Communication Specialist

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.  

UNICEF has been working in Lao PDR continuously since 1973, one of the longest-serving international organizations in the country. We have been implementing one of UNICEF’s largest country programmes worldwide, working tirelessly to promote the rights of children and women and to bring basic services – education, health, nutrition, protection, water and sanitation – to those who are most in need. 

In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), UNICEF is promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child. Together with our partners, we are focusing and putting extra efforts on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children throughout the country. UNICEF’s communication and advocacy strategy is pivotal in advancing the rights and well-being of children, especially the most marginalized and vulnerable. Effective communication amplifies our impact, promotes understanding, and engages stakeholders to rally around our cause. 

How can you make a difference?  

This staff member will drive the development of effective, integrated advocacy and communication strategies. S/he will work collaboratively with colleagues across teams and with external partners to drive changes in policy and practice and secure political and financial commitments for children. Duties include: 

Advocacy strategy development:  

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. 

Advocacy strategy implementation:  

• 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.

Digital communications:  

• 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.

Advocacy and communication capacity building:  

• 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.

Others:  

• Undertake other key responsibilities as required.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements: 

• Education: An advanced university degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Public Administration, Economics, Communication or other relevant fields.

Work Experience:  

• At least 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.
• Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring and evaluation of results.

Skills (optional): [Insert technical and non-technical skills].  

• Strong communicator with emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct, engaging ways through campaign narratives and creative tactics.
• Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development and humanitarian issues.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Lao language is required.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/576529