Communication is critical to accelerating the achievement of the three strategic plan transformative results. The Country office will (a) scale up its advocacy and communications initiatives; (b) promote a multi-sectoral approach towards achievement of the three transformative results; (c) innovate partnerships and resource mobilization strategies; and (d) expand and mainstream resilience, preparedness and early action in programmes, communications and operations.

During emergencies, timely, accurate and appropriate communication is vital to ensure effective programme delivery. The internal and external communication helps to ensure that the programme is well-coordinated and visible. Internal communication helps keep UNFPA management informed of the programme implementation progress and impact. External communication increases recognition of UNFPA as a leader in the mandated areas of ensuring access and provision of sexual and reproductive health and addressing the gender-based violence.

The Communication Specialist will assist in ensuring and increasing UNFPA and its programme visibility among national partners, UN agencies, donors and media. On a regular basis, the CO collaborates with the Regional Communication Advisor (RCA) on all strategic information in the context of country programmes, major events, political and social trends, breaking news, newly established policies, etc. The Communication Specialist will be part of UNFPA’s global communications network, working closely with the RCA, to promote UNFPA at the regional and global levels.

The Communication Specialist would be responsible for:

A. Planning, design and execution of internal and external strategies for communications

• Plan and elaborate communication needs assessments for the country programme.
• Facilitate planning, implementation and reviews of the Country Office’s communication strategies based on the overarching UNFPA communication strategy that serves as a key pillar of the new Strategic Plan and the East and South Africa Regional Programme.
• Provide constructive advice on incorporation of advocacy and communication components into all aspects of UNFPA’s programme.

B. Maintenance of the Country Office website, web-based knowledge management system and social media platforms

• Maintain the office web site based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
• Oversee and prepare the content for the office website ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Guide and facilitate elaboration and implementation of a social media strategy leading to the development and implementation of UNFPA Ethiopia Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

D. Partnership, Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

• Develop and maintain close contacts with national counterparts, donors, civil society and private sector for the implementation of the communication and publication strategies.
• Engage with the UN partners on forging a “One UN” image as feasible, through publicizing the significance of the local UN endeavours, joint programmes, common services and value-added role of UNFPA.
• Provide tangible contributions to donor meetings and related public information events.
• Prepare relevant documentation, including project summaries, conference papers, speeches and donor profiles.
• Format package and submit newsletters and programme updates for development partners and donors in close collaboration with programme staff.

E. Programme and Media Campaigns

• Organize public information and promotional campaigns on UNFPA activities to position UNFPA as a leader within the development space and social media; Guide and facilitate campaigns in the local and social media that position UNFPA’s programme and new endeavours.
• Facilitate promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship programme initiatives and publications.
• Ensure that key office and programme events, success stores and good practices highlighting the value-added roles of partners and attribution are communicated through local and social media.

F. Knowledge Building and Management

• Ensure strategic documentation of good practices and innovative programme endeavors in close collaboration with the programme team;
• Provide substantial contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
• Organize trainings for and provide constructive advice to programme and operations staff on communications issues.

Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in communications, public relations, journalism, advertising or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 5 years of increasingly responsible professional experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy;
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in communication strategy development;
• Strong media contacts and proven success pitching stories to media outlets;
• Excellent research and writing skills, with experience writing reports, newsletters and programme updates, video production and developing web content;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems;
• Client oriented and strong team work;
• Proficiency in current office software applications;
• Knowledge of the UN system would be an advantage.

Languages:

Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.