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 West & Central Africa Regional Office work includes support to and oversight for thirteen (13) country offices where UN Women has presence and a Multi Country Office covering four offices without UN Women country office presence more specifically this includes strategic programme development and policy/ technical advice, oversight, programme and operational support and quality assurance, supporting UN interagency coordination and intergovernmental support, representation and advocacy, strategic partnerships and resource mobilization and knowledge management.

Reporting to the Regional Communication Specialist, The Communication and Social Media consultant is responsible for developing communications strategies to support advocacy and resource mobilization objectives. S/he is responsible for timely, accurate and high-quality informational materials, such as graphic designs, photos, videos, visual stories from events and from the field, etc. The results have a substantial impact on the effectiveness of UN Women’s regional communications and outreach efforts, enhancing the visibility, raising awareness and understanding of UN Women and its mission, thus helping ensure UN Women achieves its strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Regional Communications Specialist, the consultant will:

Oversee the ROs web/online presence

• Oversee and manage regional social media accounts and web site, including developing design and content in line with corporate social media policy.
• Coordinate COs’ web-presence in the line with corporate web policy;
• Develop regional social media strategy for regional campaigns
• Write engaging, audience-friendly social media posts, ensure regular updates on social media and support with production of other content for social media
• Come up with creative and innovative ideas to maintain and drive communication and engagement with fans and followers
• Analyze social media analytics together with the communications team to support the expansion of UN Women’s reach over social media in the region

Provide support in strategic planning, implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans for campaigns, international days and events:

• Develop or contribute to the realization and implementation of digital campaigns
• Contribute to the visibility of events, campaigns and key activities planned by WCARO and field offices (16 Days of activism)
• Develop and produce online communication and advocacy materials, including briefing materials, factsheets, press releases, articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels;
• Mobilize influencers/ opinion leaders for regional social media campaigns and initiatives in collaboration with regional and field colleagues
• Assist in preparing written materials, including, stories, articles, press releases, bout UN Women in the media,
• Keep the internal knowledge management tools up-to-date, including SharePoint and Microsoft Teams

Contribute to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the regional office

• Assist in UN Women advocacy activities, including providing support to public events, coordinating visits of the Regional Director, including partners field visits and participating in other UN /UN Women advocacy initiatives;
• Support the development of communications assets with quality content such as infographics, fact-sheets, multi-media assets etc.;
• Contribute to the drafting and dissemination of the internal newsletters for UN Women staff and update the UN Women newsletter distribution/dissemination contact lists
• Any additional communication tasks defined by the supervisor

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

ey Performance Indicators

• Quality and relevant communications advocacy materials and content for the website and social media channels including human impact stories produced.
• Event covering and organized to best position UN Women mandate in the political crisis context
• Regular exchange of information between CO in the region as shown in the coherent and relevant regional public presence.

Deliverables

Competencies

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

• Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to provide advice and be strategic and analytical
• Strong writing and multi-media skills (stories, content) for communication is required
• Web-based communication tools (social media, web design)
• Experience in the usage of web design software packages
• Excellent research, analytical skills;
• Demonstrated perfect fluency and ability to both write and edit without any additional editing being necessary.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, public relations or related areas
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
• A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Digital Communications, public relations, or advocacy
• Experience developing media content for development partners, governments, and civil society organizations internationally and in the field;
• Knowledge of gender equality and women´s empowerment
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing communication and media outreach strategies and plans in support of corporate goals
• Demonstrated experience of working in highlight complex humanitarian or crisis contexts will be essential
• Experience working with the UN is an asset; and
• Experience working in the region is an asset

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in French and English
• Knowledge of any other UN language will be an asset

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.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, 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.