Apply: UNICEF Chief of Advocacy and Communication

By Development Diaries
April 6, 2022

Deadline: 08 April, 2022

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has opened applications for the role of Chief of Advocacy and Communication.

Across 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

Responsibilities

Lead every element of the advocacy strategy process
Drive the implementation of advocacy strategies and plans
Design effective communication plans that will deliver on the aims of key advocacy strategies and help to mobilise public and private support for the cause of children
Lead and manage the office’s advocacy and communication team that effectively executes a comprehensive digital strategy
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets
Supervise the development of a clear advocacy and communication monitoring and evaluation framework
Provide a protective, nurturing environment for the team
Ensure effective and transparent management of budget and resources
In addition to local/national campaigns, ensure that the country office has an effective process in place for integrating and taking action on UNICEF’s global communications priorities and campaigns
Ensure that global and country-level fundraising activities are supported by effective advocacy and communication strategy and activities
Ensure that the country office has a well-managed national celebrity relations programme with a well maintained and continually developed contact list of appropriate, nationally-known personalities who have been identified, engaged, and support UNICEF’s efforts and who actively participate in special events and activities that support country programme goals
Ensure that the human resources (the communication team) and financial resources (budget planning, management, and monitoring) for the communication section of the country office are both effectively managed and optimally used
Build internal UNICEF capacities in advocacy and communication through coaching, training, and sharing of expertise
As a member of the CMT, work alongside senior colleagues to ensure the performance of the country office, manage risk, and set overarching strategic direction
As a member of the senior management team, work alongside colleagues to oversee the overall performance of the office, create a positive workplace environment, and ensure the well-being of staff

Requirements

Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
Ten years, minimum, of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/campaigning and communication, with two years, minimum, at the international level
Experience in leading the development and implementation of advocacy and communication strategies, with clear theories of change, specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives, and performance indicators
Track record of achieving or contributing to tangible policy change
Proven experience in deploying a range of advocacy and communication tactics based on a clear theory of change
Experience in building and maintaining a network of external stakeholders, and in working with coalitions
Experience in building strong relationships with traditional and social media entities and using media relations and channels to engage public audiences
Experience in leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of digital strategies
Experience in handling digital and social media content and audience trends as well as in managing online platforms and channels
Experience in managing a team, with a proven commitment to a diverse and inclusive recruiting process
Experience managing a multicultural team is an asset
Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring and evaluation of results
Knowledge of international development, humanitarian issues, and children’s rights
Experience in training and facilitation is an asset
Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is an asset
Fluency in English
Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset