Background

The Advocacy and Communication Analyst substantively contributes to sustain and increase public awareness of ICPD core issues and UNFPA’s work in the country by promoting media coverage at national level, helps ensure that UNFPA’s branding and public messaging about its mandate and programme is consistent across the country communication priorities and appropriately adapted to the national context. S/he substantively contributes to the planning and implementation of an advocacy and communication strategy and action plan to promote ICPD core issues and support UNFPA’s mission in the country.  S/he will work closely with the other Programme Analysts and the entire country office team and national counterparts to ensure advocacy and communication aspects are well internalized and applied, and will participate actively in advocacy and communication mechanisms established as part of the UNDAF and joint UN programming processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Based on the global and regional communication framework and in close consultation with the Country Director, Assistant Representative, and Programme Analysts, the Advocacy and Communication Analyst will:

  • Provide critical analysis and communication advice to the CO, including through environmental scanning of the media.
  • Contribute to CO formulation, development and updating of an advocacy and communication strategy by collecting inputs on UNFPA position in respect to key national policy challenges, compiling relevant data and conducting audience research as needed;
  • Coordinate   special events and activities to promote UNFPA position on key national development challenges especially for young people and women and vulnerable groups, and related programme goals, including for the State of the World Population and relevant UN days;
  • Maintain up to date promotional materials and visuals; recommend appropriate information and communication materials (including print and audio-visuals) for use in media and advocacy and communication activities, ensuring that the UNFPA message is aligned with its branding, mission statement, priorities, programme and  activities and consistently communicated and heard outside the organization;
  • Draft and edit articles, press releases, human stories and other advocacy /information materials for both web based and traditional media;
  • Assist in preparing background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, dignitaries and special interest groups, maintain an update partners contact lists, follow up on the production of materials and oversees the qualitative aspects of the production (eg quality control, review lay out and graphic design).
  • Establish and maintain close working relationships with media representatives, including editors, correspondents, reporters of key programme country news organizations, to generate positive reporting on UNFPA’s work; collaborate with the media through organizing field visits, facilitating investigative and well researched coverage on key ICPD issues, including visuals.
  • Monitor relevant national news media to identify trends in coverage priorities, issues and perspectives to effectively position UNFPA media outreach and respond to misinformation; monitor public perception of UNFPA in Albania including press coverage of UNFPA and ICPD issues; recommend action to maintain a positive image for the organization; prepare weekly media synopsis on ICPD related development issues.
  • Report and disseminate news and feature stories related to UNFPA’s mandate and programme in the country, using various media (e.g., print, the web, radio, video news releases and documentaries) with EECARO and HQs assistance to reach regional and global audiences;
  • Contribute to capacity building of CO staff and project/partners’ staff on communication; organize training sessions, workshops, briefings for media representatives, journalists, and young reporters to sensitize and create awareness on UNFPA and ICPD issues.
  • Oversee the UNFPA’s country social media, ensuring timely, accurate and comprehensive content based on information provided by national partners, regional and HQs offices;
  • Maintain and develop collegial relationships with media and communication counterparts from UN agencies, NGOs and  other partners to enhance cooperation and ensure coherence in public information activities and messages; participate actively in the  UN Communications Team to assess implementation of the joint communication strategy, emerging needs, progress and challenges, etc.
  • Work to create synergies between regional communication activities and HQ-led efforts such as fundraising and global campaigns.

Work Relations:

The Advocacy and Communication Analyst reports to the Assistant Representative; and regularly consults with and exchanges information with other Programme Analysts. Regularly consults with and seeks overall policy guidance and assistance from the Country Director, regional Communication Adviser and HQ Communication specialists.

External relations include other UN agencies in the country, counterparts and partners in Country programme activities, including NGOs, media and communication experts, consultants etc

Competencies

Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change

Core Competencies: Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact

Managerial Competencies: Providing strategic focus, Engaging staff and partners, Leading, developing and empowering people/creating a culture of performance, Making decisions and exercise judgment

Functional Competencies:

  • Creating visibility for the organization
  • Global leadership and advocacy for ICPD goals
  • Organizational awareness
  • Job knowledge/Technical expertise
  • Contributes to building strategic alliances and partnerships
  • Contributes to advocacy/ advancing a policy oriented agenda by preparing and communicating relevant information for evidence-based advocacy. Maintains a functioning network of contacts in the media and civil society to support advocacy efforts, and takes opportunities to advocate UNFPA’s mandate.
  • Contributes to resource mobilization by providing inputs to resource mobilization strategies, analyzing and maintaining information and databases on donors.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

  • Master`s degree in communications and other related fields desirable

Knowledge and Experience:

  • At least five years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations and communications in a development context.
  • Strong advocacy skills
  • Strong oral and written communications and editing skills
  • Proficiency in current office software applications
  • Familiarity with UN policies and principles will be an advantage
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking and a commitment to results
  • Ability to organize work effectively and to meet planned deadlines

Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Albanian is required.

Other Desirable Skills:

  • Ability to work well under deadlines, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, negotiation skills, networking and coordination skills required.

Application Procedure:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via the UNDP Albania Jobs website: http://www.al.undp.org/content/albania/en/home/operations/jobs.html Applications should contain:

  • Cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the online application.
  • Completed and signed Personal History (P-11) Form for Fixed Term Appointments (FTAs) - Download here
  • 3 most recent performance assessments

Please make sure you have provided all requested documents.

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the following steps:

  • Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Fixed Term Appointments (FTAs);
  • Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for For Fixed Term Appointments (FTAs), cover letter and three most recent PMDs/RCAs into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
  • Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
  • Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
  • You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.