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.  Created by UN Women, the HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality provides a systematic approach and targeted platform on which men and boys can engage and become change agents towards the achievement of gender equality.

Under direction from the Programme Manager (Global Head) of HeForShe, and close consultation with the rest of the team, the Communications Consultant will be responsible for taking the lead in planning, development and implementation of communications activities centered around the HeForShe Summit in mid-May 2021. This Summit will see the closure of the first phase of the Champions initiative, the launch of a new Alliance of partners, and a related social media campaign. During this period, the Communications Consultant will develop strategic partnerships including with major social media platforms, PR, creative, and digital agencies to expand the reach and influence of HeForShe and the initiative’s partners (organizations) and advocates (individuals). The Consultant will also provide ad-hoc communications advice to the broader HeForShe team and partners as needed. 

This is an ideal position for a hardworking, attentive, and outgoing individual looking to work in a collaborative and collegiate workplace learning from, with, and among smart, interesting, and fun professionals.  This consultancy is based in New York, however options to be based remote initially will be considered given current COVID travel restrictions.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Communications Consultant will be responsible for the following in the lead up to, execution, and wrap up of the HeForShe Summit in May 2021:

• Conceptualize, design and execute a communications plan for HeForShe Summit-driven campaign efforts
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships to ensure male engagement can be a vehicle for transforming corporate and social norms for the achievement of gender equality
• Develop and implement a multi-platform approach to reach our target audience and galvanize their action in support of organizational priorities like #Generation Equality
• Take the lead on measuring the digital and social media analytics, producing reports with data-driven recommendations on adapting course of action.
• Produce and oversee the production of high-impact digital media content across formats and/or platforms (e.g., infographic, GIFs, video, etc.), that effectively informs and engages external audiences
• Review current digital platforms for language and structure and provide recommendations on how to reposition content in light of new partnerships / resources etc.
• Undertake research to determine appropriate medium and target audience; identify and test new platforms for digital engagement.
• Prepare communication / production plans for HeForShe generally and for partners specifically including key messages, assets, press releases and timelines etc. - writing drafts, obtaining clearances, finalizing texts, and editing and coordinating design approval, and distribution.
• Liaises on a regular basis with HeForShe leadership and the wider organization to ensure coordinated output and editorial consistency

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 

Required Qualifications, Experience and skills: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Advocacy, Journalism, International Affairs, Writing, or other related field with at least 8 years of progressively relevant professional experience in journalism, digital communications, production, social media, writing or editing. A secondary school certificate with minimum 10 years of relevant experience will be considered

• Experience in implementing digital / social media campaigns (political or social) is required
  • Experience in content production and dissemination for online audiences and use advanced tools for online publishing, including content management systems and social media publishing tools is an asset
  • Experience working in sensitive and fast-moving news, communications or advocacy contexts is an asset
  • Very good organizational and time management skills; ability to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities is an asset

Language:  

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.  
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.