Key Functions/ Accountabilities:

Within delegated authority, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Takes the lead in implementing the overall communications and advocacy strategy for the AU Peace Fund.
• Support the AU Peace Fund’s resource mobilization efforts by developing a communication and outreach plan and identifying funding sources, and other assistance for major communications campaigns.
• Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officials, and other staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems.
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaigns and resource mobilization initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of public awareness campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the AU’s work in peace and security (as it relates to the AU Peace Fund).
• Monitors and evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on deliverables and achievements of AU Peace Fund.
• Fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on the AU Peace Fund’s activities and advocates issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, and interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the AU Peace Fund.
• Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the AU Peace Fund; plans and develops outreach activities and contributes information to create awareness on digital platforms and ensure updates of key activities and messages are regularly provided.
• Manages publications programme and produces written materials for publication and publicity, such as newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and leaflets.
• Supports content development for website, social media, and mobile platform.
• Minimum Requirements:Education:
  • An Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, or related 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:

  • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience at the regional or international level in public information, marketing, public relations, media, journalism, or related area is required.
  • A minimum of one year of experience working with an African institution, such as a private or public sector entity, regional or international, non-governmental, or media organization is required.
  • Experience providing guidance to a senior official/s is required.
  • Experience developing and implementing communication activities for a public sector, regional or international, non-governmental, or media organization is required.
  • Experience in graphic design and/or graphic layout for publications and other media products are desirable.

  Language:

  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of Kiswahili/Swahili, Portuguese or Spanish is an advantage.