The purpose of the Head of Communications role is to lead the Movement’s communications work, identifying opportunities to profile SUN and its objectives with key partners and leaders to influence decision making at global, regional and national levels. The function is responsible for implementing, monitoring and updating the SUN communications strategy; leads strategic messaging by SUN as a movement in collaboration with the networks and supports the strategic communications engagement of the Coordinator.
The function also ensures strong profiling of SUN at key events and in the media and provides communications support for the Secretariat, with a strong focus on national SUN country priorities, gender and youth. The Head of Communication is part of a team that includes a communication and advocacy adviser (P4) and a communications analyst (P2). Functional Responsibilities:
Communications Strategy:
Implement, update and monitor the SUN Movement communications strategy including its digital and media relations strategy and workplan.
Work alongside communications colleagues across the Movement (Network partners, key stakeholders and the SUN Secretariat) to develop clear messaging on the importance and value of investing in nutrition .
Develop and promote the SUN Movement brand and branded materials; ensuring consistent narrative, developing standards and consistency across Networks.
Direct the curation of online communication content that increases audience engagement on social media channels to elevate focus on SUN’s advocacy and communications priorities and monitor these on a regular basis.
Lead the development of SMS publications and communication outputs such as annual reports and updates.
Provide guidance to communication aspects of SUN Secretariat planned events including the SUN Movement Global Gathering.
Ensure key messages on important and sensitive issues are communicated across the SUN networks to ensure coherence and unity. Lead the Global Support System Communications Group, coordinating strategy, workplans and driving alignment.
Develop and maintain contact lists of journalists and media outlets that help promote and/or impact the Movement and actively cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage of issues of strategic importance to the Movement.
Support to the Coordinator:
Provide communication advice to the Coordinator and ensure they are kept informed of issues, trends, and changes which are relevant to the SUN Movement’s strategic positioning.
With input from substantive leads, develop audience-appropriate and quality speeches, talking points, social media input and multimedia production for the Coordinator.
Develop a communication plan for the Coordinator’s public appearances including key messages as well as their communication and dissemination,
Lead the dissemination of messaging and guidance around the Coordinator’s priorities and activities with the SUN Movement.
Management of SUN Movement Secretariat communications function:
Implement the communications plan in collaboration with the Global Support System Communications team.
This should be done through setting annual objectives and targets, performance measurements and be closely aligned with advocacy strategies and plans.
Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
Manage the communications resources of both staff and budget of the SUN Movement Secretariat.
Lead messaging and response in crisis communications as required, ensuring management of reputational risks.
Foster a positive work environment and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed
Innovation and knowledge management:
Contribute to the implementation of communication activities that are part of the SUN Movement Secretariat’s internal knowledge management strategy to encourage collaboration and engagement across geographic boundaries.
Establish and implement SUN policies for communication and adapt these to accommodate changing needs.
Contribute to the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of staff in the area of communications.
Education/Experience/Language requirements:
Education:
Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development or other relevant discipline.
A bachelor's degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
Work Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in the Communication function of an international organization or international corporation is required.
Expertise in external/public relations, stakeholder management, working in a complex stakeholder environment is required.
Experience in preparing key messages, speeches, talking points and delivering them to a targeted audience is required.
Editorial experience in shaping narratives and building compelling multimedia content for targeted audiences is required.
Demonstrated capacity to establish and foster good relations with high level partners, e.g. government counterparts, UN agencies, and other partners is desirable.
Experience in working in developing countries with an understanding of development, human rights or humanitarian issues is desirable.
Language:
Full working knowledge of English is essential.
Knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French , is an asset.
