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 Sudan’s Strategic Note (SN) 2018-2023, aims "to consolidate efforts that contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sudan". Key strategies for the implementation of the country programme include capacity building, advocacy, gender mainstreaming, evidence, information and data collection and the use of media to highlight and inform the general population of Sudan. The SN outlines the overall strategy and plan of action for the UN Women Sudan Country Office (CO) for the years 2018-2023 and includes an Integrated Results and Resources (IRRF) which combines the DRF and OEEF, with expected results and targets/ indicators/ baselines.

2022-2023 Annual Work Plan (AWP) of UN Women Sudan Country Office (Co) focuses on three mutually a) reinforcing priorities on enhancing women’s participation in climate resilient agriculture in rural, conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian contexts; b) strengthening women’s effective participation in Peace, Security and Humanitarian processes and c) strengthening women’s political participation and leadership  as priority areas that UN Women will work on to contribute towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sudan.

 The Communications Officer is responsible of leading in the planning and implementation of the Office communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media and the public.

The Communications Officer works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in the CO/RO, HQ/Regional communications teams, staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.Plan and design communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans

• Prepare and conduct communication needs assessments for the CO, 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;
• Provide advice and guidance to CO in the region.

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 CO

• 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 CO web/ online presence

• Manage CO’s websites’ content and maintenance based on corporate requirements;
• Manage the CO’s 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;
• Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.

Key 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

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.

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 https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form-en.doc.

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.