Communications Specialist

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

UN Women China provides technical and financial assistance to innovative programmes and strategies for gender equality and women's empowerment. We work in partnership with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN agencies, donors, communities and networks to advance gender equality. Placing the advancement of women's human rights at the center of our work, UN Women China focuses on violence against women, leadership and political participation, economic empowerment and national planning and budgeting.

Reporting to the Country Representative, UN Women China, the Communication Specialist is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of the Office communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media and the public.

The Communication Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in China office, staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans, with a specific focus on media

Conduct communication needs assessments for China Office, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives;
Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, including media strategies; ensure gender perspective;
Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives;
Monitor and analyze print and social media and prepare reports;
Launch in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local/regional campaigns and special events;
Provide advice and guidance to and coordinate with CO/ MCOs in the region.

2. Lead the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in China Office

Develop and produce communication and advocacy instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels;
Identify and launch information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners;
Provide advice on advocacy materials and coordinate launching flagship initiatives and publications in the region;
Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce audio/ visual material on UN Women’s work;
Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media and general public at the regional level;
Follow guidelines from and report to HQ.

3. Manage media relations for the China Office

Lead relationship building with press in country; maintain and update database of relevant press;
Respond timely and clearly to media inquiries and to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence; identify topics, background information, news-related development and coverage of interest;
Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions with press;
Facilitate interviews with senior managers; connect media with UN Women subject experts;
Finalize talking points.

4. Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors

Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility; manage and nurture existing partnerships;
Liaise with advocacy partners and undertake outreach to civil society organizations, governments, and other groups to ensure that newsworthy information reaches the public and donors;
Guide and collaborate closely with communication colleagues in other offices to ensure consistency with corporate policies, messaging and initiatives;
Submit packages for programme initiatives for donor review.

5. Oversee the China Office’s web/ online presence

Oversee and maintain China Office’s websites, including developing design and content;
Coordinate China Office’s web-presence in the line with corporate web policy;
Oversee and manage (regional) social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy.

6. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing

Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities and ensure exchange of information;
Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy as appropriate.

Key Performance Indicators

Quality communications strategy and timely implementation which leads to greater exposure and understanding of UN Women’s work
Quality and relevant advocacy materials and content or the website and social media channels
Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage
Regular interactions with donors, as shown in increased funds
Regular exchange of information between MCO/ COs in region as shown in coherent and relevant regional public presence

Competencies

Core Values:

Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Professionalism

Core Competencies:

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
Accountability
Creative Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Inclusive Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:

https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies

Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
Strong knowledge of managing web-based knowledge management systems
Strong understanding of production, graphic design and photography standards
Strong knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
Strong oral and written communication and editing skills
Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills
Ability to provide advice and be strategic and analytical
Good knowledge of local country media landscape
Knowledge of gender and human rights issues is desirable

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant 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

At least 5 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, including in media relations;
Experience in the use of social media;
Experience in media relations is an asset.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Chinese is required
Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.