Communications for Development Analyst

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 Ethiopia plays a dual role as the Country Office for Ethiopia and as the Liaison Office to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The ECO Annual Work Plan 2019 is the third year of implementation of the approved Strategic Note (SN) 2017-2020. It builds on progress made and lessons learned from the implementation in 2017 and 2018 while also responding to the new global Strategic Plan 2018–2021; the Africa Strategy approved in July 2017 and responds to the latest developments and reforms taking place in Ethiopia, at the Africa Union Commission, the Economic Commission for Africa and indeed within the UN system.

A midterm review of the Strategic Note undertaken in 2018 confirmed that UN Women continues to be relevant to the realities, challenges and emerging issues faced by women and girls in Ethiopia and in Africa.  It further recommended that,

for UN Women to become a knowledge hub and a partner of choice on GEWE at both Ethiopia as well as regional level, there is need to strengthen its internal capacity in communications, knowledge management and advocacy. A communications and knowledge management strategy/plan (for the Country Office as well as for individual programmes) aligned with Regional Office strategy and plan would support clear and systematically organized internal and external communications and knowledge management.

It is on this background that UN Women is strengthening their Communications Team and seeking the services of a competent Communications for Development Analyst for the office.

Reporting to the Communications Specialist and under the guidance of the Representative, the Communications for Development Analyst is responsible for enhancing UN Women Programme and Communications results.

He or She will provide technical support to the programme teams, knowledge management, organize national and grassroots advocacy initiatives and events, develop programme focused visibility products including digital products, newsletters and build media capacity for gender sensitive reporting in addition to ensuring quality products from external communications consultants including photographers, videographers, translators, designers and printers.

The Communications for Development Analyst works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in the Country Office and the Headquarters and Regional communications teams, staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Functions

1. Plan and design communication for development strategies for UN Women in Ethiopia and its programmes 

• Prepare and conduct communication for development needs assessments for the Country Office, including projects and programmes;
• Analyze requirements and synthesize proposals for elaboration of communication strategies; ensure gender perspective;
• Integrate communication for development and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives;
• Coordinate UN Women advocacy campaigns and events in UN Women / UN system.

2. Coordinate media relations for programme activities

• Manage relationships with press in country; maintain and update database of relevant press;
• Respond to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence;
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions for press, as required;
• Draft talking points.
• Manage media during key UN Women events and project visits.

3. Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors

• Identify and develop new communication partnerships 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;
• Provide inputs to packages for programme initiatives for donor review.
• Participate in UN Communications Group meetings and initiatives

4. Communications for Development Capacity building

• Develops training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory and behavior change communication for personnel who are involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programme communication intervention, in support of programme sustainability.
• Supports government and other partners to plan and organize capacity building programmes to mainstream communications in their activities
• Collaborates with key stakeholders including government officials, community leaders and other UN Agencies and mobilize for collective gender sensitive communications strategies

       5. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing

• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities;
• Provide advice on the establishment of a Monitoring & Evaluation framework, including achievement of the strategic communications objectives, to identify success, challenges and lessons learnt, and to assist with the selection of appropriate indicators and targets and identification of available baseline data.
• Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.

Key Performance Indicators

• Quality inputs and analysis into the communications strategy for the office
• 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 country
• Regular interactions with mass media, as shown by coverage

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
• Good knowledge of web-based knowledge management systems
• Good understanding of production, graphic design and photography standards
• Good knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
• Good knowledge of local country media landscape
• Good communication, presentation, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to be strategic and analytical
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues desirable

Education

• 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 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.
• Experience in photography, video production and design will be an added advantage

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Ahmaric is required;
• Working knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.

UNWOMEN is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.