Communication, Graphic Design and Outreach Expert

Contract

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

Since Wednesday July 26, 2023, the seizure of power by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) has plunged the country into political and social instability. It has been shown that in crisis and conflict situations, women and children make up more than 84% of the victims. That's why sustainable solutions to this crisis, including prevention, reconstruction, and humanitarian action, must include better consideration of their needs and empowering them to take control of their own change. Women often have fewer means than men to protect themselves. Together with children, they generally make up the majority of refugee and displaced populations. They are sometimes the recurring targets of war tactics and are exposed to more gender-based violence, as demonstrated by the violence witnessed in the capital since the seizure of power. In line with the UN Women Strategic note (UNSDCF) 2023-2027, the UN Women office in Niger is working to implement a Programme in three dimensions: (i) Governance, peace and security including humanitarian action, (ii) human capital in link with Gender based violence, quality and comprehensive education and (iii) Gender and climate resilient agriculture including development of women and youth enterprises. Recognizing the importance of effective communications and public information sharing, especially in times of crisis, as both a practical tool and an operational necessity, the UN Women would like to develop and implement a Gender communication and advocacy plan to best scale up women and girls voice and action in the current context of political crisis. Reporting to the Country Representative, the Communication, Graphic Design and Outreach Expert will collaborate closely with the Headquarters, Regional, and Country Offices’ colleagues to ensure communications strategies, media relations and organizational outreach efforts are aligned with corporate communications policies and initiatives, closely with communication analyst and Gender and Digitalization analyst. The incumbent also collaborates with RO and CO colleagues to support outreach campaigns, resource mobilization and donor relations initiatives; The Expert mobilizes support in conjunction with intergovernmental processes, and support the activities and special events organized for UN Women.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of country programme representative or, the UN Volunteer will:

1. Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans, with a specific focus on media • Conduct communication needs assessments for CO, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives; • Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, including media strategies; ensure gender perspective; • Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives;

2. Production of communication products and materials and follow up in alignment with corporate standards to support the project communication strategy • Develop innovative communication materials e.g., briefing notes, images, video, podcast, background documentation, PowerPoint presentations, visual media and other materials required by the Programme that highlight the impact of women and girls initiatives in peace, humanitarian and security context. • Draft, edit, and review promotional content for website, reports, blogs, newsletters, proposals, social media, and press • Maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc. • Support the Country Office in data collection and consolidation to produce effective communication and visibility materials to convey messages, results, and achievements in line with UN Women Response to address Niger’s current crisis.
   • Create the communication materials (videos, posters, podcast, etc.) necessary for awareness-raising actions, campaigns on gender promotion initiatives within the framework of the humanitarian, security and peace nexus as well as the conduct of the campaign. • Launch in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local/regional campaigns and special events; • Provide advice and guidance to and coordinate with CO in the region. • Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media and general public at the regional level; • Follow guidelines from and report to HQ and produce all communication materials in English and French

3. Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors • Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility; manage and nurture existing partnerships. • 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. • Guide and collaborate closely with communication colleagues in other offices to ensure consistency with corporate policies, messaging and initiatives. • Submit packages for Programme initiatives for donor review.

4. Oversee the CO online presence and Facilitate knowledge building and sharing • Oversee and maintain (regional) websites, including developing design and content. • Oversee and manage (regional) social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy. • Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned from COs and RO directly linked to Programme country goals and activities and ensure exchange of information; • Provide training and workshops on communication, and advocacy as appropriate.

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 . Strong capacity of production, graphic design and photography . Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French; . Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies . Strong knowledge of managing web-based knowledge management systems . Strong knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach . Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills . Ability to provide advice and be strategic and analytical . Good knowledge of local country media landscape . Knowledge of gender and human rights issues is desirable

professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, including in media relations; • At least 5 years’ experience in (i) video making, creation of infographics, graphs and charts, (iii) preparing communication and visibility material including press releases and audio-visual material is required; • Previous experience in dealing with civil society, namely stakeholder engagement in consultation processes • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work and handle stressful conditions. • Experience in the use of social media; • Experience in media relations is an asset. • Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Niamey, a family duty station. Niamey is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Nigeriens is among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Niamey are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. There are few banks in Niamey but they do not have USD or foreign currency accounts. The current security level is 3 (moderate) in Niamey. The selected UN Volunteer will be expected to follow and complete all UN/UNV mandatory trainings and briefings The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment.