Knowledge Management, Communications and Advocacy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. UN Women operates through its Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), engaging with various stakeholders including AU organs, Member States, civil society, and the diplomatic community. The organization focuses on providing technical support for policy formulation and implementation, ensuring coherent advocacy and policy engagement across regional and country offices. UN Women has a global presence and works in numerous countries to advance gender equality and women's empowerment commitments.

Job Overview:
The Knowledge Management, Communications and Advocacy Consultant will play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and influence of UN Women within intergovernmental and regional policy processes. This position involves planning and implementing communication and advocacy strategies that align with AU policy processes and UN Women's continental priorities. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that UN Women’s policy priorities and results are effectively communicated and recognized, translating them into sustained political commitment and action for gender equality across Africa. The role requires close collaboration with various teams, including programme leads, operations, and technical teams, as well as engagement with media, donors, and civil society organizations to amplify UN Women’s initiatives and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Planning and designing external communication and advocacy strategies that align with AU policy processes and UN Women’s priorities.
• Conducting political, media, and stakeholder analysis to inform advocacy positioning and messaging.
• Integrating communications and advocacy approaches into regional programmes and flagship initiatives.
• Monitoring and analyzing media coverage at continental and regional levels, providing strategic insights.
• Supporting the planning and execution of intergovernmental engagements and high-level dialogues.
• Coordinating the development and dissemination of advocacy materials and knowledge products.
• Cultivating media relations and partnerships with journalists and digital influencers.
• Maintaining AULO’s digital presence and coordinating online content.
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices among different programmes. 1
• Performing other functions as required to support AULO's effective functioning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. The position requires at least 2 years of professional experience in knowledge management, public relations, communications, or advocacy, particularly in media relations at regional and international levels. Experience with the UN system, African Union, and civil society organizations is essential, along with a strong background in gender equality issues and women's rights. Proficiency in social media management and communication strategy development is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree in these fields may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication and advocacy in the context of gender equality and women's empowerment.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience in relevant fields such as knowledge management, public relations, communications, or advocacy. This experience should include a focus on media relations at both regional and international levels. Familiarity with the UN system, African Union, and civil society organizations is required, as well as experience in gender equality issues and women's rights. Proven skills in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing social media content, and producing knowledge products are essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and advocacy in diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is office-based at UN Women’s office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The position may involve official travel, which will be covered by UN Women. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process that includes background checks and verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.