Communications Analyst

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, 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. Mali went through a major security and political crisis in 2012 which lead to the Peace and Reconciliation agreement’s signature in July 2015. Following the signature, the slow redeployment of local authorities and security forces has favored terrorism activities in the Centre and the North of the country. This situation has a considerable impact on local population specially women and youth, hindering local social and economic life. This year, Mali went through highly contested presidential pole which ends up renewing Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s mandate for another 5 years. Turbulences caused by presidential election may have forced the government to postpone local elections for over six months. Due to the precarious conditions of women triggered by the ongoing volatile security situation and political instability, UNWOMEN Mali is benefitting of a special interest from donors and key partners willing to increase women political participation and empowering them economically to erase community conflicts and nurture peace in the country. As a result, the UNWOMEN Mali is the biggest portfolio of West Africa region. For the coming year UNWOMEN Mali will be implementing among other, major projects such as the EU funded Spotlight Initiative (targeting ending gender-based violence) and the Peace building funded G5 Sahel project supporting cross border social cohesion and preventing youth’ radicalization. Reporting to the Partnership and advocacy specialist, the Communications Analyst is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of the Office communications and advocacy strategies and action plan, to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Analyst works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in the Country Office advocacy and partnership team, staff of other UN Agencies, media, and service providers.

The Communication Analyst will be mainly focusing on promoting Peace and Security and Governance related activities. Under the supervision of UNWOMEN Partnership and Advocacy Specialist and in close collaboration with of Peace and Security and Governance flagship coordinators, the communication officer will undertake the following tasks: Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; • Leave management; • DSA for official travel, when applicable; • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.

Description of tasks

1. Provide substantive support to the planning and design of external communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans • Provide analysis for elaboration of communication strategies; ensure gender perspective; • Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach activities into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives, as necessary mainly related to Women Peace and Security and Governance Flagships; • Monitor and analyze print and social media and provide analysis to RO/HQ; • Provide inputs and support to the launch of in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events.
2. Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the Mali • Draft briefing materials both in French and English, and 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/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials; • Follow guidelines from HQ and RO.
3. Coordinate media relations for the UNWOMEN Mali • Coordinate the establishment of relevant relationships; • Maintain list of relevant media in country; • Respond to inquiries for public and UN system information materials; • Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences and briefing session for press, as required; • Draft talking points.
4. Coordinate the Mali’s online presence • Coordinate Mali’s country office FB content and maintenance based on corporate requirements; • Coordinate Mali’s social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy; • Upload information to knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, resources.
5. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing • Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme goals and activities; • Organize and conduct training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.
6. Others • Support UN Women’s presidency of UNCG in 2018 and increase visibility of the United Nations in Mali • Undertake other related tasks, as requested by the Line Manager

Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNWOMEN team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNWOMEN and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Respect for Diversity • Integrity • Professionalism • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNWOMEN’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Core Competencies: • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues • Accountability • Creative Problem Solving • Effective Communication • Inclusive Collaboration • Stakeholder Engagement • Leading by Example

a) Qualifications, skills, experience:

Experience: • At least 2 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy; • Experience in media relations is an asset; • Experience in the use of social media. Education and certification: • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant field is required • At least 2 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy; • Experience in media relations is an asset; • Experience in the use of social media. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in Gender thematic and women empowerment, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Functional Competencies • Business Acumen: Level 2 • Analysis: Level 2 • Project/ Programme Management: Level 2 • Technical Expertise: Level 2 Specific Additional Technical Expertise Required ● Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies ● Knowledge of web-based management systems ● Knowledge of production, graphic design, video and photography standards ● Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach ● Communication, networking and advocacy skills ● Ability to be strategic and analytical ● Knowledge of gender and human rights issues desirable ● Interest in the Malian and Sahel, geopolitical context

b) Language skills:

Fluency in spoken and written French and English is required; Working knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.

Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions of Bamako are acceptable, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (November 2021 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 572.08 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff, including UN Volunteers, in the course of their assignments in Mali. Appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the current security risk for UN personnel in the country. All UN Volunteers, like all UN personnel, undergo a security briefing and the 3 day mandatory training “Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments” (SSAFE) upon arrival, where practical guidance and recommendations are provided regarding security threats in Mali. An additional security briefing is provided upon arrival to the final duty station. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in Mali carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.