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 Ethiopia’s Strategic Note (SN) 2026-2030 is derived from and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2025-2030) in Ethiopia, which outlines the United Nation’s vision and strategic focus in Ethiopia. Additionally, the SN’s focus areas are based on UN Women’s global Strategic Plan which sets out a collective vision, priorities and pathways to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.  The UN Women Ethiopia Strategic Note serves as an operational framework to position gender equality , women’s rights and empowerment at the centre of implementation of the UNSDCF and the UN Women Global Strategic Plan in an absolute alignment with the Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Perspective Development Plan (2021–2030).Similar to the UNSDCF 2025-2030 which has got a Resource Mobilization and financing strategies, UN Women’s Ethiopia’s Strategic Note 2026-2030 has also developed  its 5-year Partnership, Communications and  Resource Mobilization Strategy. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Representative, the Communications and Advocacy Analyst is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of the Office Partnership, Communications and to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media and the public.

The Communications and Advocacy Officer work in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in the Country Office, Regional and HQ communications teams, staff of other UN Agencies as part of the UN Communications Group (UNCG), Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society whenever necessary and as per the guidance from the supervisor. 

Provide substantive support to the planning and design of external communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans

• Provide analysis for elaboration of communication strategies; ensure gender perspective.
•  Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives, as necessary.
• Monitor and analyze print and social media and provide analysis to CO and RO;
• Provide inputs and support to the launch of in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events.

Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country

• Draft briefing materials and press releases and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels.
• Identify storylines for publication and articles.
• Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives, publications, and campaigns;
•  Coordinate the translation/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials;
• · Follow guidelines from HQ and RO.

Coordinate media relations for the Country Office 

• Coordinate the establishment of relevant relationships;
• Maintain list of relevant media in country ;
• Respond to inquiries for public and UN system information materials;
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences and briefing session for press, as required
• Draft talking points for media engagements by the Senior Management 

Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors

• Maintain relationships with partners 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, as delegated.

Coordinate the Country Office’s web/ online presence including social media platforms 

• Coordinate Country Office websites’ content and maintenance based on corporate requirements; ·
•  Coordinate Country Office’s social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy; · 
• Upload information to knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, resources.

Facilitate knowledge building and sharing · 

• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme goals and activities; ·
• Advice or organize and conduct training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.
• Work closely with the programme teams on knowledge products branding and design in a way that portrays UN Women’s full visibility.

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: 

The incumbent will not have Supervisory responsibilities apart from temporary media or communications contractors who may be placed under her/his  technical supervision when requested by the manager.

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

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 Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Knowledge of web-based management systems
•  Knowledge of production, graphic design and photography standards
• Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
•  Knowledge of local country media landscape
•  Communication, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to be strategic and analytical
•  Knowledge of gender and human rights issues desirable

Education and Certification

• Master degree (or equivalent) in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or any other relevant field is required
• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or any other relevant field with proven experience would be considered 

Experience

• 1 Year of relevant experience with a master's degree 
• At least 2 years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy is required for a Bachelor’s degree holder 
•  Experience in the use of social media is required. ·
•  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and spreadsheet and database packages, and experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
• Proven Skills in graphic design and Adobe Suit are required 
• Experience in photography, video production and the use of a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable

Languages

• Fluency in English and Amharic is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Statements :

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.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.