a particular focus on eliminating discrimination against women and girls. The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECA RO), established in 2014 in Istanbul, supports seven Country Offices across the region and has expanded its outreach to additional countries, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Turkey. The office has built a strong reputation for its advocacy and communications efforts, aiming to enhance the visibility of gender issues and mobilize support for women's empowerment initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will report directly to the Regional Director and will play a crucial role in developing and implementing communication strategies that align with UN Women's corporate policies and initiatives. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, to ensure effective outreach and media relations. The specialist will lead the development of communication and advocacy strategies, conduct communication needs assessments, and integrate gender perspectives into all communication efforts. The role also involves managing media relations, building partnerships with donors, overseeing the organization's online presence, and facilitating knowledge sharing within the team. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a regional communications team and ensuring that all communications efforts are aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, focusing on media relations and ensuring gender perspectives are integrated.
• Conduct communication needs assessments for the Regional Office, including projects and corporate initiatives.
• Design and disseminate advocacy materials, including press releases and articles, and coordinate their distribution through effective channels.
• Manage media relations by building relationships with press, responding to inquiries, and organizing press events.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with donors and advocacy partners to enhance visibility and ensure effective communication of initiatives.
• Oversee the Regional Office's web presence, including website management and social media accounts.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building by identifying best practices and providing training on communication and advocacy.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The candidate should have strong knowledge of communication strategies, media relations, and advocacy, with the ability to communicate effectively across different constituencies. Additionally, the candidate should have experience in managing web-based knowledge management systems and a solid understanding of graphic design and production standards.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the role.

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 for outreach and engagement is also required. Familiarity with the media landscape and experience in managing communication strategies are desirable attributes for this position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Istanbul, Turkey. The incumbent will lead a regional communications team consisting of 7 members. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.