Communication and Advocacy Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UN Women is one of the UN entities involved in the implementation the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program (SIARP), a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) launched in 2017, to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and harmful practices (HP) and addressing their links to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Africa. The program prioritizes strengthening existing strategies and initiatives, such as the AU Gender Strategy 2017 -2027, Agenda 2063, the Maputo Plan of Action and harnesses the respective strengths of multi-sectoral, multi-level partnerships which will support the acceleration of transformative change. The joint program, implemented by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women, under the leadership of the UN DCO- Regional Office for Africa, works closely with the AU, with the RECs (via the AU), and other key regional partners and stakeholders.

UN Women leads the overall coordination of Stream I of SIARP focusing on three pillars: (1) Legislations and policies, (5) Quality and reliable data and (6) Strengthening the women’s movement in its relations with the African Union and other regional players. UN Women also leads the implementation of activities under Pillar 6 of Stream I in close collaboration with UNDP and UNFPA.

SIARP undertake advocacy initiatives at both regional and national platforms, jointly develop advocacy material including IEC material and regional advocacy forum to influence Member States to accelerate ratification, domestication, enforcement, and reporting on legal and policy frameworks related to SGBV/HP. Moreover, a communications and visibility plan aligned with the Global Communication and Visibility Strategy and guidelines will be developed to ensure a credible and consistent flow of information about the Initiative, its partners — and most importantly — its impact on eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the region. UN Women will lead and coordinate the

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program Stream 1 - Program Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Communication and Advocacy Specialist will:

Lead and support the design, planning and implementation of Spotlight Initiative Communication and Visibility plans for Stream 1 with RUNOs:
• Develop comprehensive communication and visibility action Plan for SIARP Stream 1 and ensure its implementation; • Coordinate the implementation of visibility, communications, and outreach activities with partners including RUNOs; • Support and work closely with the Spotlight Secretariat and the African Coordination Unit Communications and Advocacy Team to manage, evaluate, and implement high impact communications’ products (e.g. web, electronic, etc.); • Coordinate the implementation of visibility, communications, and outreach activities with partners including RUNOs; • Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of programme achievements; • Monitor and evaluate communication and visibility campaigns; • Track progress against established work plans and outputs; • Write and/or disseminate press releases, policy briefs, pamphlets, talking points, speeches, editorials, branded materials, and other written communications materials; • Provide communications and advocacy support to joint regional campaigns, launching initiatives, and publications; • Develop and support management of relationship with members of the media; • Design and maintain a digital presence, including robust social media footprint for the Spotlight Initiative; • Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with various stakeholders and actors engaged in communication work;

Support capacity development on communication, Visibility and Knowledge Management of SIARP Stream 1 • Coordinate the provision of training and coaching on Communication, visibility and knowledge management to Stream 1 implementing partners; • Provide advice/information/guidance to the Stream 1 teams communication, visibility, branding requirements, knowledge management;

Policy Analysis and Advocacy Support • Coordinate and prepare inputs to policy dialogue and consultations with the EU, AUC in partnership with RUNOs; • Prepare high-quality briefing materials for the management including for missions and participation in meetings and international events; • Support and organize outreach and advocacy initiatives such as briefing sessions, interviews, and launches; • Contribute to the preparation of advocacy materials including, video tutorials, briefs, presentations, fact sheets, brochures;

Accountability, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Professionalism, Working in Teams

communications and advocacy,
Knowledge and experience in policy analysis on issues related to Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), women’s rights and GEWE,
Experience in using technology as a medium for communication and knowledge management,
Good understanding of UN system and key regional institutions such as AUC, ECA, and EU,
Experience working on communications and advocacy with intergovernmental institutions including UN system and African Union (AU) is an asset,
Ability to take initiative, multitask, work independently and proactively.

Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at about 4 million or so. Addis Ababa located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperature at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union (ex-OAU). Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world.

There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available.

The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. There are lots of tourist attractions to visit around the country, although the amenities are often poor to average. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and cultural events throughout the year organized by the international and local communities. Sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Addis Ababa city limits.