Governance and Communications Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization works in numerous countries, addressing issues such as hate speech and harmful narratives that undermine gender equality and social cohesion, particularly in politically sensitive environments like Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Job Overview:
The Governance and Communications Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Joint Programme 'Partnerships for Equality: No to Hate Speech and Divisive Narratives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.' This position requires a professional with demonstrated expertise in political communication and multi-stakeholder dialogue. The expert will be responsible for facilitating gender-responsive public discourse, strengthening responsible media practices, and supporting evidence-informed policymaking to counter hate speech. The role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, media representatives, and institutional actors, to promote inclusive communication and strengthen institutional responses to hate speech. The consultant will report to the Hate Speech and Divisive Narratives Programme Coordination Analyst and will work closely with relevant programme staff and partner organizations to ensure alignment with the Joint Programme objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected consultant will be responsible for several key activities:

• Activity Coordination and Implementation: Develop and monitor a detailed implementation plan for governance and dialogue activities, ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Organize regular coordination meetings with institutions, civil society organizations, and media representatives, and conduct stakeholder mapping to enhance engagement.
• Technical Support: Provide technical support for policy dialogues and consultations, prepare analytical inputs, and contribute to the development of guidance on responsible political communication.
• Facilitation of Dialogue Processes: Organize multi-stakeholder dialogues and national conferences, and contribute to knowledge products that highlight dialogue outcomes.
• Financial Arrangements: Payments will be made bi-monthly based on progress reports and timesheets endorsed by UN Women. The expected workload is approximately four working days per month, with additional days for workplan development and final reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, communications, law, public policy, human rights, gender studies, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Certification in project/programme management, mediation, or governance-related training is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong project coordination skills, stakeholder engagement abilities, and technical expertise in governance and public discourse.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as political science, communications, law, public policy, human rights, gender studies, or international relations is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Certification in relevant areas such as project management or dialogue facilitation is advantageous.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in governance, human rights, peacebuilding, media development, or policy dialogue initiatives is required. Candidates must have experience working with government institutions, civil society organizations, or media actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly on governance and public discourse issues. Experience in designing or facilitating policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder workshops is also required, with a minimum of five similar activities implemented.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is mandatory. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be part-time, with an estimated workload of four working days per month, plus additional days for workplan development and final reporting. The level of remuneration will be determined according to the UN salary scale. The consultant may need to work from UN Women premises in Sarajevo and travel to field locations as per the workplan, with travel expenses covered by UN Women. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful environment for all employees.