Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda, aiming to consolidate resources and mandates to enhance impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds upon the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect among its employees, and ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, or any other basis covered by law. The organization employs a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, with a focus on creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute to the mission of gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the visibility, outreach, and advocacy efforts of the Surging Women’s Employment Initiative (SWEI). This initiative aims to increase women's employment in the Arab States region by 5% by 2030 through innovative and collaborative approaches involving various stakeholders, including governments, international financial institutions, the private sector, UN agencies, NGOs, and media. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for producing high-quality content and implementing communication strategies that enhance the initiative's standing and awareness among partners, the media, and the public. Reporting to both the Director of the SWEI Flagship Initiative and the Regional Communication Specialist, the Communications Specialist will work closely with various teams within the organization and external partners to ensure effective communication and advocacy strategies are in place. This role requires a strategic thinker who can analyze communication needs, develop outreach plans, and coordinate media relations to promote the initiative's objectives effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: planning and designing communication and outreach strategies for the SWEI Flagship; conducting communication needs assessments for country offices relevant to the SWEI; analyzing requirements and synthesizing proposals for communication strategies that incorporate a gender perspective; integrating communication, advocacy, and outreach strategies into project proposals; monitoring and analyzing print and social media, and drafting reports based on findings; coordinating corporate and local campaigns and special events for UN Women; providing guidance to country offices in the region; developing and producing communication materials such as briefing documents, press releases, and articles; managing media relations by maintaining relationships with press, organizing press conferences, and drafting talking points; building partnerships with SWEI donors and advocacy partners; managing the SWEI's online presence, including website content and social media accounts; facilitating knowledge sharing and training on communication and advocacy; and performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and have a solid understanding of communication strategies and advocacy.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant professional experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of communication in a global context, particularly in relation to gender issues and advocacy.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of professional work experience in public relations, communications, or advocacy. Experience in media relations is desirable, as is familiarity with social media platforms and their effective use in outreach. Proficiency in using office software packages, web-based management systems, and modern ERP systems is also required, ensuring that candidates are equipped to handle the technical aspects of the role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is crucial for outreach and advocacy efforts. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with international teams and stakeholders. UN Women emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct that undermines the organization's objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is essential for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.