Communications Associate - Consultant

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. Placing women's rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. UN Women also provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women has been supporting the Government of South Sudan in its efforts to reach gender equality and women’s empowerment since the country’s independence in 2011. Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed in September 2018, providing important entry points for women’s equal participation. The R-ARCSS includes a 35 percent affirmative action for women’s representation and leadership in all areas of governance. Despite of that, South Sudanese women encounter obstacles, such as structural barriers, which mangiest in discriminatory practices that limit women’s participation. Women are underrepresented in Government, political parties, peace processes, voter blocs, and other sectors. Even women with strong credentials face uphill battles in assuming leadership positions and in holding the positions. Promotion of transformational leadership and mentorship of women leaders has been a focus for the Government and UN Women along with the other UN agencies, the international community, civil society, academia, and other partners, as a means of promotion of women leaders. 

UN Women South Sudan Country Office is seeking a Communication Consultant to support the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare. Reporting to UN Women’s Head of Office, the Communications Consultant is responsible to ensure the timely and quality development, planning and implementation of the Ministry activities. The consultant will support advocacy, communication and visibility efforts, maintenance of media relations, and organizational outreach efforts, to increase the visibility of the Ministry and its work.

The Communications Consultant will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare, to ensure communications strategies, media relations and organizational outreach efforts are aligned with corporate communications policies and initiatives and follow good practices. The consultant applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UN Women's rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and design communications and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans:

• Coordinate, implement and monitor the implementation of the Ministry of Gender Communication Strategy;
• Implement Ministry of Gender communications and advocacy strategy;
• Monitor and analyze print and social media and draft reports, and provide analysis to the UN Women’s Country Office (when needed).

2. Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the Ministry.

• Draft briefing materials, press releases and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels;
• Identify storylines for publication and articles;
• Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives, publications, and campaigns;
• Coordinate the translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials;
• Follow guidelines from UN Women CO.

3. Coordinate media relations for the Ministry of Gender

• Coordinate the establishment of relevant relationships;
• Maintain a list of relevant media in the country;
• Respond to inquiries for public and UN system information materials;
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences and briefing sessions for the press, as required;
• Draft talking points.

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

• Maintain relationships with partners 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, as delegated.

5. Coordinate the Ministry of Gender web/ online presence.

• Coordinate Ministry of Gender websites’ content and maintenance based on corporate requirements;
• Coordinate Ministry of Gender social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy;
• Upload information to the knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, and resources.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Timely monitoring of current events and trends;
• Quality and relevant advocacy materials and content;
• Timely updating of the website and social media;
• Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage.

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;
• Knowledge of web-based management systems;
• Knowledge of production, graphic design and photography standards;
• Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach;
• Knowledge of local country media landscape;
• Communication, networking and advocacy skills;
• Ability to be strategic and analytical;
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues is desirable.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

• Secondary Education with specialized training in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field is required;
• University Degree in communication or Journalism or other related area would be desirable, but it is not a requirement;

Experience:

• At least 1 year of professional work experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy;
• Experience in the use of social media.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Application:

All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc. Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

Gender Sensitivity:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits employ, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.