Summary

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Communications Consultant will collaborate closely with the Headquarters, Regional, Country Offices and Programme Presences (RO/CO/PP) colleagues to ensure communications strategies, media relations and organizational outreach efforts are aligned with corporate communications policies and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans for campaigns, international days and events, with a specific focus on media

• Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, including media strategies; ensure gender perspective;
• Monitor and analyze print and social media and prepare reports;
• Launch in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local/regional campaigns and special events;
• Provide advice and guidance to and coordinate with CO/ PP and MCOs in the region.

Lead the development and dissemination of communications materials

• Develop and produce communication and advocacy instruments and materials, including the annual report, briefing materials, press releases, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels;
• Identify and launch information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners;
• Provide advice on advocacy materials and coordinate launching flagship initiatives and publications in the region;
• Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce audio/ visual material on UN Women’s work;
• Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media and general public at the regional level;
• Follow guidelines from and report to HQ

Manage media relations for the RO

• Lead relationship building with press in country; maintain and update database of relevant press;
• Respond timely and clearly to media inquiries and to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence; identify topics, background information, news-related development and coverage of interest;
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions with press;
• Facilitate interviews with senior managers; connect media with UN Women subject experts;
• Finalize talking points.

Oversee the RO web / online presence

• Oversee and maintain (regional) websites, including developing design and content;
• Coordinate COs’ web-presence in the line with corporate web policy;
• Develop regional social media strategy
• Oversee and manage (regional) social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Quality and relevant communications advocacy materials and content or the website and social media channels;
• Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage;
• Regular exchange of information between CO in the region as shown in the coherent and relevant regional public presence.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

• Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Strong knowledge of managing web-based knowledge management systems
• Strong understanding of production, graphic design and photography standards
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
• Strong oral and written communication and editing skills
• Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to provide advice and be strategic and analytical
• Good knowledge of regional media landscape
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant field is required;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, including in media relations;
• Extensive experience in the use of social media;
• Experience in media relations is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required