A Communication Consultant is needed to provide support to the work of the Strategic Communications and Public Advocacy (SCAPA) section, within the Division of Communication. The consultant will work across policy areas and initiatives with a focus on child protection, flagship report launches and development on strategic communication vehicles.
Responsibilities:
As part of the SCAPA team and under the guidance of the Chief, the consultant will:
•Assist in design and implementation of public advocacy objectives and strategic communications plans related to: MTSP priorities, the MDGs, UNICEF's equity agenda and corporate communication and advocacy objectives.
•Drafting of communication plans, key messages, position papers, briefs and communication materials. Ensuring effective and innovative distribution of same by working closely with relevant Sections in DOC and beyond to ensure consistency and sequencing in distribution.
•Strategically identify and prioritise external audiences, and where appropriate, create spaces for dialogue, and/or join conversations taking place in traditional media and relevant new media.
•Conduct research, analysis and evaluation of key priority areas, cross cutting programmatic areas and specific donor targets and requests.
•Development – including researching and writing - of issue specific resource kits.
•Where appropriate, respond to relevant advocacy-related requests for communications support from other DOC sections as well as other divisions.
•Travel to support meetings or produce materials.
•Other activities as assigned.
Qualifications or specialized knowledge/ experience required:
•Advanced University degree in international relations, communication, journalism, or related fields.
•At least eight years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in international development communication and outreach.
•Strong ability to write and edit public outreach materials, ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
•Proven skills in communication, networking, strategic thinking, advocacy, negotiation, and ability to relate to traditional and social media.
•Proven ability to conceptualise, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills, excellent good understanding of UN system and of world affairs, current events and international development issues.
•Interest in child protection, child health and gender equality essential, experience in developing countries a plus.
•Demonstrated success in networking and working in a team.
•Ability to handle multiple tasks.
•Fluency in English, knowledge of another UN language a plus.
•Knowledge of computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
•Ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines. Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines and capacity to work long hours when required.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates are requested to email a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae in English AND a duly completed United Nations Personal History form (available at www.unicef.org/employ) to Emily Tanyag atetanyag@unicef.org.Applications should be received no later than 14 December 2012, and will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis.
