Advocacy, Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality, reproductive health, and rights, and works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA's mission is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and to promote the rights of individuals, particularly women and girls, in all aspects of their lives.

Job Overview:
The Advocacy, Communications, and Knowledge Management Specialist for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 (SIARP 2.0) plays a crucial role in leading and implementing advocacy, communications, knowledge management, and visibility activities. This position is vital for developing and executing comprehensive strategies that promote the programme's objectives, particularly in addressing violence against women and girls. The Specialist will coordinate communication capacities, resources, and activities to ensure effective promotion of SIARP 2.0 results. This includes contributing to awareness-raising campaigns, enhancing visibility efforts, and facilitating information sharing. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including RUNO focal points and the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG), to ensure compliance with communication and visibility guidelines from the African Union Commission (AUC), European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN). The Specialist will also manage digital presence, produce content, and coordinate the collection of good practices and lessons learned, ultimately aiming to enhance programme communication and strengthen visibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy, Communication and Knowledge Management Officer will work under the overall authority and guidance of the Spotlight Programme Coordinator and in close collaboration with the assigned Focal Persons from the RUNOs involved in SIARP 2.

• The key duties and responsibilities include:
• Supporting the design, planning, and implementation of the Spotlight Initiative programme’s Communication, Visibility, and Knowledge Management strategies and plans.
• Developing comprehensive and realistic advocacy, communication, knowledge management, and visibility plans and strategies, ensuring a gender perspective.
• Implementing high-impact advocacy and communications products (e.g., web, electronic, etc.) and knowledge management outcomes.
• Coordinating visibility, communications, and outreach activities with recipient UN agencies.
• Ensuring wide dissemination and visibility of programme activities, developments, and achievements.
• Identifying and compiling success and human-interest stories and programme achievements, managing knowledge sharing among recipient UN agencies.
• Monitoring and evaluating advocacy, communication, knowledge management, and visibility campaigns in collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.
• Writing and disseminating press releases, policy briefs, pamphlets, talking points, speeches, editorials, and other written communications materials.
• Managing contracts with consultancies and vendors for advocacy, communication, and knowledge management functions. 1
• Developing and maintaining relationships with media members. 1
• Designing and maintaining a digital presence, including a robust social media footprint for SIARP 2.
• 1
• Producing quality photographs and video content for web stories and other communications products. 1
• Coordinating the collection of good practices and lessons learned for scaling up and replicating regional SI activities. 1
• Supporting civil society partners in documenting and sharing their practices and lessons in key knowledge-sharing platforms. 1
• Undertaking other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support effective implementation of SIARP 2.0’s knowledge management and learning objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or any related field. Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, print, broadcast, and/or media, with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in communication and/or advocacy focused on gender equality and human rights, particularly in eliminating violence against women and girls. Proficiency in design, photography, videography, social media campaigns, and related skills is essential. Candidates must be computer literate, with proficiency in office software and at least one conventional design software package, and experience handling web-based management and knowledge management systems. Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism, or any other related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and advocacy efforts required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, print, broadcast, and/or media. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years’ experience specifically in communication and/or advocacy related to gender equality and human rights, particularly in the area of eliminating violence against women and girls. This level of experience is crucial for effectively managing the responsibilities of the role and contributing to the programme's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. A working knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to fostering a work environment that upholds the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.