Background

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 Zimbabwe current Strategic Note (2016-2021) is aligned to the ZUNDAF (2016-2021) and reflects its triple mandate of normative, coordination and operative work. The programme portfolio comprises work on Women’s political participation as well as peace and security; ending Violence against women; promoting women’s economic empowerment and production and utilization of gender statistics.  Partnerships for this work include with government, civil society, independent commissions, academia and regional and international organizations. UN Women is a recipient UN organization of the Spotlight Initiative.

 

Reporting to the Media and Communications Officer, the Communications Assistant supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach in UN Women.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide administrative support in the development of a coherent CO communications and advocacy strategy

  • Provide background information for the development of the CO/MCO’s communication strategy;
  • Provide logistical support to advocacy efforts and campaigns by organizing roundtable discussions, press conferences, and other publicity events and providing inputs to briefing materials and press releases, as necessary.

 

2. Provide administrative support to the development of CO’s advocacy materials

  • Gather identifying storylines and achievements within the CO;
  • Draft press releases, articles, key messages and other advocacy materials;
  • Review translations, contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production;
  • Maintain library/ database of reference materials and photos;
  • Follow guidelines from RO and HQ.

 

3. Provide support in the management of the CO’s social media presence and website

  • Gather information for the development of content for the CO’s website hosted at the Regional Office and social media channels;
  • Update the website and social media channels, as required;
  • Maintain files, databases, and systems relevant to the CO’s digital presence.

 

4. Provide media relations support to the CO head of office

  • Maintain and update database of relevant press in country;
  • Respond to request for information, as delegated;
  • Gather and compile inputs for talking points.

 

5. Facilitate knowledge management and sharing

  • Contribute to the identification of best practices and lessons learned;
  • Organize trainings and workshops on communication practices;
  • Provide/ exchange information with HQ and RO and COs.

 

6. Other

  • Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor;
  • Provide support on special web/digital/media projects undertaken by the CO.

 

Key Performance Indicators:

 

  • Timely inputs to communication and advocacy materials
  • Timely organization of logistical support to discussions, conferences, briefings and other events
  • Timely delivery quality administrative support
  • Webpages are well-maintained

Competencies

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

 

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf?la=en&vs=637

 

Functional Competencies

  • Ability to create, edit and present information in clear and presentable formats, using appropriate IT functionality
  • Knowledge of social media and communication strategies and methods
  • Good event planning skills
  • Ability to identify relevant events and stories and communicate them to a mass audience
  • Good multimedia skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification

 

  • Completion of secondary education is required;
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism is an asset.

 

 

Experience:

 

  • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in providing support to the formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies and related plans;
  • Experience in the use of computers applications and software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) as well as web based management systems;
  • Experience in the use of social media and digital communication

 

 

Language Requirements:

 

  • Fluency in English and at least one local language is required;
  • Working knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset;

 

 

Please note that applications without a completed and signed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

UN Women Personal History form (P-11) can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment.

 

UNWOMEN is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.