Re-Advertisement - Advocacy and Communications Specialist, NO-3, FT, #136367, Baghdad, Iraq - MENA

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, and fostering a diverse and passionate culture to serve children and communities worldwide.

Job Purpose

The Advocacy and Communication Specialist leads the Advocacy and Communications section at UNICEF Iraq, reporting to the Representative and supervising two roles. This position is accountable for coordinating, networking, implementing, and monitoring public advocacy strategies and associated products and activities. The primary objective is to promote awareness, understanding, support, and respect for children’s and women’s rights, while building support for UNICEF’s mission. All efforts are geared towards achieving advocacy impact in alignment with programme outcomes and the overall advocacy and communication priorities within the country office, ensuring coordination with regional and global communication and advocacy priorities. The role is crucial in amplifying UNICEF's message and ensuring its mission resonates with public audiences to drive positive change for children.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive public advocacy strategies to raise awareness and garner support for children's and women's rights and UNICEF's mission. Manage and cultivate strong relationships with media outlets, ensuring effective dissemination of UNICEF's messages and campaigns to a broad audience. Build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders, including government, civil society, and other organizations, to enhance advocacy efforts. Align country-level advocacy with UNICEF's global priorities and campaigns, ensuring consistent messaging and maximum impact. Lead advocacy efforts related to disaster risk reduction and humanitarian responses, highlighting the needs of children and women in emergencies. Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of advocacy and communication strategies and make data-driven adjustments. Supervise and mentor the Communication Officer and Communication Associate, fostering a high-performing team environment. Strengthen the capacity of staff and partners in advocacy and communication techniques. Undertake additional tasks as required to support the overall objectives of the section and country office.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy and communications is essential. The role also requires proven experience in managing teams and a demonstrated track record in developing practical strategies and compelling, innovative approaches to draw attention to key issues.

Skills

Supervision, Media Relations, International Development, Strategic Thinking, Emergency Response, Advocacy, Networking, Communication Alliances, Team Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building

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