Programme Specialist, Communications and Business Development (CBD)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading organization in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on addressing critical issues such as family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. UNFPA is committed to promoting human rights and gender equality, and it works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Communications and Business Development (CBD) will play a pivotal role in overseeing UNFPA Ghana's communications strategy and enhancing corporate visibility. This position involves leading the CBD team and collaborating with various departments within the Country Office, including programmatic, operational, and administrative support staff. The specialist will report directly to the UNFPA Representative and will be responsible for implementing the organization's new five-year Country Programme (2023-2027), which aims to address critical issues such as preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence. The role requires a strategic approach to communication, ensuring that UNFPA's work is effectively positioned within national and federal policy frameworks and that its impact is well-documented and communicated across various media platforms. The specialist will also be tasked with expanding partnerships with stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of UNFPA's initiatives in Ghana.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Leading the development and implementation of UNFPA's Communication and Business Development Strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall vision.
• Overseeing the creation of communication materials, including publications and articles, in collaboration with relevant staff and partners.
• Managing all forms of communication (print, digital, broadcast) produced by UNFPA to ensure they meet established standards.
• Building relationships with media representatives to enhance UNFPA's visibility and effectively communicate its mission.
• Monitoring media coverage to identify trends and adjust communication strategies accordingly.
• Developing risk communication strategies to address sensitive issues related to UNFPA's mandate.
• Supporting advocacy efforts through the creation of materials that promote the ICPD agenda.
• Collaborating with the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to ensure that communications are based on accurate data.
• Facilitating training sessions to enhance communication skills among staff. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and UNFPA Management team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Media/Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field, along with significant professional experience in communications. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in media, communications, or public relations is required, with a strong emphasis on communication strategy development and implementation. Candidates should have proven success in building media relationships and pitching stories, as well as excellent research and writing skills. Familiarity with UNFPA's mandate areas is advantageous, and candidates should demonstrate proficiency in web production, social media, and multimedia tools. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Media/Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or an equivalent professional experience in communications. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is also acceptable, highlighting the importance of a strong academic foundation in the field.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience at the national or international level in media, communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or development work. Candidates should have substantive knowledge and practical experience in communication strategy development, including expertise in implementing visibility communications or media projects. Experience in the multilateral system is an asset but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable. This requirement emphasizes the need for effective communication in a diverse and international working environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. The role is based in Accra, Ghana, and involves full-time engagement with the potential for international collaboration. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to report any fraudulent notices or offers.