United Nations Population Fund
This post is non-rotational.
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VACANCY IS OPEN ONLY TO NATIONALS OF SOMALIA
Closing date: 27 May 2022
Duty station: Mogadishu Somalia
Post type: Service Contract
Duration: One year renewable (*)
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(*) Possibility for contract renewal based on need, performance, and availability of funds and in accordance with UN Service Contract guidelines.
Background Information
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The Position:
The Communications Specialist operates in a large office and is responsible for implementing the corporate communications strategy, designing, managing and facilitating the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNFPA.
You will report directly to the Representative.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities
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Job Purpose
In a global organisation, where many of our people are based in challenging environments, you will report directly to the Representative and will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of critical services relating to implementation of the corporate communications strategy, design, manage and facilitate the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies with a view to influencing the development agenda, to promoting public and media outreach and mobilizing political and financial support for UNFPA.
The Communications and Partnerships Specialist supervises and leads the communications staff of the country office and has a strong regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Manager. You will work in close collaboration with the Programme Chief’s and Heads of Programmes, Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNFPA HQs staff (Communications Office) and Government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, multilateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNFPA communication strategy implementation.
A communications strategy tightly linked to program priorities helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a thought leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.
Major Activities/Expected Results
Summary of Key Functions:
❑ Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach.
❑ Elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan.
❑ Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNFPA website and donor reports and information material.
❑ Develop and implement effective social media strategy and presence.
❑ Support to business development.
❑ Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.
❑ Effective management of the Communications Office and supervision of Communications staff.
You will be responsible for:
1. Ensuring the planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.).
- Elaboration of the CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
- Constructive and timely advice on the inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNFPA’s development programme.
2. Ensuring the elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
- Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
- Coordination and management of all CO publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.
3. Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNFPA website, and donor reports and information material focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Maintain the office websites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
- Supervision and preparation of the content for the websites, ensuring consistency of the materials.
4. Supports business development
i) Launches and campaigns
- Creation and promotion of campaigns to local and regional media that position UNFPA and influences the UNFPA agenda based on current programme and new initiatives.
- Management, promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report.
- Creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNFPA activities, results of 16 days of activism, End Fistula Day, CARMMA Launch, WPD, SWOP, etc.
ii) Outreach
- Promotional activities to position UNFPA as a leader within the development space.
- Increased coverage and understanding of the UNFPA’s work in the country or practice area through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors.
- Formatting, packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
- Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc.
- Forging of a “one UN” image through publicizing the significance of local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, and common services. Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, Int’l Women Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)
- Ensured access for journalists to subject matter experts.
- Regular newsletter to donors, donor reports, civic education and community awareness where appropriate to support projects
iii) Public information
- Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.
- Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues.
- Advocacy and promotion of UNFPA mandate, mission and purpose.
5. Develop and implement effective social media strategy and presence focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Elaboration and implementation of the CO social media strategy based on the corporate publications policy.
- Creation of compelling social media content and new digital and social media initiatives, collaborations and campaigns to grow UNFPA Somalia’s digital community, engage new audiences and sustain existing followers.
- Support new and innovative social media partnerships in coordination with other UN agencies, donors, implementing partners and influential online communities.
6. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
- Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information.
- Provides advice and support to UNFPA documents.
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
- Organization and provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNFPA staff on communications.
7. Ensures effective management of the Communication Office and supervision of the Communications team focusing on achieving the following results:
- A fully motivated Communications Team.
- Preparation and regular review of the Communications work plan
- Efficient translation services
- Efficient completion of contractual matters.
Work Relations:
The Communications Specialist maintains collaborative relationships with all programme and project staff at the CO. Internal contacts include the Assistant Representatives, the Programme Specialists, the Programme Analysts, the CO’s programme / technical team, and the CO’s administrative management team.
Qualifications and Experience
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Education:
Master’s degree in media relations, journalism, communications and publishing plus Two (2) years relevant experience in similar fields.
OR
A Bachelor’s Degree in the above disciplines plus Four (4) years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Master’s Degree holders are expected to have at least 2 years of post-graduate relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, while Bachelor’s Degree holders are expected to have at least 4 years’ experience in similar disciplines. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is an asset.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems.
- Experience of internal communications including communication of key corporate messages.
- Experience of managing the production of printed material, including brochures, leaflets, briefing third party designers/printers to ensure corporate brand and style is met.
- Good facilitation and coordination skills, demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner;
- High sense of responsibility. Tact, discretion, initiative and good judgment in dealing with staff members, partners and other stakeholders.
Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is essential.
Required Competencies
Values:
• Exemplifying integrity • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system • Embracing diversity in all its forms • Embracing change
Core Competencies:
• Achieving Results • Being Accountable • Developing and Applying Professional Expertise/Business Acumen • Thinking analytically and Strategically • Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships • Communicating for Impact
Functional Competencies:
- Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda
- Building Strategic Partnerships
- Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
- Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
- Creating Visibility for UNFPA/Supporting UNFPA’s Capacity to Advocate
- Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNFPA’s Goals
- Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise
- Client Orientation
Managerial Competencies:
- Providing strategic focus
- Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders
- Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance;
- Making decisions and exercising judgment
Other Desirable Skills:
Initiative, strong conceptual and analytical abilities, sound judgment, strong interest in development work, especially the mission of the United Nations Population Fund and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.
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UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities. ———————————————————————————————–
Note: UNFPA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNFPA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus Annual leave, health insurance and other benefits. ———————————————————————————————–
Disclaimer
WARNING TO APPLICANTS: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Should you feel that you have received a fraudulent notice, letter or offer that makes use of the name or logo of UNFPA, you may submit a report through the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit online applications only.
Somali women are strongly encouraged to apply this vacancy announcement by submitting online applications only using the below link: