UNICEF Venezuela Country Office (VCO) has been working to respond to the most pressing needs while taking strategic steps to strengthen a sustainable and development approach in its activities in the country. The communication strategy requires a common thread throughout the CPD. Specifically, communicate in relation to three axes: a) communicate about the situation of children, the drivers of disparities, and the urgency of acting, b) communicate about solutions for implementation in the country based on collective efforts between government and civil society, c) communicate on progress in results and good practices with potential for scaling up, including voices from communities (Most Significant Change). Here it is important to articulate different strategies that must work as a gear: a) evidence and analysis of the scenarios (positioning of UNICEF in these scenarios), b) alliances with relevant and well-positioned actors (who can be credible messengers with the UNICEF narrative), c) communication strategies, advocacy, risk mitigation.
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. The Advocacy and Communication Manager reports to the Representative, who is at Level D1.
The P4 Advocacy and Communication Manager is accountable for managing the advocacy and communication strategies and implementation.
This includes:
the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of integrated advocacy and communication strategies to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people
the effective deployment of public channels and private relationships to mobilize public and private resources for children, including through UNICEF
using traditional and digital media and key partnerships to build awareness of and support for child rights and UNICEF’s mission, priorities and programmes
working with children and young people to empower them as agents of change
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/ tasks
The staff member will lead and manage a team to design and coordinate effective, integrated advocacy and communication strategies, through the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages. S/he will work collaboratively with colleagues across UNICEF at country, regional and global level, as well build alliances or coalitions with external partners to drive changes in policy and practice, and secure political and financial commitments for children.
Duties include:
Advocacy strategy development
Advocacy strategy implementation
Communication strategy development and implementation
Digital strategy
Media relations
Advocacy and communication M&E
Team building, project and budget management
Advocacy and communication capacity building
Stakeholder engagement
Others
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree is required in one of the following fields: International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Communication or related fields.
A first University Degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy/ campaigning and communication is required.
Experience in leading the development and implementation of advocacy and communication strategies, with clear theories of change, specific, measurable and timebound objectives, and performance indicators.
A track record of achieving or contributing to tangible policy change.
Proven experience in deploying a range of advocacy and communication tactics based on a clear theory of change.
Experience in building strong relationships with traditional and social media entities and using media relations and channels to engage public audiences.
Experience in leading the development, implementation and monitoring of digital strategies.
Experienced and current in digital and social media content and audience trends as well as in managing online platforms and channels.
Experience in building and maintaining a network of stakeholders, and in working with coalitions.
Strong communicator with emphasis on being able to present complex policy ideas in succinct, engaging ways through campaign narratives and creative tactics.
Experience in managing a team is a requirement, along with a proven commitment to diverse and inclusive recruiting process.
Experience managing a multicultural team is an asset.
Demonstrated experience in design and management of projects, including budget management and monitoring and evaluation of results.
Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development and humanitarian issues.
Experience in advocacy at the international level is an asset.
Experience in training and facilitation is an asset.
Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is an asset. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or a local language is an asset.
