Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund is hosted by UNOPS, which is an operational arm of the United Nations. UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. The mission of UNOPS is to help people build better lives and assist countries in achieving sustainable development. UNOPS specializes in areas such as infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources. The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) is a UNOPS Trust Fund dedicated to saving lives and improving the well-being of people by enhancing access to sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health hygiene. The Fund invests in country-led programs to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which focuses on sanitation and hygiene. The SHF aims to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of international development assistance and national investment, managing grants, coordinating with partners, monitoring and evaluating results, and raising funds. The organization seeks mission-oriented, collaborative, open-minded, and flexible candidates who are passionate about global development.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will report to the Head of Resource Mobilization and Communication and will be responsible for managing the internal and external communication efforts of the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF). This role is crucial for strengthening the positioning of the Fund at global, regional, and country levels. The Communications Specialist will work with key stakeholders both within and outside the organization to manage communication strategies, including website development, digital engagement, content creation, and event organization. The position requires a proactive approach to enhance SHF's visibility and engagement through various communication channels, ensuring that the Fund's mission and activities are effectively communicated to diverse audiences. The role also involves supporting partnerships and external engagements, which are essential for the Fund's success in achieving its objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Developing, implementing, and monitoring SHF’s Communication Strategy and associated workplans.
• Conceptualizing all external publications and communication outputs, including the production and dissemination of the SHF Annual Report.
• Managing a content calendar across all platforms (website and social media) and producing high-quality content such as web stories, blogs, op-eds, and social media posts.
• Overseeing the updating and maintenance of SHF and Capital M websites.
• Managing SHF’s social media presence and increasing digital engagement.
• Coordinating the organization of external events and managing the event calendar.
• Developing and managing a library of photo, video, and social media assets.
• Identifying and managing external media and communication contractors to ensure quality and timely production of work.
• Developing and disseminating SHF branding guidelines and ensuring staff are equipped with relevant communication assets. 1
• Supporting senior management’s external engagements by providing briefing kits and public relations support. 1
• Supporting engagement with external partners and managing communications in support of fundraising efforts. 1
• Cultivating relationships with national and international media and managing media relations. 1
• Liaising with country-level grant recipients to align communications efforts and leverage products. 1
• Supporting the documentation of good practices and lessons learned to establish SHF as a thought leader in sanitation and hygiene.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in communications, public relations, media, or journalism, particularly in the context of international development. Experience in conceptualizing and managing the production of communication materials, including social media and audio-visual content, is essential. Proven ability to identify, cultivate, and manage partnerships is required, along with experience in managing websites and media/social media. Experience working in development or humanitarian contexts is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field. A bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree, allowing for flexibility in educational qualifications while still ensuring that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, media, or journalism, particularly within the context of international development. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing communication strategies and producing high-quality content across various platforms. Experience in developing partnerships and managing media relations is also essential, as is familiarity with digital engagement and social media management.

Languages:
Full working knowledge of English is essential for this position. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is considered an asset, which may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment and engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an International Individual Contract at the ICS 10 / IICA 2 level, with a duration of 12 months, subject to renewal based on funding availability. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, which is designated as a UN Family Duty station. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and will provide reasonable accommodations during the assessment process for shortlisted candidates who require assistance.