Position Summary 

The Regional Office for West and Central Africa (WCARO) is based in Dakar (Senegal) and covers 23 English, French, Portuguese and Spanish speaking countries.

The WCARO is organized along broad thematic Units that are designed to stimulate and strengthen intra-Unit multi-disciplinary coordination, coherence and synergy, facilitating timely and quality management and delivery of holistic and integrated population and development programme activities; and its activities highlight the development of initiatives with the political and technical arms of the sub regional and regional intergovernmental organizations, sub regional and regional NGOs and professional entities to get ICPD agenda and SDGs issues into their policy decisions leveraging the demographic dividend framework. The WCARO also actively pursues policy dialogue and advocacy and also supports country programmes, playing an enhanced role across the spectrum of programme development, implementation and reporting.

The position will function out of the WCAR office in Dakar (Senegal) within the Communication and External Relations Thematic Unit. The functions straddle, on the one hand, media services, advocacy, communications and external relations in close coordination with the headquarters based Media and Communications Branch and with guidance and direction are provided by WCARO Director. In general, the position is expected to promote strong commonality of understanding of UNFPA policies and programmes in advancement of ICPD agenda and SDGs as well as promote UNFPA contribution to sustainable development through the demographic dividend. On the other hand, it serves as resident expertise in communication for development to bring about positive behavioural and social change through fostering conducive programme environments and disseminating information, utilizing communication principles, processes and strategies.

Qualifications and Experience 

Education: 

• Advanced university degree in the field of Journalism, Communication, Marketing, International Affairs or Political Science or equivalent experience required.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience at national level and eight years at the international level in media/communication, reporting, advocacy, development work, international relations or political science, with at least a total of five years of media/communication/advocacy experience. Experience in providing expertise and advice to senior management in all matters relating to communication, advocacy, media and public information. 

Languages:

• Strong written and spoken skills in both French and English.