Advocacy Specialist

Organizational Context

Ghana, a peaceful and stable lower-middle-income democracy, faces development challenges including poverty disparities, climate change impacts, and regional security risks, all affecting child well-being. UNICEF Ghana collaborates with the government and partners to uphold children's rights and potential, aligning with national priorities and UN Sustainable Development Partnership goals. The organization focuses on equity, aiming for every child to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, contributing to national stability and human capital development.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF's mission to advocate for children's rights in Ghana by strengthening the Advocacy and Communication function. The specialist will contribute to advancing national child-focused priorities through strategic engagement, evidence-based policy influence, and high-level partnerships. The position is crucial for UNICEF's effective positioning in a complex development landscape, requiring sustained political engagement and strategic influence to support policy development and implementation for improved child outcomes. The role will focus on key advocacy areas including birth registration, foundational learning, health and nutrition commodities, and adolescent girls' rights, driving collective action across various sectors.

Responsibilities

The Advocacy Specialist will coordinate and support the implementation of advocacy strategies and plans, developing briefs, narratives, and creative activations for public engagement and media outreach. This includes developing annual and issue-based strategies, identifying policy windows, and mapping stakeholders. The role involves supporting policy engagement with government agencies, contributing to policy documents, and facilitating high-level meetings. Strengthening partnerships with development partners, CSOs, and youth networks, and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives are key. The specialist will provide technical assistance for communication plans, translate program data into accessible messages, and support media engagement. Additionally, the role involves supporting the implementation of adolescent and youth engagement programs, including content creation for digital platforms and coordinating U-Report. Building and maintaining relationships with media and influencers, and fostering internal capacity in advocacy and communication are also responsibilities.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of required experience and 5 years of relevant professional experience at national and international levels is necessary. Experience should be in advocacy, campaigns, communication/journalism, marketing/public relations, or international humanitarian work. Desirable experience includes volunteering, activism, student leadership, and knowledge of policy processes or human rights.

Skills

Key skills include strong written and verbal communication, analytical abilities for data interpretation, knowledge of advocacy and social justice campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and familiarity with digital advocacy tools. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic digital tools is expected. Essential competencies are teamwork, drive for results, accountability, adaptability, creativity, planning, professionalism, and sound judgment. Values such as care, respect, integrity, trust, and sustainability are important. Expertise in communication, development programs, economics, and finance is beneficial.

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