The UN Women Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) engages with the AU and its various organs, the United Nations systems particularly ECA, regional CSOs, and international NGOs, as well as the diplomatic community and in particular, delegations to the African Union in the adoption, implementation, and monitoring of commitments on gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) at the regional level, and in accordance with its mandate.
The Liaison Office aims at providing technical assistance to the African Union Commission (AUC) through the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD) to effectively mainstream gender issues in AU and its programs and policy processes guided by the MOU and the UN Women and AUC joint strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). UN Women Liaison Office (LO) also collaborates with relevant departments of the AUC for gender responsive development and implementation of regional initiatives.
In addition, the LO continues to establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with relevant UN agencies, INGOs and CSOs to implement catalytic initiatives in supporting the continental GEWE agenda. The Liaison Office (LO) is guided by a Strategic Note (2022-2025) which defines its key development results and management/operational results. The Strategic Note (SN) is aligned with the global UN Women Strategic Plan (2022-2025), the AU GEWE Strategy (2018-2028), Agenda 2063 and other key GEWE frameworks of Africa as well as global normative frameworks. The office implements regional initiatives including the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program (SIARP), African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI).
Communications and visibility are central to the Liaison’s office mandate at the national, regional, and international levels requiring the Office to ensure the consistent flow of credible information on the
different initiatives and coordinate advocacy campaigns and engagement platforms on continental GEWE issues. To this end, UN Women Liaison office is seeking to engage the services of a qualified “Communication and Advocacy Consultant” to lead and support the communicatio n and visibility efforts of the LO.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Liaison Specialist and overall guidance of the Special Representative, the consultant will be responsible for leading and supporting the design, planning and implementation of the communication and visibility initiatives of the Liaison Office.
Develop comprehensive communication and visibility action Plan for the Liaison Office
Coordinate the implementation of visibility, communications, and outreach activities with partners.
Support and work closely with Communications and Advocacy Team from UN Women regional offices and HQ to manage, evaluate, and implement high impact communications’ products (e.g. web, electronic, etc.).
Coordinate the implementation of visibility, communications, and outreach activities with partners
Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of programme achievements.
Monitor and evaluate communication and visibility campaigns.
Track progress against established work plans and outputs.
Write and/or disseminate press releases, policy briefs, pamphlets, talking points, speeches, editorials, branded materials, and other written communications materials.
Provide communications and advocacy support to joint regional campaigns, launching initiatives, and publications.
Develop and support management of relationships with members of the media.
Design and maintain a digital presence, including robust social media footprint for the liaison Office Initiative.
Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with various stakeholders and actors engaged in communication and advocacy work.
Required Skills and Experience:
Education:
An advanced university degree in Communications and Technology, Mass Media, Journalism or a related Social Science in a recognized university.
Experience and competencies:
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in the development and implementation of communication Strategies.
Experience in developing communications and advocacy strategy documents with clear implementation plan and key milestones.
Experience working in communications and advocacy with Institutional bodies and UN system is an asset.
Extensive and demonstrated experience in developing strategies and community of practices, virtual platforms.
Experience in using technology as a medium for communication.
Experience working on communications and advocacy with intergovernmental institutions including UN system and AU is an asset.
Ability to take initiative, multitask, work independently and proactively.
Strong reading/writing and analytical skills
Language Requirements:
English, Level Fluent
Working knowledge of the French language is an asset.
