Advocacy & Communication Specialist

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Description

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• Provide technical support in developing a robust advocacy strategy, with SMART outcomes, compelling calls to action, and a clear theory of change. Analyze political, economic and cultural trends from a wide range of sources and identify potential advocacy opportunities and challenges.
• Propose new approaches and innovative ideas as part of the strategy development process.

• Coordinate the implementation of advocacy strategies and plans, working across teams to deliver a range of advocacy tactics, such as: developing advocacy briefs and products, producing advocacy narratives, shaping creative activations to drive public engagement, working with the media, and organizing advocacy events.
• Communication strategy development and implementation:
• Provide technical assistance in designing and delivering effective communication plans that will deliver the aims of key advocacy strategies and help to mobilize public and private support for the cause of children.

• Coordinate and/or support the day-to-day conceptualization, budgeting, planning, coordination, execution and digital content creation, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of digital initiatives and integrated advocacy campaigns for key audiences.
• Media relations:
• Help to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web, etc.
• Advocacy and communication M&E:
• Establish baselines against which results are regularly monitored; analyze the effectiveness of the strategy, approach and activities; and drive the day-to-day production and dissemination of M&E results on a regular basis.
• Project and budget management:
• Coordinate inclusive project teams featuring a variety of advocacy and communication professionals to deliver strategic advocacy and communication initiatives.
• Manage day-to-day delivery of key projects and workstreams, reviewing work plans to ensure progress and delivery while addressing obstacles and bottlenecks.
• Ensure effectiveness and transparent use of budget and resources.

• Contribute to building internal UNICEF capacities in advocacy and communication, through coaching, training and sharing of expertise.
• Stakeholder engagement:
• Identify, build and maintain formal and informal advocacy partnerships and networks through proactive collaboration with strategic internal and external partners.
• Adopt a consultative approach and solicit the support of key stakeholders at critical points of the strategy.

• An Advanced University degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Public Administration, Economics, Communication or other relevant fields.
• A first level university degree with an additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/ campaigning and communications is required.
• Experience in leading the development and implementation of advocacy strategies, with clear theories of change, with specific, measurable and timebound objectives and performance indicators.
• A 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 stakeholders, and in working with coalitions.
• Experienced and current in digital and social media content and audience trends as well as in managing online platforms and channels.
• Experience in media relations.
• Strong communicator with emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct, engaging ways through campaign narratives and creative tactics.
• Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring and evaluation of results.
• Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development and humanitarian issues.
• Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is an asset.
• Experience in advocacy at the international level is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

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