Communications Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology

ATscale 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.

Today, over 2.5 billion people need at least one form of AT, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but in low-income countries, 90% do not have access to the AT they require. The number of people who need AT is expected to grow to more than 3.4 billion people by 2050.

Access to appropriate AT enables people with loss of function, disabilities, non-communicable diseases, and the ageing population to participate in education, work, family, and community life. Lack of access to AT has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without AT, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labour market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate AT 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 AT unlocks unrealised economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefit for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce.

The ATscale Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information, please visit https://atscalepartnership.org/

Assistive technology has far-reaching impacts that can sometimes feel abstract. Grounding success stories with lived experiences helps target audiences grasp and understand the real-world ways that assistive technologies transform lives and national economies. Capturing stories from both ATscale partners and ATscale’s own programmes, and communicating them regularly across ATscale communication channels is key. As well as enabling ATscale to communicate impact effectively, this will build interest and momentum amongst key stakeholders and serve the learning agenda. ATscale seeks creative ways to share stories of impact, using video, graphics, and photography, where possible, to grab attention and capture the audience's imagination. Much of ATscale’s audience is high level with a focus on decision-makers and potential donors.

ATscale has developed a deeper understanding of key AT products and markets through five Product Narratives for wheelchairs, prostheses, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and assistive digital devices and software. ATscale launched the first ever Investment Case for Assistive Technology, demonstrating a 9:1 Return on Investment (ROI). Atscale supported the publication of the first WHO and UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology in 2022. There is work to be done to package these, and other reports and disseminate the content for different audiences.

A major focus for ATscale visibility in 2024 will be the delivery of a global campaign that seeks to reach new audiences and thematic areas and raise the profile of the assistive technology agenda. The communications Specialist will support the Advocacy and Communications Advisor to successfully deliver the campaign.

ATscale commits to circulating all published documents in accessible PDF, HTML, DAISY, and EPUB to guarantee accessibility.

ATscale, is seeking a Communications Specialist to join the Advocacy and Communications Advisor in implementing the ambitious advocacy and communications strategy for ATscale. This new role provides a unique opportunity to be a core part of the team that is building and moving forward a unique multi-stakeholder partnership to address one of the most significant and most underinvested issues of our global development agenda – the need for assistive technology (AT).

Role of the Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for providing communications support across the entire ATscale partnership to increase visibility, improve communications and boost the impact of overall efforts.

The incumbent will report to the Advocacy and Communications Advisor who provides direction and general supervision.

He/she works in close collaboration with ATscale implementing partners, the Advocacy and Communications Task Team and other key stakeholders for successful service delivery.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Developing communications tools and products - Write communications materials for ATscale, including but not limited to quarterly electronic newsletters, social media content, infographics, banners for events, web content, talking points and presentations;

• Work with ATscale secretariat team and partners to translate the results of ATscale and partner programmes into powerful and compelling stories that demonstrate the transformative nature of AT, and the impact of ATscale investments in countries and global public goods;

• Develop creative ways to share report findings and stories of impact, using video, graphics, and photography, where possible, to grab attention and capture the audience's imagination;

• Collaborate with external vendors and consultants for quality, editing, translation, design and printing of materials;

• Ensure that files are print-ready, proofed and are in line with ATscale style guide and accessibility guidelines;

• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the Secretariat Team and stakeholders to ensure relevance and constant updates of content.

  2. Digital communications

• Maintain and update the content and improve the navigation structure of the ATscale website;

• Manage a successful website redesign project which will include working with an external service provider, involving key stakeholders and managing the project;

• As part of the comprehensive revamp of its website, lead on the content creation of new web pages that reflect ATscale’s impact, activities, latest news and include compelling human interest stories;

• Implement the digital communications plan which includes managing ATscale social media accounts and producing regular analytics reports to increase reach, engagement and followers.

  3. Advocacy and events

• Provide support in the communications around ATscale partnership events to keep assistive technology high on global health and development agendas;

• Provide support to the ATscale Advocacy and Communications lead to implement a global public facing campaign on AT throughout 2024;

• Provide support to the ATscale Advocacy and Communications lead to develop advocacy toolkits for partners in LMICs.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education:- An Advanced University Degree (Masters degree or equivalent) preferably in media and communication, journalism, development studies, public health, international development, international relations, or similar subjects - A Bachelor's degree in the above with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree.

B. Work Experience: - A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications in the fields of assistive technology, public health, disability, international development or in a closely related development field, including at the international level is required; - Experience in conceptualizing and managing the production of printed materials, including brochures, flyers, banners, and reports is required; - Experience managing social media tools and platforms is required; - Experience with managing website content is required; - Excellent skills in storytelling, writing, and editing is desirable; - Demonstrated experience in developing content that clearly communicates development ideas and experiences for media, web and audio-visual productions is desirable; - Competence with software packages, including Hootsuite, Canva, PowerPoint, and basic design software such as adobe PhotoShop, InDesign, and Illustrator is an asset - Familiarity with accessible communications and experience in producing accessible content such as ePub, DAISY and Alt text is an advantage - Ability to work with computer, web based management systems and office software packages (Google Suite, MS Office) is desirable. - Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts is desirable; - Experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country is desirable.

C. Language: - Full working knowledge of English is essential. - Knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French , is an asset.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: ICS-10 (International ICA - IICA 2 ) Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

****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. The incumbent will be required to pay taxes, social security and any other legal requirements under Swiss laws.****

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

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• Persons self-identifying as persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for this position
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• Geneva, Switzerland is a UN Family Duty station
• All candidates are REQUIRED to include a cover letter in their application

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.