Communication Specialist, P-4, MENA Region

Purpose of the Position

This is a Generic Vacancy Announcement for various posts in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Region.

The Communication Specialist is accountable for developing, managing, implementing and monitoring the advocacy and communication strategy and associated products. The Communication Specialist promotes awareness, understanding and respect for children’s and women’s rights, and supports the achievement of UNICEF’s and the UN Country Team’s goals, priorities and programmes at global, regional and country levels.

Key Expected Results

1. Development and implementation of the Advocacy and Communication Strategy

• Develop a clear communication strategy and associated work plan for the Regional and Country Offices or media hub to raise awareness of children’s issues, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.
• Identify opportunities for report launches and other media moments with relevant Regional and Country Offices.
• Identify opportunities to pitch or facilitate interviews by Regional and Country Offices leadership or programme experts for the press or online media.
• Coordinate international media work when emergencies happen and support Country Offices on communications and media work.
• Help shape messages and stories for media placement, proposing, editing, and drafting op-eds, letters to the editor, and other written or digital commentaries.

2. Media relations, networking and partnerships

• Develop and maintain close working relations with media outlets and identify opportunities for media placement.
• Maintain a contact list of recognized personalities or celebrities who are engaged in and support UNICEF’s efforts, and coordinate their participation in special events and activities.
• Maintain a contact list of journalists, media outlets, and other relevant partners whose support is essential to achieve UNICEF’s advocacy and communication objectives.

3. Monitoring and evaluation

• Establish communication baselines against which the achievement of objectives of the communication strategy are evaluated; analyse the effectiveness of the communication strategy and activities; and prepare reports outlining the outcomes of the strategy.

4. Management and capacity building

• Manage human and financial resources (recruitment, budget planning, management and monitoring) for the communication team.
• Provide media training and knowledge sharing with UNICEF staff.
• Support global and country level fund-raising activities through an effective advocacy and communication strategy.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations - or an undergraduate degree plus at least 12 years of demonstrated professional experience in the field of journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications.
• A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• Eight years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, print, broadcast, and/or new media.
• International Work experience / Developing Country Experience required, preferably in the Middle East & North Africa Region
• Background/familiarity with Emergency situations considered an asset.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English required, and good knowledge of Arabic highly desirable.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Functional Competencies

• Leading and Supervising
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Persuading and Influencing
• Relating and Networking
• Entrepreneurial Thinking
• Applying Technical Expertise

Remarks

The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

This is a Generic Vacancy Announcement for various posts in the Middle East & North Africa Region, including both Family and Non-Family Duty Stations.

Contracts may be Fixed Term (FT) or Temporary Appointment (TA).

HOW TO APPLY:

If you would like to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, please apply to the link below no later than Friday 8 January 2016.

If you have not yet registered with UNICEF Employment, please click on the link below and complete the Registration form. https://careers.unicef.org/registration

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.