Programme Specialist - Communication

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was established in 1973 and operates in Nigeria with its headquarters located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. UNFPA Nigeria has four sub-offices that address population issues across the six geo-political zones of the country. The organization is currently in its 8th Country Programme (2018-2022), focusing on the humanitarian-peace-development nexus approach, particularly in response to the ongoing crises in the Northeast region. UNFPA Nigeria's operations prioritize humanitarian support in the states of Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa, while also implementing development plans in 15 focal states. The organization partners with various stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and major donors, to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, adolescents, and internally displaced persons. UNFPA's mission is to end preventable maternal mortality, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence, emphasizing holistic programming that builds the capacity of national health systems and social structures to provide quality sexual and reproductive health services.

Job Overview:
The International UN Volunteer (IUNV) will play a crucial role in developing and implementing UNFPA Nigeria’s Communication Strategy. This position involves ensuring that the communication strategy aligns with the UNFPA Global Communications Strategic Plan. The IUNV will support advocacy efforts, media engagement, and partnerships, enhancing UNFPA Nigeria's visibility as a leading health agency. The role requires collaboration with UNFPA colleagues and partners to communicate the organization's activities effectively and to accelerate the achievement of transformative results aimed at eliminating maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. The IUNV will also provide on-the-job capacity building for UNFPA Communications staff and report directly to the Representative or delegate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The IUNV will be responsible for developing and implementing annual Communication Plans and budgets that align with thematic area workplans and projects. Key duties include collaborating with colleagues to ensure effective communication of UNFPA's transformative results, managing social media platforms, preparing and disseminating communications products, identifying success stories, building relationships with media stakeholders, conducting media monitoring, organizing high-level missions and media events, providing technical leadership in multimedia content creation, maintaining website content, tracking communication performance, ensuring neutrality in communications, and capacitating the CO Team in effective communication and advocacy. The IUNV will also perform any other tasks assigned by the Communication Analyst.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must exemplify integrity and demonstrate a commitment to UNFPA and the UN System. They should embrace cultural diversity and change, possess good interpersonal and diplomatic skills, and have previous engagement with national and international media. Proficiency in modern media tools and advocacy methods is essential, along with strong oral and written communication skills, good judgment, excellent time management, attention to detail, and a service-oriented mindset. The ability to creatively solve problems is also important.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in communications, public relations, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, depending on the specific requirements of the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a demonstrated level of experience in communications, advocacy, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations or in humanitarian contexts is highly desirable. The role may require familiarity with the UN system and its operations, as well as experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the local context, would be considered an asset and beneficial for engaging with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, which is classified as a family duty station. The city is cosmopolitan and operates under security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security phase B, indicating a moderate level of security risk. The average cost of living in Abuja is manageable, and the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers outline the policies and rules governing the assignment. The Unified Volunteer Platform (UVP) provides resources for understanding benefits and allowances associated with the position.