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.
Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.
UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic, and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security.
Under direct supervision of the Communication and Advocacy Specialist, the Communications Analyst works with and provides support to the members of the team working in Communications and supports consistency of the work of this team with UN Women rules and regulations. S/he will be required to work with women-led organizations, actively and regularly engage with partners including Women Protection Centres and Family Guidance Centres; contribute to knowledge management, reporting, communications, and management of partner including providing necessary operational, administrative, and programmatic support. The Officer will share the responsibility in implementing of the UN Women Strategic Note, the UN Women corporate guidelines and policies and procedures, the Development Result Framework (DRF) and Organization Effectiveness and Efficiency Framework (OEEF) obligations.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Plan and design communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans
- Prepare and conduct communication needs assessments for the ACO, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives;
- Analyze requirements and synthesize proposals for elaboration of communication strategies; ensure gender perspective;
- Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives;
- Monitor and analyze print and social media and draft reports;
- Coordinate in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events;
2. Coordinate and implement the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country/region
- Develop and produce communication instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and drafts of articles, and manage its dissemination;
- Identify and propose information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners;
- Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives, publications, and campaigns;
- Manage the translation/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials;
- Follow guidelines from HQ and RO.
3. Coordinate media relations for the ACO.
- 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.
4. 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.
5. Maintain the ACO web/ online presence
- Manage the ACO social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy;
- Upload information to knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, and resources.
6. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing
- Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities;
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
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/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf
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
Required Skills and Experience
Education and certification:
- 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 editing, and graphic design is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English, Dari and Pashtu is required;
- Working knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset
Application:
- All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from Application and recruitment process | About us: Careers at UN Women | UN Women – Headquarters Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.
Note:
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality, and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.
Inclusion Statement:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits employ, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)