Communication Specialist

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 has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's work is guided by its Strategic Plan, which outlines its priorities and transformative results, aiming to address complex global challenges and enhance resilience and renewal in the face of demographic changes and humanitarian crises.

Job Overview:
The Communication Specialist will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing the communication strategy for the UNFPA Country Office in Ethiopia. This position is crucial for both development and humanitarian efforts, aligning with UNFPA's Global Communication Strategy and the priorities set forth in the Country Programme and UN Sustainable Cooperation Framework. The specialist will report directly to the UNFPA Representative and will be responsible for enhancing the visibility and impact of UNFPA's programs through effective communication strategies. The role involves scaling up advocacy initiatives, promoting a multi-sectoral approach, innovating partnerships, and ensuring timely communication during emergencies to facilitate effective program delivery. The Communication Specialist will also collaborate with the Regional Communication Advisor to ensure that UNFPA's messaging is consistent and impactful across various platforms, thereby reinforcing the organization's leadership in sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Planning, designing, and executing internal and external communication strategies tailored to the needs of the Country Office. This includes conducting communication needs assessments and providing advice on advocacy components in UNFPA's programs.
• Maintaining the Country Office website and social media platforms, ensuring that content is consistent and aligns with corporate requirements. This involves overseeing the development and implementation of a social media strategy for platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Developing and nurturing partnerships with national counterparts, donors, civil society, and the private sector to implement communication strategies effectively. This includes engaging with UN partners to promote a unified 'One UN' image and contributing to donor meetings and public information events.
• Organizing public information and promotional campaigns to position UNFPA as a leader in the development space, ensuring that key events and success stories are communicated effectively through various media channels.
• Ensuring strategic documentation of good practices and innovative program endeavors, contributing to knowledge networks, and providing training to staff on communication issues.
• Carrying out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to organizational needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in communications, public relations, journalism, advertising, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, communications, or advocacy at the national or international level. Substantive knowledge and practical experience in communication strategy development are essential, along with strong media contacts and a proven track record of successfully pitching stories to media outlets. Excellent research and writing skills are required, with experience in producing reports, newsletters, and web content. Proficiency in office software applications and knowledge of web-based management systems are also necessary. Familiarity with the UN system is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in communications, public relations, journalism, advertising, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage communication strategies and initiatives within the context of UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public relations, communications, or advocacy. This experience should ideally include work at both national and international levels, demonstrating a deep understanding of communication strategies and their implementation in complex environments. Proven success in developing and executing communication plans, as well as strong media relations skills, are critical for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and the international community. Knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable and can enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.