Communications Advisor

Dutystation: Erbil, Iraq

Functional responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager and within the delegated authority, the Communications Advisor will be responsible for the following duties:

Communication and Public Outreach

• Develop the communication strategy for enhancing electoral outreach and information dissemination on elections in the Kurdistan Region.

• Implement and follow up on the use of social media in public relations activities in relation to the electoral activities.

• Provide guidance and technical advice to the UNAMI OEA on all media and communications activities using social media, including development of relevant internal procedures, media relations, information provision (press releases, press conferences, use of print, audio/visual and new media etc), and the development of the content for the UNAMI website.

• In close cooperation with the UNAMI Public Information Office, advise the OEA on the development and implementation of effective social media campaigns for specific electoral events;

• Promote incorporation of electoral best practices and suggest innovative and effective ways to conduct social media for electoral processes;

• Ensure that cross-cutting themes such as gender and human rights are incorporated into the electoral messaging in the area of social media and communications;

• Develop communication tools including social media communication tools and mass media campaigns,;

Voter Education

• Map out how the IHEC could foster better cooperation and synergy with civil society organizations, the media and local country authorities to promote voter education.

• Advice IHEC on how to develop a Civic and Voter Education Strategy.

• Advise and support the IHEC in the enhancement of its strategic framework that maps out priority activity areas for civic/voter education interventions, as well as formulate monitoring indicators.

• the IHEC and the election project to monitor the CVE activities.

• Compile civic education reports and undertake reviews.

• Advice the IHEC and election project in review and implementation of school-based programmes.

• advise the IHEC and Graphic Artist in the design and production of various art works, scripts and messages for Exhibition, Candidate Nomination and General Elections processes.

• Advice the IHEC in the planning and training methodology for CSOs for the Exhibition, Candidate Nomination and General Elections processes.

• Develop CVE training manual.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

The OEA Director, UNAMI OEA, UNAMI PIO, other sections of UNAMI in Erbil/KR, with civil society organizations, and other electoral stakeholders.

Results expected:

The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimizing violence and maximizing the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability;

The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organization;

The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education and Language

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Social Science, or a related field.

• A first level university degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage.

b. Work Experience

• At least 7 years progressively responsible experience at the international level in media, communications, or advocacy;

• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory;

• Previous working experience in Iraq is a strong advantage;

• Strong technical knowledge of the field of strategic communication, particularly the requirements and methods of communication in the context of elections in post-conflict and transitional societies;

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply;

The candidate should be able to work in hardship conditions; the post requires considerable cultural and political sensitivity.