Communications Specialist

Background

Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

The communications specialist, positioned within the United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator’s Office in Yangon, Myanmar, is entrusted with the pivotal role of implementing the communications strategy for the UN Country Team, which includes UN Women.

This collaboration ensures harmonization of the communications approach, leveraging these organizations’ collective strengths and resources. The communication specialist’s endeavors will focus on creating compelling, culturally attuned content tailored to resonate with both local and global audiences. Moreover, the communication specialist will ensure alignment of the communication efforts with the broader objectives of UN Women, emphasizing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The position is based in Yangon/Myanmar.

Objective of the service

The objective of this consultancy is to provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT to lead and coordinate the implementation of gender-responsive strategic communication, including its conceptualization, design, and execution in Myanmar.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Yangon (primary reporting line) and the UN Women UN Women Country Representative a. i. (secondary reporting line), the communications specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

Lead and coordinate the implementation of gender-responsive strategic communication, conceptualize, design, and execute programmes and activities in Myanmar.

• lead, supervise or support the development and implementation of high-profile gender-responsive multimedia strategic communications campaigns for the UN Country Team.
• Develop and contribute to communication instruments and materials, including briefing materials, joint press statements, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels.
• Ensure that all public communication materials use inclusive language that reflects and respects gender diversity;

• Advocate for gender-responsive policies and practices within the organization and externally; communication platforms to raise awareness about gender equality issues and advocate for policy changes that promote gender mainstreaming.

Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT.

• In coordination with the Resident Coordinator, may lead and provide crisis communications support to the RC, the UNCG and other UN system entities in Myanmar.
• Support the Resident Coordinator during international, regional, or national meetings by leading in drafting all messages, including speeches, briefing notes, talking points etc.
• Lead media outreach and engagement on behalf of the Resident Coordinator and UNCT, including media talking points, briefing notes etc.; may serve as spokesperson in coordination with the Resident Coordinator.
• Support the Chairs of the UN Communications Group (UNCG) and may lead coordinated UN system communications.
• Liaise with national and international media on UN activities and programmes related to Myanmar as well as on global UN issues and campaigns.

Inform and communicate on the work of UNCT and its impact in the country.

• Provide diverse materials, technical and policy analysis on complex public information and communications issues related to internal and external audience.
• Provide guidance for internal and external digital communications platforms.
• Plan and facilitate the development and implementation of a digital content strategy for UNCT websites and social media and contribute to the development of key UNCT communications and advocacy products.
• Perform other duties and special functions, as required.

 

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This consultancy position is Yangon Myanmar and travel require if any.

Competencies

Core Values: 

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

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 Core Values and Competencies:  

 

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: 

• Strong writing and multi-media skills (stories, content) for communication is required
• Web-based communication tools (social media, web design)
• Experience in the usage of web design software packages
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated perfect fluency and ability to both write and edit without any additional editing being necessary.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, public relations or related areas
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Communications, public relations, publishing, or advocacy
• Knowledge of gender equality and women´s empowerment
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing communication and media outreach strategies and plans in support of corporate goals
• Demonstrated experience in developing content that clearly communicates development ideas for media, web, print production and audio-visual productions
• Experience developing media content for development partners, governments, and civil society organizations internationally and in the field;
• Demonstrated experience of working in complex humanitarian or crisis contexts
• Experience working with the UN is an asset; and
• Experience working in the region is an asset

Languages:

• Excellent command of English and knowledge on Myanmar Language is an asset

How to Apply:

Personal P11 (P11 can be downloaded from: )

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page)