Chief Advocacy and Communication, P-4, Baghdad, Iraq (post no. 14569)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential.

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

And we never give up.

For every child, an advocate

UNICEF in Iraq works to uphold the rights of children to access services and protection, from early childhood through to adolescence. Our objective is to ensure that every child in Iraq, irrespective of background or circumstance, has an equal chance to fulfil their potential. We are working for every child and young person in Iraq.

Advocacy and Communication are at the center of UNICEF’s mandate. We advocate to decision makers for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. We communicate to key public and private audiences to build support for the cause of children.

How can you make a difference?

Reporting to the Country Representative, you will be accountable for leading the advocacy and communication strategies of the Iraq Country Office, along with managing the partnerships component in the office. This includes:
– The development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of integrated advocacy and communication strategies to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people
– The effective deployment of public channels and private relationships to mobilize public and private resources for children, including through UNICEF
– Using traditional and digital media and key partnerships to build awareness of and support for child rights and UNICEF’s mission, priorities and programmes at the national, regional and global level
– Working with children and young people to empower them as agents of change
– Responding to major communication risks and challenges.

As a member of the Country Management Team, you will work alongside colleagues to oversee the overall performance of the office, create a positive workplace environment, and ensure the wellbeing of staff.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
1. Advocacy strategy development
2. Advocacy strategy implementation
3. Communication strategy development and implementation
4. Donor Relations and Reporting
5. Private Sector Engagement
6. Digital strategy
7. Media relations
8. Advocacy and communication M&E
9. Team building, project, and budget management
10. Advocacy and communication capacity building
11. Stakeholder engagement
12. Others
13. Country Management Team
For a detailed job description  JD Chief Advocacy and Communication P-4 Baghdad.pdf

To qualify as a Champion for every child you will have:

Education:
An Advanced University degree is required in one of the following fields: International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Communication or related fields.

*A first level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant field, in conjunction with two additional years of relevant work experience in advocacy, campaigning or a related field may be taken in lieu of an Advanced University degree.

Experience:
At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/ campaigning and communication is required, with at least two years at the international level.

Experience in leading the development and implementation of advocacy and communication strategies, with clear theories of change, specific, measurable and timebound objectives, and performance indicators.

Developing country work experience in international development as well as in international donor relations is an asset.

Proven ability to develop effective long-term strategic fundraising plans, with appropriate allocation of time and resources, and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.

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 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.

Experienced and current in digital and social media content and audience trends as well as in managing online platforms and channels.

Strong communicator with emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct, engaging ways through campaign narratives and creative tactics.

Experience in managing a team is a requirement, along with a proven commitment to 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.

Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

Core Competencies

– Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
– Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
– Works Collaboratively with others (2)
– Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
– Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
– Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
– Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
– Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.

Remarks:

The VA is open to all (internal and external candidates)

This position is not considered an elevated risk role. However, UNICEF reserves the right to conduct further vetting/assessment within the scope of child safeguarding as appropriate.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/.

Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.