Communication Specialist (Strategic Advisory, Executive Communications and Donor Reporting), P-4, TA (4 months), #00138295, Riyadh, Gulf Area Office, Saudi Arabia - MENAR

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The UNICEF Gulf Area Office (GAO) advances children's rights and strengthens strategic partnerships with Gulf governments and institutions, leveraging their resources and ambition for children regionally and globally.

Job Purpose

The Communication Specialist will provide dedicated strategic advisory, executive communications, reporting, and quality-assurance support to the Director of the UNICEF Gulf Area Office (GAO) during an intensive period of major events, high-level partnership meetings, and donor-reporting requirements from September to December 2026. This role is crucial for supporting GAO's strategic repositioning as a globally influential hub, building trust, technical credibility, and harnessing the resources and ambition of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to maximize impact for children domestically, regionally, and globally. The specialist will contribute to strategic planning and positioning, executive communications and external engagement, evidence-based donor reporting, and knowledge management.

Responsibilities

The Communication Specialist will be responsible for providing strategic advisory support to the GAO Director, focusing on positioning and external engagement. This includes developing and implementing communication strategies aligned with GAO's repositioning goals and national development priorities. The role involves managing executive communications, including drafting speeches, talking points, and other high-level correspondence for the Director, and supporting external engagement with key stakeholders, governments, and institutions in the Gulf region. A significant part of the responsibility will be evidence-based donor reporting and quality assurance, ensuring that reports are accurate, compelling, and meet the requirements of various donors. This includes gathering data, synthesizing information, and producing high-quality reports that highlight UNICEF's impact and achievements. Additionally, the specialist will contribute to knowledge management and institutional learning by documenting best practices, lessons learned, and insights from the GAO's work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sharing of knowledge within the office and with partners.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in communication, public relations, journalism, or a related field is required. Experience in strategic communications, executive communications, donor reporting, and working with high-income countries or in partnership development is highly desirable.

Skills

Strategic Communication Planning, Executive Communications, Donor Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Development, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Knowledge Management, Interpersonal Skills

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