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. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world and is technically leading Spotlight Initiative in Zimbabwe.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. It was launched in September 2017 by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and the European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice President (HRVP). It is a visible political and financial investment from the EU in the multilateral relationship with the UN and in gender equality. The Spotlight Initiative in Africa will be implemented in 8 countries (Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe).  The focus for the African initiative is GBV, SRHR and Harmful Practices (HP). Six UN agencies namely, ILO, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women are participating in the Spotlight Initiative.

A Media and Communications consultant is therefore needed to support the Spotlight Initiative of the UN Women, Zimbabwe Country’s office communications and media outreach strategyactivities, , . within the context of UN Women Global and Regional Communication Strategy. As part of the communications unit, the Media and Communications Officer will  under the direct supervision of the UN Women Country Representative, cover primary tasks as outlined below including backstopping on other communications and advocacy tasks within the office. S/he provides high quality support to planning, communications production, and partnership building in service of UN Women’s mandate.

Reporting to the UN Women Country Representative, the Media and Communications Officer works in close collaboration with the programme and operations team, UN Women HQ and Regional staff, Spotlight RUNOs, Government officials, multi and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UN Women programme implementation.

Summary of key functions

• Supports the communication needs of the country office
• Undertakes digital distribution, promotion, monitoring, social media and website analytics.
• Undertakes and oversees the editorial and technical maintenance of the UN Women Knowledge Hub.
• Undertakes and oversees the development, production and design of interactive, visual communications, and digital products for the Country Office.

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:

• Motivated and able to work in team and independently to deliver outputs
• Respect for diversity
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
• Academic Qualifications:
• Advanced university degree in the field of international relations, journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications.
• Knowledge and Expertise in Communications and Digital Media:
  • Knowledge of best practices in digital outreach and digital advocacy;
  • Experience in effective management of online platforms and content development;
  • Excellent knowledge of social media marketing;
  • Updated knowledge of interactive digital outreach tools;
  • Creativity in planning digital outreach initiatives to serve UN Women’s mandate;
  • Strong skills in writing, editing and communications in both English with Knowledge of local languages (Shona and Ndebele);
• Knowledge of women’s rights issues.

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism or Public relations.

Experience:

• At least five years of progressively responsible work experience in communication and digital media, print, broadcast, and/or new media. Knowledge of the environment.
• Experience in social media and web management;
• Experience in content development for online platforms;
• Experience in graphic design, photography and photo editing and/or web design;
• Experience in filming / video editing is desirable;
• Previous experience working in the United Nations System is desirable;
• Previous experience working in Zimbabwe is required
• Prior experience in communicating complex multi-dimensional issues to a non-specialized audience.

Language Requirements:

• Language: English with Knowledge of local languages (Shona and Ndebele)

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.