Communications and Partnerships Development Specialist Full-Time

The Position

The Communications and Partnerships Development Specialist is located in the UNFPA Mozambique Country Office in Maputo and reports directly to the UNFPA Representative. The Specialist will be responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of effective communication, partnership, and resource mobilization strategies of UNFPA Mozambique, raising visibility and awareness of UNFPA´s three transformative agenda goals and work in Mozambique.

How you can make a difference

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2022-2025), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose

The Specialist develops and leads the implementation of communication tools and advocacy campaigns related to priority thematic areas. He/she also identifies, establishes and manages the network of internal and external partners and alliances to support the UNFPA country programme. S/he facilitates knowledge transfer, capacity development and implementation of resource mobilization practices, tools and related skills to support the fundraising efforts of the Country Office.

The Specialist participates in the UN communications working group and other related UN wide communications events and works with the international and national counterparts (both governmental and non-governmental), local media, UN Agencies, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and UN Interagency Communication Group to establish functional partnerships and enhance coordination mechanisms in communicating and advocating for the UNFPA mandate.

The Specialist supports the development of UNFPA´s next Country Programme in Mozambique. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for developing and finalizing the Country Programme Communication, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Plan, and drafting the visibility documents for the new Country Programme.

She/he will work closely with the Regional Communication Adviser and the Resource Mobilization Adviser based at the ESARO (Regional Office) to ensure optimal communication flow and necessary coordination.

The Communications and Partnerships Development Specialist is responsible for:

Development and implementation of the Country Office communication strategy

• Review, design and update the Country Office Communications Strategy in close consultation with senior management and programme teams, together with other members of the Communications team, reflecting programming exigencies of operating in a diverse and complex environment.
• Provide guidance and support to Senior Management in planning and implementing advocacy and communication activities that project UNFPA’s branding and image accurately and effectively.
• Supervise the implementation of the communications strategy, preparing annual work plans, and monitoring the implementation.
• Develop communication tools to be used by UNFPA staff to support the implementation of the communication strategy.
• Coordinate and manage all CO publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination. Develop documents/publications/communication materials, presentations, human interest stories, speeches, background information for interviews, formal/informal meetings, and other communication events.
• Draft and share information and networks with the regional office and HQ (UNFPA in the news, lessons learned, programme information, updates, newsletters, press releases and other communication materials). Manage, promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials and publications such as the flagship State of the World Population Report.
• Maintain a continuous flow of information with government and external development partners. Develop and maintain media contacts and networks, providing newsworthy information to national public and donors to increase coverage and understanding of the UNFPA’s work in the country, while ensuring coherence in public information activities and messages.
• Assist in evidence-­based advocacy efforts for the ICPD agenda with national institutions and other UN agencies represented at the national level. Support advocacy initiatives such as the organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches.
• Organize and facilitate training sessions to improve and increase media/communication skills and capacity of Country Programme Officers.
• Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials including social media. Oversee daily media scanning and provide summaries to inform the CO staff, including operating a functional internal alert system.
• Supervise the design and maintenance of the UNFPA Mozambique web site and social media platforms.
• Write speeches for the Representative as needed, coordinate preparations of briefing packages and other advocacy materials for events.
• Ensure media presence and coverage of UNFPA events. Oversee the organization and facilitation of field visits for strategic media focal points on UNFPA’s mandate and relevant topics.
• Participate in the development and visibility efforts of UNSDCF communication plans, participate in the UN Communications Group, and promote UN joint initiatives. Establish cooperation with communication counterparts in other agencies to create synergies.

Support in Preparation and Development of the new Country Programme

• Generate quality and evidence-based inputs on communication, partnership and resource mobilization for the new Country Programme Document and the multi-year operational plan.
• Support the County Office with the review and finalization of the visibility plans and documentation for the new Country Programme.
• Provide strategic advocacy and communications advice to Senior Management.

Partnerships development and resource mobilization

• Enhance the capacity of the Country Office to build reliable and sustainable partnerships and advocate effectively.
• Facilitate the development of the new Country Programme Partnerships Development Strategy.
• Review and update the resource mobilization strategy and plan for the new Country Programme.
• Support the CO in a) establishing funding priorities and shortfalls for targeted resource mobilization strategies; b) developing creative and modern fundraising tools and ideas to engage a wide variety of potential partners, including individuals and private sector; and c) supporting the preparation of project proposals.
• Develop factsheets, briefing materials, infographics for public information, advocacy and resource mobilization purposes. Format, package and submit programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
• Support programme colleagues in finalizing substantive donor reports by means of careful review of, and inputs to, said reports.
• Develop and maintain profiles of strategic donors, private sector, and other partners. Ensure the CO’s adherence to visibility requirements of donors.
• Monitor and keep updates on existing and potential partnerships.
• When required, attend meetings with donors and other key stakeholders.

People Management & Leadership

• Supervise Communications Analyst, United Nations Volunteer, interns, and consultants, providing managerial direction and motivation.
• Effective management of the Communications Unit, including preparation of the work plan, management of translations, and contractual matters.
• Provide guidance to and liaise with all other personnel so that media and communications are integrated through their respective programme and operations areas.
• Exchange relevant information and maintain an open line of communication with programme colleagues to ensure strong collaboration on programme communication activities.

Other

• When appropriate, undertake duties assigned by the Representative, the Deputy Representative and/or Assistant Representative.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Advanced degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Knowledge and experience

• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in communication, media, broadcast, media relations or public relations, including building and maintaining relationships with journalists; researching stories; organizing press conferences; writing press releases and news for websites and social media.
• Experience of internal communications including communication of key corporate messages.
• Experience managing the production of printed material, including brochures, leaflets, briefing third party designers/printers to ensure corporate brand, standards, and style are met.
• Experience in planning and managing public events.
• Experience working with diverse implementing partners (governments, local NGOs, etc.) is required.
• Familiarity with UNFPA programmes and policies is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability in developing capacities of partners and staff.
• Initiative, strong conceptual and analytical abilities, sound judgment; liaison, negotiation, administrative, management and organizational skills (including time management).
• Experience in using computers and office software packages including visualization softwares, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google/Gmail, and in handling web-based management systems.

Languages

• Excellent oral and written communications and editing skills in Portuguese and English is required.
• Knowledge of other Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, French) desirable.

Competencies

Values

• Exemplifying integrity.
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system.
• Embracing cultural diversity.
• Promoting innovation and positive change.

Core Competencies

• Integrity/Commitment to mandate, knowledge sharing/continuous learning, valuing diversity.
• Managing Relationships: Working in teams, communicating information and ideas, conflict and self-management.
• Working with people: Empowerment/Developing people/performance management.
• Personal Leadership and Effectiveness: Strategic and analytical thinking, results orientation/commitment to excellence, appropriate and transparent decision making.
• Good financial management skills.

Managerial Competencies

• Providing strategic focus.
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders.
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance.
• Making decisions and exercising judgment.

Functional competencies

• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda.
• Results-based programme development and management.
• Innovation and marketing of new approaches.
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/Building strategic alliances and partners.
• Resource mobilization.
• Training and facilitation skills.
• Ability to conduct operational/interventional research.

Compensation and Benefits

• This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary, health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce. To learn more, click here: https://www.unfpa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion.

Disclaimer

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.