Communication Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established by UN General Assembly Resolution 50/166 in 1996, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It operates globally, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, and has a strong institutional foundation with a network of country and regional offices. The organization administers the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which is the only global UN funding mechanism providing direct grants to civil society organizations working to prevent and end violence against women and girls. UN Women collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and private sectors, to amplify women's rights movements and ensure advocacy efforts are visible and impactful.

Job Overview:
The Communication Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting advocacy and communications efforts within the EVAW team at UN Women East and Southern Africa. This position is particularly important as it aligns with significant upcoming events, such as the African Union's adoption of the first Convention on ending violence against women and girls and the commemorations of Beijing+30 in 202

• The consultant will work closely with the EVAW team and the communications unit to develop and disseminate strategic advocacy messages, ensuring that the work of UN Women is visible to both internal and external audiences. The consultant will also support the UN Trust Fund partners in their advocacy and communication efforts, amplifying the voices of women's organizations under the ACT initiative. This role requires a proactive approach to communication planning, results-based advocacy, and stakeholder engagement across the region, particularly in relation to high-profile campaigns and events.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Consultant will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategic communication plans for the EVAW and ACT programmes. Key duties include producing monthly communication packages, designing high-impact communications campaigns for critical regional milestones, creating tailored social media content, documenting best practices through multimedia content, and coordinating with ACT partners to ensure unified messaging. The consultant will also provide technical assistance to ACT partners in developing their advocacy and communications plans, lead the design and implementation of visibility campaigns, and maintain an up-to-date communication asset library. Additionally, the consultant will be tasked with producing monthly analytics reports, contributing to newsletters, and creating toolkits for various campaigns and advocacy events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong writing and storytelling skills across digital and traditional platforms, strategic thinking abilities, and political acumen in gender and human rights advocacy. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, and social media analytics is essential. Familiarity with Drupal CMS, Teams, and UN publishing standards is also required. The consultant should demonstrate awareness and sensitivity regarding gender issues, accountability, creative problem-solving skills, effective communication, inclusive collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in communications, public relations, gender studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in gender equality and women's empowerment will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, advocacy, or public relations, particularly in the context of gender equality and women's rights. Experience working with international organizations, civil society, or UN agencies is highly desirable. Proven track record in developing and implementing successful communication strategies and campaigns is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is office and field-based, and candidates should be prepared for both environments. The position may involve full-time or part-time commitments, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is crucial for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification.