Communications Officer

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 Mozambique focuses its interventions on women’s economic empowerment, participation, and democratic governance, combating violence against women, among others. In this context, it puts a strong focus on girls and young women in the development of high-profit initiatives as a strategy for improved economic empowerment as well as on gender equality and women’s rights at district, provincial and national levels.

Reporting to the Country Representative, the Communications Officer 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 Communications Officer works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in the CO and Regional communications teams, staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and design communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans

Prepare and conduct communication needs assessments for the country office, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives.
Analyze requirements and synthesize proposals for elaboration of communication 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 draft reports;
Coordinate in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events;
Provide advice and guidance to country office

2. Coordinate and implement the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country/region

Develop and produce communication instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and drafts of articles, and manage its dissemination;
Identify and propose information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners;
Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives, publications, and campaigns;
Manage the translation/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials;
Follow guidelines from HQ and RO

3. Coordinate media relations for the Country Office

Manage relationships with press in country; maintain and update database of relevant press.
Respond to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence;
Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions for press, as required;
Draft talking points.

4. Build and support to maintain partnerships and relations with donors.

Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility;
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;
Provide inputs to packages for programme initiatives for donor review.
Support to prepare Gender Cafes to nurture partnership with various partners.

5. Maintain the Country Office web/ online presence

Manage CO websites’ content and maintenance based on corporate requirements.
Manage the CO’s social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy.
Upload information to knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, and resources.

6. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing

Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
Contribute to strengthen the Country Office as ‘a Knowledge Hub”;
Collaborate with the UN Women Communication Network for quickly tracking available knowledge resources on different topics, especially the normative for programming purposes and sharing with UN Women Counterparts.
Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.

Key Performance Indicators

Quality inputs and analysis into the communications strategy for the office
Timely monitoring of current events and trends
Quality and relevant advocacy materials and content
Timely updating of website and social media
Timely dissemination of materials as shown by knowledge of UN Women’s activities in country
Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage.
Improved partnership with key partners especially the Donors for Resource Mobilization.

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

Functional Competencies

Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
Good knowledge of web-based knowledge management systems
Good understanding of production, graphic design and photography standards
Good knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
Good knowledge of local country media landscape
Good communication, presentation, networking and advocacy skills
Ability to be strategic and analytical
Knowledge of gender and human rights issues 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 2 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy;
Experience in media relations is an asset;
Experience in the use of social media.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Portuguese is required.
Working knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.