Regional Communications Officer - Education for Health and Wellbeing

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 98,313 USD and 128,733 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : 6ZAED 0016PA Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: South Africa Job Family: Education Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-FEB-2024 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ***Initial duration of the contract is for 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- The position falls under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, guidance from the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and the direct supervision of the Team Leader (Education for Health and Well-being). The Regional Advocacy and Communications Officer will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Education for Health and Wellbeing (EHW) Advocacy and Communications portfolio, specifically, the “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future” (O3) Programme, supported by Sweden among other donors. S/he will design and execute strategic communications campaigns and initiatives to promote awareness, acceptance, and uptake of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies, programmes, and services in the region. Leveraging deep knowledge of the cultural context and communications landscape, the Regional Advocacy and Communications Officer will craft compelling messaging and content to engage key target audiences, including young people, policymakers, community leaders, civil society and the general public. S/he will build partnerships, activate influencer networks, secure media coverage, and pioneer creative storytelling approaches to shift mindsets and behaviours related to SRHR. The role offers substantial scope for innovation and shaping the advocacy agenda. The Regional Advocacy and Communications Officer will be specifically responsible for the following; Long Description ---------------- **Strategy and Planning** - Refine and operationalize the Education for Health and Well-being advocacy and communication strategy, including setting objectives, timelines, budgets, and setting clear indicators to regularly assess impact. - Analyse global and regional SRHR communication landscapes to inform strategy development, identifying perceptions, barriers, opportunities, and target audiences. - Regularly review and adapt strategies based on data, contextual shifts, and new needs. - Liaise with regional and global partners to share best practices and lessons learned in SRHR communications and coordinate with UNESCO HQ to reinforce planning, practice, and advocacy efforts. - Identify and address communications-related capacity building needs across the EHW team. - Contribute communications expertise to UNESCO’s strategic planning processes and provide thought leadership. Long Description ---------------- **Content Creation and Management** - Guide the development and production of high-quality advocacy and communications materials across print, digital, and other platforms, ensuring consistency with UNESCO/UNESCO’s Education Sector and O3 Programme branding and messaging. - Write and/or oversee the preparation, production, and dissemination of outreach products (e.g. reports, media packets, news releases, op-eds, radio/TV broadcasts, speeches, briefing notes, feature stories, etc.). - Conceptualize and design visually engaging graphics, illustrations, and infographics to bring SRHR messaging and content to life across print and digital campaigns, materials, and platforms (e.g. brochures, posters, banners, social media posts, presentations, animations, videos etc). - Maintain and organize a comprehensive database for communication materials and digital assets, ensuring access by EHW colleagues. - Develop and maintain a digital asset system for multimedia and photography. Long Description ---------------- **Campaign Development and Targeted Engagement** - Guide compelling storytelling across new and existing campaigns (e.g. LetsTalkEUP, Safer Campuses etc) and platforms to humanize SRHR issues and connect with target audiences. Gather stories, oversee creative development, and maximize reach/engagement. - Develop and implement strategies to promote CSE among young people in the region, with the aim of positively shifting mindsets and building acceptance. - Craft compelling messages and content to destigmatize and generate support for CSE among policymakers, religious leaders, community leaders, and other key stakeholders in the region. - Develop shared campaigns with partner organizations and influencers to amplify reach. - Leverage UN international days e.g. World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day, International Youth Day, etc. for relevant content creation and engagement. - Track and analyse data to monitor the impact of communications activities in shifting perceptions, beliefs and behaviours related to SRHR. Identify successes and opportunities for improvement. **Websites, Apps and Social Media** - Manage planning and execution of O3 Programme social media strategy, working closely with colleagues to identify the right messaging and formats to effectively tell stories through social channels (X, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn). - Manage and organize the social editorial calendar while overseeing all content, including collaboration with O3 Ambassadors. - Track social media performance, analyse results, collect, and share learnings to improve future efforts. - Work closely with the ESA EHW team (in collaboration with HQ and WCA teams) to maintain updates across all O3 Programme websites (YPT, LetsTalkEUP, O3 global website, etc); Apps, and Chatbots; including publicising the in-country progress and events across the region, blog management and generation and distribution of monthly newsletters. - Work closely with the digital specialist to ensure that all O3 programme campaign websites maintain a dynamic look and feel for key audiences identified. - Stay updated on emerging digital platforms and evolve strategies to reach target audiences effectively. **Stakeholder Relations** - Cultivate close working relationships with partner organizations (ESA Commitment Technical Coordinating Committee and UN) and influencers to collaborate on communications activities and amplify reach. - Explore and establish strategic partnerships inside and outside UNESCO to enhance outreach and image. - Manage media relations for positive CSE coverage, maintaining a network of supportive regional and national media contacts. - Ensure that the EHW team has access to a well maintained and continually developed contact list of appropriate, regionally, and nationally known personalities who have been identified, engaged and support the O3 Programme’s effort and who actively participate in special events and activities. - Develop targeted engagement strategies and document best practices for effectively engaging policymakers, health agencies, and legislative bodies across the ESA region to advance SRHR goals. - Work closely with the ESA EHW team (in collaboration with HQ and WCA teams) to organize and lead communication efforts for live events including major conferences, workshops, seminars, press briefings, meeting (virtual and in-person). **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** - An advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Political Science or relevant Social Sciences. ***Work Experience*** - Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in designing and implementing communications strategies, campaigns and engaging diverse stakeholders, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level. - Proven experience implementing behaviour change communications programmes, ideally focused on SRHR, education or public health in developing contexts. - Experience in working with diverse institutions, such as civil society, multi-lateral agencies, and non-government organizations. - Proven experience navigating communications in complex and opposing public environments (e.g. opposition/mis-dis-information and/or sensitivities). - Proven success securing positive media coverage and shifting narratives through communications efforts. - Experience working with both traditional media (print, radio, television) and social media. ***Skills and competencies*** - Excellent written and verbal communications skills; ability to craft compelling, persuasive messaging. - Proven knowledge of health education, CSE, SRHR and/or public health. - Strong storytelling skills to develop engaging narratives. - Strong project management and coordination skills to manage complex initiatives under tight deadlines. - Digital media expertise across social platforms, websites, analytics, and emerging technologies. - Relationship building and stakeholder engagement skills. - Cultural awareness to connect across diverse communities. - Credibility and confidence, with high level representational and partnership building skills, involving a wide range of partners (including relevant Ministries, UN Agencies, donors, and civil society). - Experience working with diverse institutions, such as civil society, multi-lateral agencies, and non-government organizations, to strengthen their capacity and opportunities to engage in dialogue/advocacy with policymakers. - Adaptability to thrive in fast-paced environment. - Collaborative team player mentality. ***Languages*** - Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English. - French will be an added advantage. **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 81 561 USD $ For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits.](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/unesco-staff-compensation-booklet_en.pdf) **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [ UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States [(last update here)](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.