UNV Communications Specialist

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.

Since March 2020, UN Women and UNFPA are implementing EU 4 Gender Equality “Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" project, funded by the European Union. The project is implemented in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and at the regional level. The project is aimed at shifting societal perceptions around gender stereotypes and patriarchal norms limiting women’s rights; improving men’s involvement into unpaid domestic and care work; and spur the adoption of best practices in programmes targeting perpetrators of domestic violence. The project targets government bodies, civil society organizations, non-traditional partners, and direct beneficiaries in the abovementioned countries. It implements a series of intervention strategies designed to contribute to the respective governments’ efforts in advancing gender equality, including promoting social change and addressing the underlying structural gender barriers and norms as well as changing harmful gender stereotypes. The project is dedicating particular attention to ensuring strategic and effective communication internally and externally, in relation to disseminating knowledge and supporting policy advocacy. Visibility is ensured in accordance with the current EU and UN visibility and communication guidelines, and in accordance with the Communication and Visibility Requirements for EU External Action published by the European Commission. The UNV Communications Specialist will report to the Project Manager and will collaborate closely with the teams at UNFPA and UN Women at the regional and country levels to ensure the communication and visibility plan is efficiently designed, implemented and reported. S/he will support outreach campaigns and other communication and visibility related actions as well as special events organized within the project.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager, the UNV Communications Specialist will: 1. Lead development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy actions in line with the communication and visibility plan • Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy activities, including media strategies. • Monitor and analyze print and social media and prepare reports related to the project. • Support the programme team to launch the project-related campaigns and special events. • Provide advice and guidance as requested to the country colleagues and partners with regards to the correct application of the project visual identity, as requested.

2. Lead the development and dissemination of advocacy materials • Develop and produce communication and advocacy instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels. • Develop inspirational stories highlighting project results at the regional level in the format of web stories as well as in multi-media formats (photos, quote cards, videos etc.). • Support with the hiring of communications-related consultants if needed (such as designers, editors, illustrators, videographers etc.) and support with the payment processes. • Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce the related audio/ visual material. • Identify and launch information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners. • Provide advice on advocacy materials and publications to be developed within the Action at the country and regional levels. • Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce the related audio/ visual material. • Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media and general public at the regional level.

3. Manage media relations • Lead relationship building with press, maintain and update database of relevant press in line with the objectives/priorities. • Respond timely and clearly to media inquiries and to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence; identify topics, background information, news-related development and coverage of interest. • Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions with press. • Facilitate interviews with partners and personnel of the project. • Develop talking points.

4. Build and maintain partnerships • Identify and develop the communication-related 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 the country offices to ensure consistency with corporate policies, messaging and initiatives.

5. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing • Provide support to identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned from COs and regional activities directly linked to project’s 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  Competencies Core Competencies  Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues  Accountability  Creative Problem Solving  Effective Communication  Inclusive Collaboration  Stakeholder Engagement  Leading by Example  Self-management and Emotional Intelligence  Work in teams

Experience in working in the field of communications, advocacy and/or public relations.  Experience in developing high quality test for online and traditional communications materials required.  Experience in working in gender equality and women's empowerment.  Experience in providing communications support for on and offline events - an asset.  Experience within the UN system is an asset.  Outstanding oral and written communications and editorial skills, with proven ability to produce communications products and content for online platforms and social media  Strong understanding on gender equality issues.  Expertise on managing web-based knowledge management systems.  Strong knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach.  Expertise on media relations.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey where everything is available including education, health services and entertainment. There is a lively and large group of international community. Istanbul airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport have direct connections with all European and global cities.

Istanbul is a Security level 2 (Low) duty station.