Purpose of the Consultancy:

UNFPA is implementing a regional youth programme in the East and Southern Africa Region to empower adolescents and young people aged 10-24 to protect themselves from STIs including HIV, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, early marriages, gender-based violence  and harmful cultural practices while promoting gender equitable norms and protective behaviours.

As part of the Regional Youth programme, there has been a strategic focus on SBCC components both at regional and national levels, with strong focus on social media and other digital-based strategies to deliver adolescents sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services to young people.

The Communications Consultant will serve as the primary communications focal point for the visibility of the programme’s strategic partnerships with private stakeholders, both among external and internal audiences.

Scope of the Work:

The Consultant will work under the general guidance of the Regional Health Systems Strengthening Advisor, and the direct supervision of the Regional Communication Advisor with a dotted line to the SYP Regional Coordinator.  The Consultant will also work in collaboration with the Youth Team Lead.

Event Planning and Roll Out:

Support the conceptualization, development, implementation and monitoring of the communications component of the MHM symposium to be virtually held in May 2021. 

Digital Communication:

• Maintain, promote and monitor implementation of the TuneMe.org mobisite and App in close collaboration with HQ and the implementing countries - this includes when need content creation and management of the content management system as well as refresher trainings on the use of the content management system and routinely support to country moderators.
• Maintain, improve, promote, generate content and monitor SYP webpage, SYP social media accounts including FaceBook, Twitter and Youtube.
• Ensure content of Twitter and Facebook page on a daily basis and SYP at a minimum of once a week update.
• Target new audience and increase number of followers on social media channels.
• Develop social media packages every two weeks to engage youth through digital platforms.

Communications:

• Develops communication and advocacy products and systems to showcase SYP success stories at regional and country levels and enhance partnerships with donors and other working partners.
• Coordinates with vendors to facilitate the production and finalization of high quality communication and advocacy products as per UN international standards.
• Conduct outreach analysis to understand audience preference and the impact of different approaches.
• Draft press releases on a monthly basis on SYP; develop partnerships with media to focus on youth-centered UNFPA work.
• Organize visual assets such as photographs, illustrations, info-graphics, lead on the development of the SYP annual and phase reports for public consumption and any other publication developed under the auspices of the SYP Programme.
• Develop, implement and monitor dissemination strategies and plans for signature SYP products to increase visibility and reach.
• Lead on the production of on-line and offline meetings, trainings and events.
• Substantially contribute to the write up and review of donor and other programme related reports.

Other Duties:

• Lead procurement and admin processes related to the SYP communication portfolio including selection of consultants, editors, writer, designers, production companies and others.
• Any other duties as identified by the supervisor and, the Regional Communications Advisor and/or management.

Duration and Working Schedule:

• From April 2021 to June 2021 (renewable) – full-time based in the UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office with possibility to working from home due to the current COVID19 pandemic.

Deliverables:

• The Consultant is responsible for the design, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of strategies and programmes related to communication and for providing expert advice, technical support and quality assurance to the UNFPA country offices on matters related to the acceleration, sustainability and communication focusing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• All reports and feedback are delivered in electronic copies.
• Monthly deliverables will be agreed with the selected consultant and monthly reports on work undertaken will be submitted to the direct supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Advanced university degree in relevant areas – communications, journalism, public relations, in social psychology, behavioural science, sociology, anthropology, social behaviour change communication or other related field from reputable institution.

Experience:

• At least five years of progressively professional experience and proven track record in developing, implementing and monitoring communication strategies and implementing engagement campaigns for social and behaviour change.
• At least five years of experience in communication, knowledge management, reporting and digital communication.

Technical Experience and Skills:

• Experience in delivering technical assistance on strategic communication within the UN or in international organisation context.
• Good knowledge of socio-cultural indicators influencing youth’s behaviours
• Demonstrate creativity in social media campaigns and expertise in digital technologies, especially digital health;
• Well versed in writing of media articles, documentations, reporting and graphics.
• Good knowledge and experience in Graphic design and production of infographics. 
• Proven knowledge of UN communication guidelines.
• Good expertise in M&E for communication e.g. google analytics.

Key Competencies:

• Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills
• Displays ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written, oral and visual format
• A passion for new technology and use of those tools
• Ability to plan and organize work effectively
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple responsibilities
• Ability to balance, multitask and prioritize requests while meeting deadlines Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and diverse setting
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish systems and follow standards. 

Language

• Fluency in oral and written English.
• Knowledge of French or Portuguese an asset.

How to Apply:

• The deadline for applications is 31 March 2021, 5pm South African time.
• Submit your application with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and motivational letter to: jobs.esaro@unfpa.org
• Please specify in the email subject ‘International Consultant- Communication Specialist’.
• UNFPA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, and training) or other fee, or request information on applicants’ bank accounts.
• UNFPA will only respond to those applicants in whom the Regional Office has further interest. In the event that UNFPA does not contact you by 15 April 2021, please consider your application unsuccessful.