Advocacy Specialist (Communication), NO-3, Fixed Term Position, #137974, Colombo, Sri Lanka, APR, (Open to Sri Lankan nationals only)
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, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. UNICEF aims to be the leading advocate for children, enabled by a cohort of networked, strategic, innovative, and effective advocates who deliver change for children in every part of the world. Advocacy and Communication are at the center of UNICEF’s mandate. We advocate to decision makers for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. We communicate to key public and private audiences to build support for the cause of children. Join UNICEF as an Advocacy and Communication Specialist and help drive meaningful changes for children and young people.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies with clear theories of change, specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives, and performance indicators. Lead the development and implementation of communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences, including digital and media campaigns. Manage digital communications, including social media content creation, online platform management, and audience trend analysis. Cultivate and maintain strong media relations to ensure effective dissemination of UNICEF's messages and advocacy priorities. Conduct monitoring and evaluation of advocacy and communication initiatives to assess impact and inform future strategies. Manage projects and budgets related to advocacy and communication activities, ensuring efficient resource allocation. Build the capacity of internal and external stakeholders in advocacy and communication techniques. Engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to build partnerships and coalitions. Translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives that inspire action and drive change for children.
Work Experience
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/campaigning and communications is required. Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development, and humanitarian issues is required. Experience in leading the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and in digital/social media and media relations is required.
Skills
Advocacy strategy development and implementation, Communication strategy development and implementation, Digital communications and social media management, Media relations, Monitoring and evaluation, Project and budget management, Stakeholder engagement, Capacity building, Strong communicator, Political awareness, Strategic thinking, Excellent writing skills