Position Summary

Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality in the world. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for Sierra Leone is high irrespective of the estimated value adopted. The maternal mortality ratio was estimated at 1,165 per 100,000 live births in 2013 (SLDHS 2013). However, the recent UN Estimates of the Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2015 has estimated MMR in the country at 1,360 per 100,000 Live Births. This situation has been compounded by inadequate access to emergency obstetric and newborn care, low skilled birth attendance and limited access to family planning services. The recent Ebola Outbreak has further complicated this situation over the past two years.

          The Government of Sierra Leone has developed a Presidential Recovery Plan (PRP) that outlines priorities for the post Ebola 10 – 24 month recovery period. Addressing the high maternal and child mortality rates have been identified as top priorities in the PRP and the President has declared maternal and child mortality as a Public Health Emergency. The PRP has a target of ‘Saving the lives of 600 women and 5,000 children by 2018’. This ambitious target requires the alignment of different sectors, resources and partners to fulfill the government commitment. UNFPA is playing a key role in addressing the targets of the PRP.

UNFPA together with UNICEF and WHO have developed a joint DFID programme; The Saving Lives Programme (SLP) to address the health priorities in the PRP. The SLP aims to contribute to the Government of Sierra Leone’s plan for the accelerated reduction of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent mortality and morbidity. The SLP will not only contribute to meeting the short term goals of the PRP, but also strengthen the overall health sector in the long term. The main expected outcomes are:

• Increased use of quality RMNCH services, especially for poor women
• Increased use of contraception especially among adolescents
• Fewer teen pregnancies, and
• Reduced prevalence and improved management of childhood illness

Under the overall guidance of the Representative the Communication Specialist will assist in ensuring and increasing UNFPA and its programme/projects visibility among national partners, UN agencies, donors and media.

          The Communication Specialist position is accountable for designing, updating, managing, coordinating, implementing and monitoring the communication strategy for country programme. S/he will be leading and managing the communication unit team, which implements the production and activities to promote awareness and understanding for UNFPA’s mission and various types of country programme activities in Sierra Leone.

          The Communication Specialist collaborates with the Regional Communication Advisor (RCA) on a regular basis, on all strategic information in the context of country programmes, major events, political and social trends, breaking news, newly established policies, etc.

               The Communication Specialist will be part of UNFPA’s global communications network, working closely with the RCA, to promote UNFPA at the regional and global levels. S/he will perform the following key tasks; 

• Communication strategy
• Elaborate and implement the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy
• Supervise the design and maintenance of the UNFPA web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results
• Enhance the capacity of the Country Office to build reliable and sustainable partnerships and advocate effectively
• Provide strategic advocacy and communications advice to Senior Management
• Effective management and supervision of the Communication Unit team members focusing on achieving results

Education, Knowledge and Experience: 

• Advanced degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Social Sciences and other relevant subjects.
• 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 web site and social media.
• Experience of internal communications including communication of key corporate messages.
• Experience of managing the production of printed material, including brochures, leaflets, briefing third party designers/printers to ensure corporate brand and style is met.
• Experience in planning and managing public events.
• Good facilitation and coordination skills, demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner;
• High sense of responsibility. Tact, discretion, initiative and good judgment in dealing with staff members, partners and other stakeholders.
• Excellent computer/information systems skills.

Languages:  Fluency in English is required.