Advocacy and Communications Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology is a cross-sectoral partnership with the goal of reaching 500 million additional people with assistive technology by 2030 to support them in participating in education, work, and everyday life. ATscale is hosted by UNOPS.

Today, over 1 billion people need at least one form of assistive technology (AT), such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but over 900 million people (90%) do not have access to the assistive technology they require. The number of people who need assistive technology is expected to grow to more than 2 billion people by 2050.

Access to appropriate assistive technology enables persons with a loss of function, impairments, non-communicable diseases, and the aging population to participate in education, work, family, and community life. Lack of access to assistive technology has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without assistive technology, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labour market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate assistive technology causes poorer health outcomes including premature death, deteriorating mental health, and increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications, all of which lead to a higher burden on health systems. Increasing accessibility and affordability of assistive technology unlocks unrealised economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefit for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce.

Launched at the Global Disability Summit in July 2018, ATscale was developed in response to the need for a new, catalytic approach to overcoming the significant gap in access to appropriate, high-quality, and affordable assistive technology globally. As a cross-sector partnership for assistive technology, ATscale aims to bring greater resources and strategic focus to this significant global challenge.

ATscale has defined a strategy overview (https://ATscale2030.org/strategy) in which it describes two strategic objectives: 1) to develop an enabling ecosystem for increased access to AT by galvanising political will, mobilising investment, driving policy reform, and strengthening targeted, cross-product systems, particularly at country level; and 2) to build and shape markets for priority products and their related services by identifying and investing in interventions to overcome specific supply and demand-side market barriers.

ATscale has also published an investment case for the sector (https://atscale2030.org/investment-case), as well as thorough market analyses and strategies, called Product Narratives, for improving access to its five priority products: wheelchairs, hearing aids, eyeglasses, prostheses, and digital assistive devices and software (https://atscale2030.org/product-narratives).

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Advocacy and Communications Specialist will work towards the overall aim of increasing political will and understanding of the need for assistive technology. To this end, they will develop and start implementing an Action Plan to put assistive technology on agendas of international and regional forums, as well as a communications approach/plan for ATscale.

A. Plan a strategic, coordinated approach to advocacy for ATscale

• In consultation with the CEO and other senior management, establish advocacy priorities for ATscale, including for advocacy for the AT sector beyond ATscale;

• Based on these priorities, set an advocacy strategy and action plan, including links to regional and national advocacy. This effort will include:

  • a review of ATscale’s past and current involvement in global advocacy;
  • identification of policy agendas and strategic advocacy opportunities to promote increased access to assistive technology and ATscale;
  • analysis of how ATscale can best contribute to the sector;
  • consultation with colleagues and partners involved in regional and national-level advocacy, to determine how global efforts can best support their work;
  • collaboration with M&E Framework Development consultancy to determine ways to monitor and evaluate the impact of ATscale’s global advocacy work.

B. Facilitate and implement a strategic, coordinated approach to advocacy for ATscale

Activities will depend on the advocacy strategy and action plan but likely include the following:

• Identify key opportunities, including policy processes, and events to promote increased access to AT and ATscale;
• Coordinate and organise ATscale engagement, including jointly with ATscale partners, in these opportunities and events;
• Coordinate advocacy efforts with relevant partners and networks at global and regional levels with key advocacy coalitions and partnerships and campaigns such as “WeThe15”, but also with permanent missions in Geneva when appropriate;
• Represent ATscale as appropriate when delegated by senior management.

C. Develop and implement a communications plan for ATscale

• In consultation with senior management and based on the advocacy strategy, establish communications priorities for ATscale and set a communications plan;
• Expand and finalise branding guidelines for ATscale and develop templates for core communications products as needed;
• Provide strategic advice on and draft content (where appropriate) for advocacy and communications material needed ad-hoc such as speeches, opinion pieces, policy briefs and other documents for senior management and board members for advocacy engagements on behalf of ATscale.
• Draft or adapt communications materials as needed (including press releases, media kits and reports, newsletters, articles, success stories, social media posts, fact sheets)
• Manage the development of these communications materials and products and develop tracking tools for their dissemination;
• Review material from past projects in support of ATscale, identify results and success stories and prepare them for use in advocacy and communications;
• Maintain ATscale website
• Build and maintain a list of media contacts relevant for ATscale;
• Monitor media coverage and the effectiveness of communications activities and propose measures to continuously improve the effectiveness;
• Maintain regular contact with counterparts in the communications departments of ATscale partners.

Perform other related duties as directed.

IMPACT OF RESULTS The understanding of the need for assistive technology will be increased and assistive technology will be included on the agendas of international and regional forums.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

As ATscale is still new and has not counted with advocacy and communications support so far, it is not possible to establish a baseline against which to measure success in this post. Measurable outputs could include:

• advocacy strategy,
• communications strategy
• advocacy and communications material
• changes to website
• media coverage reports
• ATscale presence at major advocacy opportunities

Progress should therefore be discussed with the supervisor on a regular (monthly) basis to establish realistic targets and milestones.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, health, international relations, journalism or communications

Experience

• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy and communications at a global level with a multi-lateral development institution, international non-governmental organization, or private consulting firm is required;
• Proven experience in leading advocacy work on a variety of issues with a strong understanding of leveraging political influence and influencing policy change is required.
• Experience working as part of a team in a fast-paced setting with competing deadlines is required.
• Experience in drafting and developing communications and advocacy materials for use by a broad range of stakeholders and for a range of audiences is required;
• Experience in media outreach is required;
• Experience of working within global partnerships that involve members from a range of sectors is desired;
• Proven conceptual and analytical capacity to monitor complex and interlinked issues to ensure that the main arguments of the written/edited document are communicated is an asset.
• Experience of briefing and supporting senior leaders in public engagements is an asset.
• Experience in development cooperation, global health, disability and/or assistive technology is an asset.
• Experience of developing and delivering high-profile global advocacy strategies and campaigns in support of health, social and economic development issues is an asset
• Excellent facilitation, negotiation and communication skills is valuable;
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to consolidate lessons learned, modify approaches, and shape the institutional development of the organization is an asset;

Languages

An excellent knowledge of English is required. Good working knowledge of other UN languages, especially Chinese, French or Spanish would be an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement Level 3 Contract duration: 9 months [November 2021 - June 2022]

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

*************This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.*************

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• ATscale values diversity and particularly encourages candidates with a lived experience of disability and/or using assistive technology to apply. ATscale offers reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.