Communications Officer

Contract

This is a SB-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Service Board / Service Contract. It is normally only for nationals. More about SB-4 contracts.

Background

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.

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. In Sierra Leone, women have played critical role in harnessing peace during the 11 years’ war. They contributed to bringing democratic rule in the country and to the restoration of peace. In 1995, the Sierra Leone Women Movement for Peace in collaboration with other women’s groups galvanized support for democracy through the Bintumani one and two, calling for elections before peace and negotiating with rebel leaders 17. These conferences were held with relevant stakeholders, government, CSOs, traditional leaders, women groups, from national and sub-national levels The consultations contributed to the conduct of four successful general elections (2002, 2007, 2012 and 2018). Their active involvement through the Elections Situation Room (ESR) in the 2012 and 2018 as a crucial conflict prevention and conflict resolution mechanism have reinforced the pivotal role that women play in peacebuilding. An emerging wave of young feminist groups such as Girl Empower Sierra Leone, Girl-Up initiative have become critical thought leaders in influencing behaviors, practices and shaping ideologies for promoting women’s participation in politics and in protecting women and girls from gender-based violence. Leveraging on media platforms, they have contributed to shaping the social media platforms to promoting girls’ leadership and voice in political and public spaces.

The role of CSOs and women groups in the prevention of conflicts, peacebuilding and promotion of women’s political participation have been monumental and well documented in Sierra Leone. Their response to the civil war, the peacebuilding processes and democratic governance has been prominent in ushering in a democratically elected government. Their active involvement through the Elections Situation Room (ESR) in the 2012 and 2018 as a crucial conflict prevention and conflict resolution mechanism have reinforced the pivotal role that women play in peacebuilding. Relying and drawing inspiration from UN Security Council resolution (S/RES/1325) on women and peace and security passed in October 2000, women CSOs have contributed to women political participation, actively demanding affirmative action for equal representation in all spheres of life and advocating for legal reforms that promote and protect women's rights. In this context, UN Women, UNDP, and World Vision proposal is seeking to implement the project to promote and sustain Women-Focused

CSOs, facilitate shared objectives, joint planning, and monitoring for women political participation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding during the next general elections in 2023 in Sierra Leone

Reporting to the project coordinator with guidance from programs specialist on technical issues, with the overall Direct supervision of the Head of Office the Communications Officer is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of the Office communications and advocacy strategies 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 Sierra Leone country Office HQ/Regional communications teams, staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives, as necessary.
• 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.

Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country.

• Draft briefing materials, 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.

Coordinate media relations for the Country Office

• 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.

Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors.

• Maintain relationships with partners and alliances to enhance visibility.

• 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, as delegated.

  dates, resources.

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.
• Timely monitoring of current events and trends
• Quality and relevant advocacy materials and content
• Timely updating of website and social media
• Timely dissemination of materials as shown by knowledge of UN Women’s activities in Sierra Leone
• Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage
• Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage
• Key Performance Indicators:
• Timely monitoring of current events and trends
• Quality and relevant advocacy materials and content
• Timely updating of website and social media
• Timely dissemination of materials as shown by knowledge of UN Women’s activities in Sierra Leone
• Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage

Competencies

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

• Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively, and creatively across different constituencies.
• Knowledge of web-based management systems
• Knowledge of production, graphic design, and photography standards
• Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
• Knowledge of local country media landscape
• Communication, networking, and advocacy skills
• Ability to be strategic and analytical.
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues desirable

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience:
• At least 3 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy;
• Experience in the use of social media.