National Strategic Communications Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater 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. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. UN Women in Georgia specifically supports both state and non-state partners to achieve substantive gender equality, working on policy, legislation, institutions, and grassroots levels to create transformative results for women's rights. The organization emphasizes gender mainstreaming in governance reforms, enhancing women's political participation, and addressing violence against women, among other priorities. UN Women faces challenges in an increasingly difficult environment for gender equality, including shrinking civic space and rising anti-gender narratives that threaten progress in women's rights.

Job Overview:
The National Strategic Communications Consultant will play a crucial role in developing strategic communication messages aimed at countering anti-gender narratives and promoting positive narratives on gender equality, women's rights, and women's leadership in Georgia. This position is part of the Women’s Leadership and Decision-making (WLD) portfolio, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The consultant will utilize findings from UN Women’s recent report on anti-gender narratives as a foundation for their work. The consultant will engage in a participatory process to identify communication challenges and target audiences, developing context-sensitive narratives that resonate with the public. The messages created will undergo testing with various audience groups to ensure clarity and relevance, and will be refined based on feedback. The consultant will report to the WLD Project Analyst and WLD Programme Specialist, with support from the WLD Project Assistant for contract and payment issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive desk review of existing reports, research, and communication materials to understand the current landscape of anti-gender narratives in Georgia. They will hold consultations with civil society representatives, communication experts, and other stakeholders to gain insights into audience dynamics and communication opportunities. The consultant will develop evidence-based strategic narratives and key messages on gender equality and women's rights, testing these messages with target audiences to evaluate their effectiveness. The consultant will refine and finalize the narratives based on audience feedback and stakeholder consultations, ensuring that the messages are impactful and relevant to the context.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Strategic Communications, Media Studies, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience in strategic communications, public communication, advocacy, media, or campaign development, with a preference for candidates who have experience in gender equality and women's rights. Demonstrated experience in developing communication strategies and working with civil society organizations or international organizations will be considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Communications, Strategic Communications, Media Studies, Public Relations, or Marketing is required. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or seven years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates should have a proven track record in strategic communications, public communication, advocacy, or related fields, with experience in developing communication strategies and campaigns. Experience in gender equality, women's rights, and working with civil society organizations is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Georgian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy does not require travel within Georgia, allowing for a flexible working arrangement. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The position is likely to be full-time, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined in the job description. The consultant will undergo rigorous reference and background checks as part of the hiring process, ensuring compliance with UN Women’s policies and standards.