Communications Expert
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates globally in challenging environments to support vulnerable children, guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme collaborates with the government to advance children's and women's rights, focusing on health, education, child protection, WASH, and social policy. The vision is for all children, especially the most disadvantaged, to realize their rights and potential, ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities.
Job Purpose
The UNV Communication Expert will provide strategic communications support to UNICEF Malawi's Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) Section. This role involves translating program priorities and evidence into compelling narratives, integrated communication plans, and high-impact public engagement to advance child rights and enhance UNICEF's reputation. The expert will advise on communication strategies, lead campaigns, manage media and digital communications, mitigate reputational risks, and ensure consistent, ethical, and measurable communication across all channels, requiring a proven track record in delivering high-quality communication outputs.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement integrated communication plans aligned with UNICEF Malawi's priorities, translating program evidence into compelling stories and content for diverse audiences, ensuring adherence to brand and ethical standards. Manage digital and social media channels with editorial calendars and audience insights, coordinating multimedia asset production. Engage proactively with media, building relationships and pitching stories to secure coverage of UNICEF's work. Lead the design, planning, and evaluation of public advocacy campaigns, coordinating with various stakeholders. Support the planning and execution of UNICEF events, ensuring proper logistics, branding, and communication. Coordinate communication efforts across teams, manage workplans and budgets, and establish monitoring frameworks to report on communication impact and contribution to results. Build communication capacity of colleagues and partners.
Work Experience
Requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, media relations, digital communication, advocacy, or campaigns. Demonstrated experience in developing integrated communication strategies, producing high-quality written content, leading public campaigns, and managing media and digital engagement is crucial. Experience advising senior colleagues, distilling complex information, and managing multimedia production and external suppliers is also required.
Skills
Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organizing, and strong communication skills. The role requires flexibility and a genuine commitment to volunteerism and UNICEF's mission. Specific technical skills include communication, advocacy, public information, data science, information management, artificial intelligence, and digital/social media expertise.