National Communications Specialist

Details

Mission and objectives

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
UNFPA ethics
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. Thus, UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
UNFPA strategy in Lao PDR
UNFPA is starting its 7th Country Programme in Lao PDR. In response to Lao’s socio-economic context and, in line with its strategy on modes of engagement in lower-middle-income countries, UNFPA has prioritised upstream work, with a focus on stronger policy-advocacy and communication and networking to mobilise strategic partnerships. At the same time, innovative pilots and new initiatives are being supported to accelerate delivery on the three transformative results in this decade of action.

Context

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2026), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. Thus, UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and committed to delivering excellence in programme results.
UNFPA Lao PDR is implementing its 7th Country Programme (CP) in Lao PDR. In response to Lao’s socio-economic context and, in line with its strategy on modes of engagement in lower-middle-income countries, UNFPA has prioritized upstream work, with a focus on stronger policy-advocacy and communication and networking to mobilize strategic partnerships. At the same time, innovative pilots and new initiatives are being supported to accelerate delivery on the three transformative results in this decade of action.
UNFPA Lao PDR CP 7 2022- 2026 builds on the successes of CP6 and aims to accelerate progress of Lao PDR towards its ICPD25 commitments and the SDGs through strong integration of ICPD with National and sectoral plans. The office has initiated innovative approaches to engage with youth and has diversified partnerships to maximize impact in the decade of action for delivering on the SDGs. The National Partnerships Specialist will support implementing the Country Office’s Partnership Strategy, by analyzing relevant political, social and economic developments and opportunities. The Partnerships Specialist will support the effective implementation and resourcing of the UNFPA Country Programme to meet ICPD25 commitments; and will help identify, establish and monitor partnerships for the country office.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Partnership and Communication Expert or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV National Communications Specialist will:
Implement the Country Office Advocacy and Communication Strategy:
● Develop and maintain the implementation of communication activities, highlighting events,
● campaigns and issues on UNFPA key flagship days and other related events.
● Assist the development of all methods of communication – print, TV, radio, web, photo, media
● advisory, press releases, social media updates, advocacy materials/packages and factsheets on
● UNFPA work and mandate area in Lao PDR.
● Support the coordination of media activities around events with a strategic impact, such as press conferences, report launches, media breakfasts and media visits to project sites.
● Collect, document and use information and stories to showcase the impact of UNFPA work and
● support the update of the UNFPA Lao website and social media.
Provide technical advice and support other communications-related tasks
● Provide advice and support to programme teams on communication aspects of their work. This
● will involve working with the units (and other members of the communication team) to develop communication materials, events and outreach programmes.
● Monitor the implementation of communication activities and, to the extent possible within the resources available, gather feedback on their impact and effectiveness.
● Establish and maintain good relations with the Governement, UN agencies, donor counterparts and (inter)national media to enhance cooperation.
● Draft press releases based on the information given by program teams.
● Provide basic Lao translation to communications materials, coordinate with online UNV and professional translator for long documents.
● Maintain and update the communication materials inventory list.
● Actively reach out to and coordinate with program teams on communications materials production and distribution plan.
● Support basic graphic designs such as social media cards, infographics, IEC and promotional materials.
● Support basic short video shooting and editing for social media.
● Support events and meetings such as taking photos, preparing communications and advocacy
● material packages, and documenting events in formats for digital media.
● Perform other tasks as assigned by Communications and Partnership Analyst and UNFPA Country Representative.